NOFO SFOP0007207 - DRC-Uganda Cross Border Q&A.docx

NOFO SFOP0007207 – Q&A

Can you please confirm the ceiling as the NOFO indicates two different amounts? Is the ceiling USD 810,000 or USD 799,875?

The funding ceiling for the award is $799,875. Applicants may propose an award amount up to or equal to $799,875.

Will CSO consider adjusting the start date and/or period of performance in the event that the COVID-19 pandemic prohibits in-person convenings, particularly if virtual convenings impede the participation of key stakeholders, including local actors?

Yes, CSO may explore adjusting the start date/period of performance should implementation of the award be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. CSO is also interested in creative ways to implement the program, in the event that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to limit or prohibit in-person activities.

Is it correct that the scope of activities for this award are exclusive to Uganda and DRC, and does not include other countries where the ADF is known to be engaged in recruitment activities?

Yes, while ADF is known to engage and recruit members in other countries, the scope of activities for this award is exclusive to the DRC and Uganda.

Does CSO and/or the US Embassies anticipate (co)convening separate ADF-focused gatherings with institutional stakeholders -- similar in nature to the cLRA focal points or IWG-LRA meetings -- that fall outside of the scope of this award and that applications should take into consideration to avoid redundancy?

CSO does not currently anticipate convening separate ADF-focused gatherings outside of the scope of this award.

Is it an expectation that military actors should participate in the convenings and other activities expected under this award? If yes, would associated costs be at risk of violating the following US policy stated in the NOFO: "ESF may not be used for military or paramilitary purposes."

Funding for this program is not authorized for military or paramilitary assistance. The program may not work directly with military personnel, active duty military officials, or other personnel of the Ministry of Defense. Further, this program may not work directly with law enforcement officers.

In the Proposal Narrative / Approach and Methodology / Program Goals and Objective Section it states: "It is important that the program goal aligns with (CSO/Department/U.S. government) policy." Are there specific policies that CSO expects applicants to take into consideration?

Applicants should take into consideration USG foreign policy strategies and public objectives outlined by the administration.

The structure of the NOFO seems to imply the expectation of a subsequent implementation phase that would be carried out based on the outcomes of this 18-month project. Can you please confirm? If yes, would the selected applicant for this award be eligible to bid for the subsequent phase?

The purpose of this award is to build the framework and environment amongst key stakeholders in the DRC and Uganda to promote successful, follow-on defections work. Any subsequent defections work will be dependent on the success of this program, the availability of funds, and the future approval of a new award. Should such a award be proposed and approved, the selected applicant for this award will be eligible to bid on that award.

Given that there are other armed groups active within ADF's area of operations, can defection messaging be broadened to include those groups as well?

The purpose of this award is to work with key stakeholders (civil society, religious leaders, and government representatives) in the DRC and Uganda to prepare the local environment for follow-on defections work. Given that the current environment is not conducive for defections, CSO does not anticipate defections messaging to be part of this award.

Is there any further distinction that can be made between what information is requested in the data collection versus what is requested/needed in the performance evaluation plan?

The implementer will submit a draft monitoring plan. After the implementer is selected we will provide additional feedback to the monitoring plan and will work with the implementer to finalize the plan. A final monitoring plan is due after the award is issued.

Is there any conceptual guidance between upstream activities and downstream activities?

Upstream activities should be aimed at structures, strategies and community engagements that bring people on the same page and enhances communication and coordination. Activities should engender policies, SOPs and guidance to enable a defections pipeline. Downstream activities should help support people and communities’ ability to enable and sustain defections. Activities should create a receptive environment for future defections.