Amendment 1 NOFO Civil Society 72011722RFA00001.pdf

Amendment 01 Issuance Date: December 21, 2021

Closing Date and Time for Full Application Closing: January 17, 2021, 16:00 PM Chisinau, Moldova Local Time

Subject: NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

NUMBER: 72011722RFA00001

Program Title: Moldova Civil Society Resiliency Activity (CSRA)

The purpose of Amendment No. 01 is to provide answers to the questions received to the Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: 72011722RFA00001.

Thank you for your interest in USAID projects.

Sincerely, /s/

Robert Pannell Regional Agreement Officer

72011722RFA00001

Moldova Civil Society Resiliency Activity (CSRA)

Amendment 01

NOFO AMENDMENT NO. 01

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Could INGOs be eligible for this award as partners or do INGOs need to submit to the same eligibility criteria as the lead applicant?

It is possible to partner with non-Moldovan organizations. The solicitation states “USAID highly encourages applicants to develop partnerships with other responsible and eligible organizations with complementary capabilities and experiences that can help achieve the results of this Activity’s objectives.” Please refer to page 12 for the eligibility criteria of the awardee. This solicitation can only be awarded to a Moldovan local organization. This solicitation defines local organizations as one that:

● Is organized under the laws of the recipient Moldova;

● Has its principal place of business or operations in Moldova;

● Is majority-owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of Moldova or is managed by the governing body, the majority of whose members are citizens or lawful permanent residents of Moldova; and

● Is not controlled by a foreign entity or by an individual or individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of Moldova.

2. We would like to help the community in Moldova develop in six areas. Can we write our project proposal to encompass all six areas of work or does the activity require us to focus only on a specific area and its proposed activities?

Applicants can propose multiple areas of work. Please note that Concept Papers must respond to the purpose of the solicitation as outlined in the objectives explained on pages 5-7. The Concept Papers will be reviewed according to the Review Criteria stated in Section E (pg 17-18).

3. We also have a network of volunteers that we highly work with. Is it okay to include their work in the project activities and to pay them?

Yes, Concept Papers and the related budget should include the necessary staff and other expenses as the applicant deems necessary to accomplish the activities proposed.

4. Through our work we bring experts from Poland, can travel and accommodation costs be covered by the Resilient Activity?

Yes, travel and accommodation costs for relevant international expertise may be included in the project budget.

5. Should the concept paper include the budget details?

Amendment 01

Yes, please see page 15. Concept papers must be accompanied by a summary budget submitted on Standard Form 424-A. You may find a link to the SF424-A template here:

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/SF424A-V1.0.pdf

6. Regarding "foreign control", does holding activities under a Swedish Core Partner grant count as foreign control? We have Moldovan ownership, but our main activities are from external grants. Also, will the applicants be informed if they don't get selected?

If the organization is legally registered in Moldova as a local organization and is not controlled by a foreign entity (see answer 1), then the organization is eligible to apply for this NOFO, even if the main source of funds currently used are from an international organization.

7. Tax information - we have a fiscal code, but we are tax (VAT) exempt as an NGO - is that an issue?

USAID/Moldova funding provided for Technical Assistance is exempted from tax (including VAT) and fees as provided by the Government Decision no.246 (GD) from 08.04.2010 on the application of fiscal and tax exemptions related to the implementation of ongoing technical and investment assistance projects, which falls under the scope of international treaties to which the Republic of Moldova is a party.

International treaties under which USAID/Moldova funding falls under are: (1) Agreement between the Government of United States of America and the Government of Moldova regarding Cooperation to facilitate the provision of Assistance from March 21, 1994. And (2) The USAID Development Objective Grant Agreement for Strengthened Participatory Democracy from September 28, 2016.

After USAID/Moldova has an agreement signed with a Local NGO to Implement the CSRA, it becomes USAID/Moldova Implementing Partner and is eligible for tax and fees exemption as provided by GD no.246 after full registration and publication in the Official Gazette of the Annex no.1 of the GD no.246 The List of ongoing technical assistance projects. This registration process is facilitated by USAID/Moldova staff.

8. What are eligible and non-eligible costs?

As referenced under the 2 CFR 200, Subpart E, Cost Principles. The recipient will be reimbursed for costs incurred in carrying out the purposes of this award in accordance with the terms of this award and the applicable cost principles in effect on the date of this award.

It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure that costs incurred are in accordance with the applicable cost principles, meaning the costs are (1) reasonable: costs which are generally recognized as ordinary and necessary and would be incurred by a prudent person in the conduct of normal business; (2) allocable: incurred specifically for this award; and (3) allowable: conform to any limitations in this award.

The recipient must obtain any prior written approvals from the Agreement Officer (AO) that are required by the applicable cost principles. The recipient may obtain the AO’s written https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/SF424A-V1.0.pdf https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=117561&lang=ro https://mfa.gov.md/en

Amendment 01 determination on whether specific costs not clearly addressed in the applicable cost principles are allowable or allocable. The AO reserves the right to make a final determination on the allowability of costs. USAID will not pay any profit or fee to the recipient or subrecipients of the resulting cooperative agreement award.

9. If you know, regarding the DUNS number - they require a legal physical address. Our situation is - the NGO is registered on one address (legal), but there's no office there, we officially operate from another physical location. Which address should we use?

It is suggested to use only one address preferably legal because you will fill-in the address several times in a couple of databases that shall replicate each other and should find consistent references.

It is helpful to put down exact information you enter and “used format” see an example below.

Address Line 1: OFF XX Address Line 2: MIHAI EMINESCU STR.

City: Chisinau State/Province:

ZIP/Postal Code: MD2024 Country: Moldova, Republic of

10. Are there specific limits for admin and personnel costs shared in the project budget?

There is an overall activity budget of $1.5 million and no specific limit for admin and personnel costs, as long as the costs are allocable, reasonable, allowable, and the costs are contributing to the achievement of the activity goal. Cost share is not required but is allowable.

11. Can an organization based in the EU be a partner in a proposal (not a lead)?

Yes, non Moldvan organizations are eligible to be subwardees/partners of the prime partner if they are increasing the likelihood of achieving the activity goal. Note that NOFO encourages working with local organizations.

12. How does USAID exactly understand Resilience? What specifically is requested under resilience, please explain.

USAID means here that civil society becomes more sustainable. As an agency, USAID has long had a focus on ensuring that civil society is strong and supports developing the overall viability of the civil society sector. Under this NOFO, USAID seeks to make Moldovan civil society more resilient (sustainable and better able to withstand changes of government and donor funding climate) by strengthening connections to and engagement with constituents and becoming more financially sustainable by mobilizing more, or different, sources of funding. This can be targeted at an organization level, at the sector level, or overall environment, or some combination of the three.

Amendment 01

13. What is the eligibility of the partner? Can the partner be an organisation outside Moldova?

While the prime applicant must be a Moldovan local organization, meeting the eligibility criteria stated in the NOFO, non Moldvan organizations are eligible to be subwardees/partners if they are contributing to achieving the activity goal. Note that NOFO encourages working with local organizations.

14. Regarding the eligible costs: if we plan to create a HUB for Modovan CSOs resilience - does the rent costs (for the HUB space) are eligible?

See the answer under the question no.8

15. Is regranting allowed or not? If yes, what is the total amount of the regranting?

Grants under assistance are generally allowed when used to achieve activity goals and when there are adequate controls in place, such as demonstrated management experience managing grants, financial controls, and proper flow down policies from the prime applicants award.

16. All applicants (co-applicants/partners) must have DUNS and SAM or only the main applicant organization?

The prime applicant should be registered in SAM.gov and have a DUNS number before submitting the full application. It is the prime applicant’s responsibility to check the DUNS number for its subrecipients/partners. If the prime applicant’s concept note proposes a partner that will provide a considerable part of the technical work (more than 20%), then the prime applicant must provide the DUNS number of that partner in the full application.

17. Are there conditions to be met by the main applicant and by all implementing partners (do we need to have internal policies, internal regulations, financial reports, audit... )?

Yes, USAID will conduct a Pre-Award Survey (NUPAS) conducted of the apparently successful prime applicant which will identify whether the prime application’s financial management and internal control systems are adequate to manage, control, account for, and report on the uses of potential USAID funds to support achieve program objectives. NUPAS shall determine a prime applicant’s responsibility and whether special award conditions may be required.

The prime award recipient monitors its subaward recipients. The factors such as the size of awards, percentage of the pass-through entity's total program funds awarded to sub recipients, complexity of the compliance requirements, and risk of sub recipient non-compliance as assessed by the pass-through entity may influence the nature and extent of monitoring procedures.

18. In relation to the engagement of diaspora citizens, are costs outside Moldova allowed?

The award recipient will be reimbursed for costs incurred in carrying out the purposes of this award in accordance with the terms of this award and the applicable cost principles in effect on the date of this award. As long as the costs are reasonable, allocable and allowable, the Regional Contracting

Amendment 01

Office will consider costs proposed. (2 CFR 200, Subpart E, Cost Principles). Also the authorized geographic code for procurement of goods and services under this award is 937 and 110. (page 10

NOFO).

19. Does USAID have any priority area /domain or organizations from any domain can apply?

No. There are no priority domains. USAID sought to make this funding opportunity as flexible as possible to solicit the best ideas and concepts on how to accomplish the goals and objectives of the

NOFO.

20. Should the applicant focus its activity on a particular region of Moldova or should it be aimed for all the Moldovan CSOs from every city/village?

USAID does not have a preference. All concept notes will be reviewed against the review criteria on pages 17-18 which does not provide a preference.

21 What do you mean by working with LAGs? Does it mean we should consider their expertise in working with citizens or should we consider activities for strengthening their skills?

Local Action Groups (LAGs) are referenced on page 6 of the solicitation as an illustrative background example of constituency engagement. There is no requirement to work with LAGs.

22. What is the geography of the project (whether or not it includes organizations from Transnistrian Region)

See the response to question 13. Organizations may consider including Transnistrian organizations but be advised that such proposals may necessitate additional review.

23.In terms of eligibility, freshly registered CSO, do not have yet established financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal control systems, and policies and procedures that comply with established U.S. Government standards,how would that be considered during the application?

The pre-award survey (NUPAS) process is distinctly separate from the technical review process.

We encourage all organizations to submit their concept notes for review. If an organization does not fully meet certain requirements and otherwise is found responsible, USAID can use special award conditions to make the award and provide conditions that allow the organization to meet all of the minimum requirements during the award period.

24. We would like to kindly ask you if within the project will be allowed the sub grants for local

CSO?

Amendment 01

Grants under assistance are generally allowed when used to achieve activity goals and when there are adequate controls in place, such as demonstrated management experience managing grants, financial controls, and proper flow down policies from the main partner award.

25. What do you mean in outcome 2 by providing flexible financial and technical support?

This language was listed in the USAID Initial Environmental Examination document which accompanies this NOFO and is approved prior to the NOFO, and reviews potential activities for environmental impact.

This was listed as an illustrative activity that may occur as a result of this NOFO, is not a requirement, and should not be read as direction for applications. The language in the NOFO prevails as a guide for applications.

26. Can we consider the implementation period June 2022-may 2027?

USAID Moldova intends to start the activity on/about September 2022 with a timeframe of up to 5 years.

27. Are partnerships with governmental organizations or private companies allowed?

Applicants may partner with organizations they feel will best help to achieve the goals of the NOFO. Note that private for-profit companies cannot charge profit on the prime award or subawards.

28. Can you explain what "Categorical Exclusion Determination" means?

This refers to the USAID Initial Environmental Examination. USAID reviews reasonable impacts on the environment for each activity. RCE is used when the effect is less significant. This is a USAID internal document.

29. Are study visits or fellowships possible in EU countries, having in mind the geographic code for procurement listed in the NOFO? Study visits may require payment for hotels, rent of space, expert fees, etc.

The recipient will be reimbursed for costs incurred in carrying out the purposes of this award in accordance with the terms of this award and the applicable cost principles in effect on the date of this award. As long as the costs are reasonable, allocable and allowable, the Regional Contracting Office will consider costs proposed. (2 CFR 200, Subpart E, Cost Principles). Also the authorized geographic code for procurement of goods and services under this award is 937and 110. (page 10 NOFO).

30. In the project do we have to work directly with CSOs or do we have to include citizen groups /active citizens?

There is no requirement for one or the other. Applicants should propose how they envision improving constituent engagement.

Amendment 01

31. Is the main applicant responsible for channeling the funds to its partners and sending the reports to USAID, OR every partner receives funds and reports separately?

USAID has an agreement in place with the prime award recipient only. The prime recipient, in turn, is responsible for any agreements with its partners. USAID does not have legal privity with any subawards.

The prime recipient is responsible for payment, for deliverables and performance of the subawardees.

32. We know that the maximum funding is USD 1.5 mil. Is there any minimum amount of the grant that we can apply ?

There is not a minimum amount of the final award. The NOFO intends maximum flexibility for organizations to propose a program, cost, and timeframe that they feel is necessary to meet the goals of the CSRA Notice of Funding Opportunity.

33.How does USAID measure and scale sustainability of the result? Please specifically provide a concrete example.

Please see also the response to question 39. One example includes USAID’s support for passage of the so-called 2% law, and measurements of funding provided each year via this donation mechanism.

34. Do I understand correctly: this award can have several winners?

As a result of this NOFO USAID anticipates signing only one award with a local organization.

35. Can 1 organization partner in several proposals?

Yes, one organization may partner in several applications.

36. Can you be more specific on the grant award procedures, the total amount of the grant be divided by years of implementation? the grant will be awarded in advance, will be reimbursement of expenditure , do we have to present a guarantee...?

The NUPAS shall determine the most appropriate method of financing to use under the potential USAID award.

Work Plan and cash flow projections information will be used to determine how the award recipient receives funding from USAID.

The following methods of financing can be reviewed under the potential USAID award:

1. Reimbursement, USAID makes payment within 30 days after receipt of the billing, unless the billing is improper, is not feasible as a potential partner doesn’t have significant unrestricted funds to perform the potential project.

2. Advance Payment, every 30 days covering a 30-day period, is recommended with the potential partner when the applicable requirements are fully met.

Amendment 01

3. Milestones payment, with the combination of limited financial resources and the need to improve internal control, financial and human resource management systems, it is worthwhile exploring a Fixed Amount Award (FAA) with milestone payments where this also meets with the criteria set forth under ADS 303.3.25 (a) (8) of Fixed amount Awards to Non-Governmental Organizations that the proposed activity should not exceed the duration of three years (all other factors need further determination by the Agreement Officer).

37. If some money is left as savings from the budget, do we repurpose or do we return the money?

Outstanding advances in excess of planned activities needs shall be refunded to USAID via bill for collection.

38. Can we change the budget positions in some percentage?

Yes, if during the implementation period funds need to be allocated differently, there is a process in place to do that while working closely with your Agreements Officer Representative and the Agreement Officer.

39. How will you assess the degree of resilience impact sustainability?

USAID tracks aspects of overall CSO sector resiliency through improvements in several key areas: 1) Percent improvements in overall public image or public perception of the civil society sector (including public perception, as well media/ government/ private sector perception of the CS sector); 2) Percent increases in the level of philanthropic giving (individual, corporate) to the civil society sector as well as other sources of funding (increases in social entrepreneurship or service provision, increases in transparently awarded staff funded grant and social contracts, etc); 3) Percent improvement in volunteerism and participation in civic initiatives/ civic engagement. USAID supports the annual production of the Civil Society Sustainability Index which will help to track these changes. At the project level, the successful applicant will work with USAID to develop a performance management plan which will propose the indicators through which results will be assessed and measured.

40. Is this a occuring opportunity?

At this time, this is the only civil society-specific activity funding being offered by USAID/Moldova.

Please follow the www.grants.gov for more USAID/Moldova opportunities.

[End of Amendment No. 01]