Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2025

FY25-PAS-Tunis-APS

Tunis APS FY25
No#ce of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Public Affairs Sec/on Annual Program Statement (APS)
U.S. Embassy Tunis, Department of State
Opportunity Number: PAS-TUNIS-FY2025
Applica#on deadline(s): July 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. U.S. EDT
This no0ce is subject to availability of funding.
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Tunis APS FY25
Contents
A. Basic Informa#on ...............................................................................................................................
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2. Executive Summary ..........................................................................
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B. Eligibility .............................................................................................................................................
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1. Eligible Applicants .............................................................................
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3. Other Eligibility Requirements ...........................................................
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2. Substantial Involvement ....................................................................
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D. Applica#on Contents and Format ......................................................................................................
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1. Mandatory application forms ............................................................
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2. Summary Page (optional) ..................................................................
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3. Proposal (5 pages maximum) ............................................................
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4. Budget Justification Narrative ...........................................................
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5. Attachments (suggested examples): .................................................
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E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines ..........................................................................................
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1. Address to Request Application Package ........................................
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3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management
(SAM.gov) ...........................................................................................................
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Tunis APS FY25
Required Registrations: All organizations, whether based in the
United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier
(UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data
elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. ...............
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4. Submission Dates and Times ........................................................
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5. Funding Restrictions ......................................................................
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6. Other Submission Requirements ...................................................
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F. Applica#on Review Informa#on ..........................................................................................................
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1. Review Criteria ..................................................................................
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2. Review and Selection Process ..........................................................
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3. Risk Review .......................................................................................
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G. Award No#ces ....................................................................................................................................
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H. Post-Award Requirements and Administra#on ..................................................................................
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2. Reporting ...........................................................................................
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I. Other Informa#on ..............................................................................................................................
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Tunis APS FY25
U.S Department of State
Public Affairs Sec/on (PAS), U.S. Embassy, Tunis
Annual Program Statement
A. Basic Informa0on
1. Overview
Funding Opportunity Title Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2025
Funding Opportunity Number PAS-TUNIS-FY2025
Announcement Type Ini#al funding opportunity announcement
Deadline for Applica0ons July 6, 2025
Assistance Lis0ng Number 19.040
Length of performance period Proposed program should ideally be planned for a period of
12 months but can be slightly shorter or longer depending
on the nature of the program
Number of awards an0cipated Subject to the availability of funds
Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $10,000.00 to a
maximum of $200,000.00
Total available funding Dependent on availability of funding
Type of Funding FY25/26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds
An0cipated program start date September-October 2025
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Tunis APS FY25
Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or coopera#ve agreement.
Coopera#ve agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that Tunis PAS staff are
more ac#vely involved in the grant implementa#on (“substan#al involvement”).
Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months.
PAS Tunis may entertain applica#ons for con#nua#on grants funded under these awards beyond
the ini#al budget period on a non-compe##ve basis subject to availability of funds, sa#sfactory
progress of the program, and a determina#on that con#nued funding would be in the best
interest of the U.S. government.
2. Execu/ve Summary
The Public Affairs Sec#on at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis invites crea#ve and engaging proposals
for programs that strengthen #es between the United States and Tunisia, highlight shared
values, and promote bilateral coopera#on in ways that make America safer, stronger, and more
prosperous. Please see Sec#on C, Program Descrip#on for more informa#on. This APS outlines
our funding priori#es and the strategic themes we will focus on in FY2025, and the procedures
for submicng requests for funding. Based on availability of funding, PAS Tunis will award
grants, fixed amount awards, or coopera#ve agreements between a minimum of $10,000 and
up to a maximum of $200,000 (U.S. dollars) each for projects that advance the priori#es
outlined in this APS. Please carefully follow all instruc#ons below. Proposals that fail to
conform to the requirements outlined in this APS will not be considered.
B. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants
We encourage applica#ons from the following en##es registered in the United States or Tunisia,
with at least two years of programming experience. (Proposals must include documenta#on
demonstra#ng the applying organiza#on’s experience.)
*Not-for-profit organiza0ons, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental
organiza0ons;
*Public and private educa0onal ins0tu0ons;
*Non-profit or governmental educa0onal ins0tu0ons;
*Governmental ins0tu0ons; and
*Individuals may also apply.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Under this NOFO, cost sharing is not required, but ideas for possible cost sharing are welcomed
and encouraged.
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Tunis APS FY25
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
All organiza#ons must have a Unique En#ty Iden#fier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid
registra#on on SAM.gov. Please see Sec#on D.3 for more informa#on. Individuals are not
required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
C. Program Descrip0on
1. Goals and Objec0ves
All proposed programs must include an American element or a connec#on with American
expert(s), organiza#on(s), or ins#tu#ons in ways that promote increased understanding of U.S.
policies, perspec#ves, and society and/or celebrate U.S. culture and values. Proposals that
include programming outside Greater Tunis or across mul#ple governorates and/or promote
increased collabora#on and networking among alumni of U.S. government programs are
encouraged.
PAS Tunis invites crea#ve and engaging proposals for programs that strengthen cultural,
educa#onal, professional, scien#fic, and business #es between the United States and Tunisia
through programming that highlights shared values, strengthens people-to-people #es and
ins#tu#onal linkages, and promotes bilateral coopera#on, and makes America safer, stronger,
and more prosperous. Compe##ve proposals must focus on at least one grant priority area
outlined below.
Examples of possible PD small grant proposals include, but are not limited to:
• Subject-mafer expert, academic, and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs
that include U.S. speakers/experts.
• Programs that strengthen rela#onships and linkages between U.S. and Tunisian higher
educa#on and cultural ins#tu#ons.
• Educa#onal, ar#s#c, and cultural programs, including programs that strengthen English
language teaching and learning, music, musical theater, dance workshops, master classes,
and performances, live theatre performances, art exhibi#ons, and sports and culinary
diplomacy ini#a#ves that increase mutual understanding between the people of the United
States and Tunisia.
• Programs, including podcasts, that promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, or
that share U.S. experiences related to addressing community challenges, including the
management of water or energy resources, waste management, urban design and planning,
and preparing for and mi#ga#ng natural or human-caused disasters.
• Cultural heritage conserva#on and preserva#on programming, including through the use
new and immersive technologies, such as VR technology.
(Note: This funding cannot be used to support construc0on-related ac0vi0es. End note.)
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Tunis APS FY25
Priority Program Areas and Strategic Themes: Proposals must address at least one of the six
priority areas outlined below:
• ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Ini#a#ves that priori#ze mutual
prosperity, expand economic and commercial links between the United States and
Tunisia, promote U.S. entrepreneurial values and prac#ces, and that share best prac#ces
of successful U.S. business partnerships, startups, and investors with the aim of
increasing economic opportuni#es for U.S. and Tunisian businesses and investors.
• INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Ini#a#ves that
promote collabora#on and academic partnerships in STEM fields (science, technology,
engineering, and mathema#cs), including cybersecurity, space, energy, water security,
food security, smart agriculture, health technology, and ar#ficial intelligence (AI)
between U.S. and Tunisian academic and research ins#tu#ons, non-governmental
organiza#ons, and private companies, as well as programs that promote interest in STEM
educa#on among young people.
• EDUCATIONAL LINKAGES AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Ini#a#ves that expand
collabora#on and partnerships between U.S. and Tunisian higher educa#on and research
ins#tu#ons through programs and professional and academic exchanges; programs to
strengthen English language instruc#on in Tunisian universi#es and colleges; programs
to expand the teaching of English in sign language and braille; and other programs that
support and promote English language learning among Tunisian youth.
• LEADERSHIP: Ini#a#ves that provide leadership training inspired by U.S. experiences,
models, and best prac#ces to Tunisian young people (high school and university students
and young professionals) to help them become effec#ve leaders in their communi#es
and professional field of choice. Such training may include English language, public
speaking and interpersonal communica#on, emo#onal intelligence, cri#cal thinking and
problem solving, financial literacy, goal-secng, and mental health management
strategies.
• MEGA DECADE OF SPORTS: Programs that leverage the “Mega-Decade in Sports” in
North America (2023-2034) when the United States will host the 2025 FIFA World Club
Cup, the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los
Angeles, and the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Salt Lake City, in ways that
strengthen people-to-people #es between the United States and Tunisia, promote
American values and demonstrate American excellence and leadership in sports and
tourism.
• CELEBRATING AMERICAN EXCELLENCE AND U.S.-TUNISIAN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP:
Programs that
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Tunis APS FY25
1) celebrate U.S. scien#fic or sport prowess, innova#on, economic dynamism,
agricultural strength, and na#onal parks and tourism during the 250th anniversary year
of U.S. Independence;
2) leverage people-to-people #es and promote the establishment of U.S-Tunisian
ins#tu#onal linkages through cultural diplomacy, including ar#s#c and cultural
workshops, performances, exhibi#ons, or other ac#vi#es that celebrate American
excellence in visual and performing arts, music, cultural heritage protec#on, and film
during the 250th anniversary year of U.S. Independence and the 228th anniversary year
of the 1797 treaty of friendship between the U.S. and Tunisia; AND/OR
3) leverage people-to-people or ins#tu#onal #es through sports or cultural diplomacy
ini#a#ves to increase awareness and understanding among broad elements of Tunisian
society of the history and benefits of the over two centuries of U.S.-Tunisian friendship,
trade, and security coopera#on.
In addi0on to the specific requirements listed above, all proposals must:
1. Clearly indicate the primary grant priority area the program is focused on.
2. Clearly indicate the key public diplomacy audience(s) that will be targeted by the
program and the key ac#vi#es to be delivered through the program.
3. Iden#fy the ci#es/districts in which ac#vi#es will take place.
4. Iden#fy specific outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period.
5. Clearly delineate how elements of the proposed program will have a mul#plier effect
and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant.
6. Provide a tradi#onal and/or social media plan for marke#ng program ac#vi#es and
outcome, if applicable.
7. Iden#fy any tools (surveys, beneficiary interviews, focus groups, etc.) that will be
developed and used for Monitoring and Evalua#on purposes.
Par0cipants and Audiences:
All proposals must focus on audiences in Tunisia. Proposals should describe both the primary
and secondary audiences for the program, including age, sex, geographic loca#on, and
an#cipated reach. Primary audiences are those that will par#cipate directly in the program, and
secondary audiences include those reached indirectly, for example, via tradi#onal or social
media.
Specific audiences that are considered a priority include:
• Youth and emerging young leaders (14-45 years old);
• Audiences outside the Greater Tunis area;
• Alumni of U.S. government-funded programs; and
established opinion leaders, including but not limited to educators, academics,
researchers, historians, media prac##oners, policy makers, leaders of community and
grassroots organiza#ons, entrepreneurs and innovators, writers, ar#sts, filmmakers,
musicians, and other performing ar#sts, etc.
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Tunis APS FY25
The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
•Programs rela#ng to par#san poli#cal ac#vity;
• Charitable or development ac#vi#es;
• Construc#on programs;
• Programs that support specific religious ac#vi#es;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legisla#on or programs;
• Scien#fic research;
• Programs intended primarily for the growth or ins#tu#onal development of the organiza#on;
or
• Programs that duplicate exis#ng programs.
Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding for this no#ce of funding
opportunity (NOFO) is FY2025/2026 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funding.
2. Substan/al Involvement
Substan#al involvement may include input and involvement in developing specific ac#vi#es as
part of the project, review and approval of par#cipants, project sites, and specific project
content.
D. Applica0on Contents and Format
Please follow all instruc#ons 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 Applica0on
Please ensure:
• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objec#ves of this funding opportunity;
• All documents are in English;
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars;
• All pages are numbered;
• All documents are formafed on 8 ½ x 11 paper; and
• All Microsoo Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum
of 1-inch margins.
The following documents are required:
1. Mandatory applica/on forms
• SF-424 (Applica#on for Federal Assistance – organiza#ons) or SF-424-I (Applica#on for Federal
Assistance --individuals) at grants.gov or the Embassy’s website here
• SF-424A (Budget Informa#on for Non-Construc#on programs) at grants.gov or the Embassy’s
website here
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Tunis APS FY25
• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construc#on programs) at grants.gov or the Embassy’s’ website
here (Note: The SF-424B is only required for individuals, organiza0ons exempt from
registra0on, and for organiza0ons not required to fully register in SAM.gov.)
2. Summary Page (op/onal)
Cover sheet sta#ng the applicant’s name and organiza#on, proposal date, program #tle,
program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.
3. Proposal (5 pages maximum)
The proposal should contain sufficient informa#on such that anyone not familiar with it would
understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use the Embassy’s recommended
proposal template (here) included with our APS package on Grants.gov or your own proposal
format, but the proposal must include all the items below.
• Proposal Summary: Short narra#ve that outlines the proposed project, including project
objec#ves and an#cipated impact.
• Introduc0on to the Organiza0on or Individual applying: A descrip#on of past and present
opera#ons, showing ability to carry out the program, including informa#on on all previous
grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.
• Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be
addressed and why the proposed program is needed
• Program Goals and Objec0ves: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to
achieve. The “objec#ves” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the
goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
• Project Ac0vi0es: Describe the program ac#vi#es and how they will help achieve the
objec#ves.
• Project Methods and Design: A descrip#on of how the program is expected to work to
solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.
• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed #meline for the program ac#vi#es.
Include the dates, #mes, and loca#ons of planned ac#vi#es and events.
• Key Personnel: Names, #tles, roles and experience/qualifica#ons of key personnel involved
in the program. What propor#on of their #me will be used in support of this program?
• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organiza#ons and
sub-awardees. (NOTE: If your proposal requires permission, collabora#on, coopera#on,
and/or some form of approval from or partnership with a Tunisian governmental office to
effectuate the project, you should obtain that permission and support prior to submicng
your proposal so you can include the required lefers of permission or agreement with your
proposal. See #5 in this sec#on. End Note.)
• Project Monitoring and Evalua0on Plan: Throughout the #meframe of the grant, how will
the ac#vi#es be monitored to ensure they are happening in a #mely manner, and how will
the program be evaluated to make sure it is mee#ng the goals of the grant?
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• Media Outreach Strategy: Applicant’s plan for using tradi#onal and/or social media to raise
awareness of the program and U.S. funding of it, recruit par#cipants, and highlight program
impact and benefits for Tunisians.
• Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for con#nuing the program beyond the
grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.
4. Budget Jus/fica/on Narra/ve
Aoer filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the
budget expenses in detail. See sec#on I. Other Informa0on: Guidelines for Budget
Submissions below for further informa#on.
5. ARachments (suggested examples):
• A single-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the
program
• Lefers of support from project partners describing the roles and responsibili#es of each
partner
• If your organiza#on has a Nego#ated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes
NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.
• Official permission lefers, if required for program ac#vi#es. (Note: This includes lefers
of permission or agreement from relevant Tunisian authori#es if the implementa#on of
the proposed program and/or ac#vity requires approval from a Tunisian government
office or ins#tu#on. If you have ques#ons about your proposal, please contact PAS Tunis
at: PASTunisSmallGrants@state.gov)
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
1. Address to Request Applica/on Package
Required applica#on forms men#oned in this APS are available at grants.gov or on the
Embassy’s website here.
2. Department of State Contacts
If you have any ques#ons about the grant applica#on process, please contact:
PASTunisSmallGrants@state.gov
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Tunis APS FY25
3. Unique en/ty iden/fier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
Required Registra0ons: All organiza#ons, whether based in the United States or in another
country, must have a Unique En#ty Iden#fier (UEI) and an ac#ve registra#on with the
SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.
An applicant must maintain an ac#ve registra#on while it has a proposal under review by the
Department of State and must con#nue to keep the registra#on ac#ve for the en#re dura#on of
the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this no#ce of funding
opportunity (NOFO).
The 2 CFR 200 requires that subrecipients obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for sub-recipients is
not required at the #me of applica#on 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 registra/on may take anywhere from
4-8 weeks. Please begin your registra/on as early as possible.
• Organiza#ons based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States
will need an Employer Iden#fica#on Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.
• Organiza#ons 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.
• Organiza0ons 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 En0ty (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign
assistance funding opportuni0es. If an applicant organiza#on is mid-registra#on and
wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registra#on, the applicant should
submit a help desk #cket (“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 registra#on aoer this incident is resolved in order to have
my registra#on ac#vated.”
Organiza#ons based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the
DoD should follow the below instruc#ons:
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Tunis APS FY25
Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registra#on process.
SAM.gov registra#on must be renewed annually.
Organiza#ons based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD
in addi#on to Department of State should follow the below instruc#ons:
Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instruc#ons on the NSPA NATO website linked
below:
NCAGE Homepage:
hfps://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx
NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):
NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)
Exemp0ons
An exemp#on from the UEI and SAM.gov registra#on requirements may be permifed on a case-
by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemp#ons.
Organiza#ons reques#ng exemp#on 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
jus#fica#on of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemp#on must come from the warranted
Grants Officer before the applica#on can be deemed eligible for review.
4. Submission Dates and Times
Proposal applica#ons may be submifed at any #me before the closing date of July 6, 2025 at
11:59 p.m. U.S. EDT. Applica#ons received aoer the deadline will not be considered.
No0fica0ons regarding funding decisions will be sent to applicants no later than August 6, 2025
subject to confirma0on of the availability of funds.
5. Funding Restric/ons
i. Funding Restric#ons for the United Na#ons Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
None of the funds awarded resul#ng from this No#ce of Funding Opportunity may be made
available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment
or transfer to United Na#ons Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
ii. Cer#fica#on Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal an#-discrimina#on laws.
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Tunis APS FY25
None of the funds awarded under this agreement may be used for any ini#a#ves or
programs, or any ac#vi#es that do not comply with Execu#ve Order 14173 #tled Ending
Illegal Discrimina#on and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.
By signing the SF-424 or SF-424I Applica#on for Federal Assistance, the Applicant cer#fies
the following:
1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal an#-discrimina#on laws is
material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of sec#on 3729(b)(4)
of #tle 31, United States Code and;
2) It does not operate any programs promo#ng Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that
violate any applicable Federal an#-discrimina#on laws.
iii. Cer#fica#on Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign
funding disclosure requirements.
Applicants are advised that IHEs must cer#fy the following at the #me of award, and that
this cer#fica#on requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:
Its compliance in all respects with sec#on 1011f of #tle 20, United States Code, and any other
applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of sec#on 3729 of
#tle 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.
Please follow all instruc0ons carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this
announcement will not be considered.
6. Other Submission Requirements
All applica#on materials must be submifed by email to PASTunisSmallGrants@state.gov
F. Applica0on Review Informa0on
1. Review Criteria
Each applica#on will be evaluated and rated based on the evalua#on criteria outlined below.
• Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea is well
developed, with detail about how program ac#vi#es will be carried out and the required
American component. The proposal includes a reasonable implementa#on #meline.
• Organiza0onal Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organiza#on has
exper#se in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds.
This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
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Tunis APS FY25
• Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objec0ves – 20 points: Goals and objec#ves are
clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the
proposed results.
• Budget – 10 points: The budget jus#fica#on is detailed. Costs are reasonable in rela#on to
the proposed ac#vi#es and an#cipated results. The budget is realis#c, accoun#ng for all
necessary expenses to achieve proposed ac#vi#es.
• Monitoring and evalua0on plan and media/public outreach strategy – 15 points: Applicant
demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides
milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes
output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. The
program includes a media/public outreach strategy raising awareness of the program, its
impact, and U.S. government funding of it.
• Sustainability – 10 points: Program ac#vi#es will con#nue to have posi#ve impact aoer the
end of the program.
2. Review and Selec/on Process
A review commifee will evaluate all eligible applica#ons.
3. Risk Review
i. Risk factors
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 effec#vely implement requirements
f. Awardees that are deemed to be high risk may be required to submit more
extensive and frequent reports un#l their high-risk designa#on has been
removed.
ii. Responsibility/Qualifica#on Informa#on in SAM.gov
The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of
Federal share greater than the simplified acquisi#on threshold, is required to review and
consider (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
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Tunis APS FY25
An applicant can review and comment on any informa#on in the responsibility/qualifica#on
records available in SAM.gov.
Before making decisions in the risk review required by § 200.206 the Department will
consider any comments by the applicant, along with informa#on available in the
responsibility/qualifica#on records in SAM.gov.
G. Award No0ces
The award or coopera#ve agreement will be wrifen, 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 signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program
expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants
Officer.
If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State and PAS Tunis have no obliga#on
to provide any addi#onal future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend
the period of performance is at the discre#on of the Department of State and PAS Tunis.
Issuance of this NOFO does not cons#tute 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
prepara#on 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 no#fied by August 6, 2025 via email.
Payment Method:
Recipients will be required to request payments by comple#ng form SF-270—Request for
Advance or Reimbursement and submicng the form to the Grants Officer.
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administra0on
1. Administra#ve and Na#onal Policy Requirements
Before submicng an applica#on, applicants should review all the terms and condi#ons and
required cer#fica#ons which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to
comply.
These include:
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Tunis APS FY25
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part
200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Execu#ve guidance, the Department of State
will review and consider applica#ons for funding, as applicable to specific programs,
pursuant to this no#ce of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:
• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regula#ons (2
CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, par#cularly on:
o Selec#ng recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the
program objec#ves through an impar#al process of evalua#ng Federal award
applica#ons (2 CFR part 200.205),
o Promo#ng the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with
Promo0ng Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving
Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universi0es
(E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
o Providing a preference, to the extent permifed by law, to maximize use of
goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part
200.322), and
o Termina#ng agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard
Terms and Condi#ons, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an
award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priori#es (2 CFR part
200.340).
• 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
2. Repor/ng
Repor0ng Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and
program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how
ooen these reports must be submifed.
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Tunis APS FY25
Recipients are required to quarterly program progress and financial reports throughout the
project period. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days aTer the repor0ng period.
Final cer0fied programma0c and financial reports are due 90 days aTer the close of the
project period.
All reports are to be submifed electronically.
Awardees that are deemed to be high risk may be required to submit more extensive and
frequent reports un#l their high-risk designa#on has been removed.
The Awardee must also provide PAS Tunis 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 repor#ng of foreign assistance data
through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign
assistance ac#vity data from budge#ng, planning, and alloca#on through obliga#on 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
documenta#on. 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
accoun#ng records.
I. Other Informa0on
Guidelines for Budget Jus0fica0on
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 #me that will be spent on the program.
Travel: Es#mate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants
or speakers, and par#cipants/beneficiaries. If the program involves interna#onal travel, include
a brief statement of jus#fica#on 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 dura#on of
the program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit.
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Tunis APS FY25
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 ac#vi#es.
Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit
in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable
taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.
Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program ac#vi#es, such as
overhead costs needed to help keep the organiza#on opera#ng. If your organiza#on has a
Nego#ated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, afach a copy
of your latest NICRA. Organiza#ons that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of
15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.
“Cost Sharing”: Refers to contribu#ons from the organiza#on or other en##es other than the
U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contribu#ons such as volunteers’ #me and donated
venues.
Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds under this NOFO cannot be used for
alcoholic beverages.
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Full Announcement

Tunis APS FY25
No#ce of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Public Affairs Sec/on Annual Program Statement (APS)
U.S. Embassy Tunis, Department of State
Opportunity Number: PAS-TUNIS-FY2025
Applica#on deadline(s): July 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. U.S. EDT
This no0ce is subject to availability of funding.
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Tunis APS FY25
Contents
A. Basic Informa#on ...............................................................................................................................
3
B. Eligibility .............................................................................................................................................
4
D. Applica#on Contents and Format ......................................................................................................
8
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines ..........................................................................................
10
F. Applica#on Review Informa#on ..........................................................................................................
13
G. Award No#ces ....................................................................................................................................
15
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administra#on ..................................................................................
15
I. Other Informa#on ..............................................................................................................................
17
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Tunis APS FY25
U.S Department of State
Public Affairs Sec/on (PAS), U.S. Embassy, Tunis
Annual Program Statement
A. Basic Informa0on
1. Overview
Funding Opportunity Title Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2025
Funding Opportunity Number PAS-TUNIS-FY2025
Announcement Type Ini#al funding opportunity announcement
Deadline for Applica0ons July 6, 2025
Assistance Lis0ng Number 19.040
Length of performance period Proposed program should ideally be planned for a period of
12 months but can be slightly shorter or longer depending
on the nature of the program
Number of awards an0cipated Subject to the availability of funds
Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $10,000.00 to a
maximum of $200,000.00
Total available funding Dependent on availability of funding
Type of Funding FY25/26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds
An0cipated program start date September-October 2025
Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or coopera#ve agreement.
Coopera#ve agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that Tunis PAS staff are
more ac#vely involved in the grant implementa#on (“substan#al involvement”).
Program Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months.
PAS Tunis may entertain applica#ons for con#nua#on grants funded under these awards beyond
the ini#al budget period on a non-compe##ve basis subject to availability of funds, sa#sfactory
progress of the program, and a determina#on that con#nued funding would be in the best
interest of the U.S. government.
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Tunis APS FY25
2. Execu/ve Summary
The Public Affairs Sec#on at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis invites crea#ve and engaging proposals
for programs that strengthen #es between the United States and Tunisia, highlight shared
values, and promote bilateral coopera#on in ways that make America safer, stronger, and more
prosperous. Please see Sec#on C, Program Descrip#on for more informa#on. This APS outlines
our funding priori#es and the strategic themes we will focus on in FY2025, and the procedures
for submieng requests for funding. Based on availability of funding, PAS Tunis will award
grants, fixed amount awards, or coopera#ve agreements between a minimum of $10,000 and
up to a maximum of $200,000 (U.S. dollars) each for projects that advance the priori#es
outlined in this APS. Please carefully follow all instruc#ons below. Proposals that fail to
conform to the requirements outlined in this APS will not be considered.
B. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants
We encourage applica#ons from the following en##es registered in the United States or Tunisia,
with at least two years of programming experience. (Proposals must include documenta#on
demonstra#ng the applying organiza#on’s experience.)
*Not-for-profit organiza0ons, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental
organiza0ons;
*Public and private educa0onal ins0tu0ons;
*Non-profit or governmental educa0onal ins0tu0ons;
*Governmental ins0tu0ons; and
*Individuals may also apply.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Under this NOFO, cost sharing is not required, but ideas for possible cost sharing are welcomed
and encouraged.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
All organiza#ons must have a Unique En#ty Iden#fier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid
registra#on on SAM.gov. Please see Sec#on D.3 for more informa#on. Individuals are not
required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
C. Program Descrip0on
1. Goals and Objec0ves
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Tunis APS FY25
All proposed programs must include an American element or a connec#on with American
expert(s), organiza#on(s), or ins#tu#ons in ways that promote increased understanding of U.S.
policies, perspec#ves, and society and/or celebrate U.S. culture and values. Proposals that
include programming outside Greater Tunis or across mul#ple governorates and/or promote
increased collabora#on and networking among alumni of U.S. government programs are
encouraged.
PAS Tunis invites crea#ve and engaging proposals for programs that strengthen cultural,
educa#onal, professional, scien#fic, and business #es between the United States and Tunisia
through programming that highlights shared values, strengthens people-to-people #es and
ins#tu#onal linkages, and promotes bilateral coopera#on, and makes America safer, stronger,
and more prosperous. Compe##ve proposals must focus on at least one grant priority area
outlined below.
Examples of possible PD small grant proposals include, but are not limited to:
• Subject-maier expert, academic, and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs
that include U.S. speakers/experts.
• Programs that strengthen rela#onships and linkages between U.S. and Tunisian higher
educa#on and cultural ins#tu#ons.
• Educa#onal, ar#s#c, and cultural programs, including programs that strengthen English
language teaching and learning, music, musical theater, dance workshops, master classes,
and performances, live theatre performances, art exhibi#ons, and sports and culinary
diplomacy ini#a#ves that increase mutual understanding between the people of the United
States and Tunisia.
• Programs, including podcasts, that promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, or
that share U.S. experiences related to addressing community challenges, including the
management of water or energy resources, waste management, urban design and planning,
and preparing for and mi#ga#ng natural or human-caused disasters.
• Cultural heritage conserva#on and preserva#on programming, including through the use
new and immersive technologies, such as VR technology.
(Note: This funding cannot be used to support construc0on-related ac0vi0es. End note.)
Priority Program Areas and Strategic Themes: Proposals must address at least one of the six
priority areas outlined below:
• ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Ini#a#ves that priori#ze mutual
prosperity, expand economic and commercial links between the United States and
Tunisia, promote U.S. entrepreneurial values and prac#ces, and that share best prac#ces
of successful U.S. business partnerships, startups, and investors with the aim of
increasing economic opportuni#es for U.S. and Tunisian businesses and investors.
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Tunis APS FY25
• INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Ini#a#ves that
promote collabora#on and academic partnerships in STEM fields (science, technology,
engineering, and mathema#cs), including cybersecurity, space, energy, water security,
food security, smart agriculture, health technology, and ar#ficial intelligence (AI)
between U.S. and Tunisian academic and research ins#tu#ons, non-governmental
organiza#ons, and private companies, as well as programs that promote interest in STEM
educa#on among young people.
• EDUCATIONAL LINKAGES AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Ini#a#ves that expand
collabora#on and partnerships between U.S. and Tunisian higher educa#on and research
ins#tu#ons through programs and professional and academic exchanges; programs to
strengthen English language instruc#on in Tunisian universi#es and colleges; programs
to expand the teaching of English in sign language and braille; and other programs that
support and promote English language learning among Tunisian youth.
• LEADERSHIP: Ini#a#ves that provide leadership training inspired by U.S. experiences,
models, and best prac#ces to Tunisian young people (high school and university students
and young professionals) to help them become effec#ve leaders in their communi#es
and professional field of choice. Such training may include English language, public
speaking and interpersonal communica#on, emo#onal intelligence, cri#cal thinking and
problem solving, financial literacy, goal-seeng, and mental health management
strategies.
• MEGA DECADE OF SPORTS: Programs that leverage the “Mega-Decade in Sports” in
North America (2023-2034) when the United States will host the 2025 FIFA World Club
Cup, the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los
Angeles, and the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Salt Lake City, in ways that
strengthen people-to-people #es between the United States and Tunisia, promote
American values and demonstrate American excellence and leadership in sports and
tourism.
• CELEBRATING AMERICAN EXCELLENCE AND U.S.-TUNISIAN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP:
Programs that
1) celebrate U.S. scien#fic or sport prowess, innova#on, economic dynamism,
agricultural strength, and na#onal parks and tourism during the 250th anniversary year
of U.S. Independence;
2) leverage people-to-people #es and promote the establishment of U.S-Tunisian
ins#tu#onal linkages through cultural diplomacy, including ar#s#c and cultural
workshops, performances, exhibi#ons, or other ac#vi#es that celebrate American
excellence in visual and performing arts, music, cultural heritage protec#on, and film
during the 250th anniversary year of U.S. Independence and the 228th anniversary year
of the 1797 treaty of friendship between the U.S. and Tunisia; AND/OR
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Tunis APS FY25
3) leverage people-to-people or ins#tu#onal #es through sports or cultural diplomacy
ini#a#ves to increase awareness and understanding among broad elements of Tunisian
society of the history and benefits of the over two centuries of U.S.-Tunisian friendship,
trade, and security coopera#on.
In addi0on to the specific requirements listed above, all proposals must:
1. Clearly indicate the primary grant priority area the program is focused on.
2. Clearly indicate the key public diplomacy audience(s) that will be targeted by the
program and the key ac#vi#es to be delivered through the program.
3. Iden#fy the ci#es/districts in which ac#vi#es will take place.
4. Iden#fy specific outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period.
5. Clearly delineate how elements of the proposed program will have a mul#plier effect
and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant.
6. Provide a tradi#onal and/or social media plan for marke#ng program ac#vi#es and
outcome, if applicable.
7. Iden#fy any tools (surveys, beneficiary interviews, focus groups, etc.) that will be
developed and used for Monitoring and Evalua#on purposes.
Par0cipants and Audiences:
All proposals must focus on audiences in Tunisia. Proposals should describe both the primary
and secondary audiences for the program, including age, sex, geographic loca#on, and
an#cipated reach. Primary audiences are those that will par#cipate directly in the program, and
secondary audiences include those reached indirectly, for example, via tradi#onal or social
media.
Specific audiences that are considered a priority include:
• Youth and emerging young leaders (14-45 years old);
• Audiences outside the Greater Tunis area;
• Alumni of U.S. government-funded programs; and
established opinion leaders, including but not limited to educators, academics,
researchers, historians, media prac##oners, policy makers, leaders of community and
grassroots organiza#ons, entrepreneurs and innovators, writers, ar#sts, filmmakers,
musicians, and other performing ar#sts, etc.
The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
•Programs rela#ng to par#san poli#cal ac#vity;
• Charitable or development ac#vi#es;
• Construc#on programs;
• Programs that support specific religious ac#vi#es;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legisla#on or programs;
• Scien#fic research;
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Tunis APS FY25
• Programs intended primarily for the growth or ins#tu#onal development of the organiza#on;
or
• Programs that duplicate exis#ng programs.
Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding for this no#ce of funding
opportunity (NOFO) is FY2025/2026 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funding.
2. Substan/al Involvement
Substan#al involvement may include input and involvement in developing specific ac#vi#es as
part of the project, review and approval of par#cipants, project sites, and specific project
content.
D. Applica0on Contents and Format
Please follow all instruc#ons 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 Applica0on
Please ensure:
• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objec#ves of this funding opportunity;
• All documents are in English;
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars;
• All pages are numbered;
• All documents are formaied on 8 ½ x 11 paper; and
• All Microsoo Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum
of 1-inch margins.
The following documents are required:
1. Mandatory applica/on forms
• SF-424 (Applica#on for Federal Assistance – organiza#ons) or SF-424-I (Applica#on for Federal
Assistance --individuals) at grants.gov or the Embassy’s website at hips://
tn.usembassy.gov/educa#on-culture/ under “Addi#onal Resources.”
• SF-424A (Budget Informa#on for Non-Construc#on programs) at grants.gov or the Embassy’s
website at hips://tn.usembassy.gov/educa#on-culture/ under “Addi#onal Resources.”
• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construc#on programs) at grants.gov or the Embassy’s’ website
at hips://tn.usembassy.gov/educa#on-culture/ under “Addi#onal Resources.”
(Note: The SF-424B is only required for individuals, organiza0ons exempt from registra0on,
and for organiza0ons not required to fully register in SAM.gov.)
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Tunis APS FY25
2. Summary Page (op/onal)
Cover sheet sta#ng the applicant’s name and organiza#on, proposal date, program #tle,
program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.
3. Proposal (5 pages maximum)
The proposal should contain sufficient informa#on such that anyone not familiar with it would
understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use the Embassy’s recommended
proposal template (hips://forms.office.com/g/0JfmkSWcht) included with our APS package on
Grants.gov or your own proposal format, but the proposal must include all the items below.
• Proposal Summary: Short narra#ve that outlines the proposed project, including project
objec#ves and an#cipated impact.
• Introduc0on to the Organiza0on or Individual applying: A descrip#on of past and present
opera#ons, showing ability to carry out the program, including informa#on on all previous
grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.
• Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be
addressed and why the proposed program is needed
• Program Goals and Objec0ves: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to
achieve. The “objec#ves” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the
goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
• Project Ac0vi0es: Describe the program ac#vi#es and how they will help achieve the
objec#ves.
• Project Methods and Design: A descrip#on of how the program is expected to work to
solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.
• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed #meline for the program ac#vi#es.
Include the dates, #mes, and loca#ons of planned ac#vi#es and events.
• Key Personnel: Names, #tles, roles and experience/qualifica#ons of key personnel involved
in the program. What propor#on of their #me will be used in support of this program?
• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organiza#ons and
sub-awardees. (NOTE: If your proposal requires permission, collabora#on, coopera#on,
and/or some form of approval from or partnership with a Tunisian governmental office to
effectuate the project, you should obtain that permission and support prior to submieng
your proposal so you can include the required leiers of permission or agreement with your
proposal. See #5 in this sec#on. End Note.)
• Project Monitoring and Evalua0on Plan: Throughout the #meframe of the grant, how will
the ac#vi#es be monitored to ensure they are happening in a #mely manner, and how will
the program be evaluated to make sure it is mee#ng the goals of the grant?
• Media Outreach Strategy: Applicant’s plan for using tradi#onal and/or social media to raise
awareness of the program and U.S. funding of it, recruit par#cipants, and highlight program
impact and benefits for Tunisians.
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Tunis APS FY25
• Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for con#nuing the program beyond the
grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.
4. Budget Jus/fica/on Narra/ve
Aoer filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the
budget expenses in detail. See sec#on I. Other Informa0on: Guidelines for Budget
Submissions below for further informa#on.
5. ARachments (suggested examples):
• A single-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the
program
• Leiers of support from project partners describing the roles and responsibili#es of each
partner
• If your organiza#on has a Nego#ated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes
NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.
• Official permission leiers, if required for program ac#vi#es. (Note: This includes leiers
of permission or agreement from relevant Tunisian authori#es if the implementa#on of
the proposed program and/or ac#vity requires approval from a Tunisian government
office or ins#tu#on. If you have ques#ons about your proposal, please contact PAS Tunis
at: PASTunisSmallGrants@state.gov)
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
1. Address to Request Applica/on Package
Required applica#on forms men#oned in this APS are available at grants.gov or on the
Embassy’s website at
hips://tn.usembassy.gov/no#ce-of-funding-opportunity-public-affairs-sec#on-annual-program-
statement-aps/
2. Department of State Contacts
If you have any ques#ons about the grant applica#on process, please contact:
PASTunisSmallGrants@state.gov
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Tunis APS FY25
3. Unique en/ty iden/fier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
Required Registra0ons: All organiza#ons, whether based in the United States or in another
country, must have a Unique En#ty Iden#fier (UEI) and an ac#ve registra#on with the
SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.
An applicant must maintain an ac#ve registra#on while it has a proposal under review by the
Department of State and must con#nue to keep the registra#on ac#ve for the en#re dura#on of
the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this no#ce of funding
opportunity (NOFO).
The 2 CFR 200 requires that subrecipients obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for sub-recipients is
not required at the #me of applica#on 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 registra/on may take anywhere from
4-8 weeks. Please begin your registra/on as early as possible.
• Organiza#ons based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States
will need an Employer Iden#fica#on Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.
• Organiza#ons 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.
• Organiza0ons 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 En0ty (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign
assistance funding opportuni0es. If an applicant organiza#on is mid-registra#on and
wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registra#on, the applicant should
submit a help desk #cket (“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 registra#on aoer this incident is resolved in order to have
my registra#on ac#vated.”
Organiza#ons based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the
DoD should follow the below instruc#ons:
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Tunis APS FY25
Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registra#on process.
SAM.gov registra#on must be renewed annually.
Organiza#ons based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD
in addi#on to Department of State should follow the below instruc#ons:
Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instruc#ons on the NSPA NATO website linked
below:
NCAGE Homepage:
hips://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx
NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):
NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)
Exemp0ons
An exemp#on from the UEI and SAM.gov registra#on requirements may be permiied on a case-
by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemp#ons.
Organiza#ons reques#ng exemp#on 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
jus#fica#on of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemp#on must come from the warranted
Grants Officer before the applica#on can be deemed eligible for review.
4. Submission Dates and Times
Proposal applica#ons may be submiied at any #me before the closing date of July 6, 2025 at
11:59 p.m. U.S. EDT. Applica#ons received aoer the deadline will not be considered.
No0fica0ons regarding funding decisions will be sent to applicants no later than August 6, 2025
subject to confirma0on of the availability of funds.
5. Funding Restric/ons
i. Funding Restric#ons for the United Na#ons Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
None of the funds awarded resul#ng from this No#ce of Funding Opportunity may be made
available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment
or transfer to United Na#ons Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
ii. Cer#fica#on Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal an#-discrimina#on laws.
12

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Tunis APS FY25
None of the funds awarded under this agreement may be used for any ini#a#ves or
programs, or any ac#vi#es that do not comply with Execu#ve Order 14173 #tled Ending
Illegal Discrimina#on and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.
By signing the SF-424 or SF-424I Applica#on for Federal Assistance, the Applicant cer#fies
the following:
1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal an#-discrimina#on laws is
material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of sec#on 3729(b)(4)
of #tle 31, United States Code and;
2) It does not operate any programs promo#ng Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that
violate any applicable Federal an#-discrimina#on laws.
iii. Cer#fica#on Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign
funding disclosure requirements.
Applicants are advised that IHEs must cer#fy the following at the #me of award, and that
this cer#fica#on requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:
Its compliance in all respects with sec#on 1011f of #tle 20, United States Code, and any other
applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of sec#on 3729 of
#tle 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.
Please follow all instruc0ons carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this
announcement will not be considered.
6. Other Submission Requirements
All applica#on materials must be submiied by email to PASTunisSmallGrants@state.gov
F. Applica0on Review Informa0on
1. Review Criteria
Each applica#on will be evaluated and rated based on the evalua#on criteria outlined below.
• Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea is well
developed, with detail about how program ac#vi#es will be carried out and the required
American component. The proposal includes a reasonable implementa#on #meline.
• Organiza0onal Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organiza#on has
exper#se in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds.
This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
13

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Tunis APS FY25
• Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objec0ves – 20 points: Goals and objec#ves are
clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the
proposed results.
• Budget – 10 points: The budget jus#fica#on is detailed. Costs are reasonable in rela#on to
the proposed ac#vi#es and an#cipated results. The budget is realis#c, accoun#ng for all
necessary expenses to achieve proposed ac#vi#es.
• Monitoring and evalua0on plan and media/public outreach strategy – 15 points: Applicant
demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides
milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes
output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. The
program includes a media/public outreach strategy raising awareness of the program, its
impact, and U.S. government funding of it.
• Sustainability – 10 points: Program ac#vi#es will con#nue to have posi#ve impact aoer the
end of the program.
2. Review and Selec/on Process
A review commiiee will evaluate all eligible applica#ons.
3. Risk Review
i. Risk factors
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 effec#vely implement requirements
f. Awardees that are deemed to be high risk may be required to submit more
extensive and frequent reports un#l their high-risk designa#on has been
removed.
ii. Responsibility/Qualifica#on Informa#on in SAM.gov
The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of
Federal share greater than the simplified acquisi#on threshold, is required to review and
consider (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
14

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Tunis APS FY25
An applicant can review and comment on any informa#on in the responsibility/qualifica#on
records available in SAM.gov.
Before making decisions in the risk review required by § 200.206 the Department will
consider any comments by the applicant, along with informa#on available in the
responsibility/qualifica#on records in SAM.gov.
G. Award No0ces
The award or coopera#ve agreement will be wriien, 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 signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program
expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants
Officer.
If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State and PAS Tunis have no obliga#on
to provide any addi#onal future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend
the period of performance is at the discre#on of the Department of State and PAS Tunis.
Issuance of this NOFO does not cons#tute 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
prepara#on 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 no#fied by August 6, 2025 via email.
Payment Method:
Recipients will be required to request payments by comple#ng form SF-270—Request for
Advance or Reimbursement and submieng the form to the Grants Officer.
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administra0on
1. Administra#ve and Na#onal Policy Requirements
Before submieng an applica#on, applicants should review all the terms and condi#ons and
required cer#fica#ons which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to
comply.
These include:
15

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Tunis APS FY25
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part
200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Execu#ve guidance, the Department of State
will review and consider applica#ons for funding, as applicable to specific programs,
pursuant to this no#ce of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:
• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regula#ons (2
CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, par#cularly on:
o Selec#ng recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the
program objec#ves through an impar#al process of evalua#ng Federal award
applica#ons (2 CFR part 200.205),
o Promo#ng the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with
Promo0ng Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving
Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universi0es
(E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
o Providing a preference, to the extent permiied by law, to maximize use of
goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part
200.322), and
o Termina#ng agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard
Terms and Condi#ons, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an
award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priori#es (2 CFR part
200.340).
• 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
2. Repor/ng
Repor0ng Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and
program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how
ooen these reports must be submiied.
16

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Tunis APS FY25
Recipients are required to quarterly program progress and financial reports throughout the
project period. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days aTer the repor0ng period.
Final cer0fied programma0c and financial reports are due 90 days aTer the close of the
project period.
All reports are to be submiied electronically.
Awardees that are deemed to be high risk may be required to submit more extensive and
frequent reports un#l their high-risk designa#on has been removed.
The Awardee must also provide PAS Tunis 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 repor#ng of foreign assistance data
through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign
assistance ac#vity data from budge#ng, planning, and alloca#on through obliga#on 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
documenta#on. 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
accoun#ng records.
I. Other Informa0on
Guidelines for Budget Jus0fica0on
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 #me that will be spent on the program.
Travel: Es#mate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants
or speakers, and par#cipants/beneficiaries. If the program involves interna#onal travel, include
a brief statement of jus#fica#on 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 dura#on of
the program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit.
17

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Tunis APS FY25
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 ac#vi#es.
Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit
in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable
taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.
Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program ac#vi#es, such as
overhead costs needed to help keep the organiza#on opera#ng. If your organiza#on has a
Nego#ated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, aiach a copy
of your latest NICRA. Organiza#ons that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of
15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.
“Cost Sharing”: Refers to contribu#ons from the organiza#on or other en##es other than the
U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contribu#ons such as volunteers’ #me and donated
venues.
Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds under this NOFO cannot be used for
alcoholic beverages.
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Application SF424

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Assurance SF424B

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Budget Information SF424A

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> Download XLS file: Project Budget Narrative Template.xls

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Project Narrative

Public Affairs Grant Proposal
Program Title:
Proposed Grant Recipient and Location:
Contact Person Name and Telephone:
Number of Beneficiaries:
Total Budget (Use the attached budget template):
Time Period of Grant:
Theme (one or more:
1- Brief Summary of the project:
Briefly describe your project and what it aims to achieve (No more than 500 characters)
2- Project Details:
Please list the geographic locations where your organization proposes to perform its
proposed activities.
PAS – Project Proposal Template 1

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Which key Public Affairs Office objectives does this project address?
Describe the U.S. component of your project
Why are you/ is your organization qualified to execute this project.
At the end of a successful project, how will you know whether you have achieved the desired
result(s)? How will you demonstrate evidence of success?
Who are the direct beneficiaries of your project?
How long will it take to implement this project?
3- Organization and Partner Information:
Include a brief description of your organization’s history, background, and mission as well as
past work & experience in this area. You may write a short summary below and attach other
documents to answer this question, or answer in no more than 500 characters below.
2
PAS – Project ProposalTemplate

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In what city and year was your organization established?
Is your organization registered under applicable law in your country and has the final receipt
(ﻲﺋﺎﮭﻨﻟا ﻞﺻﻮﻟا)?
Yes No
Do you have partner organizations working with you on this project?
Yes No
If yes, please list the name(s) of your partner organizations and how they will assist on this
project.
PAS – Project Proposal Template 3

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4- Eligibility requirements:
Does your organization have a UEI number (Unique Entity Identifier)?
Yes No
If yes, please list your UEI number below.
Has your organization received funding from the Unites Stated Government in the past?
Yes No
If yes, please name the source and the amount of financial assistance received, and briefly
describe funded project(s).
Has your organization received or is expected to receive financial assistance from other donors?
Yes No
If yes, please name the donors and the amount of financial assistance received, and briefly
describe funded project(s).
Have you or your organization been convicted of a felony criminal violation under a U.S. or
Tunisian Federal laws or has received a USG award that was canceled or terminated due to
Mismanagement or Fraud?
Yes No
4
PAS – Project Proposal Template