Appendix I - Concept Note Template Inclusive Socio-Economic Development in MS.docx

APPLICANT NAME_MS Concept Note 2020 | Page 2/3 Appendix I Concept Note Template (Required Format)

Inclusive Socio-Economic Development in Marrakech-Safi, Morocco An Addendum under the 2020-2021 Science, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Annual Program Statement (STIP APS)

INSTRUCTIONS

Please use the following template to prepare your Concept Note. The main body of the Concept Note (sections I - IV) must not exceed 5 pages in length using 12pt Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins. The Concept Note, budget, and supporting information must be written in good readable English and submitted by email to Salya Yacoubi at syacoubi@usaid.gov with a copy to usaidmoroccocontracts@usaid.gov as specified on the cover page of the APS Addendum. If possible, all materials should be sent by email as a single PDF document. If this is not possible, separate documents in MS Word or PDF formats will be accepted. Materials submitted after the deadline or using any other format than that described here will not be evaluated.

Appendix I. Concept Note Template (Required Format)

SECTION I - APPLICANT INFORMATION AND SUMMARY

· Title of Proposed Project

· Prime Applicant name, institution, and contact information

· Key partner organizations

· Proposed Project Period (estimated start and end month/year)

· Overall Project Budget

· Proposed Project Summary (1-2 sentences)

SECTION II – PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND ALIGNMENT WITH OBJECTIVES (2.5-3 pages) Clearly describe your proposed approach to the stated objectives. Applicants are free to structure this section in whatever way is most appropriate for their concept. Please include at least the following items in your discussion:

· Describe all proposed activities, including rationale, planned inputs, and anticipated outputs

· Describe how each of the proposed activities map onto the Program Objectives outlined in Section V of the associated Inclusive Socio-Economic Development Addendum

· Provide a provisional implementation timeline

· Provide a general organizational structure and describe how the project will be coordinated

SECTION III – PARTNERS AND CAPACITY (approximately 1 page)

· Describe all of the core partners, including institutional strengths, capabilities, resources leveraged, and other appropriate context

· Describe the specific roles and responsibilities of each partner in the proposed activities, as well as how each partner contributed to developing the overall concept and/or proposed activities

· Describe the overall capacity of the partnership / consortium and identify any key gaps in capacity that would be critical to fill for successful implementation. Note: Capacity gaps are not necessarily viewed negatively at the Concept Note stage; rather, USAID/Morocco seeks to clearly identify gaps in capacity early so that we can procure additional support for those partnerships/consortia that may require it. USAID/Morocco is committed to promoting local ownership and participation in the activities under this program.

SECTION IV – CORE PRINCIPLES AND SUSTAINABILITY (approximately 1 page)

· Describe how the proposed activities and/or overall project respond to each of the Core Principles described in Section VI of the associated Inclusive Socio-Economic Development Addendum.

· If funded, describe how the intended outcomes of your project (and partnerships or activities, where appropriate), will be sustained beyond the life of this award, how you plan to ensure links with the central government for sustainability and scale or for policy reform or advocacy.

[Sections I-IV combined must not exceed five pages.]

SECTION V – BUDGET

Please provide an estimated budget and cost breakdown for the proposed project. The budget section should include the following:

· An itemized budget outline using the template provided (Appendix II)

· A narrative budget summary justifying proposed expenses (1 page maximum)

SECTION VI – SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Partner Information Provide contact information for all of the core partners/ individuals in spreadsheet format (see example below). Include organization, base country, point of contact name, title, email, phone number, and a very brief description of each individual’s key qualifications.

(50 words max)

Prime Applicant

HEI Partner(s)

Local Partner(s)

Other Partner(s)

B. Letters of Commitment USAID/Morocco believes that institutional commitment and organizational alignment with proposed activities/ objectives are essential to success and sustainability. Please provide a letter of support and commitment from each of the core institutions involved in the proposed project. Strong letters will articulate dedication to the project, highlight any organizational synergies (institutional priorities, mandates, etc.) with the proposed activities and objectives, and indicate existing resources that can be leveraged (if applicable).

C. Resumes Applicants may provide up to 4 resumes (maximum of 2 pages each) of individuals who will be key to implementation of the proposed project.

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