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    Civil Society and Media in Ukraine [ http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/279384.htm
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You are subscribed to Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor for U.S. Departm=
ent of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now avai=
lable.

Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and=
 Labor (DRL) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Supporting Civil Socie=
ty and Media in Ukraine [ http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/279384.htm ] 03/20=
/2018 08:45 AM EDT=20
March 19, 2018=20
________________________________________________________________________

This is the announcement of funding opportunity number SFOP0004199=20

*Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:* 19.345=20

*Application Deadline:* May 18, 2018=20

*_For new application submission instructions, see Section D below._*=20

*A. Project Description*=20

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor=
 (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in subm=
itting applications for projects that support civil society and media in =
Ukraine.=20

**=20

DRL invites organizations to submit proposals in response to the followin=
g project. Each organization can submit up to two (2) proposals in respon=
se to this NOFO. DRL aims to fund one organization for each project, pend=
ing availability of funding.=20

*"Local-level Civil Society Anti-Corruption Oversight in Ukraine ($750,00=
0)"*=20

DRL's goal is to continue building the capacity of local level civil soci=
ety and media to conduct oversight of local government and hold it accoun=
table for implementing anti-corruption measures. Proposals may focus on a=
ssisting civil society and media to conduct oversight of local or regiona=
l government budgets and to counter specific types of corruption or corru=
ption in particular social spheres, such as politics, education, and heal=
th care. The program should support the education and engagement of citiz=
ens and journalists to monitor those sectors and activities where corrupt=
ion frequently occurs; reporting the results to authorities, media, and t=
he wider public; and monitoring government responses. Proposals may inclu=
de support for constructive engagement between civil society and governme=
nt stakeholders to: strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, facilitate the=
 implementation of best practices in countering corruption, and urge acti=
on in specific cases.=20

*"Improving Financial Sustainability of Independent Media in Ukraine ($80=
0,000)"*=20

DRL's goal is to support the development and replication of financial sus=
tainability models for independent broadcast and other media throughout r=
egional cities of Ukraine. The project should equip broadcast and other m=
edia outlets with business tools and technical skills to increase and mai=
ntain audience share and increase income, as well as adapt to new realiti=
es of mobile- and social media-based news consumption. The project should=
 provide participating media outlets with both demand-driven trainings as=
 well as longer-term, individualized consultations and mentoring on a ran=
ge of aspects of running a modern media business. These topics may includ=
e: how to professionally market content to advertisers, audience expansio=
n, business diversification, monetizing online content, sales analysis, t=
ransitioning into convergent online formats, among many others. The proje=
ct may include a small grants component and include a skills building com=
ponent based on the specific needs of individual media outlets.=20

*"Supporting Public Oversight of Security Services in Ukraine ($650,000)"=
*=20

DRL's goal is to support civil society efforts to provide effective publi=
c oversight of the activities of the GOU security services, including for=
ces under the SBU, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, and others.=
 While Ukraine's new patrol police embody the promise of a new, reformed =
police force that respects the rights of citizens and is not hindered by =
corruption, other law enforcement, defense, and intelligence entities rem=
ain unreformed and, according to some reports, at times still engage in h=
uman rights abuses and corruption. The program should encourage civil soc=
iety's involvement in public oversight to promote systemic reform in stat=
e security services; empower grass-roots civil society to press for chang=
e; and encourage regular government engagement and consultation with civi=
l society. Activities may include monitoring of and reporting on incident=
s of human rights violations, overreach of authorities, and corruption; t=
raining civil society in how to form and effectively participate in publi=
c oversight mechanisms and effectively share and publicize findings; advo=
cacy regarding implementation of existing reforms and for development of =
new rights-respecting reforms of the security services in consultation wi=
th societal stakeholders; visitation of detention centers by civil societ=
y monitors; efforts to educate the public, lawyers, journalists, and secu=
rity forces themselves on human rights topics related to the operations o=
f the security services. Proposals should demonstrate experience with pub=
lic oversight in countries where such institutions are well developed and=
 have applicable lessons for the Ukrainian context.=20

**=20

Projects should aim to have impact that leads to democratic reforms, and =
should have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources. DRLs p=
reference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and crea=
tive approaches. This does not exclude from consideration projects that i=
mprove upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complemen=
tary way.=20

To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result(s) =
from this NOFO, DRL reserves the right to execute a non-competitive conti=
nuation amendment(s). Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on p=
erformance and availability of funds. A non-competitive continuation is n=
ot guaranteed; the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or =
not exercise the option to issue non-competitive continuation amendment(s=
).=20

Activities that are *not* typically considered competitive include, but a=
re not limited to:=20

 The provision of large amounts of humanitarian assistance;=20

 English language instruction;=20

 Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hard=
ware;=20

 Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;=20

 External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;=20

 Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiativ=
es and impact or are not necessary for security concerns;=20

 Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including =
projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorpora=
te training or capacity-building for local civil society;=20

 Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;=20

 Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current re=
sidents of targeted countries.=20

DRL may ask successful applicant(s) to incorporate coordination of an imp=
lementer and stakeholder meeting into the Scope of Work of the final proj=
ect. DRL will discuss this possibility with particular applicant(s) durin=
g the proposal negotiation phase.=20

*B. Federal Award Information*=20

DRL anticipates having approximately $2,200,000 of FY17 AEECA available t=
o support approximately three successful applications submitted in respon=
se to this NOFO, subject to the availability of funding. Applicants can s=
ubmit up to two applications in response to the NOFO.=20

Applicants should not request less than $600,000 and no more than the cei=
ling (as specified in the project descriptions). Applicants should includ=
e an anticipated start date between August 2018  October 2018 and the per=
iod of performance should be between 24-30 months.=20

The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept ot=
her than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one applicatio=
n, and (d) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications r=
eceived.=20

The U.S. government may make award(s) on the basis of initial application=
s received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial =
application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and tec=
hnical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right (though it is n=
ot under obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with on=
e or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail=
, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other =
aspects of an application.=20

DRL anticipates awarding either a grant or cooperative agreement dependin=
g on the needs and risk factors of the program. The final determination o=
n mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer. The distinction between g=
rants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of substan=
tial involvement. Cooperative agreements require greater Federal governme=
nt participation in the project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, D=
RL will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial i=
nvolvement. Examples of substantial involvement can include, but are not =
limited to:=20

1) Active participation or collaboration with the recipient in the implem=
entation of the award.=20

2) Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin.=20

3) Review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed subawards or=
 contracts.=20

4) Approval of the recipients budget or plan of work prior to the award.=20=


The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assist=
ance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).=20

*C. Eligibility Information*=20

*_For application information, please see the proposal submission instruc=
tions on our website._*=20

*"C.1 Eligible Applicants"*=20

DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit or=
ganizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international or=
ganizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; =
and for-profit organizations or businesses. DRLs preference is to work wi=
th non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-p=
rofit entity is best suited.=20

Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additiona=
l review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Departm=
ent of State generally prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organ=
izations under its assistance awards. Profit is defined as any amount in =
excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of costs =
incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the=
 provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cos=
t Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Princi=
ples and Procedures.=20

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.=20

*"C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching"*=20

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibi=
lity factor or requirement for this NOFO, and providing cost share will n=
ot result in a more favorable competitive ranking.=20

*"C.3 Other"*=20

Applicants should have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partn=
erships with thematic or in-country partners, entities and relevant stake=
holders, including private sector partners and NGOs, and have demonstrabl=
e experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects.=
 DRL encourages applications from foreign-based NGOs headquartered in the=
 geographic regions/countries relevant to this NOFO. Applicants may form =
consortia and submit a combined application. However, one organization sh=
ould be designated as the lead applicant with the other members as sub-aw=
ard partners. DRLreserves the right to request additional background info=
rmation on applicants that do not have previous experience administering =
federal grant awards, and these applicants may be subject to limited fund=
ing on a pilot basis.=20

DRL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its projects =
and activities. DRL welcomes applications irrespective of race, ethnicity=
, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender ident=
ity, disability, or other status.=20

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System fo=
r Award Management (SAM)(www.sam.gov) is not eligible to apply for an ass=
istance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that imp=
lement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR,1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR=
,1989 Comp., p. 235), Debarment and Suspension. Additionally no entity li=
sted on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can participate in an=
y activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to re=
view the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that no inelig=
ible entity is included in their application.=20

*D. Application and Submission Information*=20

*"D.1 "**"Address to Request Application Package"*=20

Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to=
 apply on www.grants.gov and SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.=
com) under the announcement title Supporting Civil Society and Media in U=
kraine funding opportunity number SFOP0004199. Please contact the DRL poi=
nt of contact listed in section G if requesting reasonable accommodations=
 for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note: reas=
onable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.=20

*"D.2"** "Content and Form of Application Submission"*=20

For all application documents, please ensure:=20

1) All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. dollars. If an =
original document within the application is in another language, an Engli=
sh translation must be provided (please note: the Department of State, as=
 indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official langua=
ge of all award documents. If any document is provided in both English an=
d a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling ver=
sion);=20

2) All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments;=20

3) All documents are formatted to 8  x 11 paper; and,=20

4) All documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with 1=
-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10 point Times New Roman fon=
t. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformat=
ted to fit within 1 page width.=20

*"D.2.1 Application Requirements"*=20

Complete applications _must_ include the following:=20

1. Completed and signed *SF-424*,* SF-424A*, and *SF-424B* forms.=20

2. If your organization engages in lobbying the U.S. government including=
 Congress, or pays for another entity to lobby on your behalf, the *SF-LL=
L* Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form is also required.=20

3. *Cover Page* (not to exceed one [1] page, preferably in Microsoft Word=
) that includes a table with the name of the organization, project title,=
 target country/countries, thematic area, project synopsis, and name and =
contact information for the applications main point of contact.=20

4. *Executive Summary* (not to exceed one [1] page, preferably in Microso=
ft Word) that outlines project goals, objectives, and activities.=20

5. *Table of Contents* (not to exceed one [1] page, preferably in Microso=
ft Word) listing all documents and attachments, with page numbers.=20

6. *Proposal Narrative* (not to exceed ten [10] pages, preferably in Micr=
osoft Word). Please note the ten page limit does not include the Table of=
 Contents, Cover Page, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, or=
 Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Applicants are encourag=
ed to combine multiple documents in a single Word Document or PDF (i.e., =
Cover Page, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative =
in one file).=20

7. *Budget* (preferably as an Excel workbook) that includes three [3] col=
umns containing the request to DRL, any cost sharing contribution, and th=
e total budget. A summary budget should also be included using the OMB-ap=
proved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab. Cos=
ts must be in U.S. dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for subgrantees sh=
ould be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if availab=
le at the time of submission).=20

8. *Budget Narrative* (preferably as a Word Document) that includes subst=
antive explanations and justifications for each line-item in the detailed=
 budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost-=
share offered.=20

9. Your organizations most recent A-133* audit* (if applicable), F Audit,=
 or standard audit. Please see "Audit" section 2F below for more informat=
ion.=20

10. *Logic Model* (not to exceed two [2] pages, preferably in Microsoft W=
ord).=20

11. *Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative* (not to exceed two [2] pages).=20=


12. *Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Indicator Table* (not to excee=
d four [4] pages in Microsoft Word).=20

13. *Risk Analysis* (not to exceed one [1] page, preferably in Microsoft =
Word).=20

14. *Key Personnel* (not to exceed one [1] page total, preferably as a Wo=
rd Document): Please include short bios that demonstrate relevant profess=
ional experience. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for su=
bmission.=20

15. *Timeline* (not to exceed one [1] page): The timeline of the overall =
proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program close=
out.=20

*Applications that do not include the elements listed above will be deeme=
d technically ineligible. *=20

*"D.2.2 Additional Application Documents"*=20

Strong applications will also contain the following:=20

 Individual Letters of Support and/or Memorandum of Understanding. Letter=
s of support and MOUs must be specific to the project implementation (e.g=
. from proposed partners or sub-award recipients) and will not count towa=
rds the page limit.=20

*"Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions on DRLs website fo=
r detailed guidance on the documents above:"* *"http://www.state.gov/docu=
ments/organization/275216.pdf"* [ http://www.state.gov/documents/organiza=
tion/275216.pdf ]*". For an application checklist and sample templates pl=
ease see the Resources page on DRLs website:"**"http://www.state.gov/j/dr=
l/p/c72333.htm"* [ http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm ]*". "**"The s=
ample templates provided on the DRL website are suggested, but not mandat=
ory."*=20

DRL reserves the right to request additional documents not included in th=
is NOFO. Additionally, to ensure that all applications receive a balanced=
 evaluation, the DRL Review Panel will review from the first page of each=
 section up to the page limit and no further.=20

Note: If ultimately provided with a notification of non-binding intent to=
 make a Federal award, applicants typically have two to three weeks to pr=
ovide additional information and documents requested in the notification =
of intent. The deadlines may vary in each notification of intent and appl=
icants must adhere to the stated deadline in the notification of intent.=20=


*"D.2.3 Additional Information Requested For Those Receiving Notification=
 of Intent"*=20

Successful applicants must submit after notification of intent to make a =
Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award:=20

 Written responses and revised application documents addressing condition=
s and recommendations from the DRL Review Panel;=20

 If your organization has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budge=
t, your latest NICRA as a PDF file.=20

 Completion of the Departments Financial Management Survey, if receiving =
DRL funding for the first time;=20

 Submission of required documents to register in the Payment Management S=
ystem managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, if receivin=
g DRL funding for the first time (unless an exemption is provided);=20

 Other requested information or documents included in the notification of=
 intent to make a Federal award or subsequent communications prior to iss=
uance of a Federal award.=20

*"D.3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)"*=20=


All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another count=
ry, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), formerly referred to as D=
UNS, and an active registration with the SAM.gov *before submitting an ap=
plication*. DRL may _not_ review applications from or make awards to appl=
icants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirement=
s. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the =
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Fede=
ral awards.=20

*"Note: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere=
 from 4-8 weeks. _Please begin your registration as early as possible_."*=
=20

 If you are based* in the United States* or pay employees within the Unit=
ed States, prior to registering in SAM.gov you will need an Employer Iden=
tification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a Com=
mercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.=20

 If you are based *outside of the United States* and do not pay employees=
 within the United States, you do not need an EIN from the IRS. However, =
you will need a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code before you can have an active regi=
stration in SAM.gov.=20

All organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.gov registrat=
ion with current information at all times during which they have an activ=
e Federal award or application under consideration by a Federal award age=
ncy. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a yea=
r in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM. It is the re=
sponsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in =
SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not=
 fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the app=
licant may be deemed unqualified to receive an award and use that determi=
nation as a basis for making an award to another applicant.=20

For further guidance on the registration process, please see the SAM.gov =
Registration Guide on DRLs website:  [ http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c7233=
3.htm ]http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm. Please refer to 2 CFR 25.=
200 for additional information.=20

Please note the registration process for SAM.gov is free.=20

*"In October 2017, new information was added to the www.SAM.gov website t=
o help international registrations, including Quick Start Guide for Inter=
national Registrations and Helpful Hints. Navigate to SAM.gov, click HELP=
 in the top navigation bar, then click International Registrants in the l=
eft navigation panel."*=20

*"D.3.1 Exemptions"*=20

An exemption from these requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case b=
asis if:=20

 An applicants identity must be protected due to potential endangerment o=
f their mission, their organizations status, their employees, or individu=
als being served by the applicant.=20

** Organizations requesting exemption from SAM.gov, NCAGE, and UEI should=
 email the point of contact in the NOFO". "If establishing your SAM.gov a=
ccount as private rather than public view, please notify DRL at the time =
of submission.*=20

"Note: Foreign organizations will be required to register with the NATO S=
upport Agency (NSPA) to receive a NCAGE code in order to register in SAM.=
gov. NSPA will forward your registration request to the applicable Nation=
al Codification Bureau (NCB) if your organization is located in a NATO or=
 Tier 2 Sponsored Non-NATO Nation. As of March 2016, NATO nations include=
d Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, E=
stonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuan=
ia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia,=
 Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States of Americ=
a; and Tier 2 nations included Australia, Austria, Brazil, Finland, Israe=
l, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Serbia, and Singapo=
re."=20

"NSPA and/or the appropriate NCB forwards all NCAGE code information to a=
ll Allied Committee 135 (AC/135) nations, which as of March 2016 also inc=
luded Afghanistan, Argentina, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brunei Darus=
salam, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, =
Montenegro, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Swe=
den, Thailand, Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirat=
es. *_All organizations are strongly advised to take this into considerat=
ion when assessing whether registration may result in possible endangerme=
nt_.*"=20

*"D.4 Submission Dates and Times "*=20

*Applications are due no later than_ 11:59 p.m_. Eastern Standard Time (E=
ST), on Friday, May 18, 2018 on **www.grants.gov** or **SAMS Domestic *(h=
ttps://mygrants.service-now.com)* under the announcement title Supporting=
 Civil Society and Media in Ukraine, funding opportunity number SFOP00041=
99.*=20

Grants.gov and SAMS Domestic automatically log the date and time an appli=
cation submission is made, and the Department of State will use this info=
rmation to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. L=
ate applications are neither reviewed nor considered unless the DRL point=
 of contact listed in section G is contacted prior to the deadline and is=
 provided with evidence of system errors caused by www.grants.gov or SAMS=
 Domestic that is outside of the applicants control and is the sole reaso=
n for a late submission. Applicants should not expect a notification upon=
 DRL receiving their application.=20

*"D.5 Funding Restrictions"*=20

DRL will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for a=
ny member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organiz=
ation.=20

Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries or p=
aramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for DRL funding =
given purpose limitations on funding.=20

The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporti=
ng foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible in=
formation that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. =
Per 22 USC 2378d(a) (2015), [ https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2015-t=
itle22/html/USCODE-2015-title22-chap32-subchapIII-partI-sec2378d.htm ] No=
 assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or=
 the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the sec=
urity forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible =
information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human right=
s. Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other l=
aw enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assi=
stance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this=
 funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces =
of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit ha=
s committed a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the req=
uirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, projec=
t beneficiaries or participants from a foreign governments security force=
s may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any ass=
istance.=20

If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to f=
oreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is req=
uired. Federal awards generally will not allow reimbursement of pre-award=
 costs; however, the Grants Officer may approve pre-award costs on a case=
-by-case basis. Generally, construction costs are not allowed under DRL a=
wards. For additional information, please see the DRL Proposal Submission=
 Instructions for Applications using SAMS Domestic Updated October 2017: =
*"http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/275216.pdf"* [ http://www.s=
tate.gov/documents/organization/275216.pdf ]=20

*"D.6 Application Submission"*=20

All application submissions must be made electronically via www.grants.go=
v or SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com). Both systems requi=
re registration by the applying organization. Please note: the Grants.gov=
 registration process can take 10 business days or longer, even if all re=
gistration steps are completed in a timely manner.=20

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active=
 registration in SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov. Applicants are required to =
document that the application has been received by SAMSDomestic or Grants=
.gov in its entirety. DRL bears no responsibility for disqualification th=
at result from applicants not being registered before the due date, for s=
ystem errors in either SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov, or other errors in th=
e application process. Additionally you _must _save a screen shot of the =
checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to u=
pload successfully.=20

Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will *_not_* be accepted. Reasonab=
le accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be provided to appli=
cants with disabilities or for security reasons. Applicants must follow a=
ll formatting instructions in the applicable NOFO and these instructions.=
=20

DRL encourages organizations to *_submit applications during normal busin=
ess hours_* (Monday  Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM Eastern Time). If an applica=
nt experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the appropriate h=
elpdesk but is not receiving timely assistance (e.g. if you have not rece=
ived a response within 48 hours of contacting the helpdesk), you may cont=
act the DRL point of contact listed in the NOFO in section G. The point o=
f contact may assist in contacting the appropriate helpdesk, but an appli=
cant should also document their efforts in contacting the helpdesk. Appli=
cants may also contact the DRL point of contact listed in the NOFO if exp=
eriencing technical issues with grants.gov or SAMS Domestic that may resu=
lt in a late submission.=20

Applicants experiencing technical difficulties should follow these three =
steps:=20

1. Contact the helpdesk for either Grants.gov or SAMS Domestic immediatel=
y.=20

2. Document (including screenshots) technical issues AND efforts to conta=
ct the helpdesk.=20

3. Submit all of the required documents to the DRL point of contact liste=
d in the NOFO before the deadline.=20

"Note: The Procurement Office/Grant Office will determine technical eligi=
bility of all applications."=20

*SAMS Domestic Applications:*=20

Applicants using SAMS Domestic for the first time should complete their N=
ew Organization Registration. To register with SAMS Domestic, click Login=
 to https://mygrants.service-now.com and follow the create an account lin=
k.=20

Organizations *_must _*remember to save a screen shot of the checklist sh=
owing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload succes=
sfully.=20

*SAMS Domestic Help Desk*:
For assistance with SAMS Domestic accounts and technical issues related t=
o the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at 1-888-313-456=
7 (toll charges for international callers) or through the Self Service on=
line portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilm=
s/home. Customer Support is available 24/7/365.=20

*Grants.gov Applications*
Applicants who do not submit applications via SAMS Domestic may submit vi=
a www.grants.gov.=20

Please be advised that completing all the necessary registration steps fo=
r obtaining a username and password from Grants.gov *can take more than t=
wo weeks.*=20

Please refer to the Grants.gov website for definitions of various "applic=
ation statuses" and the difference between a submission receipt and a sub=
mission validation. Applicants will receive a validation e-mail from Gran=
ts.gov upon the successful submission of an application. Validation of an=
 electronic submission via Grants.gov can take up to two business days. A=
dditionally you *_must_ *remember to save ascreenshot of the checklist sh=
owing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload succes=
sfully.=20

*Grants.gov Helpdesk:*=20

For assistance with Grants.gov, please call the Contact Center at 1-800-5=
18-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 h=
ours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.=20

See https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/f=
ederal-holidays/ for a list of federal holidays.=20

*E. Application Review Information*=20

*"E.1 Proposal Review Criteria"*=20

The DRL Review Panel will evaluate each application individually against =
the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not agai=
nst competing applications. Please use the below criteria as a reference =
but *do not structure your application according to the sub-sections*.=20=


_Quality of Project Idea_=20

Applications should be responsive to the program framework and policy obj=
ectives identified in the NOFO, appropriate in the country/regional conte=
xt, and should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance t=
o DRLs mission of promoting human rights and democracy. Projects should h=
ave the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term sustai=
nable reforms. DRL prefers new approaches that do not duplicate efforts b=
y other entities. This does not exclude from consideration projects that =
improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and compleme=
ntary way. In countries where similar activities are already taking place=
, an explanation should be provided as to how new activities will not dup=
licate or merely add to existing activities and how these efforts will be=
 coordinated. Proposals that promote creative approaches to recognized on=
going challenges are highly encouraged. DRL prioritizes project proposals=
 with inclusive approaches for advancing these rights.=20

_Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives_=20

A strong application will include a clear articulation of how the propose=
d project activities contribute to the overall project objectives, and ea=
ch activity will be clearly developed and detailed. A comprehensive month=
ly work plan should demonstrate substantive undertakings and the logistic=
al capacity of the organization. Objectives should be ambitious yet measu=
rable, results-focused and achievable in a reasonable time frame. A compl=
ete application must include a logic model to demonstrate how the project=
 activities will have an impact on its proposed objectives. The logic mod=
el should match the objectives, outcomes, key activities and outputs desc=
ribed in the narrative. Applications should address how the project will =
engage relevant stakeholders and should identify local partners as approp=
riate.=20

If local partners have been identified, DRL strongly encourages applicant=
s to submit letters of support from proposed in-country partners. Additio=
nally, applicants should describe the division of labor among the direct =
applicant and any local partners. If applicable, applications should iden=
tify target geographic areas for activities, target participant groups or=
 selection criteria for participants, and the specific roles of sub-award=
ees, among other pertinent details.=20

DRL recognizes that all programs have some level of risk due to internal/=
external variables that have the potential to adversely affect a program.=
 Risk management should address how the program design incorporates the i=
dentification, assessment, and management of key risk factors. DRL will r=
eview the risk analysis based on the organizations ability to identify ri=
sks that could have an impact on the overall program as well as how the o=
rganization will manage these risks.=20

_Institutions Record and Capacity_=20

DRL will consider the past performance of prior recipients and the demons=
trated potential of new applicants. Applications should demonstrate an in=
stitutional record of successful democracy and human rights programs, inc=
luding responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporti=
ng requirements for past grants. Proposed personnel and institutional res=
ources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the project's object=
ives. Projects should have potential for continued funding beyond DRL res=
ources.=20

_Inclusivity of Marginalized Populations_=20

DRL strives to ensure its projects advance the rights and uphold the dign=
ity of all persons. The Bureau requests an inclusive programming approach=
, which should encompass marginalized populations, especially those facin=
g discrimination and violence that undermines societys collective securit=
y. To the extent possible, applicants should identify and support margina=
lized populations in all proposed project activities and objectives, and =
should provide specific analysis, measures, and corresponding targets to =
include them as appropriate. It assumes that interventions will not affec=
t all segments of society in the same way. It requires stakeholders to id=
entify and address the difference between the opportunities and barriers =
to equality and to design programs in a way that does not perpetuate ineq=
uality.=20

_Cost Effectiveness_=20

DRL strongly encourages applicants to clearly demonstrate project cost-ef=
fectiveness in their application, including examples of leveraging instit=
utional and other resources. However, cost-sharing or other examples of l=
everaging other resources are not required. Inclusion of cost-sharing in =
the budget does not result in additional points awarded during the review=
 process. Budgets should have low and/or reasonable overhead and administ=
ration costs, and applicants should provide clear explanations and justif=
ications for these costs in relation to the work involved. All budget ite=
ms should be clearly explained and justified to demonstrate necessity, ap=
propriateness, and connection to the project objectives.=20

"Please note: If cost-share is included in the budget, the recipient must=
 maintain written records to support all allowable costs that are claimed=
 as its contribution to cost-share, as well as costs to be paid by the Fe=
deral government. Such records are subject to audit. In the event the rec=
ipient does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in =
the recipients budget, DRLs contribution may be reduced in proportion to =
the recipients contribution."=20

_Multiplier Effect/Sustainability_=20

Applications should clearly delineate how elements of the project will ha=
ve a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant. A=
 good multiplier effect will have an impact beyond the direct beneficiari=
es of the grant (e.g. participants trained under a grant go on to train o=
ther people; workshop participants use skills from a workshop to enhance =
a national level election that affects the entire populace). A strong sus=
tainability plan may include demonstrating continuing impact beyond the l=
ife of a project or garnering other donor support after DRL funding cease=
s.=20

_Project Monitoring and Evaluation_=20

Complete applications will include a detailed M&E Narrative and M&E Plan,=
 which detail how the projects progress will be monitored and evaluated. =
Incorporating well-designed monitoring and evaluation processes into a pr=
oject is an efficient method for documenting the change (intended and uni=
ntended) that a project seeks. Applications should demonstrate the capaci=
ty to provide objectives with measurable outputs and outcomes.=20

The quality of the M&E sections will be judged on the narrative explainin=
g how both monitoring and evaluation will be carried out and who will be =
responsible for those related activities. The M&ENarrative should explain=
 how an external evaluation will be incorporated into the project impleme=
ntation plan or how the project will be systematically assessed in the ab=
sence of one. Please see the section on "Monitoring and Evaluation Narrat=
ive" in the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information o=
n what is required in the narrative.=20

The output and outcome-based performance indicators should not only be se=
parated by project objectives but also should match the objectives, outco=
mes, and outputs detailed in the logic model and proposal narrative. Perf=
ormance indicators should be clearly defined (i.e., explained how the ind=
icators will be measured and reported) either within the table or with a =
separate Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS). For each performan=
ce indicator, the table should also include baselines and quarterly and c=
umulative targets, data collection tools, data sources, types of data dis=
aggregation, and frequency of monitoring and evaluation. There should als=
o be metrics to capture how project activities target those discriminated=
 against or marginalized populations or addresses their concerns, where a=
pplicable. Please see the section on "Monitoring and Evaluation Plan" in =
the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information on what i=
s required in the plan.=20

*"E.2 Review and Selection Process"*=20

DRL strives to ensure that each application receives a balanced evaluatio=
n by a DRL Review Panel. The Departments Office of Acquisitions Managemen=
t (AQM) will determine technical eligibility for all applications. All te=
chnically eligible applications for a given NOFO are reviewed against the=
 same seven criteria, which include quality of project idea, project plan=
ning/ability to achieve objectives, institutional record and capacity, in=
clusive programming, cost effectiveness, multiplier effect/sustainability=
, and project monitoring and evaluation.=20

Additionally, the DRL Review Panel will evaluate how the application addr=
esses the NOFO request, U.S. foreign policy goals, and the priority needs=
 of DRL overall. DRL may also take into consideration the balance of the =
current portfolio of active projects, including geographic or thematic di=
versity, if needed.=20

In most cases, the DRL Review Panel includes representatives from DRL, th=
e appropriate Department of State regional bureau (to include feedback fr=
om U.S. embassies), and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)=
 (to include feedback from USAID missions). In some cases, additional pan=
elists may participate, including from other Department of State bureaus =
or offices, U.S. government departments, agencies, or boards, representat=
ives from partner governments, or representatives from entities that are =
in a public-private partnership with DRL. At the end of the panels discus=
sion about an application, the Panel votes on recommending the applicatio=
n for approval by the DRL Assistant Secretary. If more applications are u=
ltimately recommended for approval than DRL can fund, the Panel will rank=
 the recommended applications in priority order for consideration by the =
DRL Assistant Secretary. The Grants Officer Representative (GOR) for the =
eventual award does not vote on the panel. All Panelists must sign non-di=
sclosure agreements and conflicts of interest agreements.=20

DRL Review Panels may provide conditions and recommendations on applicati=
ons to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the appli=
cant before further consideration of the award. To ensure effective use o=
f DRL funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increa=
se, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.=20

*F. Federal Award Administration Information*=20

*"F.1 Federal Award Notices"*=20

DRL will provide a separate notification to applicants on the result of t=
heir applications. Successful applicants will receive a letter electronic=
ally via email requesting that the applicant respond to Panel conditions =
and recommendations. This notification is not an authorization to begin a=
ctivities and does not constitute formal approval or a funding commitment=
.=20

Final approval is contingent on the applicant successfully responding to =
the Panels conditions and recommendations, being registered in required s=
ystems, including the U.S. governments Payment Management System (PMS), u=
nless an exemption is provided, and completing and providing any addition=
al documentation requested by DRL or AQM. Final approval is also continge=
nt on Congressional notification requirements being met and final review =
and approval by the Departments warranted Grants Officer.=20

The notice of Federal award signed by the Departments warranted Grants Of=
ficers is the sole authorizing document. If awarded, the notice of Federa=
l award will be provided to the applicants designated Authorizing Officia=
l via SAMS Domestic to be electronically counter-signed in the system.=20=


*"F.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements"*=20

The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requir=
ements for Federal Awards set forth in 2 CFR Chapter 200 (Sub-Chapters A =
through F) shall apply to all non-Federal entities, except for assistance=
 awards to Individuals and Foreign Public Entities. Sub-Chapters A throug=
h E shall apply to all foreign organizations, and Sub-Chapters A through =
D shall apply to all U.S. and foreign for-profit entities.=20

The applicant/recipient of the award and any sub-recipient under the awar=
d must comply with all applicable terms and conditions, in addition to th=
e assurance and certifications made part of the Notice of Award. The Depa=
rtments Standard Terms and Conditions can be viewed at  [ http://www.stat=
e.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm ]https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm.=20

*"F.3 Reporting"*=20

Applicants should be aware that DRL awards will require that all reports =
(financial and progress) are uploaded to the grant file in SAMS Domestic =
on a quarterly basis. The Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425) is the=
 required form for the financial reports and must be submitted in PMS as =
well as a copy from PMS then uploaded to the grant file in SAMS Domestic.=
 The progress reports uploaded to the grant file in SAMS Domestic must a =
narrative as described below; and Project Indicators (or other mutually a=
greed upon format approved by the Grants Officer) for the F Framework ind=
icators.=20

Narrative progress reports should reflect the focus on measuring the proj=
ects impact on the overarching objectives and should be compiled accordin=
g to the objectives, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in the awards Scop=
e of Work (SOW) and in the Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative. An assess=
ment of the overall projects impact should be included in each progress r=
eport. Where relevant, progress reports should include the following sect=
ions:=20

 Relevant contextual information (limited);=20

 Explanation and evaluation of significant activities of the reporting pe=
riod and how the activities reflect progress toward achieving objectives,=
 including meeting benchmarks/targets as set in the M&Eplan. In addition,=
 attach the M&E plan, comparing the target and actual numbers for the ind=
icators;=20

 Any tangible impact or success stories from the project, when possible;=20=


 Copy of mid-term and/or final evaluation report(s) conducted by an exter=
nal evaluator; if applicable;=20

 Relevant supporting documentation or products related to the project act=
ivities (such as articles, meeting lists and agendas, participant surveys=
, photos, manuals, etc.) as separate attachments;=20

 Description of how the Recipient is pursuing sustainability, including l=
ooking for sources of follow-on funding;=20

 Any problems/challenges in implementing the project and a corrective act=
ion plan with an updated timeline of activities;=20

 Reasons why established goals were not met;=20

 Data for the required F Framework indicator(s) for the quarter as well a=
s aggregate data by fiscal year: Program Indicators or other mutually agr=
eed upon format approved by the Grants Officer.=20

 Proposed activities for the next quarter;=20

 Additional pertinent information, including analysis and explanation of =
cost overruns or high unit costs, if applicable.=20

A final narrative and financial report must also be submitted within 90 d=
ays after the expiration of the award.=20

Please note: Delays in reporting may result in delays of payment approval=
s and failure to provide required reports may jeopardize the recipient's =
ability to receive future U.S. government funds.=20

DRL reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or fina=
ncial project information during the award period.=20

*G. Contact Information*=20

For technical submission questions related to this NOFO, please contact D=
RL-EUR-ProgramInfo@state.gov.=20

For assistance with SAMS Domestic accounts and technical issues related t=
o the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at 1-888-313-456=
7 (toll charges for international callers) or through the Self Service on=
line portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilm=
s/home. Customer Support is available 24/7/365.=20

Please note, establishing an account in SAMS Domestic may require the use=
 of smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant doe=
s not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of creating an a=
ccount, please contact the helpdesk and request and instructions on MFA f=
or Windows PC.=20

For assistance with Grants.gov accounts and technical issues related to u=
sing the system, please call the Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or emai=
l support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, sev=
en days a week, except federal holidays.=20

For a list of federal holidays visit:=20

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/feder=
al-holidays/=20

With the exception of technical submission questions, during the NOFO per=
iod U.S. Department of State staff in Washington and overseas shall not d=
iscuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review =
process has been completed and rejection and approval letters have been t=
ransmitted.=20

*H. Other Information*=20

Applicants should be aware that DRL understands that some information con=
tained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and wil=
l make appropriate efforts to protect such information. However, applican=
ts are advised that DRL cannot guarantee that such information will not b=
e disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) =
or other similar statutes.=20

The information in this NOFO and DRLs Proposal Submission Instructions fo=
r Applications using SAMS Domestic Updated October 2017 is binding and ma=
y not be modified by any DRLrepresentative. Explanatory information provi=
ded by DRL that contradicts this language will not be binding. Issuance o=
f the NOFO and negotiation of applications does not constitute an award c=
ommitment on the part of the U.S. government. DRL reserves the right to r=
educe, revise, or increase proposal budgets.=20

This NOFO will appear on www.grants.gov, SAMS Domestic and DRLs website h=
ttp://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm.=20

_Background Information on DRL and general DRL funding_=20

DRL has the mission of promoting democracy and protecting human rights gl=
obally. DRL supports projects that uphold democratic principles, support =
and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, prevent atr=
ocities, combat and prevent violent extremism, and build civil society ar=
ound the world. DRL typically focuses its work in countries with egregiou=
s human rights violations, where democracy and human rights advocates are=
 under pressure and where governments are undemocratic or in transition.=20=


Additional background information on DRL and its efforts can be found on =
www.state.gov/j/drl [ http://www.state.gov/j/drl ].=20

"The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this=
 site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endo=
rsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein."

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<head>
<title>    Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor: Bureau of Democracy, Human=
 Rights and Labor (DRL) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Supporting =
Civil Society and Media in Ukraine
</title>


</head>
<body style=3D"">

      <table width=3D"700" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"=
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  <p>You are subscribed to Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor for U.S. De=
partment of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now=
 available.</p><div class=3D"rss_item" style=3D"margin-bottom: 2em;">
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/www.state.gov/j/drl/p/279384.htm">Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor: Bu=
reau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) Notice of Funding Opportu=
nity (NOFO): Supporting Civil Society and Media in Ukraine</a></div>
<div class=3D"rss_pub_date" style=3D"font-size: 90%; font-style: italic; =
color: #666666; margin: 0 0 0.3em; padding: 0;">03/20/2018 08:45 AM EDT</=
div>
<br>
<div class=3D"rss_description" style=3D"margin: 0 0 0.3em; padding: 0;">
<!-- TOP-META START -->
<div id=3D"date_long">March 19, 2018</div>
<br>
<!-- TOP-META END -->
<hr class=3D"separator">
<p> </p>
<!-- CENTERBLOCK START -->
<div id=3D"centerblock">
<p>
=09This is the announcement of funding opportunity number SFOP0004199
</p>

<p>
=09<b>Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:</b> 19.345
</p>

<p>
=09<b>Application Deadline:</b> May 18, 2018
</p>

<p>
=09<b><u>For new application submission instructions, see Section D below=
.</u></b>
</p>

<p>
=09<b>A. Project Description</b>
</p>

<p>
=09The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and La=
bor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in s=
ubmitting applications for projects that support civil society and media =
in Ukraine.
</p>

<p align=3D"center">
=09**
</p>

<p>
=09DRL invites organizations to submit proposals in response to the follo=
wing project. Each organization can submit up to two (2) proposals in res=
ponse to this NOFO. DRL aims to fund one organization for each project, p=
ending availability of funding.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>Local-level Civil Society Anti-Corruption Oversight in Ukraine (=
$750,000)</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL's goal is to continue building the capacity of local level civil s=
ociety and media to conduct oversight of local government and hold it acc=
ountable for implementing anti-corruption measures. Proposals may focus o=
n assisting civil society and media to conduct oversight of local or regi=
onal government budgets and to counter specific types of corruption or co=
rruption in particular social spheres, such as politics, education, and h=
ealth care. The program should support the education and engagement of ci=
tizens and journalists to monitor those sectors and activities where corr=
uption frequently occurs; reporting the results to authorities, media, an=
d the wider public; and monitoring government responses. Proposals may in=
clude support for constructive engagement between civil society and gover=
nment stakeholders to: strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, facilitate =
the implementation of best practices in countering corruption, and urge a=
ction in specific cases.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>Improving Financial Sustainability of Independent Media in Ukrai=
ne ($800,000)</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL's goal is to support the development and replication of financial =
sustainability models for independent broadcast and other media throughou=
t regional cities of Ukraine. The project should equip broadcast and othe=
r media outlets with business tools and technical skills to increase and =
maintain audience share and increase income, as well as adapt to new real=
ities of mobile- and social media-based news consumption. The project sho=
uld provide participating media outlets with both demand-driven trainings=
 as well as longer-term, individualized consultations and mentoring on a =
range of aspects of running a modern media business. These topics may inc=
lude: how to professionally market content to advertisers, audience expan=
sion, business diversification, monetizing online content, sales analysis=
, transitioning into convergent online formats, among many others. The pr=
oject may include a small grants component and include a skills building =
component based on the specific needs of individual media outlets.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>Supporting Public Oversight of Security Services in Ukraine ($65=
0,000)</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL's goal is to support civil society efforts to provide effective pu=
blic oversight of the activities of the GOU security services, including =
forces under the SBU, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, and othe=
rs. While Ukraine's new patrol police embody the promise of a new, reform=
ed police force that respects the rights of citizens and is not hindered =
by corruption, other law enforcement, defense, and intelligence entities =
remain unreformed and, according to some reports, at times still engage i=
n human rights abuses and corruption. The program should encourage civil =
society's involvement in public oversight to promote systemic reform in s=
tate security services; empower grass-roots civil society to press for ch=
ange; and encourage regular government engagement and consultation with c=
ivil society. Activities may include monitoring of and reporting on incid=
ents of human rights violations, overreach of authorities, and corruption=
; training civil society in how to form and effectively participate in pu=
blic oversight mechanisms and effectively share and publicize findings; a=
dvocacy regarding implementation of existing reforms and for development =
of new rights-respecting reforms of the security services in consultation=
 with societal stakeholders; visitation of detention centers by civil soc=
iety monitors; efforts to educate the public, lawyers, journalists, and s=
ecurity forces themselves on human rights topics related to the operation=
s of the security services. Proposals should demonstrate experience with =
public oversight in countries where such institutions are well developed =
and have applicable lessons for the Ukrainian context.
</p>

<p align=3D"center">
=09**
</p>

<p>
=09Projects should aim to have impact that leads to democratic reforms, a=
nd should have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources. DRL=
=92s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new an=
d creative approaches. This does not exclude from consideration projects =
that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and com=
plementary way.
</p>

<p>
=09To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result(=
s) from this NOFO, DRL reserves the right to execute a non-competitive co=
ntinuation amendment(s). Any non-competitive continuation is contingent o=
n performance and availability of funds. A non-competitive continuation i=
s not guaranteed; the Department of State reserves the right to exercise =
or not exercise the option to issue non-competitive continuation amendmen=
t(s).
</p>

<p>
=09Activities that are <b>not</b> typically considered competitive includ=
e, but are not limited to:
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 The provision of large amounts of humanitarian assistance;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 English language instruction;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/o=
r hardware;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country ini=
tiatives and impact or are not necessary for security concerns;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, incl=
uding projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not inc=
orporate training or capacity-building for local civil society;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than curr=
ent residents of targeted countries.
</p>

<p>
=09DRL may ask successful applicant(s) to incorporate coordination of an =
implementer and stakeholder meeting into the Scope of Work of the final p=
roject. DRL will discuss this possibility with particular applicant(s) du=
ring the proposal negotiation phase.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>B. Federal Award Information</b>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL anticipates having approximately $2,200,000 of FY17 AEECA availabl=
e to support approximately three successful applications submitted in res=
ponse to this NOFO, subject to the availability of funding. Applicants ca=
n submit up to two applications in response to the NOFO.
</p>

<p>
=09Applicants should not request less than $600,000 and no more than the =
ceiling (as specified in the project descriptions). Applicants should inc=
lude an anticipated start date between August 2018 =96 October 2018 and t=
he period of performance should be between 24-30 months.
</p>

<p>
=09The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept=
 other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one applica=
tion, and (d) waive informalities and minor irregularities in application=
s received.
</p>

<p>
=09The U.S. government may make award(s) on the basis of initial applicat=
ions received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initi=
al application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and =
technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right (though it i=
s not under obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with=
 one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional det=
ail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or oth=
er aspects of an application.
</p>

<p>
=09DRL anticipates awarding either a grant or cooperative agreement depen=
ding on the needs and risk factors of the program. The final determinatio=
n on mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer. The distinction betwee=
n grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of =93s=
ubstantial involvement.=94 Cooperative agreements require greater Federal=
 government participation in the project. If a cooperative agreement is a=
warded, DRL will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary subs=
tantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement can include, but=
 are not limited to:
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=091) Active participation or collaboration with the recipient in the imp=
lementation of the award.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=092) Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=093) Review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed subawards=
 or contracts.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=094) Approval of the recipient=92s budget or plan of work prior to the a=
ward.
</p>

<p>
=09The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Ass=
istance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).
</p>

<p>
=09<b>C. Eligibility Information</b>
</p>

<p>
=09<b><u>For application information, please see the proposal submission =
instructions on our website.</u></b>
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>C.1 Eligible Applicants</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit=
 organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international=
 organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher educatio=
n; and for-profit organizations or businesses. DRL=92s preference is to w=
ork with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a=
 for-profit entity is best suited.
</p>

<p>
=09Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additi=
onal review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Depa=
rtment of State generally prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial or=
ganizations under its assistance awards. Profit is defined as any amount =
in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of cos=
ts incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with =
the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, =
Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Pri=
nciples and Procedures.
</p>

<p>
=09Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an elig=
ibility factor or requirement for this NOFO, and providing cost share wil=
l not result in a more favorable competitive ranking.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>C.3 Other</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09Applicants should have existing, or the capacity to develop, active pa=
rtnerships with thematic or in-country partners, entities and relevant st=
akeholders, including private sector partners and NGOs, and have demonstr=
able experience in administering successful and preferably similar projec=
ts. DRL encourages applications from foreign-based NGOs headquartered in =
the geographic regions/countries relevant to this NOFO. Applicants may fo=
rm consortia and submit a combined application. However, one organization=
 should be designated as the lead applicant with the other members as sub=
-award partners. DRLreserves the right to request additional background i=
nformation on applicants that do not have previous experience administeri=
ng federal grant awards, and these applicants may be subject to limited f=
unding on a pilot basis.
</p>

<p>
=09DRL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its projec=
ts and activities. DRL welcomes applications irrespective of race, ethnic=
ity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender id=
entity, disability, or other status.
</p>

<p>
=09Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System=
 for Award Management (SAM)(www.sam.gov) 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), =93Debarment and Suspension.=94 Additionally no =
entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can particip=
ate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encoura=
ged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that =
no ineligible entity is included in their application.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>D. Application and Submission Information</b>
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.1 </i></b><b><i>Address to Request Application Package</i></b>=

</p>

<p>
=09Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed=
 to apply on www.grants.gov and SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-n=
ow.com) under the announcement title =93Supporting Civil Society and Medi=
a in Ukraine=94 funding opportunity number =93SFOP0004199.=94 Please cont=
act the DRL point of contact listed in section G if requesting reasonable=
 accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Pl=
ease note: reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.2</i></b><b> <i>Content and Form of Application Submission</i>=
</b>
</p>

<p>
=09For all application documents, please ensure:
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=091) All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. dollars. If =
an original document within the application is in another language, an En=
glish translation must be provided (please note: the Department of State,=
 as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official lan=
guage of all award documents. If any document is provided in both English=
 and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling =
version);
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=092) All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=093) All documents are formatted to 8 =BD x 11 paper; and,
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=094) All documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, wit=
h 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10 point Times New Roman =
font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be refor=
matted to fit within 1 page width.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.2.1 Application Requirements</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09Complete applications <u>must</u> include the following:
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=091. Completed and signed <b>SF-424</b>,<b> SF-424A</b>, and <b>SF-424B<=
/b> forms.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=092. If your organization engages in lobbying the U.S. government includ=
ing Congress, or pays for another entity to lobby on your behalf, the <b>=
SF-LLL</b> =93Disclosure of Lobbying Activities=94 form is also required.=

</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=093. <b>Cover Page</b> (not to exceed one [1] page, preferably in Micros=
oft Word) that includes a table with the name of the organization, projec=
t title, target country/countries, thematic area, project synopsis, and n=
ame and contact information for the application=92s main point of contact=
.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=094. <b>Executive Summary</b> (not to exceed one [1] page, preferably in=
 Microsoft Word) that outlines project goals, objectives, and activities.=

</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=095. <b>Table of Contents</b> (not to exceed one [1] page, preferably in=
 Microsoft Word) listing all documents and attachments, with page numbers=
.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=096. <b>Proposal Narrative</b> (not to exceed ten [10] pages, preferably=
 in Microsoft Word). Please note the ten page limit does not include the =
Table of Contents, Cover Page, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narra=
tive, or Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Applicants are =
encouraged to combine multiple documents in a single Word Document or PDF=
 (i.e., Cover Page, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and Proposal Na=
rrative in one file).
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=097. <b>Budget</b> (preferably as an Excel workbook) that includes three=
 [3] columns containing the request to DRL, any cost sharing contribution=
, and the total budget. A summary budget should also be included using th=
e OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate =
tab. Costs must be in U.S. dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for subgra=
ntees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if=
 available at the time of submission).
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=098. <b>Budget Narrative</b> (preferably as a Word Document) that includ=
es substantive explanations and justifications for each line-item in the =
detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of a=
ll cost-share offered.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=099. Your organization=92s most recent A-133<b> audit</b> (if applicable=
), F Audit, or standard audit. Please see <i>Audit</i> section 2F below f=
or more information.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=0910. <b>Logic Model</b> (not to exceed two [2] pages, preferably in Mic=
rosoft Word).
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=0911. <b>Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative</b> (not to exceed two [2] =
pages).
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=0912. <b>Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Indicator Table</b> (not =
to exceed four [4] pages in Microsoft Word).
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=0913. <b>Risk Analysis</b> (not to exceed one [1] page, preferably in Mi=
crosoft Word).
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=0914. <b>Key Personnel</b> (not to exceed one [1] page total, preferably=
 as a Word Document): Please include short bios that demonstrate relevant=
 professional experience. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommende=
d for submission.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=0915. <b>Timeline</b> (not to exceed one [1] page): The timeline of the =
overall proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and progr=
am closeout.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>Applications that do not include the elements listed above will be =
deemed technically ineligible. </b>
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.2.2 Additional Application Documents</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09Strong applications will also contain the following:
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Individual Letters of Support and/or Memorandum of Understanding. =
Letters of support and MOUs must be specific to the project implementatio=
n (e.g. from proposed partners or sub-award recipients) and will not coun=
t towards the page limit.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions on DRL=92s =
website for detailed guidance on the documents above:</i></b> <a href=3D"=
http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3DZWFzPTEmbWFpbGl=
uZ2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE4MDMyMC44=
NzI0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYWlsaWQ9bG91a0B0c=
mFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdG=
l2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&101&&&http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/27=
5216.pdf"><b><i>http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/275216.pdf</i=
></b></a><b><i>. For an application checklist and sample templates please=
 see the Resources page on DRL=92s website:</i></b><a href=3D"http://link=
s.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3DZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMT=
gwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MSZ=
kYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYWlsaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFu=
LmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlS=
WQ9JiYm&&&102&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm"><b><i>http://www=
.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm</i></b></a><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>The sample=
 templates provided on the DRL website are suggested, but not mandatory.<=
/i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL reserves the right to request additional documents not included in=
 this NOFO. Additionally, to ensure that all applications receive a balan=
ced evaluation, the DRL Review Panel will review from the first page of e=
ach section up to the page limit and no further.
</p>

<p>
=09Note: If ultimately provided with a notification of non-binding intent=
 to make a Federal award, applicants typically have two to three weeks to=
 provide additional information and documents requested in the notificati=
on of intent. The deadlines may vary in each notification of intent and a=
pplicants must adhere to the stated deadline in the notification of inten=
t.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.2.3 Additional Information Requested For Those Receiving Notif=
ication of Intent</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09Successful applicants must submit after notification of intent to make=
 a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award:
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Written responses and revised application documents addressing con=
ditions and recommendations from the DRL Review Panel;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 If your organization has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the=
 budget, your latest NICRA as a PDF file.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Completion of the Department=92s Financial Management Survey, if r=
eceiving DRL funding for the first time;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Submission of required documents to register in the Payment Manage=
ment System managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, if re=
ceiving DRL funding for the first time (unless an exemption is provided);=

</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Other requested information or documents included in the notificat=
ion of intent to make a Federal award or subsequent communications prior =
to issuance of a Federal award.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SA=
M)</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another co=
untry, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), formerly referred to a=
s DUNS, and an active registration with the SAM.gov <b>before submitting =
an application</b>. DRL may <u>not</u> review applications from or make a=
wards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.go=
v requirements. 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.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>Note: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take a=
nywhere from 4-8 weeks. <u>Please begin your registration as early as pos=
sible</u>.</i></b>
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 If you are based<b> in the United States</b> or pay employees with=
in the United States, prior to registering in SAM.gov you will need an Em=
ployer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS=
) and a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 If you are based <b>outside of the United States</b> and do not pa=
y employees within the United States, you do not need an EIN from the IRS=
. However, you will need a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code before you can have an =
active registration in SAM.gov.
</p>

<p>
=09All organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.gov regist=
ration with current information at all times during which they have an ac=
tive Federal award or application under consideration by a Federal award =
agency. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a =
year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM. It is the=
 responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration =
in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has =
not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the =
applicant may be deemed unqualified to receive an award and use that dete=
rmination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.
</p>

<p>
=09For further guidance on the registration process, please see the SAM.g=
ov Registration Guide on DRL=92s website:<a href=3D"http://links.govdeliv=
ery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3DZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3=
MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZ=
WlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYWlsaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2=
VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&=
103&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm"> </a><a href=3D"http://lin=
ks.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3DZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwM=
TgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MS=
ZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYWlsaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWF=
uLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRl=
SWQ9JiYm&&&104&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm">http://www.stat=
e.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm</a>. Please refer to 2 CFR 25.200 for additional=
 information.
</p>

<p>
=09Please note the registration process for SAM.gov is free.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>In October 2017, new information was added to the www.SAM.gov we=
bsite to help international registrations, including =93Quick Start Guide=
 for International Registrations=94 and =93Helpful Hints=94. Navigate to =
SAM.gov, click HELP in the top navigation bar, then click International R=
egistrants in the left navigation panel.</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.3.1 Exemptions</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09An exemption from these requirements may be permitted on a case-by-cas=
e basis if:
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 An applicant=92s identity must be protected due to potential endan=
germent of their mission, their organization=92s status, their employees,=
 or individuals being served by the applicant.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>* Organizations requesting exemption from SAM.gov, NCAGE, and UEI s=
hould email the point of contact in the NOFO<i>. </i>If establishing your=
 SAM.gov account as private rather than public view, please notify DRL at=
 the time of submission.</b>
</p>

<p>
=09<i>Note: Foreign organizations will be required to register with the N=
ATO Support Agency (NSPA) to receive a NCAGE code in order to register in=
 SAM.gov. NSPA will forward your registration request to the applicable N=
ational Codification Bureau (NCB) if your organization is located in a NA=
TO or Tier 2 Sponsored Non-NATO Nation. As of March 2016, NATO nations in=
cluded Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denma=
rk, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Li=
thuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slov=
akia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States of A=
merica; and Tier 2 nations included Australia, Austria, Brazil, Finland, =
Israel, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Serbia, and Si=
ngapore.</i>
</p>

<p>
=09<i>NSPA and/or the appropriate NCB forwards all NCAGE code information=
 to all Allied Committee 135 (AC/135) nations, which as of March 2016 als=
o included Afghanistan, Argentina, Belarus, Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina, Bru=
nei Darussalam, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Japan,=
 Jordan, Montenegro, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Af=
rica, Sweden, Thailand, Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, and the United Ar=
ab Emirates. <b><u>All organizations are strongly advised to take this in=
to consideration when assessing whether registration may result in possib=
le endangerment</u>.</b></i>
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.4 Submission Dates and Times </i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09<b>Applications are due no later than<u> 11:59 p.m</u>. Eastern Standa=
rd Time (EST), on Friday, May 18, 2018 on </b><b>www.grants.gov</b><b> or=
 </b><b>SAMS Domestic </b>(https://mygrants.service-now.com)<b> under the=
 announcement title =93Supporting Civil Society and Media in Ukraine,=94 =
funding opportunity number =93SFOP0004199.=94</b>
</p>

<p>
=09Grants.gov and SAMS Domestic automatically log the date and time an ap=
plication submission is made, and the Department of State will use this i=
nformation to determine whether an application has been submitted on time=
. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered unless the DRL po=
int of contact listed in section G is contacted prior to the deadline and=
 is provided with evidence of system errors caused by www.grants.gov or S=
AMS Domestic that is outside of the applicant=92s control and is the sole=
 reason for a late submission. Applicants should not expect a notificatio=
n upon DRL receiving their application.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.5 Funding Restrictions</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL will not consider applications that reflect any type of support fo=
r any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist orga=
nization.
</p>

<p>
=09Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries o=
r paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for DRL fundi=
ng given purpose limitations on funding.
</p>

<p>
=09The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from suppo=
rting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible=
 information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human right=
s. Per <a href=3D"http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=
=3DZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELU=
JVTC0yMDE4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmV=
tYWlsaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZm=
bD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&105&&&https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pk=
g/USCODE-2015-title22/html/USCODE-2015-title22-chap32-subchapIII-partI-se=
c2378d.htm">22 USC =A72378d(a) (2015),</a> =93No assistance shall be furn=
ished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control =
Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign=
 country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such uni=
t has committed a gross violation of human rights.=94 Restrictions may ap=
ply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among =
these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as=
 amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity m=
ay be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country w=
hen there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross vi=
olation of human rights. In accordance with the requirements of section 6=
20M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, project beneficiaries or par=
ticipants from a foreign government=92s security forces may need to be ve=
tted by the Department before the provision of any assistance.
</p>

<p>
=09If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance t=
o foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is =
required. Federal awards generally will not allow reimbursement of pre-aw=
ard costs; however, the Grants Officer may approve pre-award costs on a c=
ase-by-case basis. Generally, construction costs are not allowed under DR=
L awards. For additional information, please see the DRL Proposal Submiss=
ion Instructions for Applications using SAMS Domestic Updated October 201=
7: <a href=3D"http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3DZ=
WFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC=
0yMDE4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYWl=
saWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0m=
ZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&106&&&http://www.state.gov/documents/o=
rganization/275216.pdf"><b><i>http://www.state.gov/documents/organization=
/275216.pdf</i></b></a>
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>D.6 Application Submission</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09All application submissions must be made electronically via www.grants=
.gov or SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com). Both systems re=
quire registration by the applying organization. Please note: the Grants.=
gov registration process can take 10 business days or longer, even if all=
 registration steps are completed in a timely manner.
</p>

<p>
=09It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an act=
ive registration in SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov. Applicants are required =
to document that the application has been received by SAMSDomestic or Gra=
nts.gov in its entirety. DRL bears no responsibility for disqualification=
 that result from applicants not being registered before the due date, fo=
r system errors in either SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov, or other errors in=
 the application process. Additionally you <u>must </u>save a screen shot=
 of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fa=
ils to upload successfully.
</p>

<p>
=09Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will <b><u>not</u></b> be accep=
ted. Reasonable accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be prov=
ided to applicants with disabilities or for security reasons. Applicants =
must follow all formatting instructions in the applicable NOFO and these =
instructions.
</p>

<p>
=09DRL encourages organizations to <b><u>submit applications during norma=
l business hours</u></b> (Monday =96 Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM Eastern Time=
). If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted t=
he appropriate helpdesk but is not receiving timely assistance (e.g. if y=
ou have not received a response within 48 hours of contacting the helpdes=
k), you may contact the DRL point of contact listed in the NOFO in sectio=
n G. The point of contact may assist in contacting the appropriate helpde=
sk, but an applicant should also document their efforts in contacting the=
 helpdesk. Applicants may also contact the DRL point of contact listed in=
 the NOFO if experiencing technical issues with grants.gov or SAMS Domest=
ic that may result in a late submission.
</p>

<p>
=09Applicants experiencing technical difficulties should follow these thr=
ee steps:
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=091. Contact the helpdesk for either Grants.gov or SAMS Domestic immedia=
tely.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=092. Document (including screenshots) technical issues AND efforts to co=
ntact the helpdesk.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=093. Submit all of the required documents to the DRL point of contact li=
sted in the NOFO before the deadline.
</p>

<p>
=09<i>Note: The Procurement Office/Grant Office will determine technical =
eligibility of all applications.</i>
</p>

<p>
=09<b>SAMS Domestic Applications:</b>
</p>

<p>
=09Applicants using SAMS Domestic for the first time should complete thei=
r =93New Organization Registration.=94 To register with SAMS Domestic, cl=
ick =93Login to https://mygrants.service-now.com=94 and follow the =93cre=
ate an account=94 link.
</p>

<p>
=09Organizations <b><u>must </u></b>remember to save a screen shot of the=
 checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to =
upload successfully.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>SAMS Domestic Help Desk</b>:<br>
=09For assistance with SAMS Domestic accounts and technical issues relate=
d to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at 1-888-313-=
4567 (toll charges for international callers) or through the Self Service=
 online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/=
ilms/home. Customer Support is available 24/7/365.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>Grants.gov Applications</b><br>
=09Applicants who do not submit applications via SAMS Domestic may submit=
 via www.grants.gov.
</p>

<p>
=09Please be advised that completing all the necessary registration steps=
 for obtaining a username and password from Grants.gov <b>can take more t=
han two weeks.</b>
</p>

<p>
=09Please refer to the Grants.gov website for definitions of various "app=
lication statuses" and the difference between a submission receipt and a =
submission validation. Applicants will receive a validation e-mail from G=
rants.gov upon the successful submission of an application. Validation of=
 an electronic submission via Grants.gov can take up to two business days=
. Additionally you <b><u>must</u> </b>remember to save ascreenshot of the=
 checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to =
upload successfully.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>Grants.gov Helpdesk:</b>
</p>

<p>
=09For assistance with Grants.gov, please call the Contact Center at 1-80=
0-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 2=
4 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.
</p>

<p>
=09See <a href=3D"http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=
=3DZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELU=
JVTC0yMDE4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmV=
tYWlsaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZm=
bD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&107&&&https://www.opm.gov/policy-d=
ata-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/">https://www.op=
m.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/</=
a> for a list of federal holidays.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>E. Application Review Information</b>
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>E.1 Proposal Review Criteria</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09The DRL Review Panel will evaluate each application individually again=
st the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not a=
gainst competing applications. Please use the below criteria as a referen=
ce but <b>do not structure your application according to the sub-sections=
</b>.
</p>

<p>
=09<u>Quality of Project Idea</u>
</p>

<p>
=09Applications should be responsive to the program framework and policy =
objectives identified in the NOFO, appropriate in the country/regional co=
ntext, and should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevanc=
e to DRL=92s mission of promoting human rights and democracy. Projects sh=
ould have the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term =
sustainable reforms. DRL prefers new approaches that do not duplicate eff=
orts by other entities. This does not exclude from consideration projects=
 that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and co=
mplementary way. In countries where similar activities are already taking=
 place, an explanation should be provided as to how new activities will n=
ot duplicate or merely add to existing activities and how these efforts w=
ill be coordinated. Proposals that promote creative approaches to recogni=
zed ongoing challenges are highly encouraged. DRL prioritizes project pro=
posals with inclusive approaches for advancing these rights.
</p>

<p>
=09<u>Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives</u>
</p>

<p>
=09A strong application will include a clear articulation of how the prop=
osed project activities contribute to the overall project objectives, and=
 each activity will be clearly developed and detailed. A comprehensive mo=
nthly work plan should demonstrate substantive undertakings and the logis=
tical capacity of the organization. Objectives should be ambitious yet me=
asurable, results-focused and achievable in a reasonable time frame. A co=
mplete application must include a logic model to demonstrate how the proj=
ect activities will have an impact on its proposed objectives. The logic =
model should match the objectives, outcomes, key activities and outputs d=
escribed in the narrative. Applications should address how the project wi=
ll engage relevant stakeholders and should identify local partners as app=
ropriate.
</p>

<p>
=09If local partners have been identified, DRL strongly encourages applic=
ants to submit letters of support from proposed in-country partners. Addi=
tionally, applicants should describe the division of labor among the dire=
ct applicant and any local partners. If applicable, applications should i=
dentify target geographic areas for activities, target participant groups=
 or selection criteria for participants, and the specific roles of sub-aw=
ardees, among other pertinent details.
</p>

<p>
=09DRL recognizes that all programs have some level of risk due to intern=
al/external variables that have the potential to adversely affect a progr=
am. Risk management should address how the program design incorporates th=
e identification, assessment, and management of key risk factors. DRL wil=
l review the risk analysis based on the organization=92s ability to ident=
ify risks that could have an impact on the overall program as well as how=
 the organization will manage these risks.
</p>

<p>
=09<u>Institution=92s Record and Capacity</u>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL will consider the past performance of prior recipients and the dem=
onstrated potential of new applicants. Applications should demonstrate an=
 institutional record of successful democracy and human rights programs, =
including responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all repo=
rting requirements for past grants. Proposed personnel and institutional =
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the project's obj=
ectives. Projects should have potential for continued funding beyond DRL =
resources.
</p>

<p>
=09<u>Inclusivity of Marginalized Populations</u>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL strives to ensure its projects advance the rights and uphold the d=
ignity of all persons. The Bureau requests an inclusive programming appro=
ach, which should encompass marginalized populations, especially those fa=
cing discrimination and violence that undermines society=92s collective s=
ecurity. To the extent possible, applicants should identify and support m=
arginalized populations in all proposed project activities and objectives=
, and should provide specific analysis, measures, and corresponding targe=
ts to include them as appropriate. It assumes that interventions will not=
 affect all segments of society in the same way. It requires stakeholders=
 to identify and address the difference between the opportunities and bar=
riers to equality and to design programs in a way that does not perpetuat=
e inequality.
</p>

<p>
=09<u>Cost Effectiveness</u>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL strongly encourages applicants to clearly demonstrate project cost=
-effectiveness in their application, including examples of leveraging ins=
titutional and other resources. However, cost-sharing or other examples o=
f leveraging other resources are not required. Inclusion of cost-sharing =
in the budget does not result in additional points awarded during the rev=
iew process. Budgets should have low and/or reasonable overhead and admin=
istration costs, and applicants should provide clear explanations and jus=
tifications for these costs in relation to the work involved. All budget =
items should be clearly explained and justified to demonstrate necessity,=
 appropriateness, and connection to the project objectives.
</p>

<p>
=09<i>Please note: If cost-share is included in the budget, the recipient=
 must maintain written records to support all allowable costs that are cl=
aimed as its contribution to cost-share, as well as costs to be paid by t=
he Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. In the event th=
e recipient does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulate=
d in the recipient=92s budget, DRL=92s contribution may be reduced in pro=
portion to the recipient=92s contribution.</i>
</p>

<p>
=09<u>Multiplier Effect/Sustainability</u>
</p>

<p>
=09Applications should clearly delineate how elements of the project will=
 have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant=
. A good multiplier effect will have an impact beyond the direct benefici=
aries of the grant (e.g. participants trained under a grant go on to trai=
n other people; workshop participants use skills from a workshop to enhan=
ce a national level election that affects the entire populace). A strong =
sustainability plan may include demonstrating continuing impact beyond th=
e life of a project or garnering other donor support after DRL funding ce=
ases.
</p>

<p>
=09<u>Project Monitoring and Evaluation</u>
</p>

<p>
=09Complete applications will include a detailed M&amp;E Narrative and M&=
amp;E Plan, which detail how the project=92s progress will be monitored a=
nd evaluated. Incorporating well-designed monitoring and evaluation proce=
sses into a project is an efficient method for documenting the change (in=
tended and unintended) that a project seeks. Applications should demonstr=
ate the capacity to provide objectives with measurable outputs and outcom=
es.
</p>

<p>
=09The quality of the M&amp;E sections will be judged on the narrative ex=
plaining how both monitoring and evaluation will be carried out and who w=
ill be responsible for those related activities. The M&amp;ENarrative sho=
uld explain how an external evaluation will be incorporated into the proj=
ect implementation plan or how the project will be systematically assesse=
d in the absence of one. Please see the section on <i>Monitoring and Eval=
uation Narrative</i> in the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for mo=
re information on what is required in the narrative.
</p>

<p>
=09The output and outcome-based performance indicators should not only be=
 separated by project objectives but also should match the objectives, ou=
tcomes, and outputs detailed in the logic model and proposal narrative. P=
erformance indicators should be clearly defined (i.e., explained how the =
indicators will be measured and reported) either within the table or with=
 a separate Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS). For each perfor=
mance indicator, the table should also include baselines and quarterly an=
d cumulative targets, data collection tools, data sources, types of data =
disaggregation, and frequency of monitoring and evaluation. There should =
also be metrics to capture how project activities target those discrimina=
ted against or marginalized populations or addresses their concerns, wher=
e applicable. Please see the section on <i>Monitoring and Evaluation Plan=
</i> in the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information o=
n what is required in the plan.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>E.2 Review and Selection Process</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL strives to ensure that each application receives a balanced evalua=
tion by a DRL Review Panel. The Department=92s Office of Acquisitions Man=
agement (AQM) will determine technical eligibility for all applications. =
All technically eligible applications for a given NOFO are reviewed again=
st the same seven criteria, which include quality of project idea, projec=
t planning/ability to achieve objectives, institutional record and capaci=
ty, inclusive programming, cost effectiveness, multiplier effect/sustaina=
bility, and project monitoring and evaluation.
</p>

<p>
=09Additionally, the DRL Review Panel will evaluate how the application a=
ddresses the NOFO request, U.S. foreign policy goals, and the priority ne=
eds of DRL overall. DRL may also take into consideration the balance of t=
he current portfolio of active projects, including geographic or thematic=
 diversity, if needed.
</p>

<p>
=09In most cases, the DRL Review Panel includes representatives from DRL,=
 the appropriate Department of State regional bureau (to include feedback=
 from U.S. embassies), and U.S. Agency for International Development (USA=
ID) (to include feedback from USAID missions). In some cases, additional =
panelists may participate, including from other Department of State burea=
us or offices, U.S. government departments, agencies, or boards, represen=
tatives from partner governments, or representatives from entities that a=
re in a public-private partnership with DRL. At the end of the panel=92s =
discussion about an application, the Panel votes on recommending the appl=
ication for approval by the DRL Assistant Secretary. If more applications=
 are ultimately recommended for approval than DRL can fund, the Panel wil=
l rank the recommended applications in priority order for consideration b=
y the DRL Assistant Secretary. The Grants Officer Representative (GOR) fo=
r the eventual award does not vote on the panel. All Panelists must sign =
non-disclosure agreements and conflicts of interest agreements.
</p>

<p>
=09DRL Review Panels may provide conditions and recommendations on applic=
ations to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the ap=
plicant before further consideration of the award. To ensure effective us=
e of DRL funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to inc=
rease, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>F. Federal Award Administration Information</b>
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>F.1 Federal Award Notices</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL will provide a separate notification to applicants on the result o=
f their applications. Successful applicants will receive a letter electro=
nically via email requesting that the applicant respond to Panel conditio=
ns and recommendations. This notification is not an authorization to begi=
n activities and does not constitute formal approval or a funding commitm=
ent.
</p>

<p>
=09Final approval is contingent on the applicant successfully responding =
to the Panel=92s conditions and recommendations, being registered in requ=
ired systems, including the U.S. government=92s Payment Management System=
 (PMS), unless an exemption is provided, and completing and providing any=
 additional documentation requested by DRL or AQM. Final approval is also=
 contingent on Congressional notification requirements being met and fina=
l review and approval by the Department=92s warranted Grants Officer.
</p>

<p>
=09The notice of Federal award signed by the Department=92s warranted Gra=
nts Officers is the sole authorizing document. If awarded, the notice of =
Federal award will be provided to the applicant=92s designated Authorizin=
g Official via SAMS Domestic to be electronically counter-signed in the s=
ystem.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>F.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Req=
uirements for Federal Awards set forth in 2 CFR Chapter 200 (Sub-Chapters=
 A through F) shall apply to all non-Federal entities, except for assista=
nce awards to Individuals and Foreign Public Entities. Sub-Chapters A thr=
ough E shall apply to all foreign organizations, and Sub-Chapters A throu=
gh D shall apply to all U.S. and foreign for-profit entities.
</p>

<p>
=09The applicant/recipient of the award and any sub-recipient under the a=
ward must comply with all applicable terms and conditions, in addition to=
 the assurance and certifications made part of the Notice of Award. The D=
epartment=92s Standard Terms and Conditions can be viewed at<a href=3D"ht=
tp://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3DZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ=
2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE4MDMyMC44Nz=
I0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYWlsaWQ9bG91a0B0cmF=
uc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2=
YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&108&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm"> </a><a=
 href=3D"http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3DZWFzPT=
EmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE=
4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYWlsaWQ9=
bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0c=
mE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&109&&&https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.h=
tm">https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm</a>.
</p>

<p>
=09<b><i>F.3 Reporting</i></b>
</p>

<p>
=09Applicants should be aware that DRL awards will require that all repor=
ts (financial and progress) are uploaded to the grant file in SAMS Domest=
ic on a quarterly basis. The Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425) is =
the required form for the financial reports and must be submitted in PMS =
as well as a copy from PMS then uploaded to the grant file in SAMS Domest=
ic. The progress reports uploaded to the grant file in SAMS Domestic must=
 a narrative as described below; and Project Indicators (or other mutuall=
y agreed upon format approved by the Grants Officer) for the F Framework =
indicators.
</p>

<p>
=09Narrative progress reports should reflect the focus on measuring the p=
roject=92s impact on the overarching objectives and should be compiled ac=
cording to the objectives, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in the award=
=92s Scope of Work (SOW) and in the Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative. =
An assessment of the overall project=92s impact should be included in eac=
h progress report. Where relevant, progress reports should include the fo=
llowing sections:
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Relevant contextual information (limited);
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Explanation and evaluation of significant activities of the report=
ing period and how the activities reflect progress toward achieving objec=
tives, including meeting benchmarks/targets as set in the M&amp;Eplan. In=
 addition, attach the M&amp;E plan, comparing the target and actual numbe=
rs for the indicators;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Any tangible impact or success stories from the project, when poss=
ible;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Copy of mid-term and/or final evaluation report(s) conducted by an=
 external evaluator; if applicable;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Relevant supporting documentation or products related to the proje=
ct activities (such as articles, meeting lists and agendas, participant s=
urveys, photos, manuals, etc.) as separate attachments;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Description of how the Recipient is pursuing sustainability, inclu=
ding looking for sources of follow-on funding;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Any problems/challenges in implementing the project and a correcti=
ve action plan with an updated timeline of activities;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Reasons why established goals were not met;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Data for the required F Framework indicator(s) for the quarter as =
well as aggregate data by fiscal year: Program Indicators or other mutual=
ly agreed upon format approved by the Grants Officer.
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Proposed activities for the next quarter;
</p>

<p style=3D"margin-left: 40px;">
=09=95 Additional pertinent information, including analysis and explanati=
on of cost overruns or high unit costs, if applicable.
</p>

<p>
=09A final narrative and financial report must also be submitted within 9=
0 days after the expiration of the award.
</p>

<p>
=09Please note: Delays in reporting may result in delays of payment appro=
vals and failure to provide required reports may jeopardize the recipient=
's=92 ability to receive future U.S. government funds.
</p>

<p>
=09DRL reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or f=
inancial project information during the award period.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>G. Contact Information</b>
</p>

<p>
=09For technical submission questions related to this NOFO, please contac=
t <a href=3D"mailto:DRL-EUR-ProgramInfo@state.gov">DRL-EUR-ProgramInfo@st=
ate.gov</a>.
</p>

<p>
=09For assistance with SAMS Domestic accounts and technical issues relate=
d to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at 1-888-313-=
4567 (toll charges for international callers) or through the Self Service=
 online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/=
ilms/home. Customer Support is available 24/7/365.
</p>

<p>
=09Please note, establishing an account in SAMS Domestic may require the =
use of smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant =
does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of creating a=
n account, please contact the helpdesk and request and instructions on MF=
A for Windows PC.
</p>

<p>
=09For assistance with Grants.gov accounts and technical issues related t=
o using the system, please call the Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or e=
mail support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, =
seven days a week, except federal holidays.
</p>

<p>
=09For a list of federal holidays visit:
</p>

<p>
=09<a href=3D"http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3DZ=
WFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC=
0yMDE4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYWl=
saWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0m=
ZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&110&&&https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-=
oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/">https://www.opm.go=
v/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/</a>
</p>

<p>
=09With the exception of technical submission questions, during the NOFO =
period U.S. Department of State staff in Washington and overseas shall no=
t discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal revi=
ew process has been completed and rejection and approval letters have bee=
n transmitted.
</p>

<p>
=09<b>H. Other Information</b>
</p>

<p>
=09Applicants should be aware that DRL understands that some information =
contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and =
will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. However, appli=
cants are advised that DRL cannot guarantee that such information will no=
t be disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOI=
A) or other similar statutes.
</p>

<p>
=09The information in this NOFO and =93DRL=92s Proposal Submission Instru=
ctions for Applications using SAMS Domestic Updated October 2017=94 is bi=
nding and may not be modified by any DRLrepresentative. Explanatory infor=
mation provided by DRL that contradicts this language will not be binding=
. Issuance of the NOFO and negotiation of applications does not constitut=
e an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government. DRL reserves th=
e right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets.
</p>

<p>
=09This NOFO will appear on www.grants.gov, SAMS Domestic and DRL=92s web=
site <a href=3D"http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3D=
ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVT=
C0yMDE4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYW=
lsaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0=
mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&111&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c1=
2302.htm">http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm</a>.
</p>

<p>
=09<u>Background Information on DRL and general DRL funding</u>
</p>

<p>
=09DRL has the mission of promoting democracy and protecting human rights=
 globally. DRL supports projects that uphold democratic principles, suppo=
rt and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, prevent =
atrocities, combat and prevent violent extremism, and build civil society=
 around the world. DRL typically focuses its work in countries with egreg=
ious human rights violations, where democracy and human rights advocates =
are under pressure and where governments are undemocratic or in transitio=
n.
</p>

<p>
=09Additional background information on DRL and its efforts can be found =
on <a href=3D"http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=3Dclick&enid=3DZ=
WFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwMzIwLjg3MjQzNjkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC=
0yMDE4MDMyMC44NzI0MzY5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjU4Mjg0JmVtYWl=
saWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bG91a0B0cmFuc29jZWFuLmNvbSZmbD0m=
ZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&112&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl">www.=
state.gov/j/drl</a>.
</p>

</div>
<p></p>
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