Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026

AEIF 2026 NOFO Mission South Africa

Notice of Funding Opportunity
(NOFO)
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026
U.S. Embassy, Pretoria, Department of State
Opportunity number: PAS-ZAF-FY26-01
Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. SAST on Friday, May 08, 2026.
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Table of Contents
A. BASIC INFORMATION .............................................................................................. 3
B. ELIGIBILITY.............................................................................................................. 4
C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................ 5
D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT .............................................................. 6
E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES .................................................. 9
F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ............................................................... 14
G. AWARD NOTICES .................................................................................................... 16
H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ................................... 17
I. OTHER INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 19
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U.S Department of State
U.S. Embassy Pretoria, Public Diplomacy Section
Notice of Funding Opportunity
A. BASIC INFORMATION
1. Overview
Funding Opportunity Title Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026
Funding Opportunity Number PAS-ZAF-FY26-01
Announcement Type Initial announcement
Deadline for Applications 11:59 p.m. SAST on Friday, May 08, 2026.
Assistance Listing Number 19.022
Length of performance period 12 months
Number of awards anticipated Maximum of 3
Award amounts The proposal must be in the range of $5,000 to $35,000
Total available funding To be determined.
Type of Funding Public Diplomacy
Anticipated project start date Within 45 days of notification of funding approval
Funding Instrument Type: Grant or fixed amount award (FAA).
Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.
The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these
awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of
funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be
in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.
This notice is subject to availability of funding. The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the
right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the
best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the
designated grants officer.
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2. Executive Summary
The U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Mission in South Africa, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS)
announces an open competition to implement a program to roll-out of the 2026 Alumni
Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is an
annual funding opportunity designed to invest in U.S. government-funded exchange participants
and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that promote shared interests
and policy objectives and benefit local communities. We invite you to submit proposals for
projects that meet the requirements of the program (discussed in Section C below). Please read
this notice carefully before preparing and submitting a funding proposal.
Please also note the following: This solicitation does not constitute an award commitment by the
U.S. government. A final award cannot be made until the proposal has been reviewed and
approved, and an award agreement is drawn up and signed by a grants officer. The U.S. Mission
reserves the right not to issue an award after receipt of any proposal. The U.S. Mission also
reserves the right to reduce, revise, and/or increase a proposal budget in accordance with the
needs of the program and availability of funds. Please follow all instructions below.
-----------Please do not apply for this funding opportunity if you’re not an alumnus of a U.S.
government-funded exchange program-----------
B. ELIGIBILITY
1. Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
• The proposed project identifies and supports U.S. policies and Freedom 250 initiatives.
• Alumni who participated in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program where the
proposed project involves at least two U.S. government-sponsored exchange program
alumni, and one is a specified team lead
• Alumni associations from countries with current U.S. representation, but such
applications must specify an alumni team lead
• If three or more alumni are applying together, U.S. citizen alumni may be included on
alumni teams, but the team must have at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange program
alumni. U.S. citizen alumni cannot be team leads on project proposals.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
We encourage all proposals to include some form of cost sharing. Examples include in-kind
support (services, labor, supplies/equipment, or volunteers), a business contributing food, an
organization offering a venue at a discount or free of charge, an NGO sponsoring an activity, an
expert donating time to facilitate a seminar, etc.
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3. Other Eligibility Requirements
All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a
valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not
required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal
is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible
for funding under this funding opportunity.
4. This opportunity will not support:
• Projects relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical,
psychological, and/or humanitarian support
• Construction projects;
• Projects that support specific religious activities;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
• Scientific research or surveys;
• Commercial projects;
• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the
organization;
• Projects that duplicate existing projects;
• Illegal activities;
• Staff salaries & office space;
• Social travel/visits;
• Gifts or prizes;
• Provision of direct social services to a population;
• Alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments not integral to the project, or entertainment;
• Individual scholarships;
• Activities that take place in the United States and its territories;
• Travel for international alumni to the U.S.;
C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives
The 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund is designed to increase the impact of the U.S.
government’s investment in exchange participants and programs by helping alumni develop and
implement projects that support U.S. policy objectives and promote shared interests. All AEIF
projects must celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States
of America (Freedom 250) and align with administration policy goals to make the U.S. safer,
stronger and more prosperous, or defend freedom of speech.
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Project Audience(s): South African alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs
Project Goal: AEIF is designed to increase the impact of the U.S. government’s investment in
exchange participants and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that
support U.S. policy objectives, promote shared interests; therefore, benefitting both the United
States and local communities. Additionally, all AEIF projects must include at least one of the
following:
1. Convene alumni from different exchange programs to build or expand an alumni network
capable of working together on common interests and increase regional and global
collaboration of alumni. Every project proposal must include at least two exchange
alumni or involvement of an alumni association.
2. Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government to work together on
activities that address shared goals and challenges.
3. Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their
communities for maximum impact.
Project Objectives: In addition, a successful proposal may address the following U.S.
government priority:
• Objective: Partnering with the South Africa-U.S. Alumni Connect team to create
programs and activities that commemorate Freedom 250 elements and offer networking
or personal and professional development opportunities for South African alumni of
U.S. government programs.
D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT
Please follow all instructions below carefully.
Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the
stated requirements will be ineligible.
Content of Application
Please ensure:
● The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
● All documents are in English
● All budgets are in U.S. dollars
● All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various required
forms.
The following documents are required:
1. Mandatory application forms
● AEIF 2026 Proposal Form available at or za.usembassy.gov/grants.
● AEIF 2026 Budget Form available at or za.usembassy.gov/grants.
● AEIF 2026 Google Form
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● Additional support materials like workshop agendas, curricula, or previous pilot projects
connected to your submission (Optional but strongly recommended).
2. Proposal
The attached Microsoft Word proposal form, AEIF 2026 Proposal Form.docx, must be used.
Do not save as a PDF. Rename the document to AEIF26_South Africa_Pretoria_Project
Title.docx, for example, AEIF26_South Africa_Pretoria_STEM Curricula.docx. A partially
completed form may result in your application being rejected on technical grounds.
3. Budget Justification Narrative
The attached Microsoft Excel budget form, AEIF 2026 Budget Form.xlsx must be used. Do not
save as a PDF. Rename the document to AEIF26_South Africa_Pretoria_Project Title.xlsx, for
example, AEIF26_South Africa_Pretoria_STEM Curricula.xlsx. Read the “Budget Guidelines”
tab first. Budget amounts must be in U.S. dollars.
AEIF 2026 can support the following budget items:
• Travel essential for project implementation. In support of Freedom 250, travel for U.S.
citizen alumni is allowed and will be closely evaluated for necessity
• Rental of venues for project activities
• Meals/refreshments integral to the project (i.e., working lunch for a meeting)
• Trainer or speaker honoraria expenses (i.e., maximum $250/day fee, travel, lodging, per
diem)
• Reasonable equipment and materials
• Communications and publicity materials, such as manuals or project advertisements
• Reasonable costs to support virtual programming (i.e., subscription to Zoom, WebEx,
camera/microphones for virtual meetings, mailing services, etc.)
Additional attachments are optional:
For example, support materials like workshop agendas, curricula, or previous pilot projects
connected to your submission.
Additional Budget Notes:
● Awards to Individuals: Please note the following budget guidelines for the Individual
Award:
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ο Salary/Honoraria: Only the award recipient may receive salary/honoraria from
this funding mechanism. The Recipient must be the primary point of contact and
manage all programmatic activities.
ο Contractual Costs: Additional individuals working on the award are only
permissible through contracted services, as long as the services are not related to
the core programmatic activities. Expenses for services such as accounting, legal
support, social media management, website designer, etc., are allowable.
ο Other Direct Costs: Expenses related to securing venues, managing logistics,
catering, etc. are allowable.
● Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards
in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and
2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be
charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s
established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.
● Visa Fees: Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable.
Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award
recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your
organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more
information go to: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/
4. Attachments
● Key Personnel Resumes: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included
for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as
well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position
has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description,
identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé.
● Letters of support from program partners: Letters of support should be included for
sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be
entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation
to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The
individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.
● Proof of Non-profit Status: Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit
status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal
Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence
of non-profit status issued by a government entity).
● Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with
the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS
determination letter. South African-based organizations should submit a copy of their
certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.
Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which may be
requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include:
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a. Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years
b. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies
c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the
Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award
overseas
d. Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII
of participants and beneficiaries. It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure
protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when
collecting, maintaining, using and disseminating such information
e. Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures
an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and
attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that
may be necessary to undertake the project activities
f. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or
financial information regarding the proposal.
E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
1. Address to Request Application Package
Application forms required above are available at or za.usembassy.gov/grants.
2. Department of State Contacts
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:
PretoriaGrants@state.gov.
Question Deadline: For questions on this solicitation, please contact
PretoriaGrants@state.gov. Questions must be received on or before May, 01, 2026, at 11:59
p.m., SAST.
Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
Required Registration: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another
country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A
UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.
An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the
Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period
of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.
The 2 CFR 200 also requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for
subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is
processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.
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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.”
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.
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.
Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not
eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that
implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp.,
p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”
3. Submission Dates and Times
Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by May, 08, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
SAST. For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, PDS will utilize the
timestamp provided by Grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If
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applicants fail to meet the deadline noted above their application will be considered ineligible
and will not be considered for funding.
Submission Method:
Only proposals submitted using the official AEIF 2026 forms will be considered for funding. All
proposals must be submitted via this Google forms link: Alumni Engagement Innovation
Fund (AEIF) 2026. Please also submit all proposal documents via email to
PretoriaGrants@state.gov. The subject of the email should be AEIF26_South
Africa_Pretoria_Project Title, for example, AEIF26_South Africa_Pretoria_STEM Curricula.
Only applications submitted via the Google form and emailed to
PretoriaGrants@state.gov. will be considered. The required documentation must be attached
to the email. Documents uploaded to the “cloud” will not be retrieved.
4. Funding Restrictions
i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): None
of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made
available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any
payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
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:
a. 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;
b. 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 Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable
foreign funding disclosure requirements: Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify
the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be
included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:
a. Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States Code,
and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for
purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of
appropriate Federal grant funds.
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b. Applicants seeking clarification on the reporting requirement are encouraged to
review the Frequently Asked Questions resource developed by the U.S.
Department of Education.
iv. 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:
a. 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);
b. 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).
c. 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.
i. Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to
the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant
contents of the plan or related materials on its website and at the workplace.
Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of
performance.
v. 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 .
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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.].
vi. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding
opportunity.
vii. Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction
activities or costs.
viii. Direct Social Services: Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as
welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as
costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and
psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed.
5. Other Submission Requirements: Copyrights and Proprietary Information
If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the
footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential – Proprietary. Applicants
should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by
copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the
relevant documentation to support these copyrights.
Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and South
Africa. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United
States and South Africa.
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Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and South African requirements
described above.
F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. Review Criteria
Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the
basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the
proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.
Relevance to U.S. Policy Priorities
The proposal provides sufficient information on how the activities will celebrate and promote the
250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and addresses U.S. policy goals that align
with administration objectives to make the U.S. safer, stronger and more prosperous or defend
freedom of speech as outlined in 25 STATE 5156 and 25 STATE 103558. The narrative explains
any relevant local context or Mission priorities the D.C. Selection Committee may not be aware
of in relation to this project and your post. Proposed project ideas must be public diplomacy and
public service oriented in nature (i.e., not development or military).
Purpose and Summary, Description, and Implementation Plan
When developing the purpose, summary, description, and implementation plan, applicants
should aim to make all descriptions clear, concise, and compelling. Reviewers will judge the
proposals based on the likelihood of the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the
community where it is undertaken. Does the project address an important gap of understanding
or need? If the aim of the project is achieved, how will existing knowledge or practice be
improved? What audience do the applicants hope to reach with this project? How many will
participate? How will they be selected?
Degree of Alumni Involvement
Projects must include the involvement of at least two (2) exchange alumni. They may be the
project team leaders or collaborate directly with PAS in formulating the project. More than two
alumni may comprise the team; however, the minimum is two. As the team leaders, the alumni
must be closely involved in project planning, implementation, etc. Applicants should ensure that
the proposal
includes the following information for each alumni team member: first name, last name,
exchange program, country of citizenship, roles and responsibilities, and degree of time spent on
the project.
Participation and Support from Local Partners
The proposal demonstrates buy-in and support from the community where the project will take
place. Local partner involvement is a strong sign that there is community support and that the
project will engage a broad array of experts, such as subject matter experts, community centers,
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academic institutions, businesses, local/national government, non-governmental organizations,
American Spaces, etc.
Monitoring and Evaluation of the Project
A monitoring & evaluation (M&E) plan is pivotal to project implementation and important
tracking of progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. An M&E plan should consider
the data needed to effectively monitor progress toward specific outputs and outcomes as well as
how that data collection will be accomplished. Well-crafted indicators should be used to
understand a program’s progress toward the desired results. An M&E plan should be reviewed
for the following:
• Completeness
• Applicability and logic of objectives and indicators
• Clear approach to monitoring
• Adherence to SMART criteria
• Data quality plan
• Capacity to implement plan
Communication, Media, and Outreach Plan
The project should include a clear plan and timeline for how and when the team will share
information about the project. It is important to ensure that the U.S. Embassy gets recognition
throughout the process, if circumstances permit.
Budget and Budget Narrative
The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to
the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all
necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. The results and proposed outcomes justify the
total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.
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
a. Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their
proposal.
b. Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is
missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section D. Application
Contents and Format, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the
grants review committee. A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based
upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.
c. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the
NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.
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2. Risk Review
i. 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 project requirements
ii. High Risk Designation
Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to
special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High
Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial
reports. Recipients may also be required, upon request of the Grants Officer or Grants
Officer Representative, to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting
documentation (e.g., timesheets, travel documents) for costs incurred. The Grants Officer
may withhold 10% of the award amount until final reports have been reviewed and approved
by the GO. The recipient may be required to pay all salaries supported by the grant via
electronic funds transfer. Other special award conditions may also be included if deemed
appropriate by the Grants Officer.
G. 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 counter-signature. 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.
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 and Grants Officer
Representative.
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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
explanation justifying the request.
H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
1. 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:
o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the
program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award
applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with
Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free
Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O.
13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods,
products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and
o Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms
and 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
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● 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/ .
2. 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. Note: most recipients will be required to submit quarterly
program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. The quarterly progress
report should include an up-to-date copy of the PMP datasheet. Progress and financial reports
are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final certified programmatic and financial reports
are due 120 days after the close of the project period.
All reports are to be submitted electronically.
The Awardee must also provide the Embassy on an annual basis an inventory of all the U.S.
government provided equipment using the SF428 form.
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.
3. 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.
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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/
Additional Bureau/Post Specific Requirements: In addition to the Department of State
branding guidance, which requires that materials produced under a federal award be marked
appropriately to acknowledge U.S. Government support, recipients of new Public Diplomacy
awards promoting Freedom 250 activities must also incorporate the Freedom 250 logos in all
program materials, activities, and communications. The recipient should continue to follow
all existing marking and branding requirements in accordance with Department branding
guidance. The Freedom 250 logos would be used in addition to, not in place of, these
requirements.
I. OTHER INFORMATION
Guidelines for Budget Justification
Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or
permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the
percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.
Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants
or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a
brief statement of justification for that travel.
Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the
program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the
program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit.
Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are
needed for the program. If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, then put it in the budget
under Equipment.
Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract
with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the
program activities.
Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in
the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable
taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.
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Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as
overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a
Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a
copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect
costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.
“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S.
Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.
Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages and
other entertainment related expenses.
STEP Enrollment
U.S. citizens who travel to South Africa are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) available at: https://step.state.gov/step/. Enrollment
enables citizens to receive security-related messages from the Embassy and makes it easier for us
to locate you in an emergency. The Embassy also recommends that all travelers review the State
Department's travel website at travel.state.gov for the Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and South
African Specific Information.
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SF-424 - Application-for-Federal-Assistance

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SF-424A - Budget-Information for Non-Construction Programs

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> Download XLSX file: Suggested budget-template.xlsx