The ECC's FY 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) emphasizes the inclusion of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) plans in proposal submissions, in line with Executive Orders 13985 and 14020. The DEIA plan is a voluntary component aimed at detailing how proposals will support ECC's DEIA objectives concerning diverse communities and equitable treatment. Implementers should articulate practical steps rather than specific goals, potentially involving collaborations with local experts and ensuring broad engagement across various demographics. Proposals can include DEIA plans either as standalone documents or integrated into the proposal template, each following specified formatting guidelines. Successful DEIA offerings will enhance project evaluations, as points earned in this area will be added to overall project scores. The DEIA objectives focus on expanding implementer diversity, engaging local trainers, ensuring inclusive access to ECC resources, and promoting gender equity at events. This initiative signifies the federal commitment to enhancing community representation and equitable opportunities in funded projects.

The document outlines the budget guidelines for applicants submitting proposals for federal grants and government RFPs. It emphasizes the importance of providing a comprehensive budget submission, which includes a Summary Budget, a Detailed Line Item Budget, and a Budget Narrative. The Detailed Line Item Budget must include specific cost allocations categorized by personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual costs, and indirect charges. Each category requires a clear justification of expenses and expected contributions, including details on staffing requirements and the rationale for costs derived. Furthermore, the guidelines address allowable and unallowable costs, emphasizing compliance with OMB cost principles and regulations regarding program activities. It also encourages cost sharing to enhance project competitiveness and efficacy. A structured template is provided to develop the budget effectively, ensuring all submissions are aligned with federal regulations for accountability and oversight. This document serves as a foundational resource for organizations seeking federal funding and aims to enhance the clarity and completeness of their budget proposals.

The funding opportunity titled "Strategic Trade Controls South and Central Asia and Mongolia" (NOFO DFOP0009163) is aimed at enhancing strategic trade controls in the specified regions. Applicants are required to engage with all four Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, with a funding limit of $300,000. The initiative builds on prior consultations and technical assistance the EXBS has provided since 2012, focusing on legal/regulatory guidance and practical implementation efforts. Moreover, if applicants identify relevant national or regional conferences hosted by organizations like the WCO, they are expected to manage participant logistics for these events, while separate arrangements will cover participant travel. This ensures comprehensive support for enhancing trade controls in the region, reflecting a commitment to fostering international cooperation and regulatory development in South and Central Asia and Mongolia.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation has announced a funding opportunity (DFOP0009163) aimed at strengthening strategic trade controls in South and Central Asia and Mongolia. The grant, set at a funding ceiling of $700,000, targets organizations capable of assisting governments in developing and implementing dual-use export control systems. Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign non-profits, organizations, and institutions of higher education. Proposals should emphasize international standards for licensing, enforcement, and best practices concerning arms and WMD-related items. The two-year project seeks to build capacity for regulatory frameworks and interagency coordination in regions like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Sri Lanka, promoting compliance with international regimes. Applications are due by April 19, 2024, with a detailed proposal narrative, diversity plans, and budget required. The selection process will focus on project feasibility, organizational capacity, detailed planning, and sustainability of outcomes. This opportunity reflects U.S. foreign policy priorities in enhancing global security while supporting local governance in compliance with strategic trade controls.

The document provides guidance for international entities registering in SAM.gov, a system necessary for securing federal assistance awards. Key steps for registration include creating a Login.gov account, accurately inputting organizational data, and completing the Entity Validation process to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). It addresses specific requirements for foreign entities, including the need for an NCAGE code if applying for Department of Defense awards. Compliance with registration guidelines is vital, as inaccuracies can lead to delays. The document outlines the importance of annual renewals to maintain active registration status, emphasizing that organizations must respond promptly to any requests for additional information to avoid disruptions. It also specifies necessary supporting documents for validating organizational details, such as legal business names and addresses, often requiring self-certified translations. It instructs users on managing potential validation issues and provides resources for assistance with Login.gov. Overall, the main purpose of this document is to ensure international entities understand the SAM.gov registration process, the significance of maintaining accurate information, and the requirements for accessing federal awards, illustrating its relevance in the context of government grants and RFPs.