Q&A Youth IDP.docx

Q&A List

Are we expected to use our own proposal narrative template? -- You may use your own template for the proposal narrative; however, please do follow any guidelines in the posting regarding font, number of pages, etc., and ensure that it includes all the elements requested in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Is it necessary to address all three objectives in the NOFO? -- We prefer all three are addressed but it’s not required to address all three. The more comprehensive your proposal is in addressing the objectives, the more successful ratings your proposal will receive during selection scoring; however, we will consider proposals that only address one or two objectives.

Should one objective be more prioritized than others? -- We do not have a priority ranking for the objectives. We found each of these to be relevant, but do not have a priority focus on one.

How should branding and visibility be handled? -- We will work with the implementer after selection to make a detailed branding and visibility plan.

What should we do in terms of a framework for monitoring? -- The selected implementer would work directly with CSO to develop this plan. That process happens after the award is made.

Can those younger than the target population be included? -- The age range listed in the NOFO is there to communicate our interest in targeting young adults who are in or about to enter the workforce; however, this age range is not a strict requirement. We will consider proposals targeting those outside this age range.

When will the award begin? -- The award will be obligated by September 30 and we expect the activities to begin soon after that.

There are activities under each objective. Is it possible to omit or add activities? -- Yes. These are illustrative activities. The objectives cannot be changed, but please propose whichever activities you feel best support the objectives.

Is the goal to impact all IDPs or just youth IDPs? -- Ideally, participants will be youth IDPs, but the impact will benefit the wider IDP community as a whole.

How many people are included in key personnel? -- This is up to the implementer to determine. There is no set number.

What is the typical budget for the evaluation? -- There is no specified amount. (*On the call, we said it might be 3% but would confirm. We've determined the amount varies and that there is no particular number that we can provide for guidance.)

Where should we note the evaluation and its budget? -- It should be mentioned in the budget, the budget narrative, and the project narrative.

The NOFO states that "The implementing partner must demonstrate extensive contacts… throughout Ukraine, to include communities in the Russia-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine and in Crimea." Does that mean the activities are expected to take place in these areas? -- No. This was meant to convey that the implementer should have a strong understanding of the context and a demonstrated capability to implement the program in country. The program activity locations should be determined based on program needs. That is, where these activities will have the highest impact, are feasible, and safe.

Can you confirm there is not an additional document required for the Standard Gender Indicators? -- Correct. These should feed into your M&E plan if they are relevant to your proposed program.

The NOFO mentions various IDP communities, e.g. Crimean. Should the program focus on a particular IDP community, such as those from Crimea, or those concentrated in a particular area? Or nationally? -- We do not have a specific population requirement. We welcome applicants to tailor proposals to where they will have the most impact, and to locations and/or communities the applicants' organization is best suited to serve.

Regarding Objective #3: to what extent are you looking for institutional outputs and policies, verses informal ones? -- Either informal or formal (institutional) is acceptable; what is most important for evaluation is the impact these outputs are able to achieve.

Do you want to focus more on local level or national? -- It’s up to the implementer to decide. It could be either or both. We will be interested in reviewing proposals' theory of change and how it supports the proposed local and/or national level activities.

How extensive do you want alterations for a possible new COVID outbreak? -- The realities on the ground should be taken into account in crafting the proposal. Once an implementer is selected, we will work closely with the implementer throughout the program to determine if changes due to COVID should be taken into account. Additionally, the federal government is expected to issue guidance on how to best manage awards in context of the pandemic.

Activity 2.1 refers to the development of centers. Can this build off existing networks or centers? -- Yes. Applicants may propose building off of and improving existing efforts, or, start from the beginning to fill an identified gap. We expect strong implementers will have a more nuanced understanding of what is already in place, where there are unmet needs, and what the program is best suited to address to have impact.

Activity 2.1's reference to centers implies physical space. Could our proposed budget include funds towards rental costs of a physical space? What about renovation costs? -- Funding may go towards rental of a space, but not renovation.

Is the application open to both international and national organizations? -- Yes.

Are international organizations that apply required to work with a local partner? -- This is not required; however, a successful applicant will demonstrate that it has the capability to implement the program on the ground and a strong understanding of the context.

Do we understand correctly that it is acceptable if we only list the names of the organizations and/or governmental agencies that support the project in the Past Performance References (PPR), without sending you an actual signed letter of recommendation or MOU? -- Correct.

Would you like us to provide merely the names of these organization in the PPR, or would you appreciate us referring to a contact point (incl. name and contact details) as well? -- Please include a point of contact.

Is the word “support” in the NOFO's description of the PPR request referring to financial support, or could it also be referring to an endorsement of the work we are doing in the country? -- It is preferred to be financial support, but is not required to be. We'd like to hear from donors who have experience funding your work. However, if this is not possible, you may include other kinds of support (e.g. endorsements).