Q and A SFOP0006687 FInal Posted 4 21.pdf

Department of State Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT)

NOFO SFOP0006687

April 21, 2020

West Africa Counterterrorism Finance Initiative

Question 1. Is there any flexibility to increase the page limit?

Response: Unfortunately there is no flexibility to increase the 10-page limit of the proposal narrative. However, this limit does not apply to attachments which will be considered as part of the overall submission package, please see PSIs.

Question 2: Are the annexes 10 pages limit a hard, not-to-exceed limit?

Response: Annexes may exceed 10 pages, please see PSIs.

Question 3: Would DOS like us to include the CVs of proposed key personnel. And, if so, will these pages be counted toward the 10-page limit on annexes?

Response: You may include CVs of proposed key personnel which will be taken into overall consideration but this is not a requirement, please read the PSI document in its entirety.

Question 4: Are there other current, related DOS programs with which we should plan to coordinate in any of the potential GIABA countries?

Response: There are no specific State Department-funded programs with which this project must coordinate. However, it is the expectation that the selected implementer will coordinate closely with the CT Bureau and all U.S. Embassies in countries where activities will occur to achieve the project's objectives. Additional guidance on coordination and communication will be provided to the winning applicant as needed.

Question 5: Are there other non-DOS programs working on similar issues in GIABA member states with which we should coordinate?

Response: There are no specific programs with which this project must coordinate. However, if a prospective implementer identifies opportunities to coordinate with other programs to better achieve the project's objectives, this can be included in the proposal narrative as appropriate.

Question 6: Are there any guidelines on the potential provision of equipment and/or software (e.g., things we may and/or may not provide)?

Response: There are no additional guidelines, at this point, on the provision of equipment for this particular program.

Question 7: The NOFO indicates the focus countries include all GIABA members, and calls for the proposal to identify which GIABA country or countries will be prioritized for support.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of GIABA countries that should be selected for prioritization? Should all GIABA countries be engaged in some form? The background section focuses on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Is there an expectation that proposals should target one or more of these countries?

Response: All GIABA member states are eligible for project support. There is not a minimum or maximum number of GIABA countries that must be selected for project support. It is not a requirement that Mali, Niger, or Burkina Faso is included.

Question 8: The NOFO describes that proposals should identify which GIABA country or countries will be prioritized for project support. Do the regional activities of this intended program need to include all of the GIABA countries?

Response: All GIABA member states are eligible for project support. However, it is not a requirement that the project include all member states.

Question 9: Is there a specific Diplomatic Mission that will be responsible for coordinating this intended project?

Response: There is not a specific diplomatic mission that is responsible for coordinating this project. The implementer will coordinate closely with the CT Bureau and all U.S. Embassies in countries in which activities will occur. Additional guidance on coordination and communication will be provided to the winning applicant as needed.