Accelerating Prosecution of Criminals and Terrorists in Lebanon by Digitizing Paper Criminal Court files

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NOFO

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
.U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)
.
Announcement Type: Request for Federal Assistance Award Applications
Accelerating Prosecution of Criminals and Terrorists
Funding Opportunity Title:
in Lebanon by Digitizing Paper Criminal Court files
Funding Opportunity Number: OFOP0002567
Program: Lebanon
Catalog of Federal Domestic
19.703 - Criminal Justice Systems
Assistance (CFDA) Listing Number:
Total Funding Available: $900,000 U.S. Dollars
Funding Source: Post-Funds
Application Ceiling: Up to $900,000 U.S. Dollars
Application Floor: At least $700,000 U.S. Dollars
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 award
Initial Project Implementation
20 months
Length:
Estimated Project Start Date: August 2026
NOFO Issuance Date: March 25, 2026
Deadline for Submission of
April 23, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST via email
Questions:
Deadline for Submission
May 26, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST via www.grants.gov
of Applications:
Assistance Type: Cooperative Agreement (CA)
Applicant Types and
Organizations only.
Eligibility Categories:
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Refer to Section C: Eligibility Information for more
information.
SiMonique Stallworth (stallworths@state.gov) - GO
INL Points of Contact:
Michael Venetti (venettim@state.gov) - PO
BUREAU MISSION
The mission of the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Affairs (INL) is to keep Americans safe by countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad.
INL is at the forefront of responding to these challenges, uniting these overarching themes through
our foreign assistance programs, diplomatic engagement, and policy coordination.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................... 4
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 5
C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION ................................................................................................ 7
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION .......................................................... 8
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION .......................................................................... 13
F. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION ................................................................... 19
APPENDIX A: PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN ......................................................... 23
APPENDIX B: PROJECT RISK ANALYSIS ............................................................................. 24
APPENDIX C: BUDGET AND BUDGET NARRATIVE ........................................................... 25
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A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Overview: The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S.
Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to
implement a project to digitize criminal court files at Lebanon’s Financial Prosecutor’s Office and
the Court of Cassation’s General Prosecutor’s Office.
This project directly supports the America First Initiative by prioritizing the safety and security of the
United States and its citizens. By digitizing criminal court files, the project will expedite
investigations and prosecutions, ensuring that individuals accused of collaborating with Foreign
Terrorist Organizations (FTO)s or Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCO)s, including those
who threaten U.S. Interests, are held accountable. Enhanced digital access will also strengthen
collaboration between U.S. and Lebanese Law Enforcement Agencies, enabling both countries to
access criminal case files in minutes rather than months. This will significantly enhance the ability of
U.S. agencies to investigate and disrupt FTO and TCO activities in Lebanon, directly supporting U.S.
national security objectives.
 Currently, the paper-based filing system at these offices is inefficient and unreliable, judicial
clerks often spending weeks or even months searching for case files, and some files never
located. Files are stored haphazardly, sometimes in suitcases, and the absence of a
standardized system leads to frequent delays, lost records, and compromised case
management. This disorganization impedes the timely prosecution of transnational criminals
and terrorists, undermines law enforcement investigations, and hinders effective
collaboration with U.S. agencies. Without digitization, the risk of lost, inaccessible, or
mishandled files remains high, threatening the integrity and effectiveness of Lebanon’s
criminal justice system and, by extension, U.S. security interests.
Digitizing these criminal court files will transform physical documents into secure,
searchable electronic records in Beirut, where most of Lebanon’s criminal cases are
adjudicated. This transformation will enable immediate access to case files, supporting the
timely prosecution of serious crimes and enhancing the capacity of law enforcement
investigators. U.S. Law enforcement agencies will benefit from improved access to relevant
criminal case information, strengthening joint efforts to counter FTOs and TCOs operating
in Lebanon and internationally, and protecting American lives and interests. Lebanon will
dedicate judicial personnel to be trained on how to use, maintain, and expand these systems.
The project will promote best practices in records management, ensuring that both paper and
digital case files are organized, secured, and managed effectively. It will also introduce an
intuitive search capability, role-based access, permissions and restrictions, and
comprehensive logging of all file access.
By modernizing Lebanon’s criminal justice infrastructure, this project will reduce
vulnerabilities, improve the efficiency and integrity of the justice system, and advance U.S.
administration goals of protecting American interests, strengthening international security
partnerships, and ensuring effective law enforcement cooperation to keep Americans safe.
Project Reporting: Note that this award must submit quarterly performance reports through INL’s
DevResults system. See Appendix A for more details.
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Priority Region/Countries:
Lebanon
Problem Statement: Lebanon’s criminal court files are managed through a disorganized and
inefficient paper-based system, resulting in frequent delays, lost or inaccessible records, and
compromised case management. This undermines the timely prosecution of serious crimes, impedes
law enforcement investigations, and limits effective cooperation with U.S. and international partners.
Project Goal(s) and Objectives: The goal of this project is to accelerate the effective and timely
prosecution of transnational criminals and terrorists in Lebanon by converting physical documents
into searchable electronic records in Beirut where the majority of the country’s criminal and terrorism
cases are adjudicated. The project will implement best practices in records management to ensure that
both paper and digital case files are organized, secured and properly managed. Additionally, it will
introduce intuitive search functionality, role-based access controls, permissions and restrictions,
Comprehensive logging of all file access.
The first objective of this project is to make access to and use of criminal records fast and efficient
for prosecutors, law enforcement, and collaboration with U.S. agencies. Over the course of the
project, the criminal court files at the Financial Prosecutor’s office and the criminal court files at the
General Prosecutor’s office of the court of cassation (both offices located at the justice palace in
Beirut), will be organized physically and digitized electronically instead of being piled in suitcases
in order to accelerate prosecution of criminals and terrorists in Lebanon. The project will include
slight refurbishments in the areas where the shelving and the physical archives will be located.
The second objective of this project is to train current and retired judicial clerks to both implement
the project and run the system once complete.
Project activities and deliverables:
Objective 1: The implementer will design and develop a new physical and electronic system to
manage criminal court records, utilizing the pre-existing Docuware records management software
(already in use for civil court, commercial registry, and traffic court files at the Justice Palace in
Beirut, funded by INL). The implementer will secure the necessary hardware and manpower for
scanning closed files and documents and will plan for the efficient expansion of the new systems for
criminal court files. Hardware will be located at the Justice Palace in Beirut, with backup at the
Ministry of Justice. The implementer will also provide a generator to ensure backup electricity at all
times. The implementer will maintain this equipment during the project, and the Ministry of Justice
will maintain this equipment at the conclusion of the project. In the event the implementer has no
experience in the court filing system in Lebanon, the implementer will have to conduct an initial
assessment before moving forward. Project should also be socialized with prosecutors, judges, court
officials, defense attorneys, and other relevant justice stakeholders prior to implementation to enable
implementer to get ideas to incorporate into the project. This can be accomplished through group
meetings with stakeholders.
Objective 2: The implementer will design and deliver comprehensive training for court/judicial clerks
and file attendants (already recruited by the Ministry of Justice for records management) on filing
techniques, organization, indexing, retrieval and long-term storage of case files and documents.
Training will also cover the use and maintenance of the new physical and electronic system. Court
clerks and file attendants will be trained to manage the digital and paper criminal court cases,
including open and active investigations.
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Participants and Audiences:
The participants and audience for this project will be the prosecutors at the Financial Prosecutor’s
Office and prosecutors at the General Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Cassation. The judicial
clerks will also be active participants in this project.
Law Enforcement investigators will participate as well since they both add to and use the digital case
files as they conduct investigations. Although U.S. Law Enforcement will not directly participate in
this project, they will benefit from the work as it will enhance their collaboration with Lebanese
authorities when they investigate individuals who have a criminal case in Lebanon.
Project Expansion: If the project is successful, INL will consider the option of an award
modification to expand the project to other areas in Lebanon or other types of records, subject to
availability of future funding. Applicants may include in their proposal a brief section outlining how
additional funds could potentially be used to expand work into additional activities, parts of Lebanon,
or countries in future years. Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate how their project
might leverage funding through other organizations.
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Applicants are encouraged to reference the table on the first page(s) of this NOFO to determine the
basic federal award information (e.g., project length, amount of funding available, anticipated number
of awards, assistance type, etc.). Additional award information is included in this section, although
specific aspects of the award(s) issued from this NOFO may differ from program to program.
1. Project Implementation Period
The initial project implementation length is the amount of time (e.g., months) applicants should
plan to implement the project. If a range of months is listed, applicants should propose a realistic
project length within that range. INL reserves the right to decrease or increase the initial project
implementation period in accordance with the needs of the INL project/program.
INL may extend the project implementation period, contingent on INL priorities, good
performance of the recipient, Department of State management approvals, and funding
availability. INL projects shall not exceed five (5) total years of project implementation.
2. Assistance Type
The type of assistance is determined by the scope of INL’s involvement in the implementation of
the project. Refer to the table on the first page(s) of the NOFO to determine whether this particular
project will be a grant or cooperative agreement.
For cooperative agreements, INL may be substantially involved in the following ways:
• Approval of the recipient’s annual work plans, including: planned activities for the
following year, travel plans, planned expenditures, event planning, and changes to any
activity to be carried out under the Cooperative Agreement;
• Approval of Monitoring and Evaluation Plan; and
• Other country- or project-specific approvals will be included in the award documents.
3. Funding Notices
This award will be supported with International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement
(INCLE) funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This notice is subject to the
availability of funding.
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Length of performance period: 20 months
Anticipated program start date: August 2026
Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
Award amounts: award may range from a minimum of $700,000 to a maximum of $900,000
Total available funding: $900,000
Type of Funding: FY 21/22 Justice Funds, FY 22/23 LE funds
C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION
1. Eligible Applicant Types
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
• U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
• U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or
section 26 US 115 of the U.S. tax code;
• Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
• Foreign-based educational institutions
Applicants must also meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply to this NOFO:
• Experience in Lebanon or similar Middle Eastern country that routinely deals with
conflict.
• At least 5 years’ experience working with a judicial system to document and digitize
criminal or other case files.
• Successfully digitized court case files for a non-U.S. partner government.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost share is the portion of project costs not borne by the U.S. government. Cost share is
recommended but not required for this project. Applicants must be able to ensure cost share is
accounted for/tracked through accounting systems and/or supporting documentation (such
as Personnel Activity Records, proof of voluntary hours, proof of any purchases for
materials being included as cost share, etc.)
Any cost share proposed must be appropriately captured within the SF-424A, budget, and budget
narrative.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
• In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity
Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please
see Section D for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be
registered in SAM.gov.
• Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. Organizations may
form a consortium and submit a combined proposal; however, one organization should be
designated as the lead applicant and other organization(s) listed as sub-recipient
partner(s).
• Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions
with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations
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associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to
ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be
included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.
Note: Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from
applying to INL grant/cooperative agreement announcements.
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Applicants should carefully follow all instructions in this section to ensure their application is
formatted properly and includes all required documents. Proposals that do not meet the requirements
of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be deemed ineligible for
review.
1. How to Apply and Submit Questions
This opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, along with all required application forms and,
where applicable, templates for application documents. Applications and all supporting
documents must be submitted via www.grants.gov. INL reserves the right to reject any
applications submitted through improper channels.
Applicants are encouraged to closely review the NOFO and email questions to the INL points of
contact by the deadline listed on the first page(s) of this document. After the question deadline
has passed, INL will respond to all questions publicly through a Questions & Answers document
uploaded to the Related Documents tab of this opportunity.
2. Required Application Documents
All documents in the following list must be included in your application, unless explicitly listed
as optional. If a document includes a page limit, please adhere to that limit in your application.
Applicants that do not submit all required documents will be notified via email of their
ineligibility after the application deadline.
Standard Application Forms
 SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations)
Must be signed by an authorized signatory of the applicant’s organization.
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 SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs)
 SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs) – Optional
The SF-424B is only required for applicants who are not registered in SAM.gov.
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Project Proposal
The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would
understand exactly what the applicant is proposing to do. The following documents may be
submitted separately or combined into one document. If combined, please be sure to adhere to the
page limits for each section.
 Proposal Narrative – Maximum 20 pages
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Applicants may use their own proposal template, but it must include all the sections below.
Refer to Appendix A for additional guidance on drafting a proposal narrative.
Cover Page: include organization name, project title, requested number of
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months, target country(ies), point(s) of contact, and requested funding amount.
Table of Contents: list all documents and attachments with page numbers.
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Executive Summary: Provide a synopsis of the project.
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Project Context: Include an analysis of the issue to be addressed, including
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why it is important to address, what the main causes of the issue are, and who has
power to effect change on the issue; suggested approaches and solutions (with
evidence to support suggestions); and suggestions for outcomes, i.e., the specific
changes the project could expect to achieve within the period of performance.
Theory of Change & Implementation Plan: Describe the implementation plan
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(specific activities to implement suggested solutions); and explain how or why
they should result in accomplishment of the outcomes. Projects should be
designed such that activities, if implemented according to plan, should result in
achievement of the outcomes. The Theory of Change should clearly address why
the outcomes do not already exist in practice, and how the project will address
those constraints. Finally, discuss likely challenges to implementation, including
any risks of harm to project implementers or participants, along with mitigation
strategies.
Evidence: The theory of change should demonstrate a clear understanding of
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where previous relevant interventions have succeeded or failed, and demonstrate
how those lessons will inform the proposed intervention(s). Projects are also
expected to incorporate insights from the evidence on what has been shown to be
promising in related areas of the intervention(s). The Center for Evidence-Based
Crime Policy provides a good overview of the available systemic reviews in
criminal justice policy, linked here. In addition, the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine publishes consensus reports including those
on international crime and justice issues such as policing, linked here, that should
be reviewed if relevant to the intervention(s). Where feasible, it is highly
recommended that projects incorporate a research or evaluation components to
ensure lessons developed through the course of implementation can inform the
broader stakeholder community for future projects.
Description of Prior Work: Provide brief descriptions, including outcomes and
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deliverables, of any similar projects the organization has implemented.
Future Funding Plan/Sustainability: Briefly discuss the plan for ensuring the
­
sustainability of the project (i.e., that the project continues to have impact beyond
the grant period) or note if sustainability is unlikely without continued support.
Applicants may also include a brief section outlining how additional funds could
potentially be used to expand work into additional activities or countries beyond
the initial project period.
 Performance Monitoring Plan
See Appendix A for more details and instructions. Applicants MUST submit the
following:
• Change Map (see template). Note: The Change Map will eventually include INL
Standard Indicators, as determined by grantee responses to the Standard
Indicator Form. These do not need to be reflected in the Change Map at the
application stage.
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• Illustrative Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (see template)
Note 1: If full performance monitoring information is not available at the time of the
proposal, the applicant should indicate that the Change Map and PIRS are notional. If
selected, a final version of the documents will be required as an early deliverable.
Note 2: Grantee must generate quarterly performance reports using INL’s performance
monitoring system (DevResults). Grantee must submit several forms and templates (see
Appendix A) within 30 days of award to enroll in the system. INL will provide user
accounts and training for new users.
 Project Risk Analysis
A template is included under the Related Documents section of this NOFO announcement
on www.grants.gov. Refer to Appendix B for additional guidance on drafting a Project
Risk Analysis.
 Timeline
Outline key milestones in the project, project start-up, and closeout, programmatic
activities, and monitoring and evaluation activities (e.g., monitoring trips or semi-annual
reviews). May be a written schedule and/or a GANTT chart.
Organization, Staff, and Partners
The following documents may be submitted separately or combined into one document. If
combined, please be sure to adhere to the page limits for each section.
Biographical Information of Applicant Organization – Maximum 4 pages
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Introduce the applicant organization, including biographical information such as
mission statement, organization size, relevant office location(s), etc.
Provide a summary description of past and present operations, demonstrating the
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applicant’s ability to carry out the project
Describe any experience the organization has in the target country or region
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Confirm whether the organization is a registered business entity within the target
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country or region
 List of Key Personnel – Maximum 3 pages
Names, titles, responsibilities, and relevant experience or qualifications of key
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personnel involved in the management of the project
 Partner Information (if subrecipient) is being proposed) – Maximum 3 pages
Introduce and provide relevant information about key partner organizations and
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sub-recipients
Briefly describe the division of labor and/or distinct roles and responsibilities
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among the applicant organization and its partners
If proposing a sub-recipient, please briefly describe the applicant organization’s
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experience related to managing sub-recipients
 Letters of Support – Optional
If desired, applicants may submit letters of support from project partners, host
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government entities, or other relevant stakeholders
Project Budget and Cost Documents
 Summary and Detailed Budgets
A proposal budget must be submitted in spreadsheet format (e.g., Microsoft Excel). A
template is located under the Related Documents section of this NOFO announcement on
www.grants.gov for applicants as a reference. Refer to Appendix C for additional
guidance on drafting a proposal budget.
One tab of the spreadsheet shall contain the Summary Budget, which lists the
­
OMB-approved budget categories and total estimated cost per category
One tab of the spreadsheet shall contain the Detailed Budget, which breaks down
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the OMB-approved budget categories into individual line items and provides
detailed cost estimates per line item
If applicable, federal costs and recipient cost share must be reported in separate
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columns
 Budget Narrative
The Budget Narrative is a companion document to the summary and detailed budgets and
must be submitted in word document format. A template is included under the Related
Documents section of this NOFO announcement on www.grants.gov. Refer to Appendix
C for additional guidance on drafting a Budget Narrative.
The Budget Narrative should communicate to INL any budgetary information that
­
is not readily apparent in the detailed budget. Rather than simply repeating with
words what is stated numerically in the budget, the Budget Narrative should
explain the logic behind the amount budgeted for each line item
If applicable, proposed recipient cost share must be included in the Budget
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Narrative, including reference to the source of the cost share
 Indirect Costs
Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA):
If the applicant has an approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
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(NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, a copy of the organization’s
most-recent NICRA must be included in the application
If the applicant is proposing a sub-recipient that has an approved NICRA, and
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includes NICRA charges in the sub-award budget, a copy of the sub-recipient
organization’s most recent NICRA must be included in the application
De Minimis Rate:
The applicant can elect to charge the de minimis rate up to 15% of modified total
­
direct costs (MTDC), which is allowable if the organization does not have a current
agreement. (Please see Appendix C: Budget and budget narrative for more
information regarding the De Minimis Rate.)
If the applicant elects to utilize the De Minimis Rate, that rate may be used
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indefinitely.
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If an award is issued utilizing the de minimis rate and the recipient subsequently
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negotiates a NICRA, the GO may consider amending the award to reflect the new
NICRA rate under the following conditions:
If the applicant intends to negotiate a NICRA, the applicant must inform the
o
GO during the application period that they plan to negotiate a NICRA, or are
in the process of doing so, and would like to amend the award in the future
after a rate is finalized.
Once the recipient receives a rate, they may submit a written request for a
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budget realignment. The new rate may only be applied to costs incurred during
the effective period of the NICRA.
The NICRA cannot be applied to costs incurred during a period of performance
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that is prior to the effective date of the new rate.
Applicant Management Capabilities
INL must assess each potential applicant for organizational risks related to the financial and
programmatic management of a federal assistance project.
 History of U.S. Government Federal Assistance Awards
This document outlines the applicant organization’s experience with implementing U.S.
government-funded federal assistance awards, including current and completed projects.
The list must include the awarding agency, point of contact, name of the project,
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start and end dates, and amount of the award.
If the applicant has never received a U.S. federal assistance award, please list other
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projects the organization has implemented, including the information requested in
the bullet above.
 FY2026 INL Applicant Pre-Award Risk Survey
This risk survey reviews the applicant organization’s financial capacity, policies, and
infrastructure. The FY2026 template is included under the Related Documents section of
this NOFO announcement on www.grants.gov.
Please take note of the questions within the survey that request additional
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documentation. These documents must be included in the application.
Submission of an outdated INL Applicant Pre-Award Risk Survey does not satisfy
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the FY2026 INL Applicant Pre-Award Risk Survey submission requirement.
 Organizational Audit
If the applicant organization is required to undergo an audit (per regulations
­
outlined in 2 CFR 200.500 – Subpart F), a complete copy of the organization’s
most-recent audit must be submitted. (The Single audit report is an additional
requirement for domestic and foreign organizations that expend $1,000,000 or
more in federal funds in the fiscal year. The submission of the financial statement
is not a substitute for a single audit report nor does not satisfy the organizational
audit submission requirement.)
If the applicant organization is not required to undergo an audit (per the regulation
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cited above), a brief explanation must be submitted with the application. This
explanation shall include confirmation that the organization is under the threshold
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for which an audit is required and/or plans for the organization to undergo an audit
in the future. The brief explanation can be included in the FY2026 INL Applicant
Pre-Award Risk Survey.
3. Document Formatting
Applicants must ensure that their application documents conform to the following requirements:
• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
• All documents are in English
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars
• All pages are numbered
• All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font,
with a minimum of 1-inch margins.
4. Required Entity and Account Registrations for Applicants
All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique
Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements
mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
(FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a
proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for
the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.
The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is
not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or
directed to a subrecipient.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from
4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.
● Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States
will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.
● Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within
the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in
SAM.gov.
● Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.
Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO
Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign
assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and
wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should
submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at
www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance
from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that
I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my
registration activated.”
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Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with
the DoD should follow the below instructions:
Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration
process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.
Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the
DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:
Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO
website linked below:
NCAGE Homepage:
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx
NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):
NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)
Exemptions
An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-
by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.
Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of
contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a
justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted
Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.
Grants.gov
To submit an application to this NOFO, applicants must register in grants.gov.
• Go to www.grants.gov and select “Register” from the banner at the top of the page.
• This should be the last step of the entity registration processes, completed after obtaining
a UEI number, NCAGE/CAGE Code (if applicable), and SAM.gov registration.
Help with grants.gov registrations and application submission:
• Go to the grant.gov support page at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html
• Call +1 800-518-4726
• Email support@grants.gov
Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that their application is correctly submitted
through www.grants.gov. INL is not responsible for errors resulting from transmission or
conversion processes during application submission. If applicants cannot resolve technical issues
with the system, they should email the INL points of contact listed on the first page of this NOFO,
providing an explanation of the issue and proof of attempts to resolve it (e.g., correspondence
with grants.gov support). The INL Grants Office will then determine whether the applicant may
submit application materials via email.
5. Funding Restrictions
i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
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None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made
available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment
or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize,
publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.
Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process;
and/or for referrals to legal representation in the United States.
Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to
facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize,
publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.
The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.
ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws
If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within
the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at
the time of award:
1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is
material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of
title 31, United States Code and;
2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate
any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race,
color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.
iii. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan
Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award
for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the United
States exceeds $500,000:
1) To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient,
contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a
subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities
described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);
The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent
activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the
compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR
175(b)(5).
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2) That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described
in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient,
contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.
Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to
the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant
contents of the plan or related materials on their website and at the
workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period
of performance.
iv. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American
Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities
(a) Definitions.
American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a
list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC)
and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov
FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft
system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered
foreign entity.
Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct
human intervention from within or on the aircraft .
Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements
(including communication links and the components that control the unmanned
aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the
national airspace system.
(b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity
(including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:
(1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which
includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;
(2) Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the
award; and
(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned
aircraft system .
c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not apply
if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award
indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through 1825 and
1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for statutory requirements
pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].
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v. Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA)
Applicants for foreign assistance awards should be aware of requirements in 2 CFR Part 602,
603, and 604.
These policies are referred to collectively as the Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign
Assistance (PHFFA) Policy.
602: The award term imposes certain abortion-related requirements on foreign
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, public international
organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.
603: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to gender ideology on foreign
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations,
foreign governments, and parastatals.
604: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to discriminatory equity ideology
on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international
organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.
The Department recognizes there are costs associated with these policies. Potential one-time
and recurring costs the Department identifies for recipients and grantees are for
familiarization with the policy, development and delivery of organizational training and
implementation guidance, routine compliance monitoring, and recordkeeping and reporting
requirements.
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. Technical Evaluation Criteria
A technical evaluation committee, using the criteria shown in this Section, will evaluate the
applications. The various functional elements of the technical criteria are assigned weighted
scores, so that the applicants will know which areas require emphasis in the preparation of
applications.
Where technical applications are considered essentially equal, cost may be the determining factor.
Applicants should note that these criteria serve as the standard against which all applications will
be evaluated and serve to identify the significant matters which applicants should address in their
applications.
The relative importance of each criterion is indicated by the number of points assigned. A total
of 100 points is possible.
Project Analysis & Design – Total Possible Points: 50
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• Analysis of the problem is insightful and accurate. Insightful analysis includes a thorough
discussion of the main causes and scope of the issue the project seeks to address and
discussion of who has power to effect change on the issue (10)
• Suggested approaches and solutions (i.e., the theory of change) are: (10)
Specific and clear;
o
Based on evidence-based research, learning, or experiential analysis; and
o
Appropriate given the problem, its causes, and its scope.
o
• Proposed implementation plan is: (22)
Aligned with suggested approaches and solutions;
o
Feasible given timeline, resources, and context; and
o
Designed such that activities, if implemented according to plan, should result
o
in achievement of outcomes.
• Description of likely challenges to implementation plan, including risks of harm to
organization staff, project participants, and/or others, is thorough and mitigation strategies
are appropriate (3)
• Analysis and planning for sustainability is realistic (5)
Program Monitoring and Risk – Total Possible Points: 25
• Change Map includes quantitative and concrete (i.e., it is clear what to count or measure)
indicators demonstrating applicant’s ability to eventually monitor the most important
outcomes (10)
• Illustrative Performance Indicator Reference Sheet demonstrates a thorough plan for data
collection for the outcome indicators (9)
• Risk assessment is thorough and realistic, addresses challenges in the operating
environment, and proposes adequate strategies to mitigate risks to the project (6)
Institution’s Record and Capacity Rating – Total Possible Points: 10
• The applicant demonstrates an institutional record of successful programs in the
proposed country/region and program area (2)
• Professional experience of staff and institutional resources are adequate and appropriate
to achieve the project's objectives (2)
• The roles and responsibilities are clearly delineated among staff and partners (2)
• Applicant is a current/former INL grantee and they successfully manage/managed the
project OR the applicant has not worked with INL previously and demonstrates
experience in managing similar-sized projects (2)
• Applicant submits copies of organization-wide policies and procedures on Preventing
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)/Do No Harm or explains how the applicant plans
to develop such policies and procedures, which should also apply to sub-recipients. (2)
Cost Effectiveness – Total Possible Points: 15
• Activity-related costs are realistic, appropriate, and clearly linked to project objectives (5)
• Personnel costs (e.g., staff salaries, contractor rates, and honoraria) are reasonable given
the amount of work and oversight needed to manage the project (5)
• Administrative costs (e.g., staff travel, supplies, office costs) are necessary, justified, and
in good proportion to direct activity costs (5)
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2. Indirect Costs
If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in
this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent
with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-
breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.
3. Review and Selection Process
INL first reviews all submitted applications for technical eligibility, based on the list of required
documents in Section D: Application and Submission Information. All technically eligible
applications are then passed to a review committee, which will evaluate the applications against
the Technical Evaluation Criteria listed in the previous sub-section. The application(s) selected
by the review committee are then presented to INL management and the Grants Officer for
approval.
INL will notify successful applicant(s) via email and pass along any conditions,
recommendations, or questions from the review committee. INL will notify unsuccessful
applicants via email after an award has been issued to the successful applicant(s); therefore, this
notification process may take several months.
INL reserves the right to fund any number of applications or none of the applications submitted
and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award(s).
4. Risk Review
i. Risk Factors – must include
Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the
Department will review and consider the following risk factors:
a. Financial stability
b. Management systems and standards
c. History of performance
d. Audit reports and findings
e. Ability to effectively implement requirements
ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly FAPIIS)
The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal
share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any
information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and
performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313)
An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification
records available in SAM.gov.
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Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will
consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the
responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.
F. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Federal Award Notices
The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the
Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the
recipient for review and countersignature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses
beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.
If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any
additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of
performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.
Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.
government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation
and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all
proposals received.
Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by September 30, 2026 via
email.
Payment Method:
Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF-270—Request for
Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer.
Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of
State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 payment request, a detailed payment
breakdown justifying the request.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and
required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.
These include:
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200,
all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review
and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice
of funding opportunity in accordance with the following:
• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR),
as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on:
Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the
o
program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award
applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
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Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting
o
Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry,
Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§
200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods,
o
products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and
Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and
o
Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer
effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340). For the
avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an
award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision
permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it
determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.
• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
INFORMATION
• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE
WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list can be found
in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/
3. Program-Specific Requirements
Risk Analysis and Management (RAM) Vetting
Applicants are advised that a condition of this award is passing vetting that evaluates the risk that
funds may benefit terrorists or their supporters. Applicants may be asked to submit information
required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information about their company and its principal
personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards
identified by DOS as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. Failure to submit information when
requested, or failure to pass vetting, may be grounds for rejecting your proposal.
State Department Leahy Amendment Vetting Requirements
Funds provided under this award will be subject to Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961, as amended, a provision titled “Limitation on Assistance to Security Forces” (the “Leahy
Amendment”). Subsection (a) of that provision states: “(a) In General.—No assistance shall be
furnished under this Act [the Foreign Assistance Act] or the Arms Export Control Act to any unit
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of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that
such unit has committed a gross violations of human rights.” Accordingly, none of the funds under
this award may be used to provide training or other assistance to any unit or member of the security
forces of a foreign country if the Department of State has credible information that such unit or
individual has committed a gross violation of human rights.
The recipient will be required to exercise due diligence to ensure compliance with the Leahy
provision and State Department policy, and to cooperate with the State Department in
implementation of the Leahy requirement for funds under this award. The Department
implements the Leahy requirement by vetting units or individuals proposed for training or other
assistance to check for credible information of a gross violation of human rights by such units or
individuals. To facilitate State Department vetting, the Recipient must provide the required
information for proposed participants at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to commencing award
activities. This information should be submitted to the U.S. Embassy in the country where the
award will be implemented in order to initiate Leahy vetting procedures.
4. Reporting
Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program
reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports
must be submitted.
Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make
progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the
Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance
activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement.
Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the
appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more
than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the
successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.
Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200
Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.
Branding and Marking
The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be
easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.
Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at
Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding policy
exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 10 FAM 416,
Policy Exceptions.
For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/
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APPENDIX A: PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN
Monitoring is the ongoing collection and analysis of information to inform project management
and decision making. A monitoring plan is an agreement between stakeholders about how, when,
and by whom the intervention’s expected outcomes will be measured, and how measurement will
inform decisions.
Requirements for INL Performance Monitoring are met through three documents:
1. Change Map;
2. Performance Indicator Reference Sheet; and
3. Performance Monitoring Reports generated using the INL DevResults system.
The INL Change Map serves to document in very specific terms the results a project is trying to
achieve (i.e., goals and objectives), key implementation steps needed to achieve the results (i.e.,
activities), and indicators to monitor progress (both for implementation and results). The Change
Map is intended to be a living document that is updated as new information is learned and plans
change accordingly. Indicators may be updated at any time during the project’s period of
performance, so long as these changes to not require any changes to the Scope of Work, Award,
or Terms and Conditions. If the Change Map is not final at the time of award, it is due as an early
deliverable within 60 days of award.
The Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS) provides detailed information for each
indicator in the Change Map, excluding INL Standard Indicators. (Standard Indicators are
assigned based on grantee responses to the Standard Indicator Form). They are included in the
Change Map. They should not be included in the PIRS.) An illustrative PIRS is a required
component of a project proposal. A complete PIRS, with full information for every indicator, is
required as an early project deliverable due within 60 days of award. The PIRS may be modified
as needed over the life of the project.
The INL DevResults System includes two components: an online database (DevResults) and a
companion application that produces summary reports in document form for submission to
MyGrants and other systems of record. INL will set up reporting templates for the project that
reflect the applicable INL Standard Indicators (as assigned by the Standard Indicator From), the
Change Map, PIRS, and a set of standard narrative questions. Grantee enters quantitative
indicator data and narrative information into the database, then uses the companion application
to generate a document report based on the information entered into the database. INL will
provide user accounts for grantees and training for new users. There is no cost to the grantee to
use DevResults. To begin reporting in the system, grantees must complete the following, INL-
provided forms within 30 days of award:
1. New User Form
2. Activities, Milestones, and Deliverables Table
3. Standard Indicator Form
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APPENDIX B: PROJECT RISK ANALYSIS
Risks are unavoidable – all programs inherently contain both internal and external risks. However,
with proper identification and management, risks can be prepared for, minimized or mitigated. The
purpose of a risk analysis is to identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed
project in the application, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the
project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks. A risk analysis should not be
considered a one-time exercise or a static document.
INL defers to organizations to conduct adequate risk analysis and remediation for all of its operations
and advises that risk analysis and remediation occur throughout the life of a program and should
result in revisions to risk analysis documents and processes as necessary. Applicants should
incorporate all assumptions and external factors identified in the Monitoring Plan and Proposal
Narrative into the risk analysis. Applicants should rate the likelihood of a risk and potential impact
of the risk as “high”, “medium”, or “low.”
The safety and security of recipients and beneficiaries are of utmost importance. INL requires all
recipients to conduct thorough risk assessments and take all actions necessary in accordance with
those assessments to mitigate those risks. Applicants should identify risks to staff, implementers,
participants, or their communities, in alignment with Do No Harm principles. Besides political and
environmental factors, risks may include domestic violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and other
forms of physical, psychological, economic, or social backlash against beneficiaries. They may also
include unintended power shifts within or between communities, local competition over program
funds and opportunities, unintended crowding out of local civil society actors, or “brain drain” of
their own staff or members. INL does not take responsibility for the risks incurred by any recipient.
If available, applicants should submit copies of any organization-wide policies and procedures on Do
No Harm and Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). If such policies are not available,
applicants should either explain the organization’s plan for developing such policies and procedures
or clearly describe how they will follow Do No Harm principles and prevent sexual exploitation and
abuse from occurring during their program. If not already explained in its policies and procedures,
applicants should outline in its proposal how it will work with and support any sub-grantees who do
not yet have Do No Harm and PSEA policies and procedures to develop and apply them over the
course of the program.
INL has included a template for the Project Risk Analysis in the Related Documents tab of the NOFO
announcement on grants.gov. For more information about the Risk Analysis, please see 2 CFR
200.519.
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APPENDIX C: BUDGET AND BUDGET NARRATIVE
Before grants are awarded, INL reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets
in accordance with the needs of the INL program and availability of funds.
A. Budget Proposal
Complete budget proposals should include a Summary Budget; Detailed Budget; and Sub-recipient
Detailed Budget(s), if applicable. The Summary Budget and Detailed Line-Item Budget should be
combined in one spreadsheet document. They should be organized according to the OMB-approved
budget categories:
• Personnel
• Fringe Benefits
• Travel
• Equipment
• Supplies
• Contractual
• Construction
• Other Direct Costs
• Indirect Costs
If proposing sub-recipient(s), applicants should include detailed sub-recipient budget(s) as additional
tabs within the budget spreadsheet. These budgets should follow the same formatting as the primary
budget proposal, including all OMB-approved budget categories.
B. Budget Narrative
The Budget proposal provides a numeric-based description of costs under the project. The Budget
Narrative is a critical companion document to the Budget that provides numeric and narrative
descriptions of each cost item included in the Budget.
All costs included in the project, whether federal or recipient cost share, must be allowable, allocable,
reasonable, necessary, and consistent with OMB guidelines. The applicant should keep this in mind
when drafting the Budget Narrative, as INL will reference both the Budget and Budget Narrative to
determine whether proposed costs fit these requirements.
Category A. Personnel
Staffing of direct employees should be appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposal
and cost should conform to the requirements identified in 2 CFR 200.430. This section should include
all staff from the applicant organization that will work on this project.
• Identify staff by name, where possible, and position title and include a brief description of
duties.
• List the annual or monthly salary of each position, their level of effort (i.e., percentage of time
working on project), and number of months or years they will work on the project.
• If applicable, separate personnel by location (e.g., headquarters staff and field office X staff)
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• Consultants or contractors hired through a contractual agreement to assist with the project
must be included under section F. Contractual, not section A. Personnel.
Category B. Fringe Benefits
Fringe Benefits are the non-wage compensation provided to employees in addition to their normal
wages or salaries. Benefit costs should be listed separate from salary costs with an explanation of
how benefits are calculated for each category of employee (specify type and rate) as well as whether
the benefit is required by law, an established policy of the non-federal entity, or a non-federal entity-
employee agreement. Common examples include health insurance, vacation and sick leave, and
employer-paid taxes. Fringe benefit application must be consistent with organization’s written policy.
• Explain how benefits are computed for each category of employee
• Specify the type of benefit and rate. If applicable, reference rates found in NICRA.
Category C. Travel
Travel costs include expenses for transportation, lodging, subsistence, and related items incurred by
direct employees who are in travel status on official business for the non-federal entity or participating
in program activities conducted by the non-federal entity. This category outlines travel planned for
staff.
• Domestic and International Airfare
Indicate origin and destination (city and country), number of travelers, number of trips
o
each, unit cost per round trip, and purpose.
All travel must be booked with economy class fares only.
o
Where applicable, travel should comply with the Fly America Act. More information
o
located here: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103191.
• In-Country Travel
Indicate origin and destination cities, mode of transportation, number of travelers, and
o
unit cost per traveler per trip.
• Per Diem
This includes lodging, meals and incidentals (M&IE) for staff and participant travel.
Rates of maximum allowances for U.S. and foreign travel are located here:
o
https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates
Per diem rates must follow the organization’s own policy; however, institutions may
o
use official government per diem rates as reference.
Per diem rates may be prorated and/or removed if the project is paying for
o
refreshments and/or meals for participants (e.g., while attending a workshop or
conference).
Category D. Equipment
Equipment is defined as an item with a per-unit cost of $10,000 or more and a service life of more
than one year. This includes information technology systems. If the item meets these criteria, all
federal procurement policies and procedures must be followed. If an item does not meet these criteria,
it should be listed as a supply item under Category E.
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• Provide a description and justification for all equipment, breaking down the total cost into its
components where possible.
• Specify whether the equipment will be purchased or rented.
Category E. Supplies
Supplies are defined as an item with a per-unit cost of less than $10,000. Materials and supplies
including the cost of computing devices should be reasonable and necessary for the implementation
of the proposal and conform to the 2 CFR 200.314. Supplies include tangible items (e.g., toner,
laptops, paper) and intangible items (e.g., computer software and licenses) used to manage the project
and activities.
• List items separately, including a brief description and justification for the item, number of
units, and unit cost.
• For electronic supplies (e.g., mobile phones and laptops), specify which staff will receive the
items and the programmatic need.
Category F. Contractual
Contractual: Describe any subawards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program
activities. Also describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with
a vendor.
• Subawards
A subaward means an award provided by the applicant as a pass-through entity to a
subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out a part of the Federal award. A subaward is not
payment for the contract of goods or services. See 2 CFR 200.330 for the subaward and
contractor determinations.
Each subaward should be listed as a line within the main budget and be supported by
o
a separate detailed line-item breakdown explaining specific services in a separate tab
in the excel workbook. Subaward budgets should include the same level of detail for
personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, other direct costs, and indirect
costs required of the direct applicant.
For simple subawards, the applicant may elect to include the subaward’s line items
o
within the contractual section of the Budget Narrative; for more complex subawards,
the applicant should include the subaward’s line items at the end of the Budget
Narrative.
All proposed subrecipients are required to have a Unique Entity Number (UEI) prior
o
to receiving funding. Please note: the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time
of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a
subrecipient. An active SAM.gov registration is not required for subrecipients.
• Fixed Amount Subawards (FAA subawards)
FAA subawards of up to simplified acquisitions threshold, up to $500,000, may be executed
with prior written approval from the INL Grants Officer, per 2 CFR 200.332. Per 2 CFR
200.201, fixed amount subawards may be used:
If the project scope is specific and if adequate cost, historical, or unit pricing data is
o
available to establish a fixed amount award based on a reasonable estimate of actual
cost.
 Payments are based on meeting specific requirements of the award.
Accountability is based on performance and results.
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 At the completion of the fixed amount award, the organization must certify in
writing that the project or activity was completed, or the level of effort was
expended. If the required level of activity or effort was not carried out, the
amount of the fixed amount award must be adjusted.
Please note: Fixed Amount subawards must be stated in the budget and budget narrative at
the time of application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the proposed
subgrantees are eligible for U.S. government funding.
• Consultant Fees and Contracts
These include payments to contractors/consultants for the purpose of obtaining goods or
services for the non-federal entities own use and creates a procurement relationship. Common
examples include lecture fees, honoraria, travel and per diem for outside speakers or
independent evaluators, and subject-matter expert consultants.
Describe the nature of the contract/consultancy and list number of people and rates
o
Fees and rates should be consistent with the level of experience and based on fair
o
market value.
Fees and honorarium should not exceed $784.62/day per person, effective October 1,
o
2025. The 2026 rates will apply to all NOFOs issued after October 1, 2025, until
amended. (Note: The designated INL GO can negotiate final fees and rates during the
review process of an award and prior to issuance of an award.)
Please note: Organizations must adhere to their own documented procurement procedures,
which must reflect applicable U.S. State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that
the procurements conform to applicable U.S. Federal law and the standards identified in 2
CFR 200.318 through 2 CFR 200.326.
Category G. Construction
Due to the nature of INL programs, construction costs are not allowable or applicable.
Category H. Other Direct Costs
Other directs costs are any costs not included in the other categories. This category may include the
entity’s operating expenses that are directly linked to the award but not included as an indirect cost.
• For shared costs (e.g., office rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, etc.), justify the percentage of the total cost
that is being charged to this project.
• Participant support costs including stipends, subsistence allowances, travel allowances,
registration fees, per diem
• Items may include venue rentals, catering costs, or other activity related costs.
• Audit costs can be included if they are not covered by indirect costs. Only the portion of an
organizational audit cost associated with this project should be charged to this project.
• Avoid using vague wording such as “miscellaneous”, “other”, “etc.”, and “contingency fund”.
Category I. Total Direct Costs
This category simply adds together the totals of all previous categories (A through H) to provide a
summary of all direct costs. No additional narrative information is necessary for this category.
Category J. Indirect Costs
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Indirect costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double
charged or inconsistently charged as both. These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the
program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. The
organization’s elected methodology must be used consistently for all federal awards.
Indirect costs can be included in the budget under one of the following methods:
• Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)
Applicants with an established NICRA may charge their approved indirect rate(s).
Indicate the rate(s) and the base(s) to which they are applied (e.g., all direct costs, to
o
wages and salaries only, etc.)
If an applicant is electing to charge a rate lower than their approved NICRA, an
o
explanation should be provided within the Budget Narrative.
• De Minimis Rate
Applicants that have never received a NICRA can charge a de minimis rate up to 15% of
modified total direct costs (MTDC) to cover indirect expenses.
MTDC includes “all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials
o
and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $50,000 of each subaward (regardless
of the period of performance of the subaward)”
MTDC excludes “equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental
o
costs, tuition reimbursement, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs,
and the portion of each subaward in excess of $50,000”. Other items may only be
excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect
costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.
Justify the MTDC calculation and outline which costs the applicant is proposing to be
o
included within the MTDC base.
15% of MTDC is the maximum allowable, but anything below 15% is acceptable if
o
voluntarily offered by the applicant.
Cost Share
Cost Share is the portion of program costs not borne by the Federal Government. Cost sharing may
take the form of allowable direct or indirect costs offered by the applicant and/or in-country partners.
Applicants should consider all types of cost sharing, including in-kind and public-private
partnerships. Additional information on cost share can be found in 2 CFR 200.306. Common
examples include the use of office space owned by other entities; donated supplies and equipment;
and activities and services conducted by qualified volunteers.
• Line items that include cost share should be identified as such within the Budget Narrative
and include the same level of detail requested within this Appendix for federal expenses.
• Monetary values should be assigned to each cost-share line item, in accordance with 2 CFR
200.306.
• Funding from other U.S. government entities or programs does not constitute cost
sharing.
Please note: INL programs do not require cost share, but if it is included 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 Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. In the event
the recipient does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the recipient’s
budget, INL’s contribution may be reduced in proportion to the recipient’s contribution.
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C. Budget Allowances and Restrictions:
Program Income
Recipients must report any income generated by the project, also known as “program income.”
Program income earned during the project period shall be retained by the recipient and, in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the award, shall be addressed in one or more of the following ways:
• Added to the award total and used to further program objectives
• Used toward the recipient’s cost sharing requirement
• Deducted from the total allowable costs in order to determine the net allowable costs for the
award
Cost Share
If a resulting federal award includes recipient cost share, the recipient must maintain written records
to support all allowable costs that are claimed as its contribution to cost share. Such records are
subject to audit. In the event the recipient does not meet the minimum amount of cost sharing as
stipulated in the recipient’s budget, INL may reduce the federal share of the award in proportion to
the recipient’s actual cost share contribution.
Considered Costs
INL will consider approval of the following (non-exhaustive) list of expenses:
• External evaluation to assess the project’s impact
• Internal evaluation conducted by the grantee
• Audit for the recipient organization or specific project
• Visa fees, immunizations, and medical insurance necessary for travel under the project
• English translations for reporting, relevant documents, or events
• Training for project staff related to monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and
other skills necessary to effectively manage the project
Unallowable Costs
The following (non-exhaustive) list of expenses are not allowed in INL grants and cooperative
agreements and should not be included within the proposed budget:
• Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or views of a
particular political faction
• Alcoholic beverages
• Buying or leasing land
• Direct support or the appearance of direct support for individual or single-party electoral
campaigns
• Duplication of services immediately available through municipal, provincial, or national
government
• Travel, personnel, administrative, or other costs for USG employees and contractors—
including full-time employees (Foreign or Civil Service personnel), third-party
contractors (TPCs), Personal Services Contractors (PSCs), Locally Employed Staff (LE
Staff), or When Actually Employed (WAEs).
INL Grants Officer Specific Approvals
The following list of expenses will require the pre-approval of an INL Grant Officer:
• Program income for the grantees and/or subrecipients (Note: Program income is defined as
"gross income earned by a recipient that is directly generated by a sponsored activity or earned
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as a result of the award”. Program income must be identified, appropriately documented, and
the resulting revenue and expenses properly recorded and accounted for. Program Income
must be pre-approved by the Grants Officer).
• Expenses incurred before or after the award period of performance, unless prior written
approval is given by INL Grants Officer
• Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities, except where
these costs have a demonstrable programmatic purpose and are authorized by INL
• Construction
Additional Notices
The applicant is reminded that funds provided under this agreement must be used in a manner fully
consistent with U.S. law.
The applicant will be responsible for complying with all applicable tax treaties and federal, state, and
local laws on tax withholding and reporting for program participants.
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