Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership Programming in Romania | DFOP0016624

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office), seeking proposals to support a forthcoming Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership between the United States and the Government of Romania.

What is the main purpose or focus of the opportunity?

The overall focus is to strengthen efforts in Romania to prevent and respond to child trafficking and related exploitation concerns by funding projects that align with CPC partnership objectives.

Which U.S. government office is administering this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of State through its Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office).

What type of award will be made?

The award will be made as a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement generally means the TIP Office expects to have substantial involvement during implementation. Examples mentioned include coordinating on key activities, monitoring progress closely, and shaping learning and adaptation during the project period.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this solicitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DFOP0016624.

What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA/Assistance Listing number is 19.019.

How is the funding activity area categorized?

The funding activity area is categorized as "Other."

What is the maximum funding amount available (award ceiling)?

The opportunity lists an award ceiling of up to $10,000,000.

Does the award ceiling mean the program will definitely fund up to $10,000,000?

The award ceiling indicates the maximum possible size of an award under this opportunity. It signals the Department may support large-scale programming if the proposed approach, capacity, and results framework justify it.

The opportunity lists "expected awards: 0." Does that mean no awards will be made?

Not necessarily. The posting notes that an expected awards figure of 0 typically should not be read as a guarantee that no awards will be made. It often reflects that the agency has not publicly committed to a specific number of awards at the time of posting, or that the number may depend on final CPC partnership and funding decisions.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based nonprofit organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), institutions of higher education, public international organizations (PIOs), and for-profit entities.

Can foreign-based organizations apply?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly encourages both U.S.-based and foreign-based eligible organizations to apply (including nonprofits/NGOs, higher education institutions, PIOs, and for-profit entities).

Are for-profit entities allowed to apply?

Yes, for-profit entities are listed as eligible applicants, with important constraints described in the opportunity.

Are there special conditions or constraints for for-profit applicants?

Yes. Two constraints are highlighted: (1) applications from for-profit organizations may receive additional review after panel selection, and (2) the Department of State does not allow organizations to earn profit under its assistance awards. A for-profit implementer may be funded for allowable costs to carry out the work, but it cannot add a profit margin as it might under a commercial contract.

Can the Government of Romania apply directly for this funding?

No. Foreign governments are not eligible to apply directly for this funding.

Can government entities participate in or benefit from the funded program?

Yes, in limited and controlled ways. The opportunity notes that government entities may benefit as long as U.S. assistance does not pay the salaries of government agency personnel and the assistance is not otherwise restricted by U.S. law or policy.

Does the opportunity allow coordination with national or local authorities in Romania?

Yes. The notice signals that coordination with authorities can occur, but within standard U.S. government assistance compliance boundaries (including restrictions such as not paying salaries of government personnel).

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline listed is July 18, 2024.

When was this opportunity posted/created?

The opportunity was created on May 31, 2024.

Where can applicants find the full application requirements and submission instructions?

Applicants must follow the detailed requirements in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which is referenced as the controlling document for full eligibility rules and submission instructions.

Is the NOFO the controlling document if there is a conflict with a summary or posting?

Yes. The information provided indicates that the NOFO is the controlling document for full eligibility rules and submission instructions.

What kinds of projects are expected to be competitive under this opportunity?

Projects are expected to support the forthcoming CPC Partnership and align with CPC partnership objectives, with an overall emphasis on strengthening prevention of and response to child trafficking and related exploitation concerns in Romania.

Will the TIP Office be actively involved after an award is made?

Yes. Because this is a cooperative agreement, the TIP Office expects substantial involvement during implementation, including coordination on key activities, close monitoring of progress, and shaping learning and adaptation during the project period.