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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. Embassy in Amman
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Title: Jordan EducationUSA Scholars Program
Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-JOR-FY23-003
Deadline for Applications: May 1, 2023
Assistance Listing Number: 19.040
Total Amount Available: $250,000
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The U.S. Embassy of Amman of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for not-for-profit organizations to submit applications to carry out the Jordan EducationUSA Scholars Program a project focused on promoting U.S. higher education opportunities for high-achieving, financially disadvantaged Jordanian students. The program also seeks to ensure strong support for the U.S-Jordan relationship that comes from studying in the United States.
Program Objectives:
This program will assist 10 highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs of required standardized admission tests, test prep, application fees, international and domestic airfare, visa fees, SEVIS fees, and settling-in allowance. Through the EducationUSA Scholars Institute, the grantee will design a course curriculum, and work with qualified trainers and facilitators to organize college readiness workshops, study groups, reading assignments, lectures, and community service projects for the participants.
The grantee will also manage logistics for scholars to participate in EducationUSA academy (https://www.edusaacademy.org ), a pre-college academic enrichment program for international high school students offering specialized preparatory content, college-level writing workshops, campus visits and cultural activities. The grantee will also organize a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with EducationUSA. The grantee will build a cohort of EducationUSA mentors, consisting of Jordanians who have successfully studied in the United States that will provide specialized workshops on the college application process, professional development opportunities and networking events for the scholars and public at-large.
The grantee, the U.S. Embassy in Jordan and the EducationUSA adviser will advise the EducationUSA Scholars (Cohort Advising Opportunity Funds) students.
Mission Objective
This program supports the U.S. Embassy objectives to achieve inclusive economic growth and improving education outcomes, especially among women and youth.
Key Program Components:
Phase 1: Program Promotion and Application Submission:
Phase 2: EducationUSA Scholars Institute (College Admissions Workshop Series)
The grantee will manage the logistics of a U.S. College and University Admissions Workshop Series to take place over the course of 8-12 months for the selected 10 students. Facilitated by a group of professional trainers, this institute will consist of several modules focused on a range of topics to prepare students to apply to a U.S. University. Proposals should include a college admissions curriculum that factors in all the steps of applying to a U.S. university. For the in-person element, the grantee will coordinate in-country travel for all students and provide meals, refreshments, lodging, material reproduction services, and supplies and stationery. Grantee should include virtual components and sessions that allow for online instruction and student assignment submission.
Workshops should be conducted on a regular basis with at least two group meetings, 2 individual advising sessions, and two assignments per month. Grantee may submit a proposal that include a hybrid component for both in-person and virtual sessions.
Module topics will include, but are not limited to (schedule is flexible and can be changed):
EducationUSA Mentors: To assist with the college admissions process, the grantee should enlist a group of EducationUSA Mentors, consisting of Jordanians who have successfully studied in the United States. EducationUSA Mentors will voluntarily attend and co-lead sessions, conduct professional development workshops, and organize networking events for the EducationUSA scholars.
Phase 3: Opportunity Funds (First Round) (November 2023- June 2024)
The Opportunity Funds scholarship will pay for approximately 10 students to receive test prep over the course of 6-8 months for the SAT, SAT subject tests, and/or the ACT. Grantee will arrange for the facilitation of practice tests, as well as the administration and payment of these exams.
Note: The test preparation be embedded within the overall EducationUSA Institute course curriculum.
Phase 4: EducationUSA Academy (July 2024)
The grantee will manage logistics for the 10 scholars to participate in EducationUSA academy (https://www.edusaacademy.org), a pre-college academic enrichment program for international high school students offering specialized preparatory content, college-level writing workshops, campus visits and cultural activities.
Phase 4: Opportunity Funds (Second Round) (August 2024)
In the second phase, upon acceptance into a U.S. university, the Opportunity Funds scholarship will pay for at least 10 students to travel to the United States to matriculate at a U.S. institution of higher education. The scholarship will pay for visa and SEVIS fees, required immunizations, international airfare, domestic airfare (if required), and a settling-in allowance (if required). The estimated scholarship amount for phase two is approximately $2,200 per student. The grantee in collaboration with the EducationUSA advisor will coordinate visa appointments, arrange a pre-departure orientation, make travel arrangements for domestic and international travel, and coordinate payment to the students for settling-in and other related allowances. Phase II students will receive admission decisions between December 2023 and April 2024 and will need to be ready to start classes in the United States with start dates from July to September 2024.
Participants and Audiences:
The participants are Jordanian EducationUSA scholars ages 15-17 (sophomores and juniors), selected by the selected grantee and EducationUSA adviser. EducationUSA scholars are highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs.
Student Eligibility:
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Length of performance period: 12 to 24 months
Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $250,000
Total available funding: $250,000
Type of Funding: FY23 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds
Anticipated program start date: August 1, 2023
This notice is subject to availability of funding.
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement. The U.S. Embassy Amman will be substantially involved in the following:
– Approving the application, the announcement and timeline of the application for the EducationUSA Scholars.
– Choosing the students eligible to benefit from this program.
– Approving the curriculum to be used.
-Tracking the status of each of the students.
-Overseeing and approving the speakers.
– Approving the list of EducationUSA Mentors suggested by the grantee.
-Attending and speaking at main program events
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 24 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.
C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
The following registered organizations from U.S. and Jordan are eligible to apply:
To be considered for funding under this opportunity, applicants SHALL:
There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition. However, PAS Amman encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs.
Cost-sharing or matching is not an evaluation criteria of this NOFO.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Application forms required below are available at grants.gov
Content and Form of Application Submission
Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.
Content of Application
Please ensure:
NOTE: Applications that do not include all the required documentation described below will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage. Applicants may not add any materials to an application once it has been submitted and the competition deadline has passed.
The following documents are required:
Specific – What are the specific objectives of the program activities and how will those objectives achieve the intended program impact?
Measurable – What are the quantifiable results that determine achievement of each objective?
Achievable – Can the program meet the objectives within time and/or resource constraints?
Relevant – How will success of the objectives contribute to the program’s overarching goal?
Time-Bound – Is it clear how long the program must achieve the objectives and the point at which success will be measured?
NOTE: If an applicant is proposing sub grant partner(s) as part of their project design, Key Personnel/Positions of the sub grantee must also be included.
4. Budget and Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.
Applicants must provide the following three elements as part of their budget submission:
NOTE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the same format as provided in the template, and to submit a summary and detailed line-item budgets in Excel form, and the Budget Narrative as either a PDF or Word file. If the applicant does not use the template, the applicant must ensure that their submission includes all elements outlined in the sample.
5. Logic Model: Applicants shall provide a logic model or theory of change to demonstrate how the proposed project (including activities, the project design, and the surrounding context) will achieve the stated objectives. The logic model or theory of change statements can be generated using the template attached to this funding opportunity.
NOTE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the same format as found in the sample. If the applicant does not use the template, the applicant must ensure that their submission includes all elements outlined in the sample.
6. Attachments:
7. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
Required Registrations:
All prime 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 before submitting an application. DRL may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements. 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.
Further, each applicant must maintain an active account, with current information, while its application is under consideration for funding. To keep an active SAM.gov account, an applicant must renew it at least once each year. If an organization’s account expires, the organization cannot submit a grant application until it is renewed.
Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.
The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.
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.
All prime organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which they have an active Federal award or application under consideration by a Federal award agency. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.
Please refer to 2 CFR 25.200 for additional information.
Note: SAM.gov is not the same as SAMS Domestic. It is free of charge to register in both systems, but the registration processes are different.
Information is included on the SAM.gov website to help international registrations, including “Quick Start Guide for International Registrations” and “Helpful Hints.” Navigate to www.SAM.gov, click “HELP” in the top navigation bar, then click, “Explore” and “New to SAM.gov?” for general information. Please note, guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.gov is subject to change. Applicants should review the website for the most up-to-date guidance.
Exemptions
An exemption from these requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:
Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.
Note: As of December 2022, 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 CAGE (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities..
Applications are due no later than May 1, 2023
2. Funding Restrictions
Furthermore, award funds cannot be used for construction projects, vehicle purchases, real estate purchases or other similar purposes or for costs which are determined as unallowable in 2 CFR 200.
3. Other Submission Requirements
All application materials must be submitted by email to AmmanGrants@state.gov
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.
Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.
Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organization has expertise 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.
Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.
Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.
Monitoring and evaluation plan – 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.
Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.
Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.
2. Review and Selection Process
A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. (Provide more detail if appropriate)
For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:
i. That 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 designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).
ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.
iii. That the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.
F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance 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 has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.
Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.
Payment Method: Payment will be disbursed using the SF270 form on three to four installments.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.
These include:
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:
In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals should demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and underserved communities will enhance the program’s goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants.
The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.
3. Reporting
Reporting Requirements: Reporting is critical to effective program management and oversight. Reports are required as a means of evaluating the recipient’s progress and utilization of resources. They are divided between a performance progress report and a financial status report.
Recipients will, at a minimum, be required to submit Quarterly Performance Reports (QPR) and a Quarterly Financial Report (QFR). The QPRs will compare actual to planned performance and indicates the progress made in accomplishing each assistance award tasks/goals noted in the grant agreement and will contain analysis and summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative, for key indicators. The QFRs provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress.
Recipients must report immediately when a program faces unplanned delays in implementation, fails to meet program targets or milestones, or costs increase. Any changes or revisions to the approved budget require prior approval from the Grants Officer.
Recipients are required to report program and beneficiary achievements on a quarterly basis (or provide written confirmation that there is no related news for the given quarter) beginning with second quarter’s program report.
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: AmmanGrants@state.gov.
Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application-related questions that are addressed in the NOFO. Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff — both in the Department and at embassies overseas — may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.
H. 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 $5,000 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 $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.
Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also, describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.
Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit into 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 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.
“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.
By U.S. Mission Jordan | 19 January, 2023 | Topics: News
