Funding Opportunity Number: PRM-PRMOAPGL-14-003-049344

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number: 19.522 - Overseas Refugee Assistance Programs for Strategic Global Priorities

Announcement issuance date: Monday, April 14, 2014

Proposal submission deadline: Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. noon EDT. Proposals submitted after this deadline will not be considered.

**ADVISORY: All applicants must submit proposals through the website Grants.gov. PRM strongly recommends submitting your proposal early to allow time to address any difficulties that may arise.**

If you are new to PRM funding, the Grants.gov registration process can be complicated. We urge you to refer to PRM’s General NGO Guidelines “New to PRM Funding” section for information and resources to help ensure that the application process runs smoothly. PRM also strongly encourages organizations that have received funding from PRM in the past to read this section as a refresher.

Proposed program start dates: August 1-September 1, 2014

Eligible Applicants: (1) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with IRS, other than institutions of higher education; (2) Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with IRS, other than institutions of higher education; and (3) International Organizations. International multilateral organizations, such as United Nations agencies, should not submit proposals through Grants.gov in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement. Multilateral organizations that are seeking funding for programs relevant to this announcement should contact the PRM Program Officer (as listed below) on or before the closing date of the funding announcement.

Duration of Activity: 12 to 36 months

Program plans from 12 to 36 months will be considered. Applicants may submit multi-year proposals with activities and budgets that do not exceed 36 months from the proposed start date. Actual awards will not exceed 12 months in duration and activities and budgets submitted in year one can be revised/updated each year. Continued funding after the initial 12- month award requires the submission of a noncompeting continuation application and will be contingent upon available funding, strong performance, and continuing need. In funding a project one year, PRM makes no representations that it will continue to fund the project in successive years and encourages applicants to seek a wide array of donors to ensure long-term funding possibilities. Please see Multi-Year Funding section below for additional information.

A. Current Funding Priorities for Global Humanitarian System Strengthening on Gender-Based Violence (GBV):

PRM seeks to support both global GBV programming and best practices, as well as country/regional programming that targets and integrates GBV prevention and response activities. Since 2010, PRM has dedicated funding to support innovative global capacity building and research projects on GBV. This funding allows us to support the development of new tools and cutting-edge research that offers benefits to the wider humanitarian community. In 2013, PRM together with USAID/DCHA launched Safe from the Start, a new initiative that focuses on preventing and responding to GBV from the onset of a crisis.

This announcement is the annual call for proposals for innovative GBV global capacity building and research projects. PRM will prioritize funding for proposed NGO activities that best meet the Bureau’s priorities for capacity-building, research, and evaluations or assessments to help the humanitarian community better prevent and respond to GBV in the protracted phase of refugee and conflict-affected displacement globally, as outlined below. A separate Safe from the Start funding opportunity announcement will be released later in FY 2014 for activities focusing on strengthening GBV prevention and response and promoting learning and the development of best practices from the onset of an emergency.

GBV is an umbrella term covering a range of abuses perpetrated against individuals based on gender and gender norms, including (but not limited to) sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), female genital mutilation, domestic or intimate partner violence, and violence related to sexual orientation or gender identify (SOGI).

This call for submissions deals only with proposals for globally-relevant capacity building, research, assessment or evaluation projects that will strengthen the international community’s ability to reduce and effectively respond to GBV, rather than building the capacity of a specific or single organization or project. To maximize global reach, activities should involve multiple locations and, when possible, multiple partners.

Proposals for programmatic GBV prevention and/or response efforts serving refugee and conflict-affected populations in specific geographic locations should be submitted through a separate application process when relevant Funding Opportunity Announcements are posted. (See PRM Regional Funding Opportunity Announcements)

Proposals for this funding opportunity must:

1) Seek to build the capacity of international organizations (IOs), NGOs, and their implementing partners to prevent and/or respond to GBV in protracted settings with worldwide application and/or implications.

and/or

2) Involve research on current gaps and challenges related to GBV in protracted emergencies that could inform and strengthen PRM’s and/or the international community’s policy and programming for GBV prevention and response in protracted settings. Such research should be conducted in an academically rigorous manner, include concrete actionable policy and program recommendations for relevant humanitarian actors protecting and assisting PRM populations of concern (see populations outlined in PRM Regional Funding Opportunity Announcements). Competitive proposals will develop tools, include a training component, and have a strategy for promoting dissemination and use by relevant humanitarian actors.

and/or

3) Conduct impact assessments or external evaluations (prospective or retrospective) of GBV interventions that can test the impact and outcomes of global GBV response with a goal of informing and strengthening future programming in protracted settings. Such assessments or evaluations should be conducted in an academically rigorous manner and aim to include concrete policy and program recommendations for relevant humanitarian stakeholders, focus on PRM populations of concern (see populations outlined in PRM Regional Funding Opportunity Announcements), and include dissemination/roll-out strategies for any learning. An organization proposing to evaluate only its own programs will not be competitive unless it can demonstrate that the evaluation will be conducted in a rigorous, independent manner.

For applicants who are submitting a multi-year proposal, the proposal must include a substantive and detailed justification for the multi-year request. Proposals must make a compelling case for the necessity of multi-year support and demonstrate how the work undertaken in year one will inform/guide the activities proposed in year two, etc., and should indicate why a longer timeframe is critically important. For example, a multi-year proposal for research, assessments, and formative evaluations could involve field assessments and a pilot in year one and production of training materials and providing technical assistance in year two. An example of a multi-year proposal for capacity building could involve delivery of trainings for multiple NGOs to build capacity to comply with standards in year one and then propose a plan for partners to help build staffing globally to enforce standards and document compliance and impact in year two.

PRM encourages submission of proposals that aim to accomplish one or more of the following in the context of humanitarian emergencies with a particular emphasis on refugee response:

• Improve GBV interventions in humanitarian responses globally, for example GBV prevention activities, psychosocial response activities, shelter activities, empowerment activities, best practices for GBV prevention and response in urban/non-camp settings, best practices for building resilience and transitioning from relief to development in GBV programming.
• Seek to better address specific types of GBV globally, for example SEA, Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), FGM, early child marriage, etc.
• Seek to better address the particular needs of and/or address the responses available for extremely vulnerable survivors of GBV, including children, adolescents, the elderly, persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals, or underserved populations, such as male survivors of GBV.

Examples of the types of activities previously supported (not an exhaustive list):

• Research and/or evaluations on best practices for GBV prevention or response interventions. (e.g., evaluations/reviews have focused on caring for child survivors of sexual abuse, safe shelter, etc.)
• External evaluations/reviews of the efficacy of a GBV prevention or response intervention that has been applied in multiple locations and/or by multiple humanitarian partners. (e.g., evaluation of impact of training intervention in multiple locations with multiple partners.)
• Methods of strengthening SEA prevention and response, including training for humanitarian actors in conducting SEA investigations.
• Training for implementing partners on GBV standards and/or managing GBV programming, including training and sensitization on LGBTI issues, possibly including distance learning resources to train humanitarian workers in the field to better prevent/respond to GBV.
• Research on including men and boys in GBV prevention and non-stigmatizing response.

B. Programming Criteria:

Because of PRM's mandate to provide protection, assistance, and sustainable solutions for refugees and conflict affected populations, PRM will consider funding only those projects that include a target beneficiary base of at least 50% refugees, with the rest of beneficiaries comprising of other conflict-affected populations (e.g., IDPs, host communities, etc.).

If the proposal focuses on pilot activities which include the provision of health care or livelihood activities, please be aware that these components should follow the guidelines of the PRM Standardized Indicator Initiative:

Health: Proposals with relevant pilot activities related to health are encouraged to include relevant indicators such as:

• Capacity-building: # of health care professionals/administrators trained on providing health services to GBV survivors.
• Referrals: # of beneficiaries referred to appropriate GBV services, and % of those referred who were able to get needed services.
• Community Outreach: # of beneficiaries who received targeted messages on GBV and health-related services available to them.
• Health Staffing: # of total consultations per health care provider, disaggregated by refugee/national, sex, and age.
• Patient Satisfaction: % of survivors receiving health services and psychosocial support who express satisfaction with services received.
• Post Exposure Prophylaxis: % of reporting beneficiary rape survivors given PEP within 72 hours (Target: 100%).

Proposals should include custom health indicators in addition to the relevant standardized indicator(s).

Key Resources – Health

Livelihoods: Proposals with relevant pilot activities related to livelihoods are encouraged to include relevant indicators such as:

Camp-Based/Returnee Settings:

• Number of project beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) receiving training on appropriate skills as determined by market and livelihood assessments. This may include language and skills training, entrepreneurship building, financial literacy, business support services, job placement and apprenticeship schemes, and/or legal aid.
• Number and percentage of program participants, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) reporting higher household income level by end of project period as compared to the pre-project baseline assessment.
• (Temporary Employment) Number of beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) participating in cash or food for work programs.

Proposals with relevant pilot activities related to livelihoods are encouraged to include relevant indicators such as:

Urban:

• Number of project beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) receiving training on appropriate skills as determined by market and livelihood assessments. This may include language and skills training, entrepreneurship building, financial literacy, business support services, job placement and apprenticeship schemes, and/or legal aid.
• Number and percentage of program participants, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) reporting higher household income level by end of project period as compared to the pre-project baseline assessment.
• Number and percentage of program participants, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) in urban settings who are placed in jobs by completion of the project period. Note: A chart should be provided reflecting the length of employment for program participants.
• (Temporary Employment) Number of beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) participating in cash or food for work programs.
• The percentage of sampled host community employers who are able to identify at least two skill-sets (e.g., carpentry, embroidery) among program beneficiaries living in their municipality.
• The percentage of sampled host community employers who are able to describe accurately the procedures for hiring program beneficiaries.
• The percentage of sampled urban program beneficiaries who:
• Are able to describe accurately the procedures for receiving permits to conduct business.
• Apply for and receive for business permits.
• The percentage of sampled urban program beneficiaries who are economically self-reliant, as measured by self-reporting of household consumption and income sources.

Proposals should include custom livelihoods indicators in addition to the relevant standardized indicator(s).

Key Resources – Livelihoods

Proposals must have a concrete implementation plan, including data collection and research implementation plans for research and evaluation projects, with well-conceived objectives and indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and reliable, time-bound, and trackable (SMART), have established baselines, and include at least one outcome or impact indicator per objective; objectives should be clearly linked to the sectors. Proposals must also have well-conceived linkages between research findings and recommendations for PRM metrics, policy, and/or programs.

Proposals must adhere to relevant international standards for humanitarian assistance. See PRM’s General NGO Guidelines for a complete list of sector-specific standards including new guidance on proposals for projects in urban areas.

PRM strongly encourages programs that target the needs of potentially vulnerable and underserved groups among the beneficiary population (women; children; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) individuals; older persons; the sick; persons with disabilities; and other minorities) and can demonstrate what steps have been taken to meet the specific and unique protection and assistance needs of these vulnerable groups effectively. NOTE: PRM partners must now complete a gender analysis (see PRM proposal template, section 3a) that briefly analyzes (1) gender dynamics within the target population (i.e., roles, power dynamics, and different needs of men and women, girls and boys); (2) associated risks and implementation challenges for the project posed by those dynamics; and (3) how program activities will mitigate these protection risks and be made accessible to vulnerable groups (particularly women and girls). A gender analysis is a requirement prior to PRM making a final funding award.

PRM will accept proposals from any NGO working in the above mentioned sectors although, given budgetary constraints, priority will be given to proposals from organizations that can demonstrate:

• Collaboration with UNHCR and/or other relevant international or host government partners for the project being proposed; Researcher partners should note whether relevant UNHCR staff at Headquarters, Regional, and/or Country Offices have been consulted on the proposed research as they would play an important role in promoting the research recommendations; or otherwise demonstrate a working relationship with UNHCR, current UNHCR funding, and/or a letter of support from UNHCR for the proposed activities (this letter should highlight the gap in knowledge or services the proposed program is designed to address);
• A proven track record in providing proposed assistance both in the sector and specified location; or a proven track record of conducting research on or assessments/evaluations/reviews of humanitarian assistance programs and policies for refugees and/or conflict victims.
• For research or evaluation programs: knowledge of UNHCR operations and findings from relevant UNHCR research and evaluations and evidence of subject-matter expertise and familiarity with current and past research and activities in the proposed areas;
• For research or evaluation programs: projects which demonstrate a combination of humanitarian expertise and research expertise. Partnerships between research entities and humanitarian organizations at the time of project submission are strongly encouraged.
• Evidence of coordination with donor governments, other policy and research institutes, IOs and other organizations working in the same area, sector, or research as well as—where possible – local authorities;
• A strong transition plan and/or rollout plan which includes, where feasible, local capacity-building;
• Adherence to PRM’s Principles for Refugee Protection in Urban Areas, where applicable, available online at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/187237.pdf.
• A budget that is appropriate for meeting the proposal’s objectives. PRM also looks favorably on budgets which demonstrate co-funding by non-U.S. government sources.

Funding Limits: Project proposals must not be more than $400,000 per year or they will be disqualified. As stated in PRM’s General NGO Guidelines, PRM looks favorably on cost-sharing efforts and seeks to support projects with a diverse donor base and/or resources from the submitting organization.

Proposal Submission Requirements: Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov. If you are new to PRM funding, the Grants.gov registration process can be complicated. We urge you to refer to PRM’s General NGO Guidelines “New to PRM Funding” section for information and resources to help ensure that the application process runs smoothly. PRM also strongly encourages organizations that have received funding from PRM in the past to read this section as a refresher. Applicants may also refer to the “Applicant Resources” page on Grants.gov for complete details on requirements (http://test.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html).

Please note the following highlights:

• Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application on Grants.gov. Organizations not registered with Grants.gov should register well in advance of the deadline as it can take up to two weeks to finalize registration (sometimes longer for non-U.S. based NGOs to get the required registration numbers). To register with Grants.gov, organizations must first receive a DUNS number and register with the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov which can take weeks and sometimes months. We recommend that organizations, particularly first-time applicants, submit applications via Grants.gov no later than one week before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties that could result in an application not being considered. PRM partners must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or an application under consideration by PRM or any federal agency.
• Applications must be submitted under the authority of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) at the applicant organization. Having proposals submitted by agency headquarters helps to avoid possible technical problems.
• If you encounter technical difficulties with Grants.gov please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at support@grants.gov or by calling 1-800-518-4726. Applicants who are unable to submit applications via Grants.gov due to Grants.gov technical difficulties and who have reported the problem to the Grants.gov help desk, received a case number, and had a service request opened to research the problem, should contact the relevant PRM Program Officer to determine whether an alternative method of submission is appropriate.
• Pursuant to U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001, stated on OMB Standard Form 424 (SF-424), the Department of State is authorized to consolidate the certifications and assurances required by Federal law or regulations for its federal assistance programs. The list of certifications and assurances can be found at: https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/Documents/Listofoverseascertsandassurances.pdf.

Proposal Content, Formatting and Template: This announcement is designed to accompany PRM’s General NGO Guidelines, which contain additional administrative information on proposal content and formatting, and explain in detail PRM’s NGO funding strategy and priorities. Please use both the General NGO Guidelines and this announcement to ensure that your proposal submission is in full compliance with PRM requirements and that the proposed activities are in line with PRM’s priorities. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in these guidelines will not be considered.

PRM strongly recommends using the proposal and budget templates that are available upon email request from PRM's NGO Coordinator. Please send an email, with the phrase “PRM NGO Templates” in the subject line, to PRM's NGO Coordinator. Single-year proposals using PRM’s templates must be no more than 20 pages in length (Times New Roman 12 point font, one inch margins on all sides). If the applicant does not use PRM’s recommended templates, proposals must not exceed 15 pages in length. Organizations may choose to attach work plans, activity calendars, and/or logical frameworks as addendums/appendices to the proposal. These attachments do not count toward the page limit total however annexes cannot be relied upon as a key source of program information. The proposal narrative must be able to stand on its own in the application process.

To be considered for PRM funding, organizations must submit a complete application package including:

• Proposal reflecting objectives and indicators for each year of the program period.
• Budget and budget narrative for each year of the program period.
• Signed completed SF-424.

In addition, proposal submissions to PRM should include the following information:

• Focus on outcome or impact indicators as much as possible. At a minimum, each objective should have one outcome or impact indicator. Wherever possible, baselines should be established before the start of the project.
• To increase PRM’s ability to track the impact of PRM funding, include specific information on locations of projects and beneficiaries (GPS coordinates if possible).
• Proposals should outline how the NGO will acknowledge PRM funding. If an organization believes that publicly acknowledging the receipt of USG funding for a particular PRM-funded project could potentially endanger the lives of the beneficiaries and/or the organization staff, invite suspicion about the organization's motives, or alienate the organization from the population it is trying to help, it must provide a brief explanation in its proposal as to why it should be exempted from this requirement.
• The budget should include a specific breakdown of funds being provided by UNHCR, other USG agencies, other donors, and your own organization. PRM strongly encourages multilateral support for humanitarian programs.
• In FY 2014, PRM is asking applicants whose proposals address gender-based violence (GBV) through their projects to estimate the total cost of these activities as a separate line item in their proposed budgets. PRM’s budget template document has been updated to reflect this new requirement.
• Gender analysis (See above. Required before an award can be made).
• Copy of the organization’s Code of Conduct (required before an award can be made).
• Copy of the organization’s Security Plan (required before an award can be made).
• Proposals and budgets should include details of any sub-agreements associated with the program.
• Most recent Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable.
• NGOs that have not received PRM funding since the U.S. government fiscal year ending September 30, 2004 must be prepared to demonstrate that they meet the financial and accounting requirements of the U.S. government by submitting copies of 1) the most recent external financial audit, 2) proof of non-profit tax status including under IRS 501 (c)(3), as applicable, 3) a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, and 4) an Employer ID (EIN)/Federal Tax Identification number.
• Organizations that received PRM funding in FY 2013 for activities that are being proposed for funding under this announcement must include the most recent quarterly progress report against indicators outlined in the cooperative agreement. If an organization’s last quarterly report was submitted more than six weeks prior to the submission of a proposal in response to this funding announcement, the organization must include, with its most recent quarterly report, updates that show any significant progress made on objectives since the last report.

Multi-Year Funding: Applicants proposing multi-year programs should adhere to the following guidance:

Applicants may submit proposals that include multi-year strategies presented in 12-month cycles for a period not to exceed 36 months from the proposed start date. Fully developed programs with detailed budgets, objectives and indicators are required for each year of activities. These can be updated yearly upon submission of continuation applications. Applicants should note that they may use PRM’s recommended multi-year proposal template for this application, which is different from the single year template. Multi-year funding applicants may also use PRM’s standard budget template and should submit a separate budget sheet for each project year. Multi-year proposals using PRM’s templates must be no more than 30 pages in length (Times New Roman 12 point font, one inch margins on all sides). If the applicant does not use PRM’s recommended templates, proposals must not exceed 25 pages in length. Organizations may choose to attach work plans, activity calendars, and/or logical frameworks as addendums/appendices to the proposal. These attachments do not count toward the page limit total.

Multi-year applications selected for funding by PRM will be funded in 12- month increments based on the proposal submitted in the initial application as approved by PRM. Continued funding after the initial 12- month award requires the submission of a noncompeting continuation application and will be contingent upon available funding, strong performance, and continuing need. Continuation applications must be submitted by the organization no later than 90 days before the proposed start date of the new award (e.g., if the next project period is to begin on September 1, submit your application by June 1). Continuation applications are submitted in lieu of responding to PRM’s published call for proposals for those activities. Late continuation applications will jeopardize continued funding.

Organizations can request multi-year funding and continuation application templates by emailing PRM's NGO Coordinator with the phrase “PRM NGO Templates” in the subject line.

Reports and Reporting Requirements:

Program reporting: PRM requires quarterly and final program reports describing and analyzing the results of activities undertaken during the validity period of the agreement. It is highly suggested that NGOs receiving PRM funding use the PRM recommended program report template. To request this template, send an email with the phrase “PRM NGO Templates” in the subject line to PRM's NGO Coordinator.

Financial Reports: Financial reports are required within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar year quarter during the validity period of the agreement; a final financial report covering the entire period of the agreement is required within ninety (90) days after the expiration date of the agreement.

For more details regarding reporting requirements please see PRM’s General NGO Guidelines.

Proposal Review Process: PRM will conduct a formal competitive review of all proposals submitted in response to this funding announcement. A review panel will evaluate submissions based on the above-referenced proposal evaluation criteria and PRM priorities in the context of available funding.

PRM may request revised proposals and/or budgets based on feedback from the panel. PRM will provide formal notifications to NGOs of final decisions taken by Bureau management.

Assistance Award Provision – SPOT: The following provisions will be included in the Bureau specific component of the Notice of Award for performance in a designated combat area (currently Iraq and Afghanistan). Recipients are required to include this provision in any sub-grant awards or agreements. 

SPECIAL PROVISION FOR PERFORMANCE IN A DESIGNATED COMBAT AREA (CURRENTLY IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN)

(Revised January 2011)

All recipient personnel deploying to areas of combat operations, as designated by the Secretary of Defense (currently Iraq and Afghanistan), under grants over $100,000 or performance over 30 days must register in the Department of Defense maintained Synchronized Pre-deployment and Operational Tracker (SPOT) system. Recipients of federal assistance awards shall register in SPOT before deployment, or if already in the designated operational area, register upon becoming an employee under the assistance award and maintain current data in SPOT. Information on how to register in SPOT is available from your Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative.

Recipients must enter all U.S. and Third Country National (TCN) personnel into SPOT. If the Recipient has concerns about the safety of locally hired Iraqi or Afghan personnel because of personal data entered into SPOT, arrangements may be made with the Grants Officer or the Grants Officer Representative to report anonymous aggregate data.

Locally-hired Iraqi or Afghan personnel can be added anonymously through the use of the aggregate count template except as noted in the following paragraph.

Recipients utilizing personnel who are performing a private security function; are performing duties as a translator or interpreter; require access to U.S. facilities, services, or support; or desire consideration for refugee or special immigrant status under the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007 (subtitle C of title XII of Public Law 110–181) must be entered into SPOT individually with all required personal information. If a locally-hired Iraqi or Afghan national falls into one of these categories, the Recipient must enter all of the required identification data into SPOT.

When the Grantee is ready to enter locally-hired individuals using the Aggregate Count method, the Grantee will notify the Grants Officer who will contact the Department SPOT Program Manager (A/LM/AQM) to obtain the “Aggregate Count” template. The Grantee will complete the “Aggregate Count” template and return to the SPOT Program Manager who will ensure that aggregate counts are loaded into SPOT. The Grantee SPOT Administrator is responsible for updating the aggregate locally hired national count on a quarterly basis by providing updated information via the “Aggregate Count” As template to the GOR/GO for each award who will forward to the Department SPOT Program Manager for SPOT entry.

Recipient performance may require the use of armed private security personnel. To the extent that such private security contractors (PSCs) are required, grantees are required to ensure they adhere to Chief of Mission (COM) policies and procedures regarding the operation, oversight, and accountability of PSCs. In a designated area of combat operations, the term PSC includes any personnel providing protection of the personnel, facilities, property of a grantee or subgrantee at any level, or performing any other activity for which personnel are required to carry weapons in the performance of their duties.

As specific COM policies and procedures may differ in scope and applicability, recipients of federal assistance awards are advised to review post policies and procedures carefully in this regard and direct any questions to the Embassy Regional Security Office (RSO) via the Grants Officer Representative (GOR). Any exclusion to these policies must be granted by the COM via the RSO. COM policies and procedures may be obtained from the RSO via the GOR. Recipients of federal assistance awards are also advised that these policies and procedures may be amended from time to time at the post in response to changing circumstances.

Recipients of federal assistance awards are advised that adherence to these policies and procedures are considered to be a material requirement of their grant.

Recipients of federal assistance awards are reminded that only the Grants Officer has the authority to modify the Notice of Award. Recipients shall proceed with any security guidance provided by the RSO, but shall advise the Grants Officer and the GOR of the guidance received and any potential cost or schedule impact.

Applicant Vetting as a Condition of Award: Applicants in Afghanistan, Guatemala, Kenya, Lebanon, Philippines, and Ukraine are advised that successful passing of vetting to evaluate the risk that funds may benefit terrorists or their supporters is a condition of award. Applicants may be asked to submit information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information about their company and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all subaward performance on assistance awards identified by DOS as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. When vetting information is requested by the Grants Officer, information may be submitted on the secure web portal at https://ramportal.state.gov, via email to RAM@state.gov, or hardcopy to the Grants Officer. Questions about the form may be emailed to RAM@state.gov. Failure to submit information when requested, or failure to pass vetting, may be grounds for rejecting your proposal. The following clause shall be included in Section 9, Special Award Conditions, or as an addendum to the solicitation, whenever assistance is awarded after vetting:

• Recipient Vetting After Award: Recipients shall advise the Grants Officer of any changes in personnel listed in the DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information, and shall provide vetting information on new individuals. The government reserves the right to vet these personnel changes and to terminate assistance awards for convenience based on vetting results.

Branding and Marking Strategy: Unless exceptions have been approved by the designated bureau Authorizing Official as described in the proposal templates that are available upon email request from PRM's NGO Coordinator, at a minimum, the following provision will be included whenever assistance is awarded:

• As a condition of receipt of this assistance award, all materials produced pursuant to the award, including training materials, materials for recipients or materials to communicate or promote with foreign audiences a program, event, project, or some other activity under this agreement, including but not limited to invitations to events, press materials, event backdrops, podium signs, etc. must be marked appropriately with the standard U.S. flag in a size and prominence equal to (or greater than) any other logo or identity. Subrecipients and subsequent tier sub-award agreements are subject to the marking requirements and the recipient shall include a provision in the subrecipient agreement indicating that the standard, rectangular U.S. flag is a requirement. In the event the recipient does not comply with the marking requirements as established in the approved assistance agreement, the Grants Officer Representative and the Grants Officer must initiate corrective action.

PRM Points of Contact: Should NGOs have technical questions related to this announcement, they should contact the PRM staff listed below prior to proposal submission. Please note that responses to technical questions from PRM do not indicate a commitment to fund the program discussed.

PRM Program Officers:

Nicole Gaertner, gaertnernr@state.gov, (202) 453-9360 and Shanna Devoy, devoysk@state.gov, (202) 453-9349, Washington, D.C.