72011519APS00001 Questions&Answers.pdf

Addendum to APS No.72011519APS00001 Uzbekistan Education Reform

Questions and Answers

Addendum to APS No.72011519APS00001 Uzbekistan Education Reform Questions and Answers

1. Can USAID please confirm if Component 2 is primarily intended to improve student knowledge and skills in computer science, or alternatively if Component 2 is also intended to improve integration of ICT-based curriculum and materials into teaching and learning more broadly?

Answer: Component 2 has two goals, to improve student knowledge and skills in computer science by developing ICT-curriculum, and then integrating this curriculum and materials into daily teaching.

2. Is USAID able to share any additional documents regarding the scope and goals of MOPE’s “IT Nation” initiative?

Answer: USAID is not able to share any additional documents regarding the scope and goals of MOPE’s IT Nation initiative at this time.

3. The solicitation references the importance of learning from regional education programming.

Is USAID able to share any of the materials developed in regional primary grade programming that it considers to be particularly relevant to the Uzbekistan Education Reform Program?

Answer: The most recent and relevant analysis of Uzbekistan’s Education Sector Analysis that was conducted by the World Bank. The complete report can be found on the World Bank’s website at:

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/379211551844192053/Uzbekistan- Education-Sector-Analysis

USAID has extensive experience in primary grade education programming in the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan which may not be directly applicable to the Uzbek context, but does contain insights due to regional similarities. Related materials can be found on the Development Experience Clearinghouse at: https://dec.usaid.gov.

4. On Page 2 of the addendum, USAID mentions a preliminary assessment was conducted. Can USAID share the assessment?

Answer: No, USAID is not able to share these preliminary documents because this was an internal assessment.

5. Can USAID list the languages of instruction that reading and math curriculum improvements and corresponding training should be provided in?

Answer: The language(s) of instruction that reading and math curriculum improvements and corresponding training will need to be decided upon with USAID http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/379211551844192053/Uzbekistan-Education-Sector-Analysis http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/379211551844192053/Uzbekistan-Education-Sector-Analysis

Addendum to APS No.72011519APS00001 Uzbekistan Education Reform

Questions and Answers and the Government of Uzbekistan. Instruction will need to be provided in Uzbek and could potentially also be in Russian, Karakalpak, and/or English.

6. The Concept Note Template Section III A asks that we use the budget template provided in Attachment C while Section V of the STIP APS Addendum states that all Concept Notes must use the Concept Note Budget Template (Attachment B). Could USAID please confirm that we should use the template provided in Attachment B?

Answer: Page 3, Attachment A Concept Note Template (Required Format), Section III, Paragraph A., 1st sentence is revised as follows: “Please use the budget template provided in Attachment B.”

7. Can USAID provide any additional information about the timing and format of the cocreation stage, for example will applicants chosen to participate in co-creation be required to be physically present in Tashkent or Almaty for co-creation?

Answer: The exact schedule and format for co-creation will be determined after a review of concept notes. USAID anticipates the co-creation process to take place during the second half of June and throughout July. Applicants chosen to participate would need to travel to Tashkent at least once during co-creation to meet with stakeholders.

8. Can USAID please grant an application deadline extension given the very short turnaround time?

Answer: No.

9. Would USAID kindly allow applicants to use a font size of 10 point for tables, text boxes, and graphics? Size 10 font and above would still ensure graphics, tables, and charts are legible and easy to read. It would also allow for us to provide more pertinent data to USAID and reviewers.

Answer: Applicants may vary the font and font size for tables, text boxes, charts, graphs, etc. Such use should be infrequent, legible, and not substantial.

10. Would USAID let us know the maximum number of megabytes per email for submission?

Answer: There is no file size limitation. However, USAID encourages applicants to keep emails under 8MB.

11. Page 1 of the concept note template asks the applicant to “indicate institutional commitment to the proposed activities.” Can this be demonstrated through articulating each partner’s role in developing the concept note, or would USAID like the applicant to also submit letters of commitment from each partner higher education institution (HEI)?

Answer: As indicated on page 1 of the Concept Note Template, applicants should describe the role of each partner in developing the Concept Note.