Amendment 01-NOFO NO.72062025RFA00003.pdf

January 15, 2025

Subject: Amendment Number 01: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number: 72062025RFA00003

Program Title: USAID Community Health Activity

To all interested parties, The purpose of Amendment Number 01 to NOFO Number: 72062025RFA00003 is to provide formal responses to all the questions received by the due date indicated in the Amendment 01

NOFO.

Please note that all responses to the questions in the Attachment are hereby incorporated as part of NOFO Number 72062025RFA00003.

All other terms and conditions of the NOFO, as amended, remains unchanged and in full force and in effect.

Sincerely, Caraline DiNunzio Agreement Officer

Attachment:

Attachment 1: Questions and Answers Received Under NOFO Number: 72062025RFA00003

Solicitation Number: 72062025RFA00003 USAID Community Health Activity

ATTACHMENT 1: NOFO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Solicitation Number: 72062025RFA00003 - USAID Community Health Activity

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. I want to enquire about the eligibility & requirement for accessing the "The USAID Community Health".

USAID Response:

Eligibility for this award is restricted to local Nigerian organizations, see Section B.1, “Eligible Applicants” of the NOFO for definition of local Partners and for the requirement, please see Section D, “Application and Content Format.”

2. Is there an anticipation of a South and North based awards?

USAID Response:

There is no anticipation of a South and North based awards at this time.

3. Is USAID able to provide more details on the timeline for the Community Health Activity Notice of Funding Opportunity?

a. When is the oral presentation (Phase 1) likely to take place?

b. How long after the oral presentation will organizations be invited to submit the full application (Phase 2)?

c. Is the deadline for submitting the full proposal already established?

The timeline will be provided for the applicants whose slide deck is successful after phase 1.

Specifically,

a) The oral presentation will take place after the review of the concept slide deck is completed. Applicants moving to the next phase will be notified of the date of oral presentations after evaluation of the concept slide deck.

b) The period for which the applicants will be required to submit their full application will be made available to the apparently successful applicants after the completion of phase 1. Please see Section D.3, “General Content and Form of Application”, for details on the process.

c) The deadline for submission of Full Application will be made available to the apparently successful applicants after the completion of phase 1.

4. Could you provide an anticipated timeline for the oral presentations for applicants who are invited to participate?

The oral presentation will take place after the review of the concept slide deck is completed.

Applicants moving to the next phase will be notified of the date of oral presentations after evaluation of the concept slide deck.

5. Is USAID able to provide more details on the timeline for the Community Health Activity

Notice of Funding Opportunity?

USAID Response:

The oral presentation will take place after the review of the concept slide deck is completed.

Applicants moving to the next phase will be notified of the date of oral presentations after evaluation of the concept slide deck.

6. USAID Current Exchange Rate: What exchange rate for the US dollar to Nigerian naira should be applicable for budgeting purposes?

USAID Response:

The Exchange Rate to be used for the budget purposes will be provided to the applicants that will move to the full application Phase. A detailed budget is not required with any Phase 1 submissions.

7. Submission of documents to the Portal: Are applicants required to submit any documents on the USAID.gov portal?

USAID Response:

No, applicants are not required to submit documents on the USAID.gov portal. Please follow the submission instructions provided in Section “D.4 Submission Method” of the NOFO.

8. Will there be further opportunities for questions in the follow on in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the USAID Community Health NOFO Application process?

USAID Response:

No, no additional question periods are anticipated under Phase 1. At phase 2, USAID/Nigeria will communicate with the apparently successful applicant(s) accordingly and there will be an opportunity for questions.

9. Page 1, Cover Page.

Given that the Christmas and New Year holiday season falls within the time made available for the response, the remaining time effectively available is reduced by at least two weeks. This has a strong impact on the ability to coordinate to get responses, present a strong team and develop an innovative concept. In view of this, would it be possible to extend the submission deadline by at least 2 weeks?

The submission deadline has been extended by one week, to Jan 31, 2025.

10. Page 1, Cover Page.

Would USAID consider extending the due date by a week or two?

11. Page 1, Cover Page.

Considering the lengthy holiday break, would USAID consider extending the deadline for submission of Phase 1 concept notes?

12. Given that the NOFO was released just before the holiday season (when many teams were on leave), and also given that teams are just now returning back to work after the holidays, there has been little time to confirm partnerships for this Activity, as a precursor to the technical design to follow. Therefore, we would greatly benefit from an extension of the due date to submit a thoughtful proposal slide deck. Would USAID/Nigeria consider extending the due date for the proposal submission?

13. Page 1, Cover Page.

It is unclear what the submission cutoff date for the slide concept is? Is it the January 24, 2025,4:30 PM WAT submission deadline on the cover letter, OR is it an earlier date?

The deadline date for submission of the concept slide deck is extended by one week, to January 31, 2025.

14. Will a partnership with Government entities at any and all levels be acceptable to

USAID?

Yes, government entities and agencies are eligible as consortium members. Decisions regarding partnerships are at the discretion of each applicant. However, please note that some partnerships with government entities will require additional approvals.

NOFO SECTION A: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

15. Page 4, A.1 Estimate of Funds Available and Number of Awards Contemplated.

Are applicants allowed to apply for a specific amount based on the location they are applying to? For example, US$1m or US $2m only?

USAID Response:

Yes, applicants are allowed to apply for all, or some of the award ceiling/amount. However, it is USAID’s expectation that the successful applicant(s) will implement activities across all geographical locations, when determined.

16. Page 4, A.1 Estimate of Funds Available and Number of Awards Contemplated.

Award Amount: Will the award amount of $35,000,000 be shared between the two successful recipients, or will each recipient receive $35,000,000

USAID Response:

USAID intends to award one or more Cooperative Agreements pursuant to this NOFO and will provide a cumulative total up to $35,000,000 for all awards that are made from this funding opportunity. The number of awards will be determined as a result of the evaluation process.

NOFO SECTION B: ELIGIBILITY

17. Page 8, B.3-Other.

Can an organization applying as a prime applicant in a consortium also participate as a consortium member/sub-awardee on another consortium for a different application?

USAID Response:

Yes, an organization can apply as a prime applicant in one consortium and also participate as a consortium member or sub-awardee within a different consortium for a separate application, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each individual application and can demonstrate the capacity to manage multiple projects effectively. See section B.3 on page 8.

18. Page 8, B.3-Other.

On eligibility, can International NGOs participate as consortium members/sub-awardees?

Yes, an international organization can participate as a consortium member or sub-awardee as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and can demonstrate added-value to the achievement of the objectives of the activity.

19. Page 8, B.3-Other.

Consortium – do both prime and subs need to be local entities?

USAID Response:

As stated in section B, eligibility criteria of the NOFO, eligibility for this NOFO is restricted to local organizations for the prime applicant. An international organization can participate as a consortium member or sub-awardee as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and can demonstrate added-value to the achievement of the objectives of the activity.

20. Page 8, B.3-Other.

Consortium – if there are more than one sub, do all subs in a consortium need to be local entities?

No, subs can be both local and international organizations.

21. Page 8, B.3-Other.

Section B.3 of the NOFO states that "organizations participating as a member of a consortium may elect to participate as a sub-awardee in another consortium under a different application". Can a prime applicant in one consortium participate as a sub-awardee in another consortium?

USAID Response:

Yes, an organization can apply as a prime applicant in one consortium and also participate as a consortium member or sub-awardee within a different consortium for a separate application, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each individual application and

22. Page 8, B.3-Other Limit the number of subs in a Consortium?

USAID Response:

There is no restriction to the number of sub-applicants in a consortium. Decisions regarding business development and selection of sub-partners are at the discretion of the applicant. Applicants should create partnerships that best support their proposed approach.

23. Page 8, B.3-Other.

The NOFO states that “An organization may submit only one (1) application as the prime applicant under this notice of funding opportunity. However, organizations participating as a member of a consortium may elect to participate as a sub-awardee in another consortium under a different application. Please confirm if the Prime can also be a sub-awardee in another consortium.

USAID Response:

Yes, an organization can apply as a prime applicant in one consortium and also participate as a consortium member or sub-awardee within a different consortium for a separate application, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each individual application and

24. Can an Applicant prime and sub with other consortia?

Yes, an organization can apply as a prime applicant in one consortium and also participate as a consortium member or sub-awardee within a different consortium for a separate application, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each individual application and

NOFO SECTION C: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

25. How does USAID expect social accountability approaches to be scaled? Is implementation anticipated in all target communities?

USAID Response:

USAID expects applicants to propose program and implementation strategies that carefully considers data and context in determining scale and coverage of proposed social accountability approaches.

26. When will the CHIPS RCCE and SBC plans be revised and shared?

It is unclear which plans are being referenced by this question. The NOFO includes the revised Nigeria Community Health Worker Program Guide as an attachment – this is the Government of Nigeria’s own vision and road map for community health workforce.

Applicants are encouraged to liaise with the NPHCDA for any other CHIPS related documents and questions.

27. Page 11, Section C.3 Activity Description

The NOFO stated that the successful applicants may be asked to pay for the salaries for CBHWs in the short-term, within the government-approved rate as provided on Page How many households would be assigned to one community CBHW?

USAID Response:

Applicants should refer to the Nigeria community health worker program guide – an attachment to the NOFO for details of the GoN’s vision. USAID encourages applicants to liaise with the NPHCDA for any other CBHWs related questions.

28. Page 11, C.3 Activity Description

On Page 11 of NOFO – “Given fluidity of national roll-out of CBHW redesign, successful applicant may be asked to pay for the salaries for CBHW in the short-term.”

Could USAID kindly clarify for how long, the successful applicant may be required to pay for these salaries for CBHW?

USAID Response:

As referenced on page 11 and 12 of the NOFO, the duration of payment of CBHW salaries is expected to “vary by state, while developing transition models with GoN leadership.”

29. Page 12, C.3 Activity Description The NOFO notes one average annual salary per CBHW. Given that JCHEWs have more formal education than ACHWs, the assumption is that JCHEWS might be paid more. Can USAID clarify if their salaries are the same or if JCHEWs will receive a higher salary?

USAID Response:

Applicants should refer to the Nigeria community health worker program guide – an attachment to the NOFO for details of the GoN’s vision for the community health workforce including remuneration. USAID encourages applicants to liaise with the NPHCDA for any other CBHWs related questions.

30. Page 13, C.3 Activity Description and Page 23, C.4 Result Framework and Expected

Results.

Are there a number of members each coalition can have, or is it open regardless of the numbers?

Yes, this is open. The number of members of each coalition is at the applicant's discretion.

31. Page 13, C.3 Activity Description and C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results As for coalition, are applicants allowed to have international partners working in the communities they want to apply to?

Yes, according to 2 CFR 200, utilizing international organizations in a local award is generally permissible as long as the collaboration aligns with the project's goals and the international organization's activities are directly relevant to the local award's objectives, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with cost principles regarding international partnerships and collaborations.

32. Page 13, C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results

The Results Framework (Figure 2) of the NOFO indicates three Intermediate Results (IRs) and the Cross-Cutting Results Area. It also indicated the establishment and implementation of a technical Assistance Fund of ten percent of the potential project cost. Is a bidder allowed to make a weighted judgement of the proposed IRs and SIRs prioritization activity based on the literature review, real life surveillance data, evidence generated, and its Theory of Change for budgetary allocations or will this budgetary determination be driven by the USAID's RFP allocation?

Yes, applicants are allowed to make a weighted judgement of budgetary allocations across IRs.

33. Page 21, C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results.

For SIR 2.1: Identification, training and deployment of community-based health workers in select geographies supported.”- Can USAID confirm if this investment will support facilitation of remuneration for CBHWs? If yes, what is the intended role for the grantee in ensuring this happens?

USAID Response:

Please refer to NOFO page 11 “... successful applicants may be asked to pay for the salaries for CBHWs in the short-term, within government approved rates, which may vary by state, while developing transition models with GoN leadership.”

34. C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results.

Does the Community Health Activity framework allow for partnerships with government bodies, professional associations, and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs)? If so, are these partnerships expected to be technical collaborations, formalized through binding MOUs, or a combination of both?

USAID Response:

Please refer to section B, from page 7, of the NOFO for a description of eligibility.

Partnerships and the modalities for such are at the discretion of the applicant. USAID does not require the submission of formal agreements with potential partners at this stage of the procurement process.

35. C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results

The criteria or benchmarks for identifying and describing priority populations and communities as outlined in the NOFO and Attachment 1 were non-specific. Should the target beneficiaries for the proposal be different subpopulations, in different communities, located with selected LGAs in selected states, or should the focus be the aggregation of a specific target populations in priority states?

USAID Response:

USAID encourages applicants to consider available and relevant data to propose criteria for identifying priority populations which will vary by health areas and states. As clearly indicated on page 35 of the NOFO, the stipulated geographical locations are TB intervention states/areas. The geographical coverage or locations for the other health areas in the NOFO will be co-creatively determined post award.

36. Page 22, C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results

SIR 2.2 says: “integrated outreach and mobile services should be provided in addition to static PHC facility support that will be identified through the service delivery awards.”

Please explain the service delivery awards that you are referring to. Does this statement mean that the proposal cannot include facility service support?

USAID Response:

Service delivery awards referred to here are the same as those referenced on page 29 of the NOFO. “...other USAID awards including the USAID Primary Health Improvement Program (UPHIP), USAID Digital Health Initiative (UDHI), USAID Human resources for health (HRH) and healthcare financing activity, USAID Integrated Delivery of TB Services (iDOTS) activity; USAID Malaria Service Strengthening activity; and upcoming Global Health Security (GHS)...”.

Additionally, as indicated on page 28 of the NOFO, “This Activity will lead in the implementation and support to all interventions that will be deployed at the community level.”

37. Page 30, C.5 Strategic Alignment The NOFO states that “GON is actively redesigning the CBHW program.” Is this based on the revised CBHW guide? When does GON plan to complete the redesign of the CBHW program?

USAID Response:

Yes, the revised CBHW program guide represents GoN’s (led by the NPHCDA) vision for the community health workforce. Applicants are encouraged to liaise with the NPHCDA for specifics about the timelines or other related questions.

38. Page 35, C.7 Geographical Location:

Are applicants allowed to apply for specific locations like a few states, a zone, or few zones from the states mentioned?

It is USAID’s expectation that the successful applicant(s) will implement activities across all geographical locations, when determined.

39. Page 35, Section C.7 Geographical Location Following the intervention locations provided on page 35, can a consortium target more than one state in the North and South Region for SBC, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other primary health challenges in the concept note?

USAID Response:

As clearly indicated on page 35 of the NOFO, the stipulated geographical locations are TB intervention states/areas. The geographical coverage or locations for the other health areas in the NOFO will be co-creatively determined post award. It is USAID’s expectation that the successful applicant(s) will implement activities across all geographical locations, when determined.

40. Page 35, Section C.7 Geographical Location Does USAID envision that the Community-Based Health Worker program will be operational in all TB-only states (as described on Page 35 of the NOFO)?

USAID Response:

The CBHW program is a GoN-led program and it is expected to be operational across all 36 states and the FCT.

41. Page 35, Section C.7 Geographical Location

Are there any priority geography areas identified for the opportunity?

As indicated on page 35 of the NOFO, the stipulated geographical locations are TB intervention states/areas. The geographical coverage or locations for the other health areas in the NOFO will be co-creatively determined post award.

42. Page 21, C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results.

On Page 21 of the NOFO, two different sub-intermediate results (SIRs) appear for 2.1 under IR 2. The listing has “SIR 2.1: Capacity for delivery of quality community-based health services, SBC interventions and disease surveillance improved.” While the header on the description captures it differently as “SIR 2.1: Identification, training and deployment of community-based health workers in select geographies supported.”

Please clarify the correct SIR for 2.1.

The error is noted. The correct SIR 2.1 is “Identification, training and deployment of community-based health workers in select geographies supported. This is also referenced on page 13, C.4 figure 2 (result framework).

43. Page 21, C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results.

On the first line of page 21 of the NOFO, SIR 2.1 is described as Capacity for delivery of quality community-based health services, SBC interventions and disease surveillance improved.

However, on the 1st paragraph of page 21( same page) SIR 2.1 is described as Identification, training and deployment of community-based health workers in select geographies supported. It would be helpful to clarify the activity for which SIR 2.1 refers.

USAID Response:

The error is noted. The correct SIR 2.1 is “Identification, training and deployment of community-based health workers in select geographies supported. This is also referenced on page 13, C.4 figure 2 (result framework).

44. Page 21, C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results SIR 2.1: Identification, training and deployment of community-based health workers in select geographies supported. Can USAID confirm if this investment will support facilitation of remuneration for CBHWs? If yes, what is the intended role for the grantee in ensuring this happens?

Please refer to NOFO page 11 “... successful applicants may be asked to pay for the salaries for CBHWs in the short-term, within government approved rates, which may vary by state, while developing transition models with GoN leadership.”

45. Page 10, C.3 Activity Description.

The Activity purpose referred to increased uptake of products in addition to priority health behaviors and services, but it is not clear what role the Applicant is expected to play in relation to products specifically. Can you kindly clarify?

USAID Response:

The successful applicant(s) will be expected to collaborate with other USAID awards, and relevant GoN ministries and agencies to leverage established supply chain mechanisms to ensure availability of the relevant health products at the community level.

46. Page 11, C.3 Activity Description.

Can USAID confirm if applicants can propose modifications to the program guide for the operationalization of the GoN’s redesigned CBHW program?

The revised CBHW program guide is a GoN document. All suggestions or proposed modifications should be communicated to the NPHCDA.

47. Page 12-13, C.4. Result Framework and Expected Results.

Please confirm the IR1 language. On p13, IR1 and p14 IR1 are phrased slightly differently.

USAID Response:(HPN/HAT) This error is noted. The correct IR 1 is “Adoption and sustained practice of healthy behaviors increased (p13).

48. C.4 Result Framework and Expected Results Will the Activity need to conduct new research to replace the BAN Sentinel Survey conducted in 2021?

USAID Response:

USAID does not require the activity to conduct new research to replace the sentinel survey.

As part of collaborative learning and adaptation, USAID expects applicants to propose and deploy innovative approaches.

49. Page 19 of the CBHW program guide refers to “Appendix 1 for the forms for screening” of the Auxiliary CBHW candidates. The forms were not included in Appendix 1. Appendix 1 refers to the commodities and equipment

Applicants are encouraged to liaise with the NPHCDA for any CBHW related questions.

50. Page 35, C.7 Geographical Location

Although the NOFO clearly states there will be co-creation for RMNCH activities with USAID, is there a preferred or designated zone of influence that this call will target? Coverage and reach can be greatly specified if these details are identified.

No, there are no preferred or designated zones of influence at this stage.

51. C.7 Geographical Location

“The successful applicant will co-create with GoN and USAID/Nigeria in determining the states of activity implementation.”

For planning and budgeting purposes, does USAID know the total number of states where would they like UCHA activities to be implemented?

No, USAID does not know the total number of states at this time. A detailed budget is not required within Phase I.

NOFO SECTION D: APPLICATION CONTENT AND FORMAT

52. Page 38, D.5 Concept Format.

Must the alternate contact (identified on the cover page) be from the organization applying as a prime applicant in a consortium?

No, the alternate contact does not have to be from the organization applying as a prime in a consortium.

53. D.5 Concept Format.

Are there any margin requirements for the PowerPoint Concept Slide Deck Presentation?

There are no margin requirements for the PowerPoint concept slide deck presentation.

54. Page 38, Section I. Section I: Technical Approach and Management Capacity

D.5 Concept Format.

Should the concept slide deck focus on a specific geography as a case study, or should it address the broader context of Nigeria to demonstrate national scalability and relevance

USAID Response:

For the purpose of the concept slide deck, USAID expects applicants to make discretionary choices in the determination of the scale of the technical approach proposed.

55. Page 39, D.5 Concept Format, Section 1- On page 39 of the NOFO, USAID requests that Applicants describe the activities and timeline the Applicant will take to achieve the proposed results. Given CHA is a 5-year project and Applicants are limited in Phase 1 to a 20-slide PPT, can USAID revise the timeline of activities and timeline to the first year

No, USAID will not revise the timeline of activities to the first year only. As indicated on page 39, USAID expects applicants to “provide a high-level timeline of activities”.

56. Page 39, D.5 Concept Format, Section 1- As stated in D.5 of the NOFO, the concept's Technical Approach and Management Capacity section is expected to include the "activity description and timeline". Kindly provide more clarity on the expected level of detail for the timeline, considering that the detailed project work plan has not been developed.

USAID Response:

As indicated on page 39, USAID expects applicants to “provide a high-level timeline of activities”.

57. Page 39, D.5 Concept Format, Section 1- Can USAID please clarify if graphics and tables can be used in the slide deck concept note?

USAID Response:

Yes, they may be used but are not required; the use of graphics and tables are at the discretion of the applicant(s).

NOFO SECTION F: FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

58. Page 52, F.4 Reporting Requirements To what extent is the NOFO expecting the sustainability to be achieved? Is it a sustainability arrangement post project or demonstrating the incorporation of the elements of sustainability at each of the IRs within the activities structure? What about sustainability influences outside of the health system?

USAID Response:

USAID expects that applicants will incorporate sustainability strategies across the proposed technical and implementation approach.