U.S. Embassy in Trinidad
& Tobago

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

US EMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN
BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AFFAIRS

Notice of Funding Opportunity

 

Funding Opportunity Title: Law Enforcement Working Canine Kennel Refurbishment   

Funding Opportunity Number: INLPOS-23-003

Deadline for Applications: April 30, 2023

Assistance Listing Number: 19.704 – Counternarcotics                 

Total Amount Available: $60,000

 

 

1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
   The U.S. Embassy Port of Spain / Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to refurbish a law enforcement working canine kennel facility in Port of Spain. Please follow all instructions below.

 

Priority Region: Not applicable

 

Program Objectives:

 

The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) office at the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, works to keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

INL combats crime by helping foreign governments build effective law enforcement institutions that counter transnational crime—everything from money laundering, cybercrime, and intellectual property theft to trafficking in goods, people, weapons, drugs, or endangered wildlife. INL combats corruption by helping governments and civil society build transparent and accountable public institutions—a cornerstone of strong, stable, and fair societies that offer a level playing field for U.S. businesses abroad.

The United States Embassy Port of Spain wishes a general contracting firm in Trinidad and Tobago to refurbish an existing canine kennel facility, supply and install a modular kennel unit, create a canine recreation area, and perform general contracting work to the canine facility, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The work must be completed within three months of award.

This program meets the following goals, objectives and activities under INL Port of Spain’s Country Plan:

 

Goal 3:

Trinidad and Tobago Institutions have the capacity to restrict transnational organized crime.

 

Objective 3.1:

Trinidad and Tobago borders are secure from drugs and arms trafficking, and smuggling

 

Subobjective 3.1.1

Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Customs and Excise Division disrupt maritime drug, arms and human trafficking networks.

 

Activity 3.1.1.1

Coordinating with the US Department of Defense, build detection, interdiction and evidence collection capacity of maritime, border security and law enforcement units.

 

The Grantee must refurbish three existing kennel wings, supply and install a modular four unit kennel system, supply and install a canine recreation area, and perform general contracting work on the canine kennel facility site. The details for each activity are listed below.

 

Refurbish existing Canine Kennel Units

 

The Grantee must renovate and refurbish three existing canine kennel wings which will include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

                         

• Removing a portable wire-framed kennel onsite. 
• Demolishing every second block partition between the existing kennels to create approximately seven new enclosures each 8 feet x 8 feet. The Contractor must also expand the eighth remaining kennel approximately 4 feet x 8 feet, to 8 feet by 8 feet, matching the other seven kennels in appearance, features and capacity.
• Removing plywood from kennel ceiling

 

Supply and Install a Modular Four Unit Kennel Unit

The Contractor must supply and install a freestanding, modular, roofed four kennel unit which will include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

 

• Removing an existing fence separating two kennel areas 
• Removing three stand-alone kennel units currently onsite
• Supplying and installing a modular, roofed, free-standing front to back four kennel unit 32 feet wide x 15 feet long x 7 feet high; with each kennel unit being 8 feet wide, 15 feet long and 6.5 feet high. The kennel must be privacy screened to a height of 5 feet on three sides (left, right, and rear kennel) using a waterproof, scratch resistant material such as concrete board, pvc or plexiglass, with the upper 2 feet ventilated with a rust-proof wire mesh at the top. The kennel unit must be elevated from the floor, and contain a canine resting bench at the rear. The roof must have a guttering system to discharge rainwater to a nearby sewer manhole. The kennel flooring must have a provision for an access panel to provide access to the catch pit if necessary.

 

Kennel material specifications:

            Kennel framing –  galvanized RHS sections  

Kennel flooring – ¾ inch thick cement board,  

Kennel walls – ½ inch thick cement board to 5 feet height and painted

            Kennel ventilation – galvanized wire

Kennel front and door, galvanized wire in metal frame

Kennel roof: corrugated aluzinc (galvanized), painted white, sloped south to 

            north, 8 ft. at front. 7 ft. at rear;  gutter at rear, with water leading  to box  

            drain at east;

Kennel sleep modules – Full width, 4 ft. deep, 18 inches above floor level.   

 

Supply and Install a Canine Recreation Area

The Grantee must supply and install a 30 feet x 40 feet canine recreation area, which will include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

 

• Excavating an existing asphalt surface and foundation trench
• Laying a 24 inch high concrete block perimeter
• Supplying and installing fencing posts and a 6 foot wire wall
• Supply and install gravel, soil and turf grass
• Carting away excavated asphalt materials
• Fabricating a pedestrian gate
• Installation of a manual irrigation system

 

Provide general contracting services to canine facility site

The Grantee must provide general contracting services, which will include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

 

• Supplying and installing a 6.5 foot wide artificial grass strip at the front of each kennel wing, running the length of the kennel
• Painting proximate concrete block wall surfaces
• Power washing the side of the main building
• Supplying and installing pigeon proofing materials to the main building
• Supplying and installing a shade screen to the carpark fencing and gate

 

 

Participants and Audiences:

 

Trinbagonian individuals and institutions with a proven track record of executing superior canine kennel refurbishment work will receive preference. 

 

 

1. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 2 to 3 months

Number of awards anticipated: 1 award (dependent on amounts)

Award amount: The award may range from a minimum of $52, 000 to a maximum of $60,000 Total available funding: $60,000

Type of Funding:  FY19 and FY20 Caribbean Basin Security Initiative/ Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Letter of Agreement 2011-01 

Anticipated program start date:  May 15,2023

 

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

 

Funding Instrument Type:  Grant

 

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in three months or less.

 

1. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

 

1. Eligible Applicants

 

The following organizations are eligible to apply: 

  

• Trinidad and Tobago registered For-profit organizations
• Trinidad and Tobago registered Individuals

 

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

 

Cost sharing is not required.

 

 

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.3 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.

 

 

 

 

 

1. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

 

1. Address to Request Application Package

 

Submit application via email to Grants Officer BolageerF@state.gov and copy Grants Officer Representative Anil Boochoon at BoochoonAS@state.gov .

 

 

Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov

 

2. 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:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
• All documents are in English
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars
• All pages are numbered
• All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

 

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) athttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html  (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

 

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

 

3. Proposal (Eight pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.
• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.
• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed
• Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve.  The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
• Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
• Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.
• Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities.  Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?
• Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
• Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?
• Funding or SustainabilityApplicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

 

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

 

5. Attachments:

• 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
• If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.
• Official permission letters, if required for program activities

 

 

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (NOTE: This section is required and not optional, except for NOFOs targeting applications from individuals instead of organizations)

 

Required Registrations:

 

All 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. 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.

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 an 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.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

 

• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

 

• Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, 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 Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

.

 

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions: 

 

Step 1:  Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process.  SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

 

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

 

Step 1:  Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

 

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

 

Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

• An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.
• For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

 

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.

 

 

4. Submission Dates and Times

 

Applications are due no later than April 30, 2023

 

5. Funding Restrictions

 

No funding restrictions applicable

 

6. Other Submission Requirements

 

All application materials must be submitted by email to BolageerF@state.gov, copying BoochoonAS@state.gov

 

 

 

1. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

 

1. Criteria

 

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 and Contracts – 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 – 20 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 20 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 – 20 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.

 

2. Review and Selection Process

 

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.   

 

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

 

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 over the period of performance (see §200.01 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants that:

 

1. 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 U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

 

1. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov;

 

iii. 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.

 

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates May 12, 2023

 

 

 

1. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

 

1. Federal Award Notices

 

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 Method:

Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry out the program activities, via submission of a completed SF-270 form.. 

 

 

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:

 

• 2 CFR 25 – UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
• 2 CFR 170 – REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION
• 2 CFR 175 – AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
• 2 CFR 182 – GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
• 2 CFR 183 – NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
• S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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:

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:
  • Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
  • Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),
  • Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
  • Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and
  • Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

 

3. Reporting

 

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports.  The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

 

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement.  Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation.  In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

 

 

1. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: Saleem Boochoon at BoochoonAS@state.gov

 

1. 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 in 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 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.