Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program (U.S. Embassy Port Moresby)

Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program (U.S. Embassy Port Moresby) is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Port Moresby Public Affairs Section (PAS). This program invites proposals for projects that advance shared goals of the U. S.

and Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, focusing on strengthening economic, social, and environmental conditions.

**U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE** **U.S. EMBASSY PORT MORESBY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION** **Notice of Funding Opportunity** Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy Port Moresby PAS Annual Program Statement 2024 Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-PNG-APS-FY24 Assistance Listing Number: 19. 040 – Public Diplomacy Programs Issuance Date: April 2, 2024 CFDA Number: 19.

040 – Public Diplomacy Programs Deadline for Submission of Applications: Accepted through July 15, 2024 Total Amount Available: $500,000 subject to funding availability. Maximum for Each Award: Local organizations: $24,000, International: $250,000 **•Eligibility Category:**U.S. or foreign not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.

U.S. and foreign educational institutions, individuals, and governmental institutions. 1. **PROGRAM DESCRIPTION** The U.S. Embassy Port Moresby Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce the availability of funding through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.

This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting funding requests. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Port Moresby invites proposals for programs that advance shared goals of the U.S. and Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Programs should promote strategic objectives of our countries and meet Mission goals, incorporating an American cultural element or connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions. These programs should focus on strengthening economic, social, and environmental conditions in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and/or Vanuatu.

Proposals must support initiatives aligning with our core objectives of promoting economic empowerment, media literacy, and STEM/STEAM education, with a particular emphasis on women and girls.

Grant proposals submitted for consideration must fall under the following lines of effort: **Economic Empowerment:** * Providing opportunities for skill development, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (adding Arts to STEM) education, for all individuals, including marginalized populations, women, and girls.

* Promoting sustainable resource management and enhancing women’s participation in decision-making processes. * Access to and participation in STEM/STEAM education and careers among women and girls. * Supporting initiatives such as educational programs, mentorship initiatives, and outreach efforts to empower women and girls in STEM/STEAM-related fields.

* Strengthening democratic institutions to facilitate economic growth, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. * Empowering women to actively engage in shaping the socio-political landscape of their communities and nations. * Creating economic opportunities for women in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries while safeguarding the environment.

**Media Literacy and Promotion:** * Promoting media literacy and engagement, emphasizing the role of media in democratic societies. * Enhancing citizens’ ability to critically analyze media content, recognize false information, and participate in media discourse. * Understanding the importance of a free and independent press.

* Empowering individuals to become active contributors to media discourse by promoting media literacy and providing tools to navigate media environments effectively. In addition to these focus areas, proposals must align with the core goals of the U.S. Embassy, which include promoting education, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between the United States and partner countries.

This includes providing accurate, compelling, timely, and audience-appropriate information about the United States – including its history, culture, society, values, and foreign policies. Facilitating business English, English for job skills, CV and resume writing, research skills, and technical writing.

Promoting higher education study in the United States by providing international students with accurate, comprehensive, and current guidance on applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative and impactful projects that contribute to advancing gender equality, promoting inclusive economic growth, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Proposals should clearly outline project objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and sustainability plans. **Participants and Audiences:** American and Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu**nonprofits, institutions of higher education, NGOs and civil society, museums, parks, reserves, and community organizations, governmental organizations and individuals.

** **The following types of**programs**are not eligible for funding:** Programs relating to partisan political activity; * Charitable or development activities; * Programs that support specific religious activities; * Fund-raising campaigns; * Lobbying for specific legislation or programs * Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or * Programs that duplicate existing programs.

**Authorizing funding type and year:**FY24 Public Diplomacy Funding 1. **FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION** **Length of Performance Period:**2 to 12 months **Number of Awards Anticipated:** 20 awards (dependent on amounts) **Award Amounts:** Local organizations: $24,000, International: $250,000 **Total Available Funding:** To be determined.

**Type of Funding:** Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding **Anticipated Program Start Date:** No later than October 15, 2024 **This notice is subject to availability of funding. ** **Funding Instrument Type:**Grant, Fixed Amount Award, or Cooperative Agreement dependent on activity. **Program Performance Period**: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

_PAS will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. _ 1. **ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION** **C.

1. Eligible Applicants** The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S. and **_Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu_**_:_ * Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience * Non-profit or governmental educational institutions * Governmental institutions For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. **C.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching** Cost sharing is not required. **C.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements** 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.

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet, as well as a valid registration on www. SAM. gov. Individuals are not required to have a DUNS number or be registered in SAM.

gov. 1. **APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION** **D. 1.

Deadlines and Submission Information** **Deadline for Applications**: Proposals are due no later than **the date indicated at the top of this document at 11:59pm in Papua New Guinea (GMT+10)** submitted by email to PortMoresbyGrants@state. gov **Address to Request Application Package:**Application forms required below are available at pg. usembassy.

gov/education/all-grant-opportunities **Email Subject Line:**When submitting via email, the subject line should include the following information: “PAS Annual Program Statement PNG FY24, [Grantee Name]” **D. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission** Please follow all instructions below carefully.

Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements **may be deemed ineligible**. **D. 3.

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 **Application forms available at****pg. usembassy.

gov/education/all-grant-opportunities****. **The following documents are **required**: 1. **SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations).

_This form is required for submission. Detailed information regarding the program design can be added in the supplemental proposal (below)_** 2. **Grant Application:**The proposal should contain sufficient information 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 program, including program 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 U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. * **Problem Statement:**Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.

* **Program Goals and Objectives:**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.

* **Program Activities**: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. * **Program Methods and Design**: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

* **Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline:**The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. * **Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:** This is an important part of successful grants.

Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? 1. **Budget and Budget Narrative**: When filling out the budget and budget narrative template, grantees should use the provided format.

* In the budget, all anticipated expenses related to the proposed project should be clearly listed and organized into the categories provided. * Accuracy and completeness are essential in estimating costs, ensuring that each expense directly supports the project objectives.

* In the budget narrative, grantees should provide a detailed explanation of each line item, justifying the need for each expense and describing the methodology used to estimate costs. * Personnel costs should be broken down by roles, hourly rates, and percentage of time dedicated to the project for each staff member. * Other costs should be explained with clarity and transparency.

1. **CV/resume of key personnel (1 page per CV)** who are proposed for the program. _The funding is subject to availability and may increase or decrease prior to issuance of the award.

_ See section _H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions_ below for further information. 1.

**Optional Attachments:** * 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program * Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner * If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. * Official permission letters, if required for program activities 1.

**Unique Entity Identifier in System for Award Management (SAM. gov)** **D. 4.

Required Registrations:** All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the 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.

**_Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications. _** The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

**_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 number 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 number 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.

SAM. gov registration must be renewed annually. **Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:** **Step 1:** Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below: https://eportal.

nspa. nato. int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.

aspx An exemption from the UEI and sam. gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if: * An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.

* For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

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. **D. 6.

Funding Restrictions** No additional funding restrictions not covered in 2CFR200 or 2CFR600. 1. **APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION** Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below.

1. **Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea (25 points):** Applicants will be evaluated based on the depth and feasibility of their proposed program idea, including detailed plans for program activities and a reasonable implementation timeline. Emphasis will be placed on the clarity of proposed activities, their alignment with program objectives, and the likelihood of successful execution.

2. **Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants (20 points):** Organizations will be assessed on their expertise in the stated field and their ability to effectively manage federal funds. Consideration will be given to the presence of internal controls, such as a robust financial management system and a dedicated bank account, as well as the organization’s track record of successful grant management.

3. **Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives (15 points):** Evaluation will focus on the clarity and feasibility of program goals and objectives, as well as the potential for the proposed approach to achieve maximum impact in realizing the desired outcomes. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate alignment between program activities and stated objectives, highlighting the potential for meaningful outcomes.

4. **Budget (15 points): Review**of the budget justification will assess detail and accuracy, with consideration given to the reasonableness of costs in relation to proposed activities and anticipated results. Applicants should present a realistic budget that accounts for all necessary expenses required to effectively implement program activities.

5. **Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (15 points):** Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to measure program success against key indicators and provide milestones to track progress toward stated goals. Consideration will be given to the inclusion of output and outcome indicators, as well as clarity regarding the methods and timing of measurement.

6. **Sustainability (10 points):** Evaluation will focus on the potential for program activities to have a lasting positive impact beyond the end of the program. Applicants should outline plans for sustaining outcomes, including continued support, capacity-building efforts, and stakeholder engagement post-program.

**E. 2. Review and Selection Process** A grants review team will evaluate all eligible proposals.

Proposals may be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated in this NOFO. The panel may provide conditions and/or recommendations on proposal to enhance the proposed program. **E.

2. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM. gov (formerly, FAPIIS)** * The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313); * An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.

gov; * The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200. 206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants. 1.

**FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION** **F. 1. Federal Award Notices** The grant award or Grant will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer.

The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer. If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding.

Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

To be determined at time of the award. **F. 3.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements** Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

* 2 CFR 25 – UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT * 2 CFR 170 – REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION * 2 CFR 175 – AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS * 2 CFR 182 – GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) * 2 CFR 183 – NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY * 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS * S.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE: Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on: Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.

205), Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.

216), Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with _Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty_(E. O. 13798) and _Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities_ (E.

O. 13864) (§§ 200. 300, 200.

303, 200. 339, and 200. 341), Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.

322), and Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200. 340). **Reporting Requirements:**Recipients will be required to submit financial reports (semiannual) and program reports (quarterly).

The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. Reporting timeline subject to change based on selected applicant. **Foreign Assistance Data Review:** As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR).

The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation.

In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records. Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters. 1.

**FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS** If you have any questions about the grant application process, contact: PortMoresbyGrants@state. gov. **H. 1.

Guidelines for Budget Justification** **Personnel and Fringe Benefits:** Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program. **Travel:**Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries.

If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel. **Equipment:** Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

**Supplies:** List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment. **Contractual:** Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor.

Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities. **Other Direct Costs:** Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes.

All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained. **Indirect Costs:** These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA.

Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200. 68. “Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy.

It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues. Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.