The "Notice of Funding Opportunity" (NOFO) issued by the U.S. Department of State outlines a funding initiative aimed at providing international border guard training for Iraq and Jordan from 2025 to 2027. The program, with a funding opportunity number DFOP0017091, anticipates awarding up to $1,016,279 to qualified organizations through a cooperative agreement format that emphasizes significant federal involvement in implementation. The project seeks to enhance the capabilities of border security personnel from both countries to combat proliferation threats and secure their land borders from illicit activities. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities. The program's objectives involve conducting a series of International Border Guard Training (IBGT) iterations to equip participants with essential operational skills. Key performance indicators include the successful completion of training and ongoing collaboration with U.S. and international partners. The application process requires comprehensive documentation, including a detailed project proposal, budget justification, and risk assessment. All submissions are due by March 31, 2025. The selection of proposals will be based on various evaluation criteria, including program quality, financial viability, organizational capacity, and sustainability post-award.

The document provides comprehensive budget guidelines for applicants submitting federal grant proposals and RFPs, detailing required elements such as the Summary Budget, Detailed Line Item Budget, and the budget narrative. It outlines specific cost categories, including Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Contractual, and Other Direct Costs. Each category is defined, with stipulations on allowable and unallowable costs in compliance with OMB regulations. Applicants are instructed to present a detailed line-item budget using specified templates, avoiding identifying personal information about employees and ensuring travel costs comply with federal per diem rates. The guidelines emphasize the importance of documenting cost-sharing as it may enhance an application's competitiveness. Notably, costs associated with advocacy, entertainment, and unallowable expenses will not be considered. Throughout the budgeting process, adherence to the Uniform Administrative Requirements and audit standards is emphasized, ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds. The document serves as a critical resource for organizations seeking to secure federal funding while maintaining compliance with budgetary regulations.

The document outlines crucial information regarding the registration process for organizations seeking federal assistance through SAM.gov as of May 2024. It emphasizes that all entities must validate their registration on SAM.gov following the discontinuation of DUNS numbers. The document identifies best practices for the registration process, including the utilization of Login.gov for account access and the importance of regular status checks during the validation. Organizations no longer need an NCAGE code for financial assistance applications unless interacting with the Department of Defense. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity of self-certification for document translations and the process for renewing SAM.gov registration annually. The guidance informs about submitting helpdesk tickets for issues experienced during validation and outlines how to escalate concerns. Importantly, it notes that an active registration is required to apply for federal grants or receive payments. The document serves as essential guidance for organizations navigating the federal assistance landscape, ensuring compliance and efficient access to funding opportunities.

The document outlines the Frequently Asked Questions for international entities registering in SAM.gov, essential for receiving federal assistance. SAM.gov, operated by the GSA, requires organizations to register and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for federal awards. Foreign entities seeking Department of Defense (DOD) funding must also acquire a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code. The registration process involves creating a Login.gov account, completing entity validation, and ensuring consistent information across all platforms. Annual renewal of registration is crucial for maintaining eligibility for awards and to receive payments. Newly registered organizations must validate their information directly, as the federal government no longer uses Dun and Bradstreet for this purpose. The document emphasizes the importance of responding promptly to information requests during the validation process to avoid delays. It also provides guidance on what documentation may be needed for validation and how to self-certify translations of documents. Lastly, subrecipients only need to obtain a UEI without a complete SAM.gov registration unless they receive federal awards. This guidance is particularly relevant given the context of federal grants and RFP processes.