Introduction
Policy Priorities
Funding Timeframes and Acknowledgement of PRM Funding
Proposal Submission and Review Process
Grants.Gov Application Process
PRM Administrative Requirements
Reporting Requirements
Contacting PRM
Appendix A: Budget Detail Instructions
Appendix B: Budget Narrative Instructions
Coordination: PRM places a high priority on coordination and collaboration in project design and implementation. A proposal should demonstrate the extent to which an organization coordinates and cooperates with the national and local host government, UN agencies (especially UNHCR), relevant international organizations (IO), other USG agencies, other donors, and other NGOs. Projects must target critical gaps identified and agreed upon through this coordination effort.
Vulnerable and Underserved Populations: PRM focuses on meeting the needs of vulnerable and underserved populations. Vulnerable groups may include women, children, the elderly, the sick, the disabled, and minorities, among others. PRM strongly promotes women’s equal access to resources and their participation in managing those resources. Because of PRM’s mandate to provide protection, assistance, and sustainable solutions for refugees and victims of conflict, PRM only considers funding NGO projects that include a target beneficiary base of at least 50% refugees.Security: When implementing any PRM award, the implementing organization is responsible for ensuring that adequate measures are taken for the security and safety of the organization’s personnel and any PRM-funded property, equipment, and vehicles. It is essential for every organization to possess well-defined security concepts and consistently applied operational security policies and procedures. PRM strongly recommends that organizations adhere to the UN’s security guidelines in any given location and use InterAction’s Security Planning Guidelines. PRM will consider requests to fund security requirements on a case-by-case basis. Failure to maintain adequate security precautions may result in suspension of PRM funding.
Cost-sharing: PRM looks favorably on cost-sharing efforts and seeks to support projects with a diverse donor base and/or resources from the submitting organization. Please refer to the Cost Proposal section of this Guidance for treatment of cost-sharing in budgets and PRM awards.
PRM provides funding for a maximum period of twelve-months and cannot make commitments to fund projects in successive years. Applicants with continuing programs must reapply and compete for PRM funding each year. Applicants should understand that receipt of prior funding for the same or similar projects in a given location is not a pre-condition for and does not guarantee continued PRM funding in FY 2010. PRM retains the right to re-compete projects at any point in time.
Acknowledgement of PRM funding: Organizations receiving overseas assistance from the Bureau are required to acknowledge publicly the projects and activities funded with that assistance. Applicants must include in their proposals a plan for recognizing projects and activities financed with PRM funding in all appropriate publications and printed descriptions, including press releases, annual reports and financial statements; and at the project site. At the project site, acknowledgement should be in the form of a graphic of the U.S. flag accompanied by one of the following two phrases based on the level of PRM funding:
In rare cases, an organization may request exemption from this requirement if it believes that public acknowledgment of USG funding might endanger the lives of the beneficiaries and/or the organization’s staff, invite suspicion about the organization’s motives or alienate the organization from the beneficiary population. To request PRM consideration of an exemption to this requirement, the organization must provide an explanation of the relevant factors in its proposal.
The Bureau routinely announces specific priorities and solicits proposals within a limited period of time. All such announcements are listed on Grants.gov as well as on the Bureau’s website: http://www.state.gov/j/prm/. To receive PRM’s funding announcements via email, go to the Bureau’s website and subscribe to PRM’s listserv.
PRM conducts formal internal competitive reviews of all proposal submissions based on the proposal evaluation criteria and PRM’s priorities.
PRM accepts unsolicited proposals at any time; however, due to limited funding, priority will be given to proposals responding to PRM-issued Funding Opportunity Announcements.
PRM recommends that applicants requesting PRM overseas assistance funds use the suggested templates available from PRM’s NGO Coordinator for the proposal narrative, budget summary and budget narrative. If NGOs choose not to use the PRM templates, proposals must include the sections outlined below.
PRM templates are no longer locked and can be edited by multiple users. However, if an NGO is using PRM’s template, proposals must not be more than 17 pages in length (including instructions). If an NGO is not using the PRM template, then proposals must not be more than 14 pages in length. All proposals must use Times New Roman 12 point font. Organizations may choose to attach work plans, activity calendars, and/or logical frameworks as addendums/appendices to the proposal.
To request copies of the PRM-recommended templates, send an email with the phrase “PRM NGO templates” in the subject line, to PRMNGOCoordinator@state.gov. You will receive an automated email reply containing the templates mentioned above (proposal template, budget summary and budget detail templates) as well as the quarterly program report template discussed later in these guidelines.
The Cost Proposal should include the following items:
1) Application for Federal Assistance - SF 424 Version 02, that shows an expiration date of January 31, 2009 at the top right corner;
2) Budget Summary;
3) Budget Detail;
4) Budget Narrative;
5) Organizational Chart for award recipient and sub-recipient(s), if applicable; and
6) Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable.
The Budget Summary should indicate the anticipated aggregate dollar amount for the major object class categories, to include, personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, construction, other direct costs, and indirect charges. Please round each line-item cost to the nearest dollar. The Budget Summary must also break out the overall budget by sector (estimates are fine). NGOs must select one or more from among the following sectors: Education, Food, Health, Nutrition, Protection, Gender-based Violence, Shelter and Infrastructure, Water and Sanitation, and Livelihoods.
Definitions for activities related to the sectors of Food, Health, Nutrition, Protection, Shelter and Infrastructure, Water and Sanitation, and Livelihoods can be found on pp. 82-83 of the “Supplemental Reference: Foreign Assistance Standardized Program Structure and Definitions” developed by the Office of the Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance. This document is available at the following link:
http://inside.usaid.gov/A/F/docs/plan/guidance/FINALStandardizedProgramStructureandDefinitionsChangesforFY09_12Dec2008.pdf
The IASC Guidelines on Gender-based Violence (GBV) Interventions in Humanitarian Settings define GBV as “an umbrella term for any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will, and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females. The nature and extent of specific types of GBV vary across cultures, countries, and regions.” Subject to parameters outlined in specific Funding Opportunity Announcements, PRM considers activities that fall under the Gender-based Violence (GBV) sector to include: provision of health and psychosocial care, livelihoods interventions, legal assistance or other activities that directly address GBV; public information and rights awareness campaigns among returnees and refugees; and, activities designed to create local capacity to respond to GBV in a competent and timely manner such as training for local staff or refugees themselves in prevention, recognition, and treatment of GBV (including victim counseling), or activities to enhance the timeliness of response to GBV.
Subject to parameters outlined in specific Funding Opportunity Announcements, PRM considers activities that fall under the Education sector to be those designed to improve early childhood education, primary education, and secondary education. Activities may be delivered in formal or non-formal settings.
The Budget Detail should include descriptive line-items that support each cost listed within each object class category. Please round each line-item cost to the nearest dollar.
The Budget Narrative should include sufficient detail to enable the reviewer to obtain the same reasonable determination of cost. For example, the description for the line item for “Training Materials” within the object class category “Supplies” could read, “includes the cost of expendable supplies, such as, paper, notebooks, folders, pens, and pencils with an estimated cost of $5 per participant. $5 X 1,000 participants = $5,000.”
The Organizational Chart should enable PRM to evaluate the structure and determine the allocation of personnel costs for single and across multiple federal assistance awards. For example, if one full-time Regional Program Coordinator has responsibility that is divided equally for each of ten (10) federally-funded projects, the salary for this position should be allocated across all awards in such a manner as to equal 100% of the time available for this position. This salary should not be 30% on each award. The cost of staffing needs associated with each proposal should only reflect the staffing required to carry out the required activities. Since PRM awards do not fund contingencies, budgets should avoid using the category of “back-stopping”.
Recipients of PRM assistance awards may be reimbursed for applicable indirect costs only if they have a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) established by the Recipients “cognizant” agency. The cognizant agency for non-profit organizations is determined by calculating which Federal agency provides the most grant funding. If the Recipient has executed an indirect cost rate agreement with a cognizant agency other than the Department of State, PRM will use that negotiated agreement as the basis for determining indirect cost reimbursement. In cases where no cognizant agency has been designated or the recipient organization does not have an established negotiated indirect cost rate agreement with any Federal agency, PRM will refer the recipient to the Department of State office responsible for negotiation and approval of an indirect cost rate. Under PRM awards, no indirect costs may be reimbursed without an executed NICRA.
The Cost Proposal should also include the Recipient’s Share of Cost in addition to the dollar amount requested from PRM. The Budget Summary and Budget Detail should include the dollar amount(s) anticipated or received from other sources (including the organization’s own funds and support from other donors) and the dollar amount of any in-kind contributions. Be sure to indicate the funding source for each line-item to include (1) the contribution to be made by the applicant; (2) the contribution to be made by other agencies or organizations (specifying each donor and amount); the amount of cash and in-kind contributions to be made from all other sources (specifying each donor and amount). Applicants should specify which of these “Recipient Share of Cost” amounts are to be subject to formal cost sharing requirements under the award which includes the following standard cost sharing provision:
For awards to an overseas organization, the following standard cost sharing provision would be applicable:
When awarding to an overseas organization, use the following provision: It is understood and agreed that the Recipient must provide the minimum amount of cost sharing or in-kind contributions as stipulated in the Recipient's budget approved by the Grants Officer. Not providing the minimum amount of cost sharing or in-kind contribution as stipulated in the Recipient's approved budget may result in questioned costs and the Department of State contribution reduced in proportion to the amount of the questioned costs. The Recipient must maintain written records to support all allowable costs claimed as being its contribution to cost participation, as well as costs to be paid by the Department of State. Such records are subject to audit. The recipient must report the amount of cost sharing contributed under the award in its financial status reports.
OR
For awards to a U.S. organization, the following standard cost sharing provision would be applicable:
It is understood and agreed that the Recipient must provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the Recipient's budget approved by the Grants Officer. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. The Recipient must maintain written records to support all allowable costs which are claimed as being its contribution to cost participation, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal Government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with 22 CFR 145 (OMB Circular A-110 (Revised), Subpart C. Section 23 Cost Sharing and Matching). In the event the Recipient does not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the Recipient's approved budget, the DOS's contribution will be reduced in proportion to the Recipient's contribution.
If applicable, the Cost Proposal and Budget Summary, Budget Detail, and Budget Narrative should specifically identify sub-grantees including, for each, the Legal Name, Organizational DUNS, Address, and Name of Organizational Representative. The Cost Proposal guidance provided above is recommended for use by sub-recipient(s) when preparing their budget documents.
PRM posts all funding opportunities on Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov), PRM’s website http://www.state.gov/j/prm/c25773.htm), and in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). PRM's CFDA numbers are:
A new CFDA entry is being developed for Overseas Processing.
Proposals in response to PRM Funding Opportunity Announcements must be submitted via Grants.gov. Applicants who are unable to submit via Grants.gov due to technical difficulties should report the problem to the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov at least one week prior to the deadline identified in the funding opportunity announcement. Grants.gov will assign a case number and open a service request to research the problem(s). Applicants may then contact the PRM point of contact identified in the respective funding opportunity announcement to determine whether an alternative method of submission is appropriate.
When responding to a PRM funding announcement, start early to avoid missing the submission deadline. Organizations that have waited to submit proposals until the day of the deadline have experienced difficulties causing them to miss deadlines; and, as a result, their proposals were not considered for funding. Because of the time it takes proposal submissions, once submitted to Grants.gov, to be registered and validated by Grants.gov, PRM recommends that you consider submitting your proposal at least a week before the deadline listed in the respective funding announcement. Grants.gov guidance notes that it can take 48 hours, and sometimes longer, for a proposal to be validated as received by the Grants.gov system.
If your organization is not registered with the government-wide Central Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or does not have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number the organization will need to obtain a DUNS number and then register with CCR before submitting a proposal through Grants.gov. Note that CCR registration must be updated annually. The CCR and DUNS registration process may take several weeks so organizations should plan accordingly. PRM strongly recommends that organizations complete these registration processes as early in the fiscal year as possible in order to avoid potential difficulties when calls for proposals are issued.
Organizations can obtain a DUNS number anytime, and do not need a U.S. Government grant to obtain a FREE Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) number.
Domestic Organizations
Organizations located in the U.S. that apply for or receive Federal assistance can request a DUNS number free of charge by contacting D&B through either a web-form or telephone. The web-form is available at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For organizations located in the U.S., D&B can be contacted at 1-866-705-5711. Registration typically takes five to ten minutes by phone and up to 24 hours via the web-form.
Foreign Organizations
Organizations located outside the U.S. that apply for or receive Federal assistance can request a DUNS number free of charge by contacting D&B through either a web-form or telephone. The web-form is available at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Internationally, a foreign organization can request a DUNS number from the local D&B office via the telephone. The list of international offices is available at http://www.dnb.com/US/customer_service/global_listing.asp, organized by region and/or country.
Preparing to apply via Grants.gov is a three-step process which can take several weeks for U.S. NGOs and considerably longer for non-U.S. NGOs. (See grants.gov for timelines for each process: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp; http://www.grants.gov/assets/Organization_Steps_Complete_Registration.pdf)
Applicants must:
1. Register with the government-wide Central Contractor Registry (CCR) at 1-888-227-2423 or at https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx; NOTE: To register with CCR, the organization must have a DUNS number. For DUNS assistance, please call 1-866-705-5711 or go to http://fedgov.dnb.com;
2. become authenticated through Grants.gov Credential Provider to receive a user name and password; and
3. register with Grants.gov as an Authorized Official Representative (AOR).
NGOs that have never received U.S. Government funding must be prepared to demonstrate that they meet the financial and accounting requirements of the U.S. Government by providing copies of the following with their funding application:
International Organizations (IOs) that are engaged in programs relevant to the assistance addressed by PRM funding announcements should ensure that these programs are made known to PRM on or before the closing date of the relevant funding announcement so that PRM can evaluate all IO and NGO programs for funding consideration.
In addition, each official submission to PRM must include the Standard Form (SF) 424 Version 02 that shows an expiration date of January 31, 2009 at the top right corner. PRM also requires that Box 21 of the SF 424 Version 02 be checked. The SF 424 Version 02 can be found at
http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp#1
The SF 424 Version 02 can also be accessed directly at: http://www.grants.gov/techlib/SF424-V2.0.pdf.
All submissions must include the following:
Please integrate this documentation into as few files as possible.
Pay careful attention to Grants.gov’s guidance for file naming conventions (http://www.grants.gov/applicants/submit_application_faqs.jsp#6). Grants.gov may reject the proposals that fail to follow these guidelines.Program Reports: PRM requires program reports describing and analyzing the results of activities undertaken during the validity period of the agreement. A program report is required within thirty (30) days following the end of each three month period of performance during the validity period of the agreement. The final program report is due ninety (90) days following the end of the agreement. The submission dates for program reports will be written into the cooperative agreement.
The Performance Progress Report (SF-PPR) is a standard, government-wide performance reporting format available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/grants/approved_forms/sf-ppr.pdf . Recipients of PRM funding must submit the signed SF-PPR cover page with each program report. In addition, the Bureau suggests that NGOs receiving PRM funding use the PRM recommended program report template and reference this template as being attached in block 10 of the SF-PPR. This template is designed to ease the reporting requirements while ensuring that all required elements are addressed.
The following guidance is designed to accompany the recommended reporting template:
Financial Reports: Financial reports are required within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar year quarter during the validity period of the agreement (January 30th, April 30th, July 30th, October 30th). The final financial report covering the entire period of the agreement is required within ninety (90) days after the expiration date of the agreement. For agreements containing indirect costs, final financial reports are due within 60 days of the finalization of the applicable negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA).
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has consolidated and replaced four existing financial reporting forms (SF–269, SF–269A, SF–272, and SF–272A) with a single Federal Financial Report (FFR SF-425). The purpose of the FFR is to give recipients of grants and cooperative agreements a standard format for reporting the financial status of their grants and cooperative agreements. The FFR was developed as part of the implementation of the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999.
For all financial reports beginning with those submitted for the quarter ending December 31, 2009, the Department of State (DOS) will transition from the SF-269, SF-269A, SF-272, and SF-272A to the FFR, by requiring recipients to use the SF-425. In making the transition, we will incorporate the requirement to use the FFR into the standard terms and conditions of new grant and cooperative agreement awards, State plans, and/or program regulations that specify financial reporting requirements. The new FFR format consolidates two financial reports, the Financial Status Report (SF–269/SF–269A) and the Federal Cash Transaction Report (SF–272/SF–272A), into a single form. The FFR has 2 major components (1) Cash Management Report (former SF-272) and (2) Financial Status Reports (former SF-269). This requirement applies to domestic Payment Management System (PMS) recipients, domestic non-PMS recipients and overseas recipients.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will make an electronic version of the FFR available for use in PMS that includes both components of the FFR. In order to be in compliance with OMB guidelines, DOS requires that all PMS recipients electronically fill out the cash portion of the SF-425 report in PMS. Additionally, all PMS, non-PMS and overseas recipients should discontinue using the SF-269 and SF-272 and submit Financial Status data to PRM on the SF-425.
Recipients of PRM funding must submit all required reports to the Office of the Comptroller to the electronic mailbox address:
The subject line of the electronic mail transmission must include the following information: Organization Name, Agreement Number, Report Type, and Reporting Period.
Each funding announcement will identify a specific point of contact, typically a program officer in Washington, and, as applicable, a field-based PRM Refugee Coordinator. PRM recommends that organizations submitting proposals notify the designated point of contact once the proposal has been successfully submitted via Grants.gov.
Applicants may address general questions about PRM’s overseas assistance to NGOs and send unsolicited proposals to PRM’s NGO Coordinator:
Guy Lawson
NGO Coordinator
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
2025 E ST NW
SA-9, 8th floor
Washington, DC 20522-0908
Phone: (202) 453-9362
Fax: (202) 453-9294
Email: PRMNGOCoordinator@state.gov
If sending an unsolicited proposal by email please include the phrase “unsolicited proposal” in the subject line.
Feedback on PRM’s recommended templates
PRM is interested in our partners’ feedback on the recommended templates. To provide feedback to PRM on its proposal, budget and report templates, please contact:
Emily Bruno
BrunoEK1@state.gov
202-453-9231
or
Fruzsina Csaszar
CsaszarFA@state.gov
202-453-9228
To provide feedback anonymously, you can write to:
Emily Bruno
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
2025 E ST NW
SA-9, 8th floor
Washington, DC 20522-0908
The following provides guidance for the preparation of a proposal’s budget detail using PRM’s recommended budget template.
The budget detail template includes columns reflecting the Bureau’s (federal) and other (non-federal) funding sources as well as the total funding need broken down by sector and/or objective. The Bureau anticipates that an organization will include each of the budget categories listed below when preparing an estimate of expenses for carrying out a proposed project whether the project is 100% funded or jointly funded with multiple donors.
The use of the PRM budget detail template is highly recommended and estimates should be rounded to the nearest dollar. (Note: Information included in the budget detail should correspond to and be overviewed in the budget summary and be explained in greater detail in the budget narrative.)
To request copies of the PRM-recommended budget detail template please send an email, with the phrase “PRM NGO templates” in the subject line, to PRM’s NGO Coordinator (PRMNGOCoordinator@state.gov). You will receive an automated email reply containing four templates (proposal template, budget summary and budget detail templates, and quarterly report template).
c. The Bureau will not authorize personnel positions to be charged based on a flat monthly fee that includes salaries, benefits, travel costs, etc.
d. If your organization anticipates the payment of employee termination and/or severance pay during the proposed funding period, the Bureau will consider such costs an allowable charge to the agreement to the extent of the Bureau's responsibility in accordance with each employee's direct relation to the Bureau's funded activities. For example, an employee charged to Bureau activities for one-half of their employment with the organization shall have only one half of their termination or severance costs charged to the agreement.
e. Other types of allowances such as housing and education or differentials must be shown separately and identified against the position to be charged. They should be based on established policies and should be made available to all employees of the organization in similar situations or positions, not just to employees funded by the U.S. Government. The Bureau's policy is to limit the payment of allowances to amounts which do not exceed the rates approved for Government employees in similar situations.
FRINGE BENEFITS:
This category should identify the various fringe benefits offered to employees for which the Bureau will be charged under the agreement. While the cost of individual benefits need not be specified, the total cost, including the percentage of salaries, if appropriate, should be shown. The benefits must be consistent with the organization's established personnel policies and practices for all of its employees, not just for those employees who may be funded by the Government.
TRAVEL:
a. List travel for all employees and consultants. Travel must be identified as U.S. Domestic, In-country, and International. Indicate the per diem rate for each city of travel. All anticipated trips must be listed and are subject to Bureau approval. Any travel not included in the requested budget and not approved by the Bureau may not be charged to the agreement.
b. It is the Bureau's policy not to reimburse organizations for per diem allowances, both overseas and domestic, which exceed the rates approved for Government employees. Updates to this document can be ordered by subscription from the U.S. Government Printing Office.
EQUIPMENT:
a. This category must include a complete and detailed listing of all non-expendable equipment anticipated to be purchased for program activities and to be charged to the agreement. Non-expendable equipment is that which has: 1) a useful life of one year or more and an acquisition cost of $5000 or more per unit. However, consistent with your policy, lower limits may be used. Your budget must identify which of the above is followed and must be consistently applied to all U.S. Government funding arrangements. The Office of the Comptroller (PRM/C) must be informed, in writing, of recipient’s policy and the threshold amount if less than $5,000. Any equipment that may be determined, after the initial budget approval, to be required to meet the program objectives must be specifically approved by the Bureau in writing prior to the purchase. Equipment not included in the approved budget or subsequently approved by the Bureau will be considered an unallowable cost under the agreement.
b. List all equipment that will be leased, including vehicles.1/
c. For organizations that have not previously received Bureau funding: Include a summary description of your property management procedures that are currently in place. This will be incorporated into the Bureau's funding arrangements with your organization.
SUPPLIES:
Show all tangible personal property by appropriate category (office supplies, classroom supplies, medical supplies, etc.) that may be purchased and charged under the agreement. The budget narrative should describe the types of items included in each of the categories and the proposed use.
CONTRACTUAL:
List all proposed sub-contracts or sub-recipients that are anticipated to carry out the proposed program, i.e., security guards, additional personnel, sub-agreements with an implementing partners etc. These agreements are subject to the regulations set forth in 22 CFR 145.
OTHER:
Any other direct cost not clearly covered herein. Examples are computer use, telephone (telex, fax, long distance international and local in-country costs must be listed separately), postage, space rental (list projected rental items), audit fees, insurance 2/, utilities, etc. Each item must be listed separately showing an estimated cost.
INDIRECT COSTS:
Show the amount of indirect costs and the base amount on which it is determined. It should be indicated whether the rate has been approved by a Government cognizant agency and the type of rate (provisional, predetermined or fixed). A copy of the current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement must be submitted for the recipient and sub-recipient(s), if applicable. (The Bureau does not recognize indirect costs unless they have been determined by an audit and formally approved by the U.S. Government cognizant agency).
------------------------------------------------
1/ For each new vehicle to be purchased and charged to the agreement, please state the purpose for which it will be used and indicate whether the vehicle will be assigned to a motor pool or to an individual. Also, please list separately any vehicle that may currently be owned or leased that is expected to be charged to the agreement. Bureau policy prohibits the use of project vehicles and drivers for personal use, which includes commuting between home and place of employment. Any non-direct program or unofficial use of a vehicle must be reimbursed at the appropriate Government rate.
2/ For guidance in determining allowable insurance costs, please refer to 2 CFR 215. The Bureau will no longer allow charges to its agreements for costs of insuring equipment purchased with project funds against loss or damage, except for unique or high expense items. The Bureau will allow charges for automobile liability and comprehensive insurance coverage.
The purpose of the budget narrative is to explain the costs that PRM expects an organization to include in each Budget category when preparing an estimate of expenses for carrying out a proposed project whether the project is 100% funded or jointly funded with multiple donors. The budget narrative should include the following:
PERSONNEL:
a. Identify each position and indicate its support of the project and/or sector(s). If not provided in the Budget Detail, indicate the numerical justification for the total cost.
For example, Director of Assistance Programs – This individual is responsible for the overall management of the project. He/she insures compliance with all the terms and conditions of the agreement including implementation, program and financial reporting. $85,000/year x 10% of time = $8,500.
b. Identify consultants, separately, from other permanent staff. If possible, include anticipated position title(s), the proposed daily rate to be paid as compensation, and the number of consultant days that are anticipated.
FRINGE BENEFITS:
a. If an established NICRA includes a rate for Fringe Benefits, please ensure that you utilize and/or adjust the rate appropriately.
b. If the Fringe Benefit rate is not included in the NICRA, please provide a copy of
the company policy and/or rates (as a percentage) that are being charged per category of benefits.
TRAVEL:
a. All Headquarters and/or project employees’ travel must be identified via mode of travel, departure and arrival city, purpose, unit of measurement, and duration of trip. Please note that the movement of project participants and supplies is a separate transportation line item.
For example, 10 in-country trips via air transportation will be conducted to implement workshops and training sessions. Roundtrip airfare from Khartoum to Juba for 5 employees is anticipated. Each trip will include 5 days of per diem per employee.
In-country Airfare – 10 trips x 5 employees x $200 = $10,000
Lodging - 10 trips x 5 employees x 5 days x $161/day = $40,250
Per diem - 10 trips x 5 employees x 5 days x $57 = $14,250
EQUIPMENT:
a. Include a detailed listing of all non-expendable equipment anticipated to be purchased for program activities including justification.
Land Rover – Due to the challenging road conditions, inclement weather, terrain conditions, and geographical location(s) of project sites, it is deemed reasonable and necessary to purchase a new vehicle. Vehicle x 1 quantity = $40,000
SUPPLIES:
General Office supplies include the following items: pens; pencils; notebooks; printer paper; ink cartridges etc.
12 months x $100/month x 3 project offices = $3,600
Due to the opening of a new project office to support Sector “X” activities, Project supplies include the following items: 2 laptop computers, 3 desktop computers, 2 printers etc.
2 laptop computers x $700 = $1,400
3 desktop computers x $1,200 = $3,600
2 printers x $400 = $800
CONTRACTUAL:
ABC Organization will serve as a partner to assist with implementing Sector “X” activities; $75,000 Detailed Budget is attached.
XYZ Organization will provide security services via a contract; $50,000 Detailed Budget is attached.
OTHER:
The following direct project expenses are related to the implementation of all sector activity and are proportionate based on actual use.
Rent of Office space in three locations - 12 months x 3 offices x $400 = $14,400
Utilities - 12 months x 3 offices x $100 = $3,600
Postage - 12 months x 3 offices x $50 = $1,800
Courier – 25 trips x 2 offices x $25 = $1,250
Communication (phone, fax, internet) = 12 months x 3 offices x $200 = $7,200
Transportation cost of medical supplies via ground freight =
2 trips x $3,000 = $6,000
INDIRECT COSTS:
Show the amount of indirect costs and the base amount on which it is determined. A copy of the current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement must be submitted for recipient and sub-recipient(s). The Bureau does not recognize indirect costs unless they have been determined by an audit and formally approved by the U.S. Government cognizant agency.
