Amd_01_72067024RFA00001_EVER.pdf

Amendment 01 Issue Date: May 16, 2024 Revised Clothing Date and Time June 3, 2024 4:00 PM Frankfurt time Subject: Notice of Funding Opportunity Number 72067024RFA00001 Program Title: Libya Engagement with Voters for Equitable Representation

(EVER)

Federal Assistance Listing Number: 98.001

The purpose of Amendment No. 01 is to:

1. Provide answers to the questions received to the Notice of Funding Opportunity Number 72067024RFA00001; and

2. Revise the NOFO.

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, Robert Parnell Regional Agreement Officer USAID/Middle East Regional Platform

ROBERT LEE

PARNELL IV

(affiliate)

Digitally signed by

ROBERT LEE PARNELL IV

(affiliate) Date: 2024.05.16 14:11:37 +01'00'

Answers to the Questions Received to the Notice of Funding Opportunity Number

72067024RFA00001

1. Question: Can USAID please confirm that all partnerships with local organizations should be non-exclusive?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that partnerships with local organizations should be non-exclusive.

2. Question:Would USAID please allow offerors to use 10-point font for tables, graphs, and charts in all phases of the application process?

USAID Response: Yes,

3. Question:Will USAID please allow offerors more rounds to submit questions to USAID before co-creation, Phase 2, and Phase 3?

USAID Response: No. USAID is leaving open the possibility to engage in co-creation exercises with the highest rated Concept Papers prior to Phase 2 Oral Presentations.

4. Question:Would USAID kindly allow offerors to include an acronym list with their concept notes, not to be included in the 6-page limit?

USAID Response: Yes. An acronym list will not be included in the 6-page limit.

5. Question:Would USAID kindly allow offerors to include a 1-page cover letter with their concept notes, not to be included in the 6-page limit?

USAID Response: Yes, as referenced in the NOFO (page 17), “The cover page is not included in the six (6) page limit.”

6. Question: Page 14-15: The NOFO states, “Entities submitting concept papers may be asked to engage in a co-creation discussion as needed in this phase of the process.”

a. Will all applicants who participate in co-creation proceed to Phase 2?

b. If not, can USAID please share the merit review criteria that will be used for co-creation?

USAID Response: a) No, not all applications or concept notes submitted in Phase 1 will move on to phase 2.

b) The merit review criteria are in the NOFO in section E Application Review Information.

There are no separate merit review criteria for co-creation. The Phase 2 Oral Presentation merit review criteria (page 34) will be applicable following co-creation, if conducted, and Oral Presentations.

7. Question: Page 4: The NOFO states, “Since 2012 USAID has supported the Libyan High National Elections Commission (HNEC) to build the capacity of the organization to conduct credible elections at the national and municipal levels.”

a. Would USAID please share all deliverables and reports from the previous elections projects, as these are not available on the DEC?

b. If USAID is not able to share this information publicly, would USAID kindly share what resources are available with applicants ahead of co-creation or Phase 2?

USAID Response: USAID is unable to provide the reports from previous elections activities or share additional resources at this time. We will continue to discuss making resources available for any potential co-creation sessions, ahead of the Phase 2 Oral Presentations.

8. Question: Page 6: The NOFO lists as an expected result under Objective 2: “Municipal and local leaders equipped with knowledge and skills needed to serve constituents effectively.”

a. As USAID/Libya has a Local Governance project, does USAID expect EVER to work with municipal and local leaders after the municipal elections?

b. Can USAID please share the list of municipalities that local governance projects and elections projects have worked in?

c. Would USAID please provide a list of the “local leaders” to which this section refers.

USAID Response:

a. Yes, elections are only one component of democratic development and building an engaged demand and supply of democratic governance. This line of work will be coordinated with other USAID and development partner activities to ensure synergies and avoid duplication.

b. USAID expects applicants to propose municipalities and co-create those that the EVER activity will work in. However, national coverage across the East, West and South will be required.

c. Local leaders refers to all types of leaders in communities in Libya.

9. Question: Page 6: The NOFO lists as an expected result under Objective 2: “Citizens and civil society groups at the local, regional, and national levels increasingly demand accountability from elected and appointed officials.” As some municipal elections have been delayed, can USAID please confirm that it expects this result after the local level elections?

USAID Response: This aspect of the work can begin before and continue after elections in municipalities across Libya, it is not fully dependent on elections in a specific community.

10. Question: Page 6: The NOFO lists as an expected result under Objective 2: “Support collaboration between civil society, local stakeholders, and independent institutions to enable advocacy for reforms and address constituents' rights and needs.” Can USAID please clarify what it means by independent institutions?

USAID Response: Independent institutions are those such as but not exclusive to the following list - HNEC, the Audit Bureau, The National Council for Public Liberties and

Human Rights, the Libyan Bar Association, Supreme Judicial Council, and other sovereign institutions or institutions that work across the entire country.

11. Question: 7: Flexible Activity Modifier Component for Rapid Response. Would USAID consider different options to ensure EVER is able to respond rapidly? For instance,

a. Would USAID consider developing a threshold and criteria for AOR approval of Rapid Response Activities.

b. Can USAID define standards/expectations for concept note development (perhaps a 3 page)?

c. In keeping with the purpose of the Rapid Response mechanism, USAID may want to create a Rapid Response Objective as it would enable AOR approval of activities and rapid start-up of activities.

d. In keeping with the intent of the Rapid Response mechanism, the engagement of the Mission Environmental Officer for each rapid response may delay implementation. Would USAID please consider engaging the MEO only if the AOR or AO determines that an activity includes elements that differ from “§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)”

USAID Response:

a. Yes, the final award will provide the approval criteria.

b. Applicants can propose their own concept for the Rapid Response component.

c. The final Rapid Response component language will be included in the final award, upon negotiation with the apparently successful applicant.

d. Yes USAID would consider engaging the MEO only if the AOR or AO determines that an activity includes elements that differ from “§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)” This approach could be negotiated with the apparently successful applicant prior to award.

12. Question: Page 7: Flexible Activity Modifier Component for Rapid Response. Can USAID please confirm the set-aside for the program modifier is $200,000 per year and thus $1 million in total?

The RFA states “a minimum of $200,000 per year ($5 million total.)”

USAID Response: Given the unpredictability around elections in Libya USAID would like to have a significant amount of potential funds to address emerging issues. As such, while USAID anticipates an annual $200,000 flexible activity modifier that would total $1million over the lifetime of the project.

13. Question: Page 8: “The Activity’s interventions may build on existing opportunities and support target entities that are committed to investing in and receiving tailored assistance to improve their technical, organizational, as well as partnership and alliance-building skills to engage in inclusive development.” Would USAID please clarify the government target entities (besides HNEC) who may be considered for technical assistance?

USAID Response: USAID expects applicants and the potential recipient to have sufficient knowledge of the Libyan context to identify the key additional government stakeholders and institutions to reach the objectives of the award.

14. Question: Page 9: The NOFO includes a list of Activity Level Assumptions.

a. Will USAID please consider adding additional assumptions in the Flexibility and Adaptability of Activities and Managing Risk section, including assumptions about safety and security for IPs and local organizations participating in program activities, HNEC operations, etc.?

b. Alternatively, would USAID allow offerors to include their own assumptions in Phase 3?

USAID Response:

a. No

b. No, but USAID would be open to discuss additional assumptions during the refinement period.

15. Question: Page 9: USAID lists as an activity level assumption that “private sector is willing to engage in and support democracy promotion.” Would USAID please share information on the expected level of private sector engagement it envisions? Did the previous EPP projects include private sector, and if so, how?

USAID Response: USAID expects that applicants possess an understanding of the operating environment and the kind/level of private sector engagement and support to democracy promotion.

16. Page 10: “Examples of context indicators that the Recipient will be expected to monitor include number and nature of security incidents and freedom of movement in municipalities where the Recipient works…These requirements will be codified in LEAP’s Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) though requests for data to meet reporting requirements may also be ad hoc in nature.”

a. This paragraph mentions movement in municipalities. To what extent does USAID envision work in municipalities (number of municipalities, work in municipalities before or after local elections)?

b. This paragraph mentions LEAP, a different USAID activity. Can USAID please confirm that this paragraph is not applicable to the EVER Activity?

USAID Response:

a. The word municipalities was replaced with areas.

b. This is a typographical error it should read “...These requirements will be codified in EVER’s Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) though requests for data to meet reporting requirements may also be ad hoc in nature.”

The NOFO was revised accordingly.

17. Question: Page 11: As this is a cooperative agreement, would USAID consider removing “concur with all learning and analysis products to include questionnaires, scopes of work, and other tools”?

USAID Response: USAID will have substantial involvement in these products.

18. Question: Page 11: As this is a cooperative agreement, would USAID consider removing “The Recipient will consult with USAID on individual information and/or learning products such as the format and type of content for products that are not included in the AMELP.”?

USAID Response: No. USAID will have substantial involvement in these products

19. Question: Page 11: “Geographic selection: The AOR and Recipient will collaborate on the selection process to identify geographic coverage and targeted beneficiaries of the activity.” Can USAID please confirm this will be determined during the six-month Refinement Phase? This would allow offerors to consider up-to-date security information.

USAID Response: Yes, the recipient and the AOR will collaborate on the geographic coverage and targeted beneficiaries in six month refinement phase.

20. Question: Page 13: The NOFO states, “All applicants must be physically able to operate in Libya including successfully obtaining needed registrations, permits and access to work in Libya.” Can USAID please confirm that applicants must start the registration process (if needed) upon award or during Phase 3?

USAID Response: Yes. Applicant/s are expected to begin the registration process upon award.

21. Question: Page 15: Phase 2 can USAID confirm the possibility that only one applicant may go to the oral presentation? If so, we suggest this edit: “Applicant(s) who submitted the highest rated concept papers from Phase 1 will be invited to present their applications orally.”

USAID Response: This narrative will remain unchanged. USAID is keeping open the possibility to select multiple applicants to proceed to the Oral Presentation phase.

22. Question: Can USAID please share a tentative timeline for the phased application process, including estimated Phase 1 notification date?

USAID Response: USAID anticipates that Phase 1 of the process will be completed in the middle of June.

23. Question: Page 16: “Strengthen Self-Reliance: USAID/Libya is committed to strengthening and measuring self-reliance. In Libya this means clearly incorporating sustainability into program activities and providing assistance that strengthens the ability of MSMEs to operate successfully beyond the life of this program. This includes ensuring beneficiaries are applying the skills and knowledge gained, and there is an effort to measure improvements in business performance.”

a. Would USAID please confirm that this paragraph is not related to this program?

b. If so, would USAID consider removing this requirement?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that this paragraph is not related to this program? This section has been removed from the Amended NOFO.

24. Question: Page 18: The requirements for the Technical Approach include describing how ““IMPLEMENTATION PRINCIPLES” in Section D will be integrated into the approach.”

a. Will USAID please provide a list of implementation principles it wants offerors to integrate in the technical approach?

b. Alternatively, would USAID please confirm that the following principles do not have to be integrated in the concept note technical approach? Strengthen Self-Reliance (as it refers to strengthening “the ability of MSMEs to operate successfully beyond the life of this program”);

Branding and Marking; Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.

USAID Response:

a. The list of implementation principles has been revised in the amended NOFO.

b. USAID confirms that the Strengthen Self-Reliance principle does not need to be integrated throughout the designed approach and has been removed in the amended NOFO.

25. Question: Page 17: The requirements for the cover page include “Name(s) of any proposed sub-recipients or partnerships, if any (identify if any of the organizations are local organizations, per USAID’s definition of “local entity” under ADS 303), and sub-recipients’ or partnerships’ Unique Entity Identifiers (UEIs).”

a. Would USAID please consider making this only a requirement to identify non-local sub-recipients?

b. As the NOFO has a strong emphasis on Localization, New Partnerships, small grants, a six-month refinement period, and Windows of opportunities, would USAID consider removing the requirement of identifying local partners from the cover page of the concept note (and instead include it as a requirement for the full application)? This would ensure that applicants go beyond the “usual suspects” and identify organizations that may be more effective at the grassroots level.

USAID Response:

c. The requirement to identify any proposed sub-recipients or partnerships on the cover page of the concept paper has been removed and the NOFO has been amended accordingly.

d. The requirement to identify any proposed sub-recipients or partnerships on the cover page of the concept paper has been removed and the NOFO has been amended accordingly. The applicant will be required to identify proposed sub-recipients or partnerships in the full application.

26. Question: Can USAID please share its Local Compensation Plan?

USAID Response: The Local Compensation salary schedule is provided in the NOFO Amendment for applicants’ reference.

27. Question:Would USAID please provide the URLs for all of the hyperlinks in the RFA, or include the attachments in the Q&A response, including the gender analysis on page 8, the country strategy documents on page 21, among others?

USAID Response: This is the link to the Gender Analysis.

https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WRDD.pdf

This is the link to the Libya CDCS.

https://www.usaid.gov/libya/country-strategy#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20the%20USAID, %2C%20and%20self%2Dreliant%20Libya.

28. Question: Pg 6: Would USAID please clarify its intent under the Objective 2 result "Increased participation of Libyan political parties and citizens, including women, youth, and ethnic minorities, in political processes."? Specifically, what is USAID's definition of increased participation of political parties in political processes?

USAID Response: There is no set definition for this and USAID would like to see data driven understanding of current levels of participation for political parties and citizens, including women, youth, and ethnic minorities as well as creative ways to how participation for these groups could be increased and how to measure that increase.

29. Question: Pg 6: Under the Objective 2 result "Support collaboration between civil society, local stakeholders, and independent institutions to enable advocacy for reforms and address constituents' rights and needs," would USAID please clarify its definition of "local stakeholders" and "independent institutions?" In reference to "advocacy for reforms," is USAID's intent political and electoral reforms specifically, or a broader range of reforms?

USAID Response: Independent institutions are those such as but not exclusive to the following list - HNEC, the Audit Bureau, The National Council for Public Liberties and Human Rights, the Libyan Bar Association, Supreme Judicial Council, and other sovereign institutions or institutions that work across the entire country.

30. Question: Pg 7, Flexible Activity Modifier Component for Rapid Response: USAID indicates a minimum of $200,000 per year set aside for a project modifier. In parenthesis, a $5 million maximum is specified. Can applicants assume that an annual range of $200,000 to $1 million should be set aside for a project modifier?

USAID Response: Given the unpredictability around elections in Libya USAID would like to have a significant amount of potential funds to address emerging issues. As such, while

USAID anticipates an annual $200,000 flexible activity modifer that would total $1million, USAID might consider adjusting or increasing the amount based on availability of funds and/or electoral breakthroughs or other opportunities arise.

31. Question: Pg 8: The link to the draft gender analysis is not working and we could not find a 2022 analysis online. The most recent one publicly available is from 2020. Could USAID please share the 2022 analysis?

USAID Response: This is the link to the Gender Analysis.

https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WRDD.pdf

32. Question: Pgs 14-15: Can USAID please clarify the timeline of the possible co-creation discussions in relation to the oral presentations? The oral presentation timeline indicates that Phase 2 presentations will take place three weeks after successful Phase 1 notification, while the co-creation invitees will be determined by the highest-rated concept papers.

USAID Response: USAID anticipates that those invited for the Phase 2 Oral Presentations will present in the first half of July 2024.

33. Question: Pgs 15 and 34: Previous role successes of key personnel are specified as oral presentation criteria. Can USAID please confirm that three (3) references should be submitted alongside the CVs and letters of commitment indicated on page 15?

USAID Response: Yes, please submit three references alongside the CVs and letters of commitment.

34. Question: Pgs 15 and 30: The RFA states that "After the reviews are concluded and discussions held, the Agreement Officer will notify the apparently successful applicant in writing. At this time the successful applicant will be asked to submit additional documents including Branding and Marking Plan." However, on page 30, under requirements for the cost application, the RFA states "Under 2 CFR 700.16, USAID requires the submission of a Branding Strategy and Marking Plan from only the Apparently Successful Applicant (ASA); therefore, applicants do not need to submit a draft Branding Strategy and Marking Plan in the initial concept papers." Could USAID please confirm that the Branding and Marking Plan should not be included in the full proposal cost application?

USAID Response: USAID only requires the submission of a Branding and Marking Plan from the Apparently Successful Applicant. The Branding and Marking Plan will be required with the submission of the full application, upon notification of the Agreement Officer.

35. Question: Pg 17: The RFA states that "Only electronic (email) submission will be accepted," but also "Applicants may upload concept papers to http://grants.gov." Is USAID's preference for email or grants.gov submission?

USAID Response: The NOFO page 17, paragraph 3 was amended to allow Applications to be submitted for both electronic email submission and uploading to grants.gov.

36. Question: Pg 17: The RFA states that the "concept paper must not exceed seven (6) pages."

Could USAID please clarify if the page limit is six (6) or seven (7) pages?

USAID Response: Concept papers should be six (6) pages. There was a typographical error. The NOFO has been corrected accordingly.

37. Question: Pg 17: The RFA states that the "Applicant Contact Person (name, phone, email)" and "Identification and signature of the primary contact person (by name, title, organization, mailing address, telephone number and email address)" are required on the cover page of the concept note - are the "Applicant Contact Person" and the "primary contact person" the same person? If so, could these fields be combined?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the "Applicant Contact Person" and the "primary contact person" are the same person and these fields can be combined. The NOFO page 17, was amended to remove the ‘Applicant Contact Person.”

38. Question: Pgs 17-18 and 33: Section D4 indicates that the Cover Page is section "A" of the Concept Paper, while the Technical Approach, Management Plan, and Institutional Capacity are sections B-D, respectively. However, Section E indicates that the Cover Page is not labeled, while the Technical Approach, Management Plan, and Institutional Capacity are labeled as sections A-C, respectively. Could USAID please indicate how they would like these sections to be labeled in the submitted concept note?

USAID Response: In Section E, "Cover Page" isn't listed as a separate review criterion. In Section D, the order (A for Cover Page, B for Technical Approach, etc.) is merely a sequential list. Applicants can use the sequence specified in Section D.4.

39. Question: Pg 18, under "D. Institutional Capacity:" There is an "and" after the last bullet. Could USAID please confirm there are no additional requirements for Institutional Capacity beyond the four listed?

USAID Response: That is a typographical error and the NOFO page 18 is amended to remove “and” after the last bullet.

40. Question: Pgs 18 and 33: Section D.4 states that applicants have to include the "proposed management plan including office location(s) and key personnel positions," while Section E states, "USAID will evaluate the extent to which the technical expertise and experience of all staff members are most conducive to achieving the expected results of the Program." Could USAID please confirm that specific key personnel should not be named in the concept note?

USAID Response: Applicants should name the Chief of Party and the Deputy Chief of Party in the concept note.

41. Question: Pg 22: "the Applicant will incorporate relevant organizational capacity and resilience related findings in their support to local partners if known." Could USAID please clarify if "organizational capacity" in this sentence refers to the Applicant's organizational capacity or that of the CSO partners of the project?

USAID Response: The ‘organizational capacity’ refers to the proposed CSO partners.

42. Question: Pg 23: Can USAID please confirm that the Organizational Chart can be submitted as an annex, outside of the 20-page limit of the full proposal?

USAID Response: The organizational chart is included within the page limitation.

43. Question: Pg 23: Would USAID allow CVs and Letters of Commitment for key personnel to be submitted as an annex in the Phase 3 Application in addition to the submission during Phase 2 Oral Presentations?

USAID Response: Phase 2 Oral Presentations do not have a presentation or submission limitation.

The NOFO was amended to require submission of Key Personnel CVs and Letters of Commitment with the full application, to be included as Annexes.

44. Question: Pg 26: Can USAID please confirm that for the Phase 3 Institutional Capabilities/Experience section, up to three similar awards should be described for the prime applicant and each partner?

USAID Response: Yes, for the Phase 3 Institutional Capabilities/Experience section up to three similar awards should be described for the prime applicant and each partner named in the application.

45. Question: Pg 35: The Phase 3 Merit Review Criterion 2 specifies a first-year draft implementation plan matrix; however, page 22 of the submission procedures specifies a narrative and matrix for the six-month Refinement Phase period. Can USAID please clarify if a six-month or 12-month draft implementation plan is required?

USAID Response: A 12 month draft implementation plan is required that should include a 6 month refinement phase.

46. Question: (Page 8, Guiding Operational Principles: Social Inclusion) Under the social inclusion sub-section, USAID provided a link to a gender analysis focused on elections and the political process. The link is not functional. Could USAID please provide the appropriate link?

USAID Response: This is the link to the Libya Gender Analysis.

https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WRDD.pdf

47. Question: (Page 18, Section D.4 Application Submission Procedures.) USAID notes the requirements for Institutional Capability for applicants and “major partnering organizations.”

Would USAID please define “major partnering organizations?”

USAID Response: Major partnering organizations are those who would be the primary sub-awardees and members of any consortium of applicants. Whether an organization is a “major partner” should be based on the Applicant’s approach, relative roles and responsibilities, and proposed costs.

48. Question: (Page 24, Section D.4 Application Submission Procedures) Among the listed qualifications for the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party are “A Master’s degree in social sciences, community development, communications, business, international development, and/or other related fields.” Given the educational and economic context in Libya before the revolution, we have found that many otherwise qualified Libyan candidates for key personnel positions have STEM degrees. Including candidates with degrees in STEM fields would better allow applicants to present Libyan nationals for the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party roles. We respectfully request that USAID consider Master’s degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field as additional degrees to fulfill this requirement.

USAID Response: Yes, USAID will consider Master’s degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field as additional degrees to fulfill this requirement.

49. Question: (Page 33, Section E.1(a) Concept Paper Review) It is noted that the instructions in Section D (pg18) request that the Management Plan address office locations, key personnel, partnerships, and flexible management and risk mitigation planning. However, Section E lists "composition and organizational structure of the entire program's team" and the "technical expertise and experience of all staff members" as evaluation criteria as well. We see a difference in emphasis between the instructions in Section D, which seems to focus on overall management systems and approach, and the evaluation criteria in Section E, which seem to focus on staffing.

In light of the limited space available, would USAID clarify the intended focus of the phase 1 Management Plan?

USAID Response: SECTION E: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION, E.1 PHASE ONE (1) MERIT REVIEW CRITERIA FOR THE CONCEPT PAPER, B. Management Plan, will be amended as follows: “USAID will evaluate the extent to which the Management Plan contributes towards achieving the objectives and results described in the program description and justifies the composition and organizational structure of the entire program’s team. USAID will review the extent to which the technical expertise and experience of all staff members are most conducive to achieving the expected results of the Program. USAID will review the preparedness and ability of the applicant to respond swiftly to changes in the Libyan environment.”

50. Question: (Page 27, Budget and Budget Narrative, Allowances): Regarding Living Quarters Allowance (LQA), Libya is listed as a ‘footnote e’ country in the Department of State Office of Allowances, which means that the listed allowance rates for LQA are “established for the benefit of only a few or no current employees and therefore do not necessarily represent overall local quarters costs.” Does USAID have any information they could share on housing or surveys available that would provide a basis for determining LQA limit reasonability?

USAID Response: Thank you for your inquiry. While USAID is unable to provide specific surveys for Libya, we advise applicants to submit comprehensive justifications for proposed Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) rates in their submissions.

51. Question: On pages 6 and 7 of the NOFO, USAID specifies the use of both subgrants and rapid response funds for use in the Program. While the total volume of funds to be used for rapid response funds is specified, can USAID confirm that the volume of subgrants per year is between $100,000 and $500,000 in total, and that those numbers do not represent the possible size of individual awards? If these are the total amounts per year, can USAID clarify the size of individual “small grants” in terms of a dollar range?

USAID Response: Given the unpredictability around elections in Libya USAID would like to have a significant amount of potential funds to address emerging issues. As such, while USAID anticipates an annual $200,000 flexible activity modifer that would total $1million, USAID would like to reserve additional funds in case there are major political and electoral breakthroughs or other opportunities arise.

52. Question: Does USAID have a target date for award signature and program start date?

USAID Response: USAID anticipates awarding this assistance agreement and commencing the Refinement Period of the program before the end of the current fiscal year,

53. Question: On pages 5 and 6 of the NOFO, Objective 2 lists eight individual intermediate results.

Given the limited size of the concept note, would USAID be amenable to allowing applicants to combine and consolidate these intermediate results into a smaller number?

USAID Response: USAID will accept applicants to combine intermediate results into a smaller number as long as all of these are addressed in the concept note.

54. Question: On page 17 of the NOFO, it states, “The concept paper must not exceed seven (6) pages. The cover page is not included in the six (6) page limit.” To confirm, is the overall page limit of the concept note, including the cover page, seven (7) pages?

USAID Response: The page limit for the concept note is six (6) pages. The cover page is not included in the page limit.

55. Question: On page 13 of the NOFO, it states: “U.S. and non-US organizations may participate under this NOFO. For the purposes of this NOFO, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) include any incorporated entity, either non-profit or for-profit, other than a governmental organization.” Are organizations who do not fall into the category of NGOs per the above definition, such as public international organizations (PIOs), eligible to respond to this opportunity? If so, would such organizations be equally eligible to participate as a prime or sub-partner?

USAID Response: Yes PIOs are eligible to apply for this NOFO either as a prime or a sub-partner. Note that should a PIO be selected as the awardee, they must agree to adhere to the terms and conditions of the USAID ADS 303 Standard Provisions and Required As Applicable Provisions as part of the award conditions.

56. Question: If an applicant is invited to make oral presentations in Phase Two, can USAID clarify the length of time allocated for presentations? Will applicants be given a set period of time for presentations followed by a questions and answer session?

USAID Response: USAID expects a thirty (30) minute presentation followed by a forty five

(45) minute question and answer session.