O and A June 29.docx

Department of State Bureau of African Affairs (AF)

NOFO SFOP0006930

June 29, 2020 Regional Harmonization to PVE in Coastal West Africa: Q and A

Q1: We were hoping for clarification about sub-contracting. In addition to consortium partners, the proposal may include sub-contractors some of whom could remain under 25k per annum and others above. To what extent does each and every sub-contractor need a DUNS?

A: Sub-recipients/or implementing partners are required to have a valid DUNS number.

Q2: We are hoping to receive clarification about attachment page limits. The documentation stipulates a 5-10 page limit for attachments. We are wondering: a) whether the 5-10 page limit applies to each separate annex or all mandatory attachments combined. When the answer is ‘all attachments’; b) whether the 5-10 limit applies to the mandatory attachments only or all attachment the consortium wishes to submit.

A: The page limit is for all attachments combined, including supplemental attachments that the consortium wishes to submit. However, if the attachments exceed the page limit by a few pages due to e.g., detailed budget narrative, those proposals would not be considered less competitive.

Q3: We are hoping to receive clarification about proposal page limits. The documentation stipulates a 20-page page limit. In light of the answer on dd. June 19 – stipulating that the PME plan can part of either the proposal or the attachments - we are aiming to understand how this impacts the page limit requirements for both Proposal and Annexes.

A: The page limitation remains. Applicants may decide where to include the Project Monitoring and Evaluation plan in either the narrative proposal or the annexes at your discretion.

Q4: Objective 3 asks to “Support governmental and civil society regional engagement between Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire to develop a shared P/CVE strategy, to be coordinated with the Accra Initiative as possible”. We are wishing to seek clarification: a) whether the objective asks to come up with an actual regional P/CVE strategy or whether engagement or even only facilitation towards that end is sufficient; if the answer is “an actual regional strategy” b) whether ministerial or presidential acceptance of the strategy is required and; whether in that case; c) coordination with other regional initiatives then Accra would be considered acceptable.

A: Regional engagement or facilitation towards a regional approach or strategy is sufficient if the governments and civil society are provided tools, resources, and networks to effectively coordinate on the prevention of violent extremism in the region. Applicants should outline their expected realistic goals during the period of performance of this program, including, but not limited to ministerial or presidential acceptance of the strategy. The NOFO states that such a regional effort should “be coordinated with the Accra Initiative as possible”. If an applicant believes that such coordination is not possible, it may propose alternate regional bodies or approaches; however, coordination with the Accra Initiative will be factored in during review.