Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program – Freedom 250 Edition

Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program – Freedom 250 Edition is sponsored by U.S. Department of State (U.S. Embassy in Jamaica). This program supports projects that advance U. S.

-Jamaica partnership through the Freedom 250 framework: Innovate, Ignite, and Inspire. It supports initiatives that strengthen bilateral ties while demonstrating how U.

## Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program – Freedom 250 Edition ##### **_1. _****_Overview_** **Funding Opportunity Title**Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program – Freedom 250 Edition **Funding Opportunity Number**OFOP0002540 **Announcement Type**Initial Announcement **Deadline for Full Applications**July 31, 2026: 11:59 pm (EST) **Assistance Listing Number**19.

040 – Public Diplomacy Programs **Length of performance period**3 to 12 months **Number of awards anticipated**To be determined pending availability of funds **Award amounts**Awards may range from a minimum of $10,000. 00 to a maximum of $20,000.

00 (approximately) **Total available funding**To be determined pending availability of funds **Type of Funding**FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds **Anticipated project start date**October 2026 **Funding Instrument Type:** Select Grant and Fixed Amount Awards (FAA). A FAA can include substantial involvement of Embassy Kingston in program implementation of the project.

Examples of substantial involvement are included in section C below. **Project Performance Period**: Proposed projects should be completed within three to twelve months. **This notice is subject to availability of funding.

**The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer. ##### **_2.

_****_Executive Summary_** The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Kingston announces an open competition to implement a program that advances U.S.-Jamaica partnership through the Freedom 250 framework: Innovate, Ignite, and Inspire.

This competition supports projects that strengthen bilateral ties while demonstrating how U.S. engagement delivers measurable results in economic competitiveness, democratic resilience, and national security.

**Innovate** projects demonstrates how democratic principles and technological excellence create mutual prosperity through AI bootcamps and STEM education that advances America’s priorities in economic prosperity and positions Jamaica as a competitive economic partner.

**Ignite** initiatives equip youth with tools for informed civic participation including workshops that combat misinformation and governance fellowships that build stable societies sharing America commitment to common cultural experiences and creativity.

**Inspire** initiatives demonstrate U.S. commitment to global diplomacy through historic partnerships and diplomatic achievements through debate and media literacy, health literacy campaigns, and community townhalls that protect mutual interests. Target audiences include youth, students, educators, entrepreneurs, and civil society organizations.

Programs must deliver measurable impact aligned with U.S. strategic priorities: fostering innovation-driven growth, strengthening democratic institutions, and building resilient communities. This opportunity reinforces the United States commitment to advancing prosperity, security, and free expression. Please follow all instructions below.

##### **1. ****Eligible Applicants** The following organizations are eligible to apply: * Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations * Public and private educational institutions * Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are **not** eligible to apply for this NOFO.

Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.

331. ##### **2. ****Cost Sharing or Matching** Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required for this funding opportunity.

##### **_3. _****_Other Eligibility Requirements_** All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM. gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.

gov. Please see Section E. 3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.

gov. Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity. 1.

**_This opportunity will not support:_** * Projects relating to partisan political activity; * Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support * Projects that have no clear benefit to the U.S. – Jamaica bilateral relationship * Projects that support specific religious activities; * Fund-raising campaigns; * Lobbying for specific legislation or programs * Scientific research or surveys; * Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; * Projects that duplicate existing projects; ##### **_1.

_****_Project Background, Goals, and Objectives_** As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Freedom 250 initiative celebrates how American diplomacy has advanced global prosperity, security, and democratic values for two and a half centuries.

Over the years, U.S. engagement has consistently delivered results demonstrating that partnerships grounded in freedom and innovation create lasting mutual benefit. The U.S.-Jamaica partnership has a strong foundation of collaboration.

Over the past decade, the United States has provided significant funding to support disaster preparedness following major hurricanes, fostered economic prosperity through entrepreneurship programs and trade facilitation, invested in youth development initiatives, and advanced technological training through various exchange and capacity-building programs.

Building on this track record, Embassy Kingston’s Freedom 250 funding opportunity represents the first comprehensive initiative that integrates these proven approaches under a unified framework aligned with America’s founding principles. Embassy Kingston’s Freedom 250 funding opportunity addresses critical challenges facing Jamaica that directly impact U.S. strategic interests in the Caribbean.

Limited access to technology training and entrepreneurship resources constrains economic growth and youth development. Misinformation and declining civic engagement threaten democratic institutions. Inadequate disaster preparedness leaves communities vulnerable to crises that strain bilateral resources and disrupt regional stability.

Expected outcomes include measurable increases in youth technological skills and civic participation, improved community preparedness, and improving Jamaica’s self-reliance.

These results directly advance U.S. foreign policy priorities by fostering innovation-driven economies that expand markets for trade with American businesses, strengthening the value of democratic institutions through freedom of speech in contract to censorship, and improves Jamaica’s national security by building resilient communities, and stimulating disaster preparedness.

**Project Audience(s):** Jamaican organizations and individuals, educational/cultural/media institutions, NGOs, entrepreneurs, business leaders, community leaders and groups capable of implementing programs in innovation, civic engagement, and disaster preparedness across Jamaica’s urban and rural communities.

**Primary Beneficiaries**: Jamaican youth and young professionals (ages 15-45) including students, vocational graduates, and early-career professionals who gain technology skills, media literacy for defending freedom of speech, civic engagement tools for strengthening democracy, and emergency response training that builds community resilience against crises.

**Project Goal:**Within 12 months, equip Jamaican youth and young professionals (ages 15-45) with technology, civic engagement, and emergency response skills thereby demonstrating measurable improvements in innovation capacity, democratic participation, and disaster preparedness that advance U.S. strategic interests in economic competitiveness, democratic resilience, and hemispheric security.

**Project Objectives:** The program objectives are the specified below: **_Objective 1 (INNOVATE): Strengthen Innovation Capacity and Economic Competitiveness_** Build technology and entrepreneurship skills among at least 500 Jamaican youth and young professionals (ages 15-45) through: resulting in at least 30% of participants gaining industry-recognized certifications, launching tech-enabled businesses, or securing employment in innovation-driven sectors within 12 months of program completion.

**_Objective 2 (IGNITE): Enhance Civic Engagement and Democratic Resilience_** Increase civic participation and media literacy among at least 500 Jamaican youth and young professionals through: * civic education programs * and governance fellowships resulting in at least 70% of participants demonstrating measurable improvements in identifying misinformation, engaging in community decision-making, or participating in democratic processes within six months of completing training.

**_Objective 3 (INSPIRE): Improve Community Security and Disaster Preparedness_** Strengthen community resilience and emergency response capacity among at least 500 Jamaican youth and young professionals through: * disaster preparedness training * health literacy campaigns * and volunteer response corps resulting in at least 75% of participants completing certified emergency response training and actively contributing to community preparedness initiatives within 12 months of program completion.

##### **_2. _****_Substantial Involvement_** Fixed Amount Awards may include substantial involvement. **Substantial involvement**means that the U.S. Embassy, Kingston will have significant participation in the project beyond routine monitoring and reporting.

A summary of the anticipated roles and responsibilities of the U.S. Embassy, Kingston and the Recipient includes, but is not limited to, the following: S. Embassy Roles and Responsibilities: 1. **Program Oversight and Strategic Direction:** 2.

1. Review and approve modifications to detailed work plans / scope of work, implementation timelines, and all major program changes to ensure continued alignment 2. Approve participant selection criteria to ensure programs reach target beneficiaries (youth and young professionals ages 15-45) 3.

Review and approve major changes to project scope, budget reallocations exceeding established thresholds, or key personnel 3. **Technical Assistance and Collaboration:** 1. Review and provide feedback on training curricula, materials, and communications to ensure quality and consistency with U.S. values 2.

Connect recipients with U.S. government agencies, technical resources, and potential American partners that enhance program quality 4. **Approval Authority:** 1. Approve public communications, media events, or branding that reference U.S. government support 2.

Authorize extensions, modifications, or supplemental funding as appropriate Recipient Roles and Responsibilities: 1. **Program Planning and Design****:** 1. Develop detailed work plans with clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables for Department approval 2.

Design program activities that effectively address the funding opportunity objectives 3. Establish participant recruitment strategies that reach target beneficiaries across Jamaica 4. Identify and propose partnerships with U.S. subject matter experts, institutions, or organizations that bring technical expertise, best practices, and American perspectives to program implementation 2.

**Program Implementation****:** 1. Execute approved work plans and deliver high-quality workshops and program activities 2. Establish and maintain active partnerships with U.S. subject matter experts, including American universities, technology companies, civic organizations, emergency management professionals, or other relevant U.S. entities 3.

Manage day-to-day program operations, logistics, and participant support services 4.

Ensure programs reflect U.S. best practices in technology education, civic engagement, and emergency preparedness Facilitate meaningful engagement between U.S. experts and Jamaican participants through virtual exchanges, guest lectures, mentorship programs, technical consultations, or in-person visits ## APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT Please follow all instructions below carefully.

Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. **Content of Application** * The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity * All documents are in English * All budgets are in U.S. dollars * All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various required forms.

The following documents are **required**: ##### **_1. _****_Mandatory application forms_** * SF-424_Application for Federal Assistance (Organizations) or SF-424_Application for Federal Assistance Individualsat grants. gov or https://jm.

usembassy. gov/ * SF-424A_Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs at grants. gov or https://jm.

usembassy. gov/. * SF-424B_Assurances for Non-Construction programs or SF-424B_Assurances for Non-Construction programs Individuals at grants.

gov or https://jm. usembassy. gov/.

(note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM. gov) ##### **_2. _****_Proposal (_****_10_****_pages maximum)_** The proposal should contain sufficient information so that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do.

You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. * **Proposal Summary:**Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

* **Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying**: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to use the attached Applicant Organization Information (AOI) Survey form to provide this information. If the applicant chooses not to use the attached form, all of the requested information from the form will still need to be addressed in the application package.

* **Problem Statement:**Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed * **Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables:**The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. * **Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline:**The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

* **Key Personnel:**Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? * **Project Partners:** List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees (if applicable).

* **Future Funding or Sustainability**Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. * **Monitoring & Evaluation Plan:** Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals.

Attachment Template – M&E PMP (Instructions – PMP Template . docx / Template – M&E PMP . xlsx) of this funding opportunity contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement.

While the grantee is free to create their own template, completing Attachment Template – M&E PMP (Word/Excel Version) will ensure a thorough PMP. ##### **_3. _****_Budget Justification Narrative_** * **Detailed Budget** – Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget.

Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but are not required to do so (Budget Template ). Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail.

The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category.

Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR))200. 1)).

**Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars** and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars. * **Budget Justification Narrative** – Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget.

The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals.

The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template.

Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

* Awards to Individuals: Please note the following budget guidelines for the Individual Award: * Salary/Honoraria: Only the award recipient may receive salary/honoraria from this funding mechanism. The Recipient must be the primary point of contact and manage all programmatic activities. * Other Direct Costs: Expenses related to securing venues, managing logistics, catering, etc. are allowable.

* Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www. state. gov/m/a/ope/index.

htm and 2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget. * Visa Fees: Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable.

Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more information go to: https://j1visa.

state. gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/ ##### **4. ****_Attachments_** * **Key Personnel Resumes**: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable).

If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé. * **Letters of support from program partners:** Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners.

The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

* **Indirect Costs**: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

* **Proof of Non-profit Status:**Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity). * **Proof of Registration:** A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application.

U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Jamica-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization. Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which _may_ be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include: 1.

Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years 2. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies 3. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas 4.

Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII of participants and beneficiaries. It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting, maintaining, using and disseminating such information 5.

Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities 6. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

## SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ##### **1. ****Address to Request Application Package** Application forms required above are available at the U.S. Embassy, Kingston’s website: https://jm. usembassy.

gov, grants. gov, MyGrants, etc. ##### **2. ****Department of State Contacts** If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: Kingstongrants@state.

gov. **Question Deadline:**For questions on this solicitation, please contact kingstongrants@state. gov. Questions must be received on or before **July 15, 2026**, **at 11:59 p. m.

, U.S. Eastern Time**. Applicants should not expect an email response to questions, as questions received before the deadline will be answered in a Question and Answer document and posted at http://www. grants.

gov and https://jm. usembassy. gov. ##### **3.

****Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM. gov)** **Required Registration:**All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM. gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO. The 2 CFR 200 also requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI.

Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient. **_Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM. gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks.

Please begin your registration as early as possible. _** * Organizations **based in the United States** or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.

gov. * Organizations **based outside of the United States** and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM. gov. Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions: * Step 1: Proceed to SAM. gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.

gov registration process. gov registration must be renewed annually. An exemption from the UEI and sam.

gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25. 110 for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM. gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.

gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review. **Please note**: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp. , p.

189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp. , p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.

” ##### **_4. _****_Submission Dates and Times_** **Submission Deadline:**All applications must be received by **July 31, 2026,****at 11:59 p. m.

, U.S. Eastern Time**. For the purpose of determining if an award is submitted on time, PDS will utilize the timestamp provided by email received. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline.

If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding. Submit all application materials directly to the following email address: kingstongrants@state. gov and include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the email subject line.

##### **_5. _****_Funding Restrictions_** 1. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

2. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border: None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.

Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal representation in the United States. Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.

The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted. 3. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws” If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award: 1.

Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and; 2. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.

A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring. 3. Applicants seeking clarification on the reporting requirement are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions resource developed by the U.S. Department of Education.

4. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan: Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the United States exceeds $500,000: 1.

To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175. 105(a); 2.

The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR 175(b)(5). 3. That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175.

105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities. 4. Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan.

However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on its website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance. 5.

Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities 1. (a) _Definitions. _ _American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity_ means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.

sam. gov_FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system_ means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity. _Unmanned aircraft_ means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft .

_Unmanned aircraft system_ means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system. 2. (b) _Prohibition.

_ Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from: 1. (1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements; 2. (2)Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and 3.

(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system . 3. c)_Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.

_ The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ([41 U.S.C. 3901note prec.)

for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.] 6. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

7. Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction activities or costs. 8.

Direct Social Services: Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed. Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and Jamaica.

All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and Jamaica. Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Jamaica requirements described above. ## APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ##### **_1.

_****_Review Criteria_** Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.

* **Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea** – **25 points**: The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives that align directly with the priorities and requirements of the NOFO.

The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline, and the project scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Finally, the proposal aligns with the following: * The project clearly demonstrates a direct contribution to current U.S. foreign policy priorities. * The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign government partners.

* The project will positively impact American’s reputation among foreign publics.

* The proposal does not include any activities contrary to the following Executive Orders: * Executive Order 14173: “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity * Executive Order 14287: “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens” * Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government * **Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants** – **20 points**: * The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project, including internal controls in place to manage federal funds.

* The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying issue that the project will address. * The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system, a bank account, and if applicable, satisfactory audit findings.

* Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard Terms and Conditions. * Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration.

Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate. * **Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives** – **20 points**: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment,