FAQ on the PSCP APS and Egypt Addendum.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document: USAID Call for Private Sector Collaboration

Q1: What is an APS?

An APS is the acronym for Annual Program Statement. It is a type of Notice of Funding Opportunities that is used when USAID intends to support a variety of creative approaches towards developing methodologies to assess and implement development objective activities.

When used, USAID will publish an APS at least once a year, either with an open-ended response time or a closing date of at least six months after issuance

Q2: What is the PSCP APS?

The PSCP stands for Private Sector Collaboration Pathway. It is a solicitation document used by USAID to seek applications from eligible organizations for cooperative partnerships. The APS outlines the specific areas of interest, eligibility criteria, application procedures, evaluation criteria, and other relevant information to guide applicants in submitting applications for funding. This type of solicitation is typically used to support innovative and collaborative projects that align with USAID's strategic objectives and development goals.

Q3: What is the Addendum?

The Addendum is a supplementary document issued under the PSCP APS. The addendum provides additional details, specific requirements, and focus areas that align with the broader APS framework but target more specific goals or themes such as Specific Funding Opportunities, Targeted Objectives, Application Instructions, Eligibility Criteria, or the Scope of Work.

The addendum serves to clarify and provide more focused direction for applicants responding to specific needs identified by USAID within the overarching APS.

Through this Addendum to the 2023-2025 Private Sector Collaboration Pathway (PSCP) Annual Program Statement (APS) No. 7200AA23APS00007 (the PSCP APS), USAID/Egypt is making a special call to identify private sector-led solutions that will advance objectives and goals under USAID/Egypt’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).

Q4: What do I need to do as an interested applicant?

Interested applicants need to read the PSCP APS and the Egypt addendum to the APS before sending an email to USAID/Egypt. Please note that there is an available Arabic translation to the Egypt addendum to the APS.

Q5: What types of entities qualify as private sector partners?

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/347826 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/354400

The private sector is defined as actors in the economy that are not run by the government. This includes: private for-profit businesses, private foundations affiliated with businesses, private finance providers, private business or industry associations, and cooperatives.

Q6: What are the main areas of focus for the collaboration?

The main areas of focus are governance reform, social equity, inclusive economic development, and key cross-cutting priorities such as climate change, digitalization, and women's empowerment.

Q7: Is there a minimum amount of contribution expected/leverage ratio?

USAID/Egypt anticipates the total estimated amount obligated to each award will range from 250,000 USD to 1.5 million USD or more. This does not include additional funding, leverage, cost-share, or in-kind contributions from USAID implementing partners of current activities, or from the private sector partner in this award, the inclusion of which will be a requirement for award. The actual number and value of awards is subject to the availability of funds.

An in-cash and/or in-kind contribution is expected from the private sector partner which will be discussed and determined during the co-creation process. There is no minimum amount required from the partner. Private sector contributions towards a partnership can be provided by a single entity or a consortium of entities working together on the same activity.

Q8: What is Co-Creation?

It’s a one day or a multiple days event where partners and stakeholders gather together. The purpose of the co-creation event is to bring people together to design and create something that offers shared power, shared decision-making and shared value between the involved participants. It provides a richer understanding of the problem, the strategy, ideas or specific plans for action, or lessons and insights from past actions.

Q9: What are the evaluation criteria for concept papers?

The concept and proposed collaborations will be reviewed based on the considerations set forth in Section VII. “PROCESS STEP 3: CONCEPT REVIEW” of the full PSCP APS.

When determining whether USAID will work with the private sector to develop the collaboration in the concept submission, the technical personnel will consider three questions:

1. Does the concept provide the information requested in Section VI. Process Step 2: Concept Submission?

2. Is the proposed collaboration consistent with the purpose of this APS as per Section I.

Purpose?

3. Are the potential outcomes and results of the proposed collaboration likely valuable enough for the technical team to continue with the co-creation process under the PSCP APS?

Q10: What is the process for submitting a concept paper?

Private sector entities should complete the template for proposing concepts for partnership and send it in an email to egyptpse@usaid.gov with a copy to egypt.oaa@usaid.gov and pscp@usaid.gov. The email must briefly indicate why the private sector entity is interested in collaborating with USAID/Egypt and how the entity anticipates achieving the objectives set forth in this addendum. If USAID/Egypt is interested in learning more about the private sector entity’s interests and objectives and exploring potential collaboration, USAID/Egypt will contact the private sector entity directly to arrange an initial conversation with that entity. The entity must not submit a full concept paper unless USAID/Egypt requests a concept paper by email.

Q11: What are the key deadlines for submitting concept papers?

Concept papers are accepted in three windows:

● Window 1: June 13 - September 12, 2024

● Window 2: October 13 - January 12, 2025

● Window 3: February 13 - May 12, 2025

Q12: What funding range is anticipated for the awards?

The estimated award amount will range from $250,000 (or less) to $1.5 million (or more), depending on the co-creation process and availability of funds.

Q13: What happens after I send my email? What happens after I send a concept paper?"

After you send the email, USAID/Egypt will communicate with you regarding next steps. Do not submit a concept unless USAID/Egypt requests a concept paper by email. Additionally, specific instructions regarding concept submission will be provided if and when USAID indicates a willingness to receive and review a concept. If USAID/Egypt indicates a willingness to receive and review a concept, the concept will be reviewed per the considerations listed in Section VII.

Concept Review Collaboration Evaluation/Review Considerations of this Addendum. The completed concept and any additional required supporting information will be sent to the USAID Private Sector Engagement team at egyptpse@usaid.gov with a copy to egypt.oaa@usaid.gov and pscp@usaid.gov.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bLIe2XP8CPqsUjkG3SF82s1U6hMdJQW1/edit mailto:pscp@usaid.gov

After you send a concept paper and according to the PSCP APS the steps are as follows:

VI. PROCESS STEP 2: CONCEPT SUBMISSION

VII. PROCESS STEP 3: CONCEPT REVIEW

VIII. PROCESS STEP 4: CONTINUE CO-CREATION

IX. PROCESS STEP 5: FINALIZE AND ISSUE AWARD

More details are listed in the PSCP APS for review.

Q14: Does a business need to be registered in Egypt, do companies from outside Egypt qualify and are international firms allowed to apply?

To submit a concept/idea, the applicant does not have to be registered in Egypt. However, prior to award our understanding is that the awardee in order to be able to work in Egypt has to be registered in Egypt. International firms and companies from outside Egypt are allowed to apply. All applicants must be legally recognized under applicable law. For more information please refer to section III.B. Eligible Applicants of the APS.

Q15: How many projects a one private sector is allowed to submit to the USAID?

There is no limit on the number of projects the one private sector can apply.

Q16: Can a private company collaborate with USAID implementation partner to submit one concept note?

Yes a private sector company can collaborate with a USAID implementing partner or any other entity as long as they are among the Eligible Applicants in section III. B. Eligible Applicants of the APS. Please also read response to questions no.19 and 20 below.

Q17: Are newly established entities allowed to join?

Yes, newly established entities are allowed to submit an idea/concept as long as they are legally recognized under applicable law. Please refer to section III.B. Eligible Applicants and Awardees of the APS.

Q18: Is there a compiled list of USAID-Egypt Implementing Partners? can you guide us to where to find this list?

The following is the link for USAID current programs and its Implementing Partners link for USAID/Egypt current programs. It should be noted that the applicant of an idea does not have to collaborate with a current Implementing Partner.

Q19: If the applicant has previously engaged with USAID as a contractor/sub-contractor, is there still a need for an implementing partner?

The applicant does not need a current or past Implementing Partner to collaborate with to submit an idea or concept paper. Please refer to section III.B Eligible Applicants of the APS.

Q20: If there is an ongoing project that fits the current criteria; would it be eligible to apply for the funds, to expand this project?

No. The concepts to be submitted under the APS is for new concepts and not to apply for funds to expand current projects.

Q21: Would procurement under this be tax-exempt if the funding is from USAID?

Yes the award resulting from this APS would be subject to VAT and customs exemption on USAID funded activities/procurements.

Q22: Can you please send us the link on SAM, any requirements and how to register?

The following is the link to get a UEI number and be registered in SAM Link to register in SAM and get a UEI number. You only need to be registered in SAM in order to have a direct award with USAID. If you are a subawardee, you only need a UEI number. It should be noted that at the concept phase, you don’t need a UEI number or SAM registration.

Q23: What information should be considered when sending the brief concept email? Example background information about our company, target stockholders, problem etc ? Or just sending the idea?

Please use the template in the revised APS addendum for submitting concepts.

https://www.usaid.gov/egypt/our-work https://www.usaid.gov/egypt/our-work https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document: USAID Call for Private Sector Collaboration