2017 CARSI ESF Questions and Answers.docx

2017 CARSI ESF Grant Q&As Session May 19th, 2017

1. Does the Mission prefer applicants to focus on one objective or does it prefer programs that address more than one of the objectives?

Applicants must address at least one objective in the NOFO. It is the decision of the applicants if they would like to address more than one objective. Applicants can take a closer look at the “Technical Evaluation Criteria” in the NOFO to know more about how all proposals will be reviewed.

2. When you say outside of Belize City district (page 2), do you mean just outside of Belize City or it must be outside of the Belize District as well?

This refers to outside of Belize City

3. Is the grant award amount in US or Belize Dollars?

The funds allotted are in US Dollars.

4. Is there a project proposal writing format or guidelines?

Please refer to the NOFO on www.grants.gov for the application and submission instructions.

5. Kindly confirm that if we select Objective #1, we need to follow the stated outcome indicator (page 8) and create targets to accompany it, but we can add additional outcome indicators and associated targets?

While we do expect that should your organization choose objective 1 then the project proposal should also seek to achieve the required indicators but additional outcome indicators and associated targets are also encouraged.

6. Can we get also get additional explanation of the outcome indicator for Objective #1 (page 8)? It appears to be broader than any one CSO or NGO would provide. Is this referring to the partnerships we would create in order to deliver our proposed services?

This refers to the partnerships that an NGO or CSO can form with government to strengthen government ability to deliver its services.

7. The output indicators (page 9) are a bit confusing. To confirm, are we required to use these mentioned output indicators associated with the objective of our choice? Therefore, we must fill in the required targets for each of the above output indicators? Can we add additional output indicators and associated targets as well?

The required output indicators are required. The illustrative output indicators are merely examples and can be used if desired with TBD targets. But additional output indicators and associated targets are also encouraged.

8. Could you clarify the audit requirement and the need to include audit costs in the budget (page 13/14)? Would these proposals meet that requirement since a threshold of $750,000 is mentioned and these applications would be less than that?

All grant proposals require an audit to be included in the budget. The reference to entities that expand more than $750,000 or more in Federal Awards requires those organizations to do project specific audits in addition to a general organizational audit.

9. Cost sharing is not required. (page 22) but yet Applicants must follow cost-sharing or matching policy as stipulated in 2 CFR 200.306.” (page 23) and also “Cost share is not required. Applicants may offer cost share, however cost share will not be considered or factored in when proposals are reviewed.” (page 28) But further down that same page under the section “Cost Evaluation”, it notes that “Applications that maximize direct activity costs including cost sharing and that minimize administrative costs are encouraged.” So this seems a bit contradictory in the sense that cost sharing is not required and will not be considered or factored in for review purposes yet it says that applications that include cost sharing is encouraged. Can you clarify?

While Cost Sharing is not required it is welcomed should an organization be able to secure counterpart funds; The proposal will not be evaluated based on whether or not cost share is included within the project proposal/application as this is not one of our eligibility criteria’s. However, in the event that Cost Share is included within the project budget then the organization will be expected to adhere to our Cost Sharing policies as stipulated in 2CFR 200.306. The point of that sentence is to emphasize minimizing administrative costs.

10. Kindly confirm that no additional questions are permitted beyond today? Also in the first page of the NOFO, it gives the deadline as May 19, 2017 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time but on page 5 of the NOFO, it notes that “Any questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted via email to BelmopanCARSIESF@state.gov. The deadline for submission of questions for this NOFO is May 19, 2017, 11:59 PM Eastern Time” As per the NOFO on grants.gov the deadline for submission of questions is May 26 at 11:59 PM.

11. What are the required documents to fulfil the eligibility requirements? Do we need to prove that we are eligible?

All application requirements and documents needed are listed on the NOFO. Per the NOFO, applicants must complete forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B. Applicants may find links to these forms here, or on the application package under the grants.gov notice (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=275213). Applicants must also submit a cover sheet, table of contents, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget narrative, line-item budget, and additional attachments. Please refer to the NOFO for additional details.

12. Can a newly form NGO Apply for the grant?

Yes, we encourage every individual and organization that meets the eligibility requirement to submit their proposal. Although, an organization’s experience handling past grants is taken into consideration when we evaluate proposals.

13. Please define key personnel.

The applicant should determine which personnel are the key to the success of the project. Per the NOFO, organizations should submit shorts bios or resumes for these individuals. It is at the discretion of the embassy to request further information

14. What is the proper procedure to upload the application documents?

Please kindly follow the instructions given in the grant Application Package and the NOFO.

15. Will grant funding be issued in entirety or parts?

The funds are typically issued in installments (i.e., multiple tranches).

16. Can an NGO apply for the grant in partnership with an educational institution or another NGO?

Yes, partnerships / collaboration is authorized but only one organization will be considered the PRIME organization that in-turn is responsible for managing and reporting of any/all approved subsidiary organizations under its purview.

17. Is counterpart funding required?

No, cost sharing is not required.

18. Can construction and renovation be considered? As it specifically does not cover construction but what if it is only part of the project?

No, construction is not supported through these initiatives.

19. Regarding proposal submissions, are applicants limited to submitting one or can we submit multiple proposals?

Yes, multiple proposals may be submitted but we encourage potential grantees to focus on one; think of it as providing your “best shot” for consideration.

20. Would training in and provision of Emergency Medical Service be considered a part of human development, and fits within the guideline of this initiative?

Yes, Emergency Medical Services may be considered but there must be collaboration with the Government of Belize and the nature of this partnership and the government’s involvement should be specified clearly in the proposal.

21. Would a networking entity/organization also be eligible for funding?

If a networking entity is not an NGO under Belize’s law then No.

22. Would a nonprofit organization registered under the Business & Companies Act be eligible for funding? In Belize there are organizations that are registered nonprofit organizations but not all are registered under the NGO Act.

If registered nonprofit entities are acceptable in Belize as NGOs then we will also allow for eligibility as long as there is documentation to prove that this is the case.

23. The required output and outcome indicators seem specific; however, the objectives are broad. Do we have to use all the required outputs/outcomes for a specific objective? If so, what if my project does not cover that specific indicator but meets the goals of the objective?

The proposal needs to address the required output and outcome indicators per objective to meet the technical review requirements of the application. Though, additional output indicators and associated targets are also encouraged.

24. Who would be required to submit an application for an overseas NGO which has its main office in the U.S. but also a local office in Belize?

The U.S. office which is the main office should be the one to submit the application/proposal.

25. Please clarify collaboration if an agency is providing a service and are supported through Government subvention. Would this be considered as a collaborative effort?

No, these grants will be focused on civil society organization assisting government to create sustainable ways of providing services in areas or to groups it is not currently reaching. The end goal is that government will be able to provide these additional services on its own.

26. Is there a different funding ceiling for one-year versus two-year program proposals?

No. Proposals should be for an amount between $200,000 and $400,000 and should not exceed two years.

27. Will the grant funding be dispersed electronically via funds transfer or via paper check?

Funds are disbursed via checks.

28. Is there a break down available of allowable direct and indirect costs?

Please refer to the Budget guidelines which form a part of the NOFO documentation package for information regarding direct and indirect costs.

29. Will the institution’s record and capacity rating be judged according to the experience with similar projects in the U.S. or is demonstrated experience overseas a requirement in order to obtain the highest rating?

Previous project implementation experiences either in the United States or internationally is taken into consideration. Please refer to the Technical evaluation criteria section of the NOFO documentation package.