U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Press and Public Diplomacy and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Cultural Heritage Center

Funding Opportunity Title: Planning for Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Syria: A Research Project

Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement (New)Funding Opportunity Number: NEA-PSHSS-14-001

CFDA Number: 19.021

Date Opened: March 13, 2014Due Date for Application: April 15, 2014

Contact InformationFor questions about this announcement, contact Andrew Cohen, Senior Cultural Property Analyst, Cultural Heritage Center, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA/P/C), U.S. Department of State, SA-5, Floor C2, Washington, DC, 20522-0505, 202-632-6307, CohenAC2@state.gov.

All correspondence with the Cultural Heritage Center regarding this RFGP should reference the title and Funding Opportunity Number located at the top of this announcement when making your request. Once the RFGP due date has passed, Center staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY………………………………………………………………………………..………………….3

PROJECT OBJECTIVES.………………………………………………………………………………………….…..…….4

DETAILED REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH ACTIVITY…………………………………………………….……….5

ADDITIONAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS…………………………………………………………….……….9

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS……………………………………………………………..….………9

PROJECT DURATION………………………………………………………………………………………..…….………9

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS………………………………………………………………………….………..……10

INELIGIBILITY………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….10

AWARD INFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………….…….12

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION………………………………………………..…………14

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS…………………………………………………………………………………….……15

AWARD SELECTION CRITERIA………………………………………………………………………….……………17

AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION…………………………………………………………..………18

DISCLAIMER……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….18

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Press and Public Diplomacy and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Cultural Heritage Center (the Center) proposes to enter into a cooperative agreement with a qualified U.S. organization to lead a research project to develop comprehensive documentation of the current condition and future preservation needs of cultural heritage sites in Syria, and to develop plans and make recommendations for short- and long-term preservation efforts, which could be undertaken as separate projects when conditions and funding permit.

The successful awardee will be expected to work closely and cooperatively with the U.S. Department of State in the execution of this agreement, regularly sharing updated information.

The documentation and planning will serve as an authoritative resource for: raising awareness in Syria and among the international community about current

threats to Syria's cultural heritage; and identifying cultural heritage preservation projects and assistance that can be carried out

in Syria now or in post-conflict Syria

Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961, P.L. 87-256.

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PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The Center seeks a partner to implement the project titled "Planning for Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Syria: A Research Project." The awardee will carry out the following activities:

1. Assess and maintain ongoing awareness of the impact of the conflict on Syrian cultural heritage.

2. Identify expatriate and in-country Syria heritage specialists with current contacts and experience.

3. Establish communication with Syrians in Syria to help monitor and document sites.4. Identify and assemble inventories, surveys, lists, guides, and other sources.5. Identify other groups that are compiling inventories of Syrian heritage sites.6. Design and develop a digital map and inventory of cultural heritage sites in Syria.7. Using available satellite imagery, as well as other imagery from Syrian and international

sources, document the condition of each site in the inventory.8. Identify priority areas for satellite and other imagery acquisition and work with Syrian or

other contacts to acquire in-country documentation of damage and preservation needs.9. Prepare baseline documentation of the impact of the conflict on Syrian cultural heritage.10. Prepare documented lists of the preservation issues affecting Syrian cultural heritage.11. Develop plans for in-country documentation of damage and preservation needs.12. Identify and fund small-scale Syrian cultural heritage mitigation projects.13. Identify at least six high-priority large-scale cultural heritage preservation projects.14. Assess the organizational capacities of Syrian government entities and NGOs.15. Organize international conference to publicize Syrian heritage needs and opportunities,

and assure that findings are presented at other appropriate conferences to draw attention to the challenges facing Syrian cultural heritage sites.

16. Submit a final report on the impact of the conflict on Syrian cultural heritage.

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DETAILED REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH ACTIVITY

1. For the duration of the award period assess and maintain ongoing awareness of the impact of the conflict on heritage places, museums and collections, libraries and archives, visual arts/performing arts organizations, and administrative infrastructure in Syria.Reporting: Send DOS weekly status reports on the overall heritage situation, including new developments and areas of concern. These weekly reports will be disseminated as needed within DOS and will serve as the basis for the Department's public messaging on threats to cultural heritage in Syria.

2. Identify in-country and expatriate Syrian heritage specialists who have current contacts on-the-ground in Syria and first-hand recent experience in the management and status of heritage places, museums and collections, libraries and archives, visual arts/performing arts organizations, and administrative infrastructure. Also, where possible, identify networks of volunteers or NGOs working inside Syria who may provide raw data or photos about the state of heritage sites within the country. After vetting of candidates by DOS, make arrangements to utilize expertise of approved specialists. The project implementer will work with the Department to ensure that all sub-grantees and/or other organizations funded through this project are appropriately vetted in order to assess the risk that US funds could benefit designated terrorist organizations. DOS and the partner organization shall endeavor to maintain the anonymity of those sources who request it.Reporting: Initial list of potential Syrian specialists due to DOS for vetting within 30 days. Update this list as necessary for the duration of the award period.

3. Using social networking, broadcast media, professional connections, expatriate Syrian heritage specialists, and other appropriate means, establish communication with as many Syrians as possible throughout Syria to provide on-the-ground documentation of the condition of, and threats to, heritage sites. Work with these Syrians to develop their capacity to produce useful photographic and written documentation of site condition, and to raise their awareness of critical issues in heritage preservation. Methods of contact include but are not limited to focus groups, face-face interaction, and conference calls/Skype. The implementing partner will, with input from Syrian specialist, develop draft data collection instruments. The data collection instruments will be considered final following approval by the Center.Reporting: Initial list of contacts in Syria (pseudonyms are acceptable) and report on

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progress of documentation collection due to DOS within 60 days. Include new evidence for damage due to the conflict in the weekly reports to DOS required by section 1. Incorporate all documentation from Syrian sources into 90 day periodic reports required by section 9.

4. Identify and assemble all publically accessible inventories, surveys, lists, guides, and other sources that give information on cultural heritage sites in Syria. Identify unpublished surveys of Syrian sites and seek permission to use their results.Reporting: Initial list of sources due to DOS within 30 days. Update this list as necessary for the duration of the award period.

5. Identify all individuals and groups that are compiling inventories or preparing maps of cultural heritage sites in Syria. Make arrangements to coordinate efforts with these groups and to share data.Reporting: Initial list of groups and report on progress in data sharing due to DOS within 60 days. Update this list and report as necessary for the duration of the award period.

6. In consultation with DOS experts, design and develop a digital map and inventory, suitable for internet posting, of all known cultural heritage sites in Syria. The inventory should include basic information on the name, location, size, function, dates, and condition of each site. The Center will advise on suitable software.Reporting: Initial consultations with DOS on format of digital map and inventory within 30 days. Beta digital map and inventory, together with detailed progress report, due to DOS within 90 days. Updated map, inventory, and progress report due every 90 days thereafter.

7. In consultation with DOS experts, identify sources of satellite imagery of Syria. Using available satellite imagery, as well as other imagery from Syrian and international sources, document the condition of each site in the inventory and any impact due to the current conflict. As new areas of satellite imagery become available, monitor a representative sample of sites in those areas for evidence of new damage. The sample size and selection will be determined in consultation with DOSReporting: Include new evidence for damage due to the conflict in the weekly reports to DOS required by section 1. Incorporate all documentation from satellite and other imagery into 90 day periodic reports required by section 9.

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8. To facilitate monitoring the current condition of areas at high risk, identify priority areas for possible acquisition of new satellite and other imagery acquisition. Award funds are not to be used to purchase imagery, but instead recommend specific coordinates for satellite or other imagery acquisition – including either overhead or ground-based new and archival imagery -- that may be considered if additional funds become available.Reporting: Imagery acquisition recommendations due to DOS within 90 days. Update these recommendations as necessary for the duration of the award period.

9. Submit to DOS a report representing the baseline documentation of the impact of the conflict on heritage places, museums and collections, libraries and archives, visual arts/performing arts organizations, and administrative infrastructure.Reporting: Initial report due to DOS within 90 days. Submit to DOS a full update of this report every 90 days thereafter.

10. Drawing on expert analysis, prepare fully documented lists of the major preservation issues affecting heritage places, museums and collections, libraries and archives, and administrative infrastructure.Reporting: Initial lists due to DOS within 180 days. Update these lists as necessary for the duration of the award period.

11. Develop plans for in-country documentation of damage and preservation needs as documented in the aforementioned lists. The actual in-country work is not part of the current project, but could be implemented as separate projects when conditions and funding permit.Reporting: Initial plans due to DOS within 180 days. Update these plans as necessary for the duration of the award period.

12. Identify small-scale cultural heritage mitigation projects (focusing on cultural sites, and cultural objects and collections) that can be carried out now by local Syrian groups. Fund these projects through small sub-grants. The budget for these projects is anticipated to be in the range of up to $5000. The DOS award includes $25,000 for such projects. The project implementer will work with the Department to ensure that all sub-grantees and/or other organizations funded through this project are appropriately vetted in order to assess the risk that US funds could benefit designated terrorist organizations. Reporting: Propose projects to DOS for approval as they are identified. Upon completion of each project, provide DOS with a financial account and narrative report

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that can serve as the basis for the Department's public messaging on the work Syrians are doing to protect and preserve their cultural heritage.

13. Identify at least six high-priority large-scale cultural heritage preservation projects (focusing on cultural sites, and cultural objects and collections) and the local, regional, and international organizations/government entities that could assist in authorizing them and carrying them out. The budget for each project should be no more than $2m. The actual in-country work is not part of the current project, but could be implemented as separate projects when conditions and funding permit.Reporting: Initial project proposals due to DOS within 180 days. Update these project proposals as necessary for the duration of the award period.

14. Assess the organizational capacities of Syrian government entities and NGOs to care for heritage places, museums and collections, libraries and archives, and visual arts/performing arts organizations. Identify human resources priorities and costs to address deficiencies.Reporting: Initial documentation due within 180 days. Update this documentation as necessary for the duration of the award period.

15. Near the end of the award period, organize an international conference of cultural heritage specialists and potential donors (including foreign government and private) to publicize heritage needs and opportunities in Syria, as determined from the documentation and planning carried out under this agreement. Also, participate in other appropriate international forums where a presentation could help draw attention to the challenges facing Syrian cultural heritage preservation.Reporting: Full written report of conference proceedings and results from attendees due at the end of the award period.

16. Submit a final report on the impact of the conflict on heritage places, museums and collections, libraries and archives, visual arts/performing arts organizations, and administrative infrastructure. Language in the report should be clear and easy to understand by a lay audience. The awardee should expect to copy edit the report and follow the U.S. Government Printing Office Style Manual (www.gpo.gov).Reporting: Due at the end of the award period.

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ADDITIONAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the reports required by the 16 activities, the recipient will also be required to submit quarterly progress and financial reports (due April 30, July 31, and October 31, and January 31) to the Department of State points of contact. The progress reports will include a summary of activities carried out and milestones reached during the reporting period. The recipient will be required to submit performance progress, financial status, and final reports on time as specified in this RFGP and in the Notice of Award.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS

In evaluating proposals, equal weight will be given to the technical strength of the proposal and the past performance of the applicant. Applications should address how the applicant will carry out each of the 16 activities enumerated in this statement of work. Proposals should also include the following information:

Qualifications and experience of project participants. Include CVs of proposed principal project staff.

Evidence that the applicant has professional experience in documenting cultural heritage sites and the language expertise necessary to communicate with Syrians and to monitor and evaluate social media and other information from Syria. The ability of the implementing partner to contact individuals in Syria is essential to the success of the project.

Evidence that the applicant has experience in using satellite imagery and acquisition of evidence needed to document heritage sites.

Describe how the applicant will identify, access, and assemble for public inspection the data required for the project. Give details of the sources the applicant will consult.

Describe existing or proposed professional networks the applicant will develop or draw upon, and how these networks will assist the project.

Describe past projects that demonstrate the applicant's capacity to carry out this project successfully.

Describe how reports will be organized so that they inform preservation professionals and also can serve as the basis for public messaging on threats to cultural heritage in Syria.

PROJECT DURATION: 12 months.

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Non-federal agencies and organizations, and not-for-profit organizations subject to Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code are eligible to apply.

Additional Information on Eligibility: The applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), located at www.sam.gov , prior to submitting an application. Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by an agency.

All Federal assistance recipients must have a Dun & Bradstreet number prior to funds disbursement. A DUNs number may be acquired at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNs number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or requesting online at www.dnb.com.

All award recipient organizations must be registered with GrantSolutions by accessing www.GrantSolutions.gov. To register as a first time user of GrantSolutions, please scroll to the bottom of the home page and click “Getting Started-Request a User Account” at http://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/home/customer-support/getting-started/. Organizations that have previously used GrantSolutions do not need to register again. If the organization is not able to access the system, please contact GrantSolutions.gov Help Desk for help in gaining access.

Support for Grantee Organizations is available from 8 AM – 6 PM EST, Monday – Friday and can be reached at help@grantsolutions.gov or 1-866-577-0771.

Cost Sharing or Matching Funds: There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition. However, the Center encourages cost sharing, contributions in kind, and other forms of cost participation.

When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with OMB Circular A-110 (Revised), subpart C.23—Cost Sharing and Matching. In

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the event you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, DOS’s contribution will be reduced in like proportion.

Other Eligibility Requirements: All proposals must comply with the requirements stated herein and with the proposal submission deadline.

INELIGIBILITY

This funding opportunity does not support the following activities, and applications involving any of the activities below will be deemed ineligible:

A. Preservation or purchase of privately or commercially owned cultural objects, collections, or real property

B. Preservation of intangible heritageC. Preservation of natural heritage (physical, biological, and geological formations,

paleontological collections, habitats of threatened species of animals and plants, fossils, etc.)

D. Preservation of news media (newspapers, newsreels, etc.)E. Preservation of published materials available elsewhere (books, periodicals, etc.)F. Archaeological excavations or surveys for research purposesG. Historical research, except in cases where the research is justifiable and integral to the

success of the proposed projectH. Acquisition or creation of new collections for new or existing museumsI. Construction of new buildingsJ. Commissions of new works of art or architecture for commemorative or economic

development purposesK. Creation of replicas or re-creation of cultural objects or sites that no longer existL. Relocation of cultural sites from one physical location to anotherM. Removal of cultural objects or elements of cultural sites from the country for any reasonN. Digitization of cultural objects or collections, unless part of a larger, clearly defined

conservation effortO. Conservation plans or other studies, unless they are integral components of the current

projectP. Cash reserves, endowments or revolving funds; funds must be expended within the grant

period and may not be used to create an endowment or revolving fund or otherwise spent over many years

Q. Costs of fund-raising campaigns

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R. Costs for administrative time or materials not directly related to performing project workS. Contingency, miscellaneous fees, or unexpected costsT. Costs of work performed prior to announcement of the awardU. International travel, except in cases where travel is justifiable and integral to the success of

the proposed projectV. Individual projects costing less than $500,000W. Awards to individuals

AWARD INFORMATION

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement (Program Authority Section 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(5) of the Fulbright-Hays Act)

Throughout the duration of this project, the Center will provide substantial involvement with the implementing organization. Substantial involvement will consist of:

1. Active award monitoring through systematic, appropriate contact with the recipient, as well as site visits and participation in significant project activities;

2. Prior approval of sub-awards and amendments as specified in the cooperative agreement;

3. Review and analysis of project reports, including provision of guidance on all reporting;4. Monitoring recipient compliance with U.S. statutes and award conditions; and5. Careful monitoring of award activities to detect potential politically or programmatically

sensitive implementation issues related to the overall program.

The implementing organization will be expected throughout the duration of the project to accomplish the following:

1. Conduct a team meeting with the Center as soon as practicable after the award is made to consult, assess, and develop a plan of action. Hold follow-up meetings with the Center. Provide meeting notes that summarize discussions, decisions, and resultant action items. Meeting notes should be provided within 72 hours of meeting.

2. Conduct regular evaluations of progress of the project and submit them to the Center, on a schedule as determined in this RFGP and in the cooperative agreement.

3. Develop a strong monitoring and evaluation plan from the onset of the program.4. Submit periodic financial and activity reports on a schedule determined in the

cooperative agreement.

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Additional information

U.S. NGOs may provide services to Syria in support of humanitarian projects in Syria without the need for a specific license from OFAC because this activity is covered under OFAC General License No. 11a. Note that activities to support the preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites in Syria, including, but not limited to museums, historic buildings, and archaeological sites, are specifically authorized, subject to a quarterly reporting requirement.

However, other U.S. government authorities, including the BIS export requirements, may apply to the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Syria. For further guidance, please review the BIS Syria Web page http://www.bis.doc.gov/policiesandregulations/syriaguidance8_07_09.htm or contact BIS or contact BIS by phone at (202) 482-4252.

NGOs considering entering Syria to conduct assistance operations should be aware that areas of Syria are extremely unstable and dangerous, and should review the State Department’s Travel Warning for Syria http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1035.html.

U.S. persons should exercise caution not to engage in prohibited transactions with the Syrian Government or any individual or entity on OFAC’s SDN list.

Award Period: 12 Months

Anticipated Total Program Funding: Up to $600,000 dollars, pending availability of funds

Anticipated Total Number of Awards: One.

The Center reserves the right to award less or more than the amount above in the absence of suitable applications or under such other circumstances as the Center may deem to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

Application Submission Process: Applicants must submit proposal papers electronically via grants.gov.

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APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Application Submission Process: Applications must be submitted electronically using Grants.gov. Thorough instructions on the Grants.gov application process are available at http://www.grants.gov. For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.

For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact Andrew Cohen in the Cultural Heritage Center, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State; E-Mail: CohenAC2@state.gov Telephone number: 202-632-6307.

Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Number located at the top of this announcement when making your request.

Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on the due date located at the top of this announcement. Applications submitted after 11:59 p.m. will be ineligible for consideration. Begin the application process early, as this will allow time to address any technical difficulties that may arise in advance of the deadline. There will be no exceptions to this application deadline.

All applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. Registering with Grants.gov is a one-time process; however, it could take as long as two weeks to have the registration validated and confirmed. Please begin the registration process immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of the deadline for applications. Until that process is complete, you will not be issued a user password for Grants.gov, which is required for application submission. There are four steps that you must complete before you are able to register: (1) Obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (if your organization does not have one already) by calling 1-866-705-5711; (2) Register with the System for Award Management (SAM), www.sam.gov; (3) Register yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); and (4) Be authorized as an AOR by your organization. For more information, go to www.grants.gov. Please note that your SAM registration must be annually renewed. Failure to renew your SAM registration may prohibit submission of an application through Grants.gov.

Application Content: Applicants must follow the RFGP instructions and conditions contained herein and supply all information required. Failure to furnish all information or comply with stated requirements will result in disqualification from the competition. Applicants must set

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forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this RFGP. The penalty for making false statements in proposals to the USG is prescribed on 18 U.S.C.1001.

The proposal narrative may not exceed 24 double-spaced pages in 12-point, Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins. This 24-page requirement does not include the allowable appendices.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

To be considered complete, applications must include a complete cover sheet (SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance), executive summary, project narrative, budget narrative and information form (SF-424A: Budget Information, Non-Construction Programs), assurances (SF-424B: Assurances, Non-Construction Programs), and, as appropriate, a disclosure of lobbying activities form (SF-LLL). The Center suggests the following formats for the summary and project and budget narratives.

Executive Summary: A concise statement of approximately 500 words that describes the main project objectives, activities, and anticipated outcomes.

Project Narrative: A detailed explanation of the proposed project that may include the following elements:

A. Activities description that explains how the applicant intends to achieve the project objectives, presents proposed tasks in a logical order, and describes how those tasks directly contribute towards achieving the project objectives.

B. Methodology that describes the project design, such as procedures, timetables, rationales for choosing particular methods, and the significance of those methods vis-à-vis the project objectives.

C. Description of anticipated resource and other needs required for the proposed project, such as equipment and facilities, among others.

D. Project timeframe or schedule that identifies the major project phases and milestones, with performance target dates for achieving them.

E. Biographical information on key project staff, including, but not limited to, academic and professional qualifications, and relevant work experience (See "Appendix" below regarding copies of curricula vitae or resumes).

F. Information on the eligible entity (the applying organization) and collaborating organizations, specifically information that demonstrates that the entity has the requisite

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experience and the capacity to carry out the project. This information should include summary descriptions of comparable projects either completed or underway and the total costs (in US dollars) of those projects (See "Appendix" below regarding copies of similar plans, studies, or other work completed previously).

G. Communications and dissemination plan that describes the means by which the applicant intends to update the grantor on project activities and progress, and to disseminate or share project results with the grantor.

H. Project monitoring, evaluation, and response plan that outlines how the applicant will monitor and report on project progress, determine whether the project has achieved its performance targets, and if it has not, the corrective actions it might take.

I. Bibliography that lists any literature cited in the application or pertinent to the project. See "Appendix" below regarding relevant supporting documentation.

Project Budget Narrative: Accompanying a complete SF-424A Budget Information form, a detailed explanation of the proposed project budget that shows a full understanding of large-scale project planning and management, accommodates adequate and qualified technical expertise, and that may include the following elements:

A. Detailed project budget for the 12-month budget period, that corresponds with the complete SF-424A and lists all major costs in cost categories, including (but not limited to):

1) Supplies2) Equipment3) Contractual4) Travel and Per Diem5) Other Direct Costs

B. Justification of the anticipated direct costs of the project, specifically international travel.C. Copy of the applicant’s most recent indirect cost agreement or a statement of its indirect

cost rate.

Appendix: The application Appendix may include the following elements:

A. Copies of curricula vitae or resumes of key project staff.B. Copies of similar plans, studies, or other work completed previously that represent the work

of the individuals and organizations that will play a key role in the project.C. Relevant supporting documentation, such as articles, reports, plans, studies, photographs,

architectural and engineering records, etc., that represents the extent of existing material available to the project team.

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Please note: Page limitations for each submission should be considered as a maximum, not necessarily a goal, and exclude the Appendix and SF 424 forms.

Applicants do not need to include their most recent annual report and Negotiated Indirect Costs Rate Agreement (NICRA) but should be prepared to provide a copy of these documents upon request.

To meet the announcement deadline, submissions must be made before 23:59:59 Eastern Time on the due date located at the top of this announcement.

Intergovernmental Review: Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” does not apply to this funding opportunity.

AWARD SELECTION CRITERIA

Criteria: Applications will be reviewed according to the project objectives, eligibility, technical expertise, past performance, ineligible activities, and proposal requirements. Proposals may be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to any of these criteria.

Application Review and Selection Process: The Center will review complete cooperative agreement proposals and make the funding recommendation to the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. All eligible proposals will be subject to compliance with Federal regulations and guidelines and may be forwarded for advisory review to a grants panel consisting of other federal agency personnel with relevant experience. The Center may also forward eligible project proposals to other Bureau and Department offices.

Anticipated Award Date: One month after the due date located at the top of this announcement

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AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Terms and conditions for administering Center cooperative agreements include the following:

A. 2 CFR Part 215 (22 CFR 145), “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations”

B. 2 CFR Part 220, “Cost Principles for Educational Institutions”C. 2 CFR Part 230, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations”D. OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit

Organizations”Other requirements are incorporated by reference in the Notice of Award.

DISCLAIMER

Explanatory information provided by the Center that contradicts published language is not binding. Issuance of this RFGP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government. The Center reserves the right to waive program formalities and to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds. Awards made will be subject to periodic reporting and evaluation requirements as specified above and in the Notice of Award.

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