Notice of Funding Opportunity U.S. Mission to the European Union

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Section B: Federal Award Information USEU Public Affairs Section (USEU PAS) seeks applicants to develop projects engaging EU policymakers, opinion shapers, and publics. Proposals may include but are not limited to: conferences, workshops, and training featuring U.S. Government (USG) officials or non-USG individuals (please note that travel costs for USG officials cannot be covered by the grant). USEU encourages new and creative approaches that utilize digital technology, social media, and other innovative means. Awardees will be responsible for speaker recruitment and project development, with input from USEU.  Fund permitting, awards will range from $10,000 to $100,000.  Projects are to be carried out between mid-October 2019 and December 2020.  Projects cannot be carried out before the signature of the grant by both parties. Applications for renewals of existing USEU grants and cooperative agreements will be allowed. Funding types: Cooperative agreements and Grants -Minimum (“Floor”) Award: $10,000 -Maximum (“Ceiling) Award: $100,000 Grant Recipient’s Role: a.       Design and implement programs on USEU priority goals listed above. b.       Recruit experts for these programs, in consultation with USEU’s Public Affairs Office. Programs should seek to reflect the diversity of thought and background in the United States as well as gender balance. c.       Ensure that appropriate branding acknowledging U.S. government support is included to the greatest extent practical. d.       Coordinate with USEU throughout project period to ensure final programs meet USEU goals and funding regulations. e.       Manage all logistical arrangements, following all guidelines provided by USEU PAS. f.       Provide interim and final reporting to USEU PAS on the use of USG funding and program impact. USEU PAS role: a.       Identify priorities for program outreach. b.       Approve speakers and specific program elements. c.       Provide guidance on allowable uses of USG funds. d.       When appropriate, amplify programs through media and social media outreach or suggestion additional outreach opportunities. e.       When appropriate, inform and lead coordination with other U.S. Embassies and Missions of relevant programs. Section C: Eligibility Criteria 1.       Applicants must be legally recognized non-profit, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, or academic institutions that comply with U.S. and EU requirements. 2.       EU-based applicants must be listed in the EU Transparency Register. https://ec.europa.eu/transparencyregister/public/ri/registering.do?locale=en 3.       Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity but it is encouraged. Any cost sharing must be clearly laid out in the proposal and budget estimate. 4.       All applicants must have a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number from Dun and Bradstreet and an active SAM registration before award is granted. Section D: Application Submission Applicants must submit a detailed proposal in English and budget estimate electronically to useupa@state.gov by July 12, 2019, 11:59 p.m. European Central Time (Brussels time, UTC +1 hour).  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for this competition. Costs incurred before the official grant period begins will not be reimbursed. Complete applications must include: - Completed application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf - Project description narrative, including goals, target audience, timeline, intended impact, and follow up and evaluation (maximum four pages). - Detailed budget estimate, in dollars (maximum one page). - SAM registration confirmation - EU Transparency registration confirmation - Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or has an exception approved by the Department of State) must: Be registered in the System for Award management (SAM.gov) before submitting the application; Continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. Continue to maintain an active EU Transparency registration. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in the application. This number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. To obtain a UEI (DUNS) number, access http://www.dnb.com. Please ensure that your UEI (DUNS) number is included in the appropriate box of the SF – 424; The federal award may not be made to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov requirements. Exemption for UEI or SAM.gov registration requirements can be considered for a foreign organization receiving an award that will be performed outside the United States valued at less than $25,000, or for an overseas school that does not currently have a UEI number. Section E: Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria Applicants will receive acknowledgement of receipt of their proposal. Applications will be reviewed by USEU Public Affairs with input from subject matter specialists based on the following criteria: -clear link to U.S. policy priorities regarding the EU -potential impact on EU public opinion of U.S. policy priorities -applicant organization’s past experience in successful programming and organizational capacity -strong budget justification -plan for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the program For organizations with past or current awards from USEU, positive performance and timely reporting on previous awards will be taken into account in the review. Applicants will be notified of the review panel results on September 6, 2019. Section F: Award Administration 1.       Award notices:  The grant or cooperative agreement award shall be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the USEU Grants Officer, who is the U.S. government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants and cooperative agreements.  The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and will be provided to the recipient. The awardee will interact with a designated Grants Office Representative (GOR). 2.       Reporting requirements:  All awards issued under this announcement require both program and financial reports on a frequency specified in the award agreement.  The disbursement of funds will be tied to the timely submission of these reports.  All details related to award administration will be specified in the award agreement.  The point of contact for questions or issues related to the administration of the grant/cooperative agreement will be specified in the award agreement.

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