U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Freedom 250

Full NOFO information, including application instructions

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural
Preservation (AFCP)
Freedom 250 Special Edition
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State
Opportunity number: USAFCPFreedom250
Application deadline: Deadlines vary by participating U.S. embassy or
consulate
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Contents
A. Basic Information .......................................................................................................................... 3
B. Eligibility ...................................................................................................................................... 4
C. Program Description ..................................................................................................................... 4
D. Application Contents and Format ................................................................................................. 6
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines ..................................................................................... 8
F. Application Review Information ................................................................................................. 14
G. Award Notices ............................................................................................................................. 16
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration ........................................................................... 16
I. Other Information........................................................................................................................ 18
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U.S Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Notice of Funding Opportunity
A. Basic Information
1. Overview
Funding Opportunity Title U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP)
Freedom 250 Special Edition
Funding Opportunity Number USAFCPFreedom250
Announcement Type Initial announcement
Deadline for Applications Deadlines vary by participating U.S. embassy or consulate
Assistance Listing Number 19.025
Length of performance period 12 to 60 months
Number of awards anticipated 25-35 awards
Award amounts Awards range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of
$250,000
Total available funding $6 million, pending availability of funds
Type of Funding FY 2026 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds
Anticipated project start date September 1, 2026
Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement.
Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of the bureau or embassy in program
implementation of the project. An FAA can also include substantial involvement. Examples of
substantial involvement are included in section C below.
Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 60 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.
2. Executive Summary
Priority Region: All regions
Executive Summary
The Cultural Heritage Center (CHC) in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is
pleased to announce the start of the 2026 grants cycle for the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for
Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The 2026 grant cycle celebrates 250 years of American
independence. The year 2026 is also the 25th anniversary of the AFCP. As part of Freedom 250,
ECA is placing special emphasis on projects that honor the global contributions of the United
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States throughout history. Each AFCP project will be an opportunity to highlight the enduring
cultural and historical relationships between the United States and countries around the globe
that shaped our national story and identity since 1776. These projects should involve technical
exchange between Americans and foreign counterparts. The 2026 AFCP grant cycle will have
expanded country eligibility. To synchronize with other Freedom 250 celebrations, ECA is
accelerating the 2026 program calendar and simplifying the application process to a single, full
application round. Contact the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate for application deadlines
and instructions. You will find U.S. embassy or consulate contact information here:
https://www.usembassy.gov/. Full implementation of this AFCP Freedom 250 special edition is
subject to the availability of funds.
B. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
• Foreign Institutions of Higher Education
• Foreign-Based Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Foreign Public Entities (where permitted)
• Public International Organizations and Governmental Institutions
• U.S. Institutions of Higher Education
• U.S. Non-Profit Organizations (IRS section 501(c)(3))
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this competition.
When an applicant offers cost sharing, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must
provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its application and later included in an
approved agreement. The applicant will be responsible for tracking and reporting on any cost
share or outside funding, which is subject to audit per 2 CFR 200. Cost sharing may be in the
form of allowable direct or indirect costs.
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 D.3 for more information. Individuals are not
required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
The AFCP Freedom 250 special edition is open to all countries with which the United States
maintains diplomatic relations.
C. Program Description
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1. Goals and Objectives
This Freedom 250 special edition of the AFCP honors the enduring commitment of the United
States to freedom, democracy, and unity via cultural heritage stewardship. In the spirit of these
values, priority projects should incorporate technical exchange between Americans and foreign
counterparts and illuminate the rich historical and cultural ties between the United States and
countries around the world. CHC will prioritize projects that meet one or more of the following
criteria:
a) Cultural objects or sites in other countries associated with, or frequently visited by
notable Americans, such as homes, studios, or institutions. [Example: Conservation of
the 19th-century Finca Vigía, the American writer Ernest Hemingway's house in Cuba
(AFCP 2024)]
b) Cultural objects or sites in other countries developed, excavated, or otherwise brought
to light by American archaeologists or other heritage professionals. [Example:
Conservation of the 6th-century Rosalila Temple at the Maya site of Copan in
Honduras (AFCP 2022), excavated by American archaeologists in the 1890s]
c) Cultural objects or sites in other countries associated with American history or
American contributions to significant historical events, such as peace agreements,
military memorials, and other commemorative sites. [Example: Preservation of the
World War II battle site at Kasserine Pass in Tunisia, the first major engagement
between U.S. and Axis forces in Africa (AFCP 2001)]
d) Cultural objects or sites in other countries associated with American innovations and
leadership in the sciences, such as laboratories or observatories.
e) Cultural objects or sites in other countries highlighting the intellectual and
philosophical roots of American institutions. [Example: Conservation of the Ishtar
Gate and other structures at ancient Babylon in Iraq, site of the first example of
codified law that paved the way for later legal systems, including America’s (AFCP
2010)]
f) Cultural objects or sites in other countries associated with American-inspired
independence movements that showcase the United States as an example for nations
striving toward liberty and self-governance. [Example: Conservation of 19th- and
20th-century monuments in Colombia commemorating the 1819 Battle of Boyacá and
Simón Bolívar—military leader, liberator, and admirer of American ideals of self-
governance and popular sovereignty (AFCP 2019)]
g) Forms of traditional cultural expression such as music and dance that heavily
influenced American art forms. [Example: Documentation of endangered musical
traditions in Mali, which helped lay the foundations for American jazz and blues
(AFCP 2011)]
h) Historical sites of significance to diaspora communities in the United States.
[Example: Conservation of the 14th-century fortified Alma Vii church in Romania, a
cultural touchstone for Americans of Transylvanian Saxon ancestry (AFCP 2019)]
2. Funding Areas
The AFCP Freedom 250 special edition supports the preservation of archaeological sites,
historic buildings and monuments, museum collections, and forms of traditional cultural
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expression, such as indigenous languages and crafts. Appropriate project activities may
include:
a) Anastylosis: Reassembling a site using its original parts.
b) Conservation: Addressing damage or deterioration to an object or site.
c) Consolidation: Connecting or reconnecting elements of an object or site.
d) Documentation: Recording the condition and important features of an object, site, or
tradition in analog or digital format.
e) Inventory: Listing objects, sites, or traditions by location, feature, age, or other
unifying characteristics.
f) Preventive Conservation: Addressing conditions that threaten or damage a site,
object, collection, or tradition.
g) Restoration: Replacing missing elements to recreate the original appearance of an
object or site, usually appropriate for fine arts, decorative arts, and historic buildings.
h) Stabilization: Reducing the physical disturbance of an object or site.
3. Substantial Involvement
An AFCP award may be a cooperative agreement with substantial involvement that may include,
but is not limited to, the selection or approval of project participants, subjects, or courses of
action.
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 may 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 pages are numbered
• All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman or
Calibri font, with 1-inch margins at minimum.
The following documents are required:
1. Mandatory application forms
• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations)
• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs)
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• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (only if applicant is not
registered in SAM.gov)
• SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) (if applicable)
2. Summary Page (optional)
Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program
period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.
3. Proposal (20 pages maximum)
The proposal should contain sufficient information so that anyone not familiar with it will
understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it
must include all the items below.
• Project Description: Provide a project summary and clearly describe the goals of the
project. Explain the outputs and outcomes the project will produce to achieve each
goal and the activities that will generate these outputs and outcomes. Do this for both
primary goals (such as restoring a part of a monument) and secondary goals (such as
improving economic opportunities). Successful applications describe a clear, logical
pathway from activities to goals, including the necessary steps in between.
Unsuccessful applications state broad goals but omit details on how they will be
achieved. In addition to the description, applicants may include a list, table, or Gantt
chart of activities in chronological order, along with major outputs and outcomes and
target dates for achieving them.
• Key Personnel: Provide the names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key
personnel involved in the project.
• Statement of Importance: Highlight the historical, architectural, artistic, or cultural
(non-religious) values of the cultural heritage.
• Freedom 250 Statement: Describe how the cultural heritage relates to one or more
of the AFCP Freedom 250 goals and objectives (see section C.1. Program
Description: Goals and Objectives).
• Project Maintenance Plan: Outline the steps or measures that the applicant will take
to maintain the site, object, or collection in good condition after the AFCP-supported
project is complete; or, in the case of forms of traditional cultural expression, preserve
and disseminate the documentation, knowledge, or skills gained from the project.
• Implementer Public Outreach Plan: Describe, as appropriate and in close
coordination with the U.S. embassy, how the implementing partner will build
awareness, engage communities and stakeholders, and promote U.S. branding of the
project. Awareness-building activities typically include social media posts, ribbon-
cutting events, and news stories. Community and stakeholder engagement activities
may include community-led or community-produced workshops, short videos,
documentary films, oral histories, storytelling or interpretive exhibits, and educational
or enrichment events tailored for specific audiences, such as young people.
Successful applications feature strong and innovative public outreach activities.
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• Data and Information Access Plan: Outline how the implementing partner will
share, as appropriate, raw data or processed information, such as publications,
generated from the project with the public and the State Department.
4. Budget Justification Narrative
After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget
expenses in detail. See section I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below
for further information. You may use your own format or request a budget template from the U.S.
embassy or consulate.
• Detailed Project Budget: Provide a detailed project budget that lists all costs in
separate categories (personnel, fringe benefits, travel [including per diem],
equipment, supplies, contractual, other direct costs, indirect costs) and indicates funds
from other sources.
• Budget Narrative: Explain how the costs were estimated (quantity x unit cost,
annual salary x percentage of time spent on project, etc.) and any large budget line
items.
5. Attachments
• Resumes or CVs: Provide resumes or CVs of the proposed project director and other
key personnel.
• Support Letters: If applicable, provide letters of support from project partners
describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner.
• Proof of Official Permission: Include official permission letters, if required for
project activities.
• Relevant Supporting Documentation: Provide relevant supporting documentation,
as applicable, such as historic structure reports, restoration plans and studies,
conservation needs assessments and recommendations, architectural and engineering
records, etc., compiled in preparation for the proposed project.
• Visual or Audiovisual Documentation: Provide a minimum of five high-quality
digital images (JPEGs or PNGs) or audiovisual files that convey the nature and
condition of the heritage and show the urgency or need for the proposed project (e.g.,
collapsing walls, extensive water damage).
• NICRA: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
(NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a
PDF file.
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
1. Address to Request Application Package
Application forms required above and their instructions are available here:
https://www.grants.gov/forms
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Contact the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate for application deadlines and instructions.
You will find U.S. embassy or consulate contact information here: https://www.usembassy.gov/.
2. Department of State Contacts
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please reach out to the U.S.
embassy or consulate in the country where the project will take place. You will find U.S.
embassy or consulate contact information here: https://www.usembassy.gov/.
3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
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 in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements
mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
(FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a
proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for
the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this
NOFO.
The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is
not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or
directed to a subrecipient.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from
4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.
• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States
will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.
• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within
the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering
in SAM.gov.
• Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.
Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO
Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign
assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and
wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should
submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at
www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance
from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand
that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have
my registration activated.”
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Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the
DoD should follow the below instructions:
Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process.
SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.
Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD
in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:
Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website
linked below:
NCAGE Homepage:
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx
NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):
NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)
Exemptions
An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-
by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.
Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of
contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing
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.
4. Submission Dates, Times, and Method
Contact the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate for application deadlines and instructions. All
application materials must be submitted by email to the address provided by the U.S. embassy.
You will find U.S. embassy or consulate contact information here: https://www.usembassy.gov/.
5. 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. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the
United States Southwest Border:
None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage,
mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States
southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United
States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal representation in the United States.
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Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided
or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage,
mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States
southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.
iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws
If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be
within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the
following at the time of award:
1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is
material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of
title 31, United States Code and;
2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that
violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote
preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training
or hiring.
iv. 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:
1) 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.
v. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan
Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of
award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the
United States exceeds $500,000:
1) To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient,
contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a
subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described
in 2 CFR 175.105(a);
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2) 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).
3) 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.
4) Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to
the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant
contents of the plan or related materials on their website and at the workplace.
Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of
performance.
vi. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American
Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities
(a) Definitions.
American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on
a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council
(FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at
https://www.sam.gov
FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft
system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered
foreign entity.
Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of
direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements
(including communication links and the components that control the unmanned
aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the
national airspace system.
(b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity
(including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited
from:
(1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which
includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;
(2) Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of
the award; and
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(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.].
Ineligible Activities and Unallowable Costs
The AFCP Freedom 250 special edition does not support the following activities or costs, and
CHC will consider applications requesting support for any of these activities or costs ineligible:
• Privately or Commercially Owned Property: Preservation or purchase of privately or
commercially owned cultural objects, collections, or real property, including those whose
transfer from private or commercial to public ownership is envisioned, planned, or in
process but not complete at the time of application.
• Natural Heritage: Preservation of natural heritage (physical, biological, and geological
formations, paleontological collections, habitats of threatened species of animals and
plants, fossils, etc.) unless the natural heritage has a cultural heritage connection or
dimension.
• Human Remains: Preservation of Hominid or human remains.
• News Media: Preservation of news media (newspapers, newsreels, radio and TV
programs, etc.).
• Published Materials: Preservation of published materials available elsewhere (books,
periodicals, etc.).
• Mandated Educational Materials: Development of curricula or educational materials
for required classroom use.
• Archaeological Research: Archaeological excavations or exploratory surveys for
research purposes.
• Historical Research: Historical research, except in cases where the research is justifiable
and integral to the success of the proposed project.
• New Collections: Acquisition or creation of new objects or collections for new or
existing museums.
• New Construction: Construction of new buildings, building additions, or permanent
coverings (over archaeological sites, for example).
• New Works of Art: Commissions of new works of art or architecture for
commemorative or economic development purposes.
• New or Modern Adaptations: Creation of new or modern adaptation of existing
traditional dances, songs, chants, musical compositions, plays, or other performances.
• Conjectural Reconstructions: Creation of conjectural reconstructions of cultural objects
or sites that no longer exist.
• Relocation: Relocation of cultural sites from one physical location to another unless
under imminent threat of irreversible damage or destruction.
• Removal: Removal of cultural objects or elements of cultural sites from the country for
any reason.
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• Digitization: Digitization of cultural objects or collections, unless part of a clearly
defined conservation, documentation, or public diplomacy effort.
• Conservation Plans or Studies: Conservation plans or other studies, unless they are one
component of a larger project to implement the results of those studies.
• Cash Reserves or Endowments: Cash reserves, endowments, or revolving funds (funds
must be expended within the award period [up to five years] and may not be used to
create an endowment or revolving fund).
• Fund-Raising Campaigns: Costs of fund-raising campaigns.
• Contingency Costs: Contingency, unforeseen, or miscellaneous costs.
• Pre-Award Costs: Costs of work performed prior to the announcement of the award
unless allowable per 2 CFR 200.458 and approved by the GO.
• Project Cost Limits: Individual projects which cost less than US $25,000 or more than
$250,000.
• Independent U.S. Projects: Independent U.S. projects overseas.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Contact the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate for application deadlines and instructions.
You will find U.S. embassy or consulate contact information here: https://www.usembassy.gov/.
F. Application Review Information
1. Review Criteria
Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below.
Activities Description (including technical exchange) and Timeframe – 20 points: Goals,
activities, outputs, and outcomes are clear, and the approach is likely to provide maximum
impact in achieving the proposed results.
Importance of the cultural heritage site, object, or practice – 10 points: The importance of
the cultural heritage and the urgency of the proposed actions are clear and persuasive.
Project Maintenance Plan – 5 points: The steps or measures proposed to maintain the site,
object, or collection in good condition after the AFCP-supported project is complete, are
reasonable and achievable; or, in the case of forms of traditional cultural expression, preserve
and disseminate the documentation, knowledge, or skills gained from the project are reasonable
and achievable.
Implementer Public Outreach Plan – 15 points: The awareness-building activities, as well as
the community and stakeholder engagement activities are reasonable and achievable.
Data and Information Access Plan – 5 points: The plan for sharing data and information with
the public and the Department of State is reasonable and achievable.
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Budget and Budget Narrative – 10 points: The budget narrative is complete and sufficiently
detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The
budget is transparent and realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to carry out the
proposed activities and to achieve the goals of the project.
Supporting Materials (resumes, assessments, reports, images, etc.) – 10 points: The
supporting materials demonstrate that the project team is qualified, sufficiently prepared, and
permitted to carry out the proposed project. The visual and audiovisual documentation
effectively conveys the nature of the cultural heritage and, in the case of tangible heritage, the
conditions the project seeks to address.
Rationale for Support, including Freedom 250 rationale (written and submitted by the
relevant U.S. embassy) – 25 points
Innovative integration, collaboration, or coordination with other Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs programs – 5 bonus points max
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
Embassy and Washington, DC-based review committees will evaluate all eligible applications in
accordance with all relevant Department guidelines on grant awards.
4. 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 effectively implement requirements
ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov
The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal
share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any
information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and
performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313)
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An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification
records available in SAM.gov.
Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will
consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the
responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.
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 countersignature. The recipient may only start incurring project
expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.
If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any
additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of
performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.
Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.
government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation
and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all
proposals received.
Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants may be notified via email from the relevant
U.S. embassy.
Payment Method: Recipients must request payment by completing form SF-270—Request for
Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer. Unless otherwise
stipulated, the Recipient may request payments on a reimbursement or advance basis.
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Before applying, 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:
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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 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
• 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. Performance reports should contain a comparison of actual accomplishments
to the objectives of the federal award established for the period, if applicable, the reasons why
established goals were not met, and any additional pertinent information including an analysis
and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.
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Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make
progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the
Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance
activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement.
Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the
appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more
than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the
successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.
Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200
Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.
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.
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/
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.
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Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract
with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the
program activities.
Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in
the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable
taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.
Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as
overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a
Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a
copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect
costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs 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.
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