Cyber Security Youth Program

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE U.S. Embassy Morocco Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Title: “Cyber Security Youth Program” Open Cooperative Agreement 2022 Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-MOROCCO-FY22-07 Deadline for Applications: August 05, 2022 Assistance Listing Number: 19.040 Total Amount Available: $50,000 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy in Morocco announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to compete for a Cooperative Agreement (CA) award for a new youth cyber security program. The Public Affairs Office invites proposals from established Moroccan associations, committed, and organized civil-society organizations and academic institutions, to design and implement a cyber security awareness program for 60 to 80 Moroccan youth between the ages of 18 and 24 years old. U.S. and third-country organizations or nationals are not eligible for grants under this program unless in partnership with a Moroccan NGO. Program Objectives: Youth are on the front lines of the risks and the rewards of the online world. Their passion for tech, games and other online activities makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks, cyber bullying, and misinformation. Cyber touches everything. We use computer networks for just about everything we do in our current way of life. Therefore, it is important to defend our devices and services from electronic attacks by nefarious actors such as hackers, spammers, and cybercriminals. This program will teach 80 participants about the exciting world of cybersecurity and will provide hands on training on the basics of cybersecurity during workshops on Information Systems, Cyber Defense, Data Communications & Networking, Cryptography, Digital Forensics, the Internet of Things, and Combatting Mis- and Disinformation. The program should also include true-to-life security simulation, where participants will learn how to root out cyber threats and defend against a targeted attack. Participant will also be taught the fundamentals of securing computer operating systems such as Windows. They will also learn security features and settings in the operating systems—like password policies—and techniques for updating and creating a stronger, more secure system. Each proposal should meet the following objectives: Strengthen young Moroccans' knowledge of cyber security by exposure to U.S. experts and experience. Equip participants with the right tools to protect them from dangerous cyberattacks against networks, data systems and personal information. Help participants identify and combat mis- and disinformation, particularly from malign international actors. Learn to harness new technologies to confront tomorrow’s security challenges. Increase interest in cybersecurity career. Awardees will work closely with the Embassy’s Public Affairs Office to design and execute the youth cyber security program The activities should be innovative, interactive, and hands-on. The program should target youth ages 18-24 from across Morocco. A clear methodology of participant recruitment and selection should be detailed in the proposal including efforts to ensure gender parity and geographic and socio-economic inclusion. Awardees should be prepared to design and implement surveys, polls, or other methods for evaluating the program’s effectiveness before, during and after the program’s completion. The proposal should include information about how the awardee will identify and recruit local trainers. The proposal should contain a detailed sample agenda of sessions and activities. Equipment cannot account for more than 10% of the total project cost. The cooperative agreement will be only awarded to Moroccan associations, committed, and organized civil-society organizations and academic institutions that already have a final registration receipt and an established bank account at the time that they apply. U.S. and third-country organizations or nationals are not eligible for awards under this program unless in partnership with a Moroccan NGO. All proposals must be submitted to the U.S. Embassy by Friday August 5, 2022, using the forms provided – no late proposals will be considered. Length of performance period: 6 to 9 months Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $40,000 to a maximum of $50,000 Projects for lesser or greater values will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Funding may be renewed for up to an additional two years on a non-competitive basis pending successful performance and availability of funds. Total available funding: $50,000 Type of Funding: FY22 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: January 2023 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement. U.S. Embassy staff will: · Provide standardized logos/branding guidelines for promotional materials · Initiate and participate in promotional activities, to include promotion of the program through the U.S. Mission to Morocco’s social media platforms and media engagements. · Approve the selection of the venue. · Approve participant and trainer recruitment and selection plans. · Assist in identifying and contacting alumni of U.S. government exchange program, representatives of U.S. companies, and U.S. Mission personnel as potential speakers or trainers. · Identify, recruit, and fund the travel and lodging of one American expert to participate in the program. · Review and approve proposed program speaker and trainer rosters and activity/workshop/site visit topics and formats. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in nine months or less. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION • Applications are due by August 05, 2022. • The proposal should be $40,000-$50,000. • Complete UEI, NCAGE and SAM registration. • The project should not have an intended start date before January 2023. • All proposals must adhere to the policy explained in the Youth Cyber Security Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) including the “eligibility requirements.” Please review these requirements carefully. Upload and complete these required forms: · SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance) · SF424A (Budget Information) · SF424B (Assurances) · Project Narrative Form (in English) · Applicant Organizational Information Form · Budget Proposal (in USD) (please use $1 = 9.5 MAD as exchange rate) · CVs for Director and key project personnel Submit all forms in electronic format to Rabatgrants@state.gov no later than Friday August 05, 2022, at midnight. All questions about the Coalition Training for Women Parliamentarians should be addressed to: Rabatgrants@state.gov Eligibility Requirements: Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge: Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov NCAGE/CAGE code www.SAM.gov registration Submit all forms in electronic format to Rabatgrants@state.gov no later than August 05, 2022 All questions about Cyber Security Youth Program NOFO should be addressed to: Rabatgrants@state.gov To find the proposal forms and for full details of this funding opportunity, please go to the Related Documents tab.