Amendment No. 1 to NOFO_Cover Page & Questions and Answers to NOFO-fully executed.pdf

February 21, 2022

Amendment Issuance Date: February 21, 2022

Closing Date and Time for Phase 1 Application: February 28, 2022 by 2:00 PM Juba Time

Subject: NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

(NOFO) NUMBER: 72066822RFA00001

Program Title: South Sudan Integrated Youth Engagement

Activity (IYEA)

The purpose of Amendment No. 01 is to provide answers to the questions received to the Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: 72066822RFA00001.

Thank you for your interest in USAID projects.

Sincerely, Anthony R. Raneses Agreement Officer USAID/South Sudan

NOFO No. 72066822RFA00001

USAID South Sudan Integrated Youth Engagement Activity (IYEA)

Amendment No. 01

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q.1 Is the award considering a joint venture / consortium or only one entity?

A.1 This NOFO welcomes all applications that will be reviewed on merit. If an Applicant is composed of a group of legal entities that will form or have formed a Joint Venture (JV), Consortium or Association in order to apply to this NOFO, the Applicant will need to confirm in its Application that it has designated one party/body to act as a lead entity.

Q.2 Is the grant size per year or geographical location?

A.2 As stated in Section B.3 of the NOFO:

The anticipated period of performance is four (4) years and performance must occur in the designated geographic locations identified in the Program Description. The estimated cost of the agreement is based on costs anticipated for this entire duration of the Period of Performance, for the geographic locations specified in Program Description.

Q.3 Is one entity or joint venture supposed to apply for all the five geographical locations or one per location?

A.3 This is one activity, but USAID leaves it to the Applicant to determine composition; sub-partners may be included in an application.

Q.4 The RFA mentions the need to scale activities but is silent on target numbers for several indicators, for example, the number of beneficiaries or youth-related microenterprises.

Could USAID provide target numbers, particularly on how many beneficiaries and the number of youth corps members the applicant should reach?

A.4 The Applicant should include in their technical application what targets are achievable for the youth microenterprises and also indicate how many Youth Corps members they can reach.

Q.5 The RFA emphasizes that “it is important that Recipient directly engage with youth and community to plan and implement,” yet in another section, the RFA states “the activities of IYEA are envisioned to be youth initiated, designed, and implemented and led.”

Engagement Activity (IYEA)

(Pages 6 and 7). Can USAID please clarify who is expected to implement IYEA activities—youth or the recipient?

A.5 The Recipient is expected to implement the activity, in consultation and collaboration with youth and local communities. The activities within IYEA will harness youth involvement and leadership in every stage of the activity.

Q.6 The RFA states that IYEA will implement an initial 6-month pilot (inception phase), then apply a phased approach drawing upon continuous learning and ensuring the activity’s flexibility to adjust as needed. It also states that “Specific locations within the 13 counties will be determined during the implementation stage especially during the inception phase.”

o Does USAID envisage one pilot in one location during inception phase?

o Can USAID clarify what it means by a phased approach during implementation

(after inception phase)?

o Has USAID already identified some locations within the county or counties to implement the pilot?

A.6 The Applicant should include in their application a proposed technical approach for the inception phase of implementation. Applicants may propose how they will apply a phased approach to implement the Activity.

The applicant will need to identify locations within the 13 counties, in consultation with

USAID.

Q.7 Is USAID expecting participation of unemployed youth in YouthCorps from outside the 5 target states?

A.7 The activity implementation will align with the geography indicated in the USAID/South

Sudan Strategic Framework.

USAID also expects applicants to propose an approach for implementing the Youth Corps model.

Q.8 The RFA (Section E.4 Pg 53) states that the applicant's initial cost application will be evaluated on whether “proposed cost share meets or exceeds the minimum requirements”.

Can USAID confirm that this criterion will be evaluated only on a “meets” or “did not meet” basis--i.e., that applicants will not be given a higher merit score due to higher https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Strategic-Framework-SouthSudan-July-2024-public-version.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Strategic-Framework-SouthSudan-July-2024-public-version.pdf

Engagement Activity (IYEA) amounts of cost share—as stipulated by ADS303.3.10.2 and AAPD 02-10 prohibiting cost share from use as an evaluation criterion?

A.8 Under 2 CFR 200.306 (a) “Under Federal research proposals, voluntary committed cost sharing is not expected. It cannot be used as a factor during the merit review of applications or proposals, but may be considered if it is both in accordance with Federal awarding agency regulations and specified in a notice of funding opportunity.” Under Section C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching of the NOFO, “USAID has established a required recipient cost share of five percent (5%) for this award.” USAID will evaluate this requirement based on whether an applicant meets or doesn’t meet this requirement.

Q.9 The RFA requires main project offices to be in Juba. Does USAID expect recipient to also implement IYEA activities in the Juba administrative area?

A.9 No. The activity implementation will align with the geography indicated in the

USAID/South Sudan Strategic Framework.

Q.10 Can USAID Mission please share the Local Compensation Plan (LCP)?

A.10 The LCP may be made available to the Apparent Successful Applicant but will not be shared at this time.

Q.11 The RFA on Pages 7 to 12 elaborated four (4) different objectives. It states “The level of effort for each objective should align with the following, which is based on funding streams:

● Objective 1: approximately 45% of total level of effort

● Objective 2: approximately 40% total level of effort

● Objective 3: less than 5% of total level of effort

● Objective 4: approximately 10-15% of total level of effort” Can USAID please clarify if the budget should be presented by these four different objectives as the budget template provided by the Mission doesn't have separate excel tab for the objectives? By Level of Effort, does USAID refer to the Total Estimated Cost of the program or to Level of Effort of personnel?

Engagement Activity (IYEA)

A.11 Yes, the proposed budget allocations apply to both the TEC and the LOE. LOE should align with the total TEC, with personnel as a considered cost. No, the budget does not need to be divided into Excel tabs in the budget based on each objective.

Q.12 Can applicants please include an acronym list that does not count towards the 10-page initial application limit?

A.12 Yes, an acronym list may be included and will not be counted towards the page limitation for the Phase 1 Application.

Q.13 Are applicants permitted to use 10-point font in text boxes, in addition to charts and graphs? May applicants use fonts other than Times New Roman in charts and graphics?

A.13 Since Tables must comply with the 12-point Times New Roman requirement under the

NOFO, text boxes will also need to comply with the 12-point Times New Roman requirement.

Applicants may not use fonts other than Times New Roman in charts and graphics.

Q.14 Section D, page 48 indicates that construction is not allowed under this activity. If suitable structures do not exist to deliver youth friendly services, would it be possible to erect temporary learning spaces?

A.14 No construction is envisioned under this activity.

Q.15 The NOFO does not mention agricultural livelihoods under Objective 2, even though agriculture is one of the largest sources of employment in South Sudan. Does USAID expect IYEA to provide training or entrepreneurial, employment and vocational opportunities in agriculture?

A.15 The Applicant may propose activities.

Q.16 The funding restrictions on page 48 of the NOFO state: “Activities to be undertaken should fall within the Foreign Assistance Standardized Program Structure and Definitions within the domains of Basic Education (Program Element ES.1.4: Learning for Out-of- School Youth; Program Element ES.1.5: Literacy and Numeracy for Youth and Adults);

Workforce Development (Program Element EG.6.3: Workforce Readiness and Program

Engagement Activity (IYEA)

Element EG.6.4: Technical/Vocational Training for Employment); Family Planning and Reproductive Health (Program Element HL.7.1: Service Delivery and Program Element HL.7.2: Communication and Knowledge Management (FP/RH) and; Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (Program Element DR.4.4: Civic Education and Democratic Culture).” Can applicants assume that these definitions apply to activities and LOE allocations for Objectives 1-4, respectively?

A.16 Yes, this is correct.

Q.17 The funding restrictions on page 48 of the NOFO state that “education-related activities focusing on youth need to be in line with the USG Basic Education Earmark.” Could USAID please clarify whether “education-related activities” refer specifically to activities under Objective 1 or to any activities conducted under IYEA?

A.17 Education related activities could refer to other activities in the other objectives, as long as they are allowable within the Basic Education Earmark.

Q.18 Are applicants free to formulate their own sub-objectives or are the Expected

Results/Outcomes under each Objective in the NOFO to be interpreted as sub-objectives?

Similarly, are applicants free to revise the theory of change or would USAID like applicants to use the one presented in the NOFO as is?

A.18 Yes. Applicants can formulate sub- objectives. The theory of change should remain as it is in the NOFO.

Q.19 Will USAID be issuing a separate NOFO before the oral presentation round and/or the written proposal round or should applicants use this NOFO for all subsequent rounds (if invited to apply)?

A.19 USAID will not be issuing an additional, further NOFO.

Q.20 Objective 2: Expected Outcomes Results include "Improved youth access to market-driven products and services that can enhance their income opportunities or that of their households." Could USAID provide illustrative examples or further clarify the scope of potential products and services that may be proposed?

Engagement Activity (IYEA)

A.20 The Applicant is expected to propose a scope of potential products that would enhance income opportunities.

Q.21 Page 13, Section A, IV. General Program Description, B. Geographic Focus. The NOFO states that IYEA will be implemented in five states and 13 counties in a phased approach.

Given the six-month inception phase, is it expected that the Activity will reach all 13 counties in Year 1?

Given the proximity of Jonglei State to Ethiopia, will USAID consider placement of offices/staff outside of Ethiopia in cases where this is advisable for security and/or to address conflict dynamics across borders?

A.21 It is not required for the Activity to reach all 13 counties in Year 1. Offices/staff should not be located in an adjacent country.

Q.22 Page 14, Section A, V. Expected Implementation Approaches, B. Youth Service Corps.

The NOFO indicates that the Corps should target “non-graduates of exceptional demonstrated ability.” Can USAID please confirm that offerors may define criteria for “exceptional demonstrated ability”?

A.22 Yes, Applicants may make that determination in consultation with USAID.

Q.23 Pages 9-13, Section A, IV, Illustrative Indicators. Can USAID provide any anticipated targets for this opportunity? Specific targets per state/county would help to inform the scope of activities.

A.23 Applicants are to propose the targets.

Q.24 Page 24, Section C, C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching. Given the challenging operating environment, would USAID consider removing the requirement of a five percent cost share? The cost share requirement may also limit the ability of local organizations, including those that have not previously received funding from USAID, to apply.

A.24 USAID will not be removing Section C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching from the NOFO.

Q.25 Page 29, Section D, D.5 (B)(2), Phase 1 Initial Application Format & Content. The

NOFO specifies that at Phase 1 - Initial Applications, a full detailed budget and budget

Engagement Activity (IYEA) narrative are not required. However, Phase 1 requires a full SF-424 set (SF-424, SF- 424B, and SF-424B). To complete SF-424A, applicants must use specific and binding financial figures, which will require a detailed budget to arrive at those numbers. Can USAID please clarify the expectations for the completion of SF-424s during Phase 1?

A.25 As stated in Section D.5 B (2) “At this Phase (Phase 1 - Initial Applications), a full detailed budget and budget narrative are not required as part of the Initial Application.”

Applicants are encouraged to fill the SF-424 series as comprehensively as possible.

Q.26 Page 51, Section E, E.3, A. Phase 1 Evaluation Criteria. Can USAID provide any additional information regarding the evaluation factors? For example, for Factor 1, can USAID confirm that successful applications will incorporate all Expected Implementation Approaches as detailed on pages 13-19 (Inception Phase to Refine Interventions, Youth Service Corps, Coordination and Partnership with Other Actors, Adaptive Management, Scenario Planning, Do No Harm, Gender, Sustainability, and Staffing and Management)?

A.26 Yes. Applicants should include their implementation approach.

Q.27 Page 21 of the RFA states, “All externally reported indicators must have a data quality assessment (DQA).” Please define what USAID considers to be “externally reported indicators.”

A.27 All indicators reported upon by the implementer should undergo a DQA.

Q.28 Page 21 of the RFA states, “The target will be determined once the baseline is established. It is generally expected that all such baseline and target information must be included in the AMEL Plan,” (pg. 21). It is our understanding that targets will not need to be provided until the final AMELP has been presented: 90 days after the awarding of the grant. Please confirm if targets will need to be provided during any of the three application phases.

A.28 Overall targets may be included. Specific indicator level targets will be included in the

AMELP.

Engagement Activity (IYEA)

Q.29 Page 37 of the RFA states, “While the AMEL Plan is not expected to be in a final form, the outline and/or draft of the AMEL should follow the format and align with the requirements for an AMEL Plan described in Section F.3.B (Reporting Requirements), excluding in particular PIRS.” Should PIRS be included or not included in the AMELP submitted during Phase 3 of the application process?

A.29 No. PIRS will be included after award.

Q.30 Page 58 of the RFA states, “The Recipient should plan ahead for the ways in which the private sector may be engaged to propel and sustain the activity’s objectives and promote local ownership.” Please clarify how this “way to engage private sector” is part of the AMEL section and not part of the technical approach. Is USAID asking for specific ideas for monitoring and reporting private sector engagement?

A.30 Proposed methodology for engaging the private sector is part of the technical approach.

Q.31 On page 58 of the RFA the link for “USAID’s How-To Note: Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning (AMEL) Plan document” is linked to a “page is not found” on the USAID Learning Lab website. Please provide a new working link for this referenced document.

A.31 Please find the updated link:

https://usaidlearninglab.org/sites/default/files/resource/files/htn_activity_mel_plan_final2 021.pdf

Q.32 Page 58 of the RFA states, “The Recipient is highly encouraged to utilize the AMEL Plan template that will be provided by the SOR.” Please confirm what SOR is in reference to.

A.32 This should be AOR, not SOR. It is a typing error. 'AOR' stands for Agreement Officer's

Representative.

Q.33 Page 40 of the RFA and Annex 1 (budget template) requests that the Applicant detail security costs on a separate tab and link to ODCs in Budget Detail sheet. This means that salary, fringe benefits, travel, and other categorical costs would all be lumped under ODCs. In order to ensure that costs are included in the proper category and that we’re complying with our organization’s cost/accounting practices, would USAID find it https://usaidlearninglab.org/sites/default/files/resource/files/htn_activity_mel_plan_final2021.pdf https://usaidlearninglab.org/sites/default/files/resource/files/htn_activity_mel_plan_final2021.pdf

Engagement Activity (IYEA) acceptable for all security costs to be included in the proper categories in the budget detail sheet? We would still detail all security costs separately by category as noted in detailed security budget tab, to provide all security costs in one place.

A.33 At this time, USAID intends to use the budget template with the Apparent Successful

Application (ASA) as part of the Phase 3 evaluation. Should concerns arise regarding this template at that time, USAID will address this with the ASA.

Q.34 Please advise if there is a file size limit for email submission.

A.34 Please refer to Section D.4 “Application Submission Procedures” for further information about electronic/email submissions. Please note: “After submitting an application electronically, applicants should immediately check their own email to confirm that the attachments were indeed sent.”

Q.35 The RFA has three different target age range mentioned throughout the document. On page 7 the RFP defines youth as age 10-29 and references the IYEA will target youth aged 15-29. On page 14 the RFA notes that the proposed youth corps will target youth aged 18-29. Please verify the target age range of youth for IYEA.

A.35 Youth Service Corps members should be aged 18-29, but beneficiaries of IYEA-funded activities may range from 15-29. The target youth do not include the entire age range included in the definition of youth.

Q.36 Page 32 of the RFA outlines the History of Performance (viii) stating “the applicant must provide information regarding its recent history of performance and all of its cost reimbursement contracts, grants, or cooperative grievance involving similar or related programs, not to exceed three awards… Furthermore, the guidance requests any reports and findings from any audits that was performed in the last three years”. Please confirm the number of awards that should be included in the history of performance, as well as the earliest date, from submission of the RFA response, which an example of past performance could have been implemented.

A.36 On page 42 of the NOFO, under section “(viii) History of Performance”, it is clearly stated that applicants are to provide information regarding recent history of performance “not to exceed 3 awards”. Additionally, under bullet point number 7, Applicants are to

Engagement Activity (IYEA) provide “Reports and findings from any audits performed in the last three (3) years” as they pertain to the 3 awards mentioned above.

Q.37 At what phase does USAID expect to see Key Personnel named? Is it possible to name

(some or all ) key personnel during the Phase One Concept Note as part of the 4 page “Factor 2 Institutional Capacity”? If not, would USAID expect to see all key personnel named during Phase Two of the application process?

A.37 As stated in the NOFO, specifically under Section D.7 Phase 3: Full Application Format and Content, A. Full Technical Application Format, (3) Management and Staffing Plan:

“The Applicant must also propose candidates that meet these specific qualifications for these Key Personnel positions.”

Therefore, named Key Personnel are required under Phase 3.

With regards to Phase One - Initial Application, potential applicants are expected to focus on institutional capacity, not to exceed four (4) pages. It is up to the applicant to decide how to utilize the four page limitation.

With regards to Phase Two, Oral Presentation, USAID does not expect named key personnel positions in this phase.

Q.38 Page 48 of the RFA describes the activity-level restrictions for USG Basic Education

Earmark. The first bullet states, “Basic life skills components of workforce development programs, sometimes called workforce readiness skills” as part of the restrictions. In the next bullet the guidance states, “However, BE funds may be used for workforce development activities where the focus is on the development of basic life skills or workforce readiness skills.” Please advise if basic skills and workforce readiness skills can be included in the IYEA technical design, and if so can those skills be used in activities which support Objective One, the education-focused result as well as Objective 2, the workforce readiness result?

A.38 Yes, and yes.

Q.39 Could USAID please clarify whether the percentages described in Section D.8 refer to budget or specifically to staff levels of effort? Given that the budget template does not include any explicit guidance for dividing budget or LOE by objective, is it USAID's expectation that in a later phase applicants will provide these estimates in the detailed budget? Does USAID expect these amounts to be ceilings which the successful applicant

Engagement Activity (IYEA) will not be allowed to exceed, or is this section meant to provide an expectation for reporting only?

A.39 The Level of Effort stated in Section D.8 refers to “level of effort for each objective”.

The stated percentages are estimates. Final percentage allocations will be determined prior to award, to the successful Applicant.

Applicants may propose the percentage of LOE to address service provision.

Q.40 Would USAID consider including another question and answer round between phases 2 and 3 as applicants develop more detailed application materials?

A.40 Once an Apparent Successful Application (ASA) is selected after Phase 2, USAID may conduct additional discussion with the ASA and may allow for Q&A session(s).

Q.41 Does USAID wish to see relationship-building with key government ministry or local level representatives as part of forward-thinking programmatic buy-in despite existing sanctions?

a. If relationship building with government officials is allowed, what are the parameters for this engagement at central and decentralized levels?

b. Can vacant government property and abandoned infrastructure, with permission, be used and refurbished as part of community investment and environmental best practice or is this seen as not allowed under sanctions? If not allowed under the project budget, would this still be possible as an element of cost-share?

A.41 USG funding restriction prohibits the provision of direct funding to GRSS entities.

Technical engagement with GRSS at any level is not restricted.

No refurbishment or any form of construction is envisioned under this activity.

Q.42 In order to propose salaries that are comparable with USAID’s salaries, would USAID kindly provide its local compensation plan for CCN staff?

A.42 Please see response to Question No. 10.

Q.43 The RFA requests several cost documents from the applicant (e.g., Representations and

Certifications, NICRA, etc.). Are these items required from proposed subrecipients, or only from the prime applicant?

Engagement Activity (IYEA)

A.43 The required documentations are requested from the Prime Applicant.

Q.44 Can USAID please confirm that applicants invited to Phase 3 may use the USAID short form for PPRs to meet the requirements of Section D.7.B(viii) of the NOFO?

A.44 Only the Apparent Successful Application selected from Phase 2 will be invited to submit a Final Application for Phase 2. Additional information will be provided to the ASA at that time.

Q.45 Section D.4 states that USAID’s preference is for consolidated email attachments, and also allows for the possibility that consolidation may not be possible. In the case that the applicant provides multiple attachments, is there a limit on the number of attachments (per email) for the electronic submission?

A.45 There is no limit on the number of attachments (per email) for the electronic submission.

Please also refer to response No. 34 above.

Q.46 Can USAID please confirm the correct format for the cost application budget summary that is required at the concept note stage.

A.46 Please refer to Section D.5 B for details regarding the Initial Business (Cost) Application

Format.

Q.47 Section B, Part B.4, Page 22 - Substantial Involvement states: “Approval of Activity site locations and geographic targeting.” In addition to USAID involvement in determining specific locations during inception and implementation drawing on continuous learning and ensuring flexibility (Section A, Part B, Page 13 - Geographic Focus). Are there other specific circumstances under which an implementing partner would be required to obtain separate approval of activity site locations and geographic targeting?

A.47 No.

Q.48 Section F, Page 60 states: “Final Financial Report – In accordance with 2 CFR 200.343-

344, no later than 90 calendar days following the end of the agreement the Recipient must submit all final financial reports to the Agreement Officer and AOR.” In light of revisions to 2 CFR 200.344 in Nov. 2020, would USAID be amenable to a 120-day

Engagement Activity (IYEA) deadline for submission of all final reports?

A.48 Under 2 CFR 200.343:

(a) The recipient must submit, no later than 120 calendar days after the end date of the period of performance, all financial, performance, and other reports as required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. A subrecipient must submit to the pass-through entity, no later than 90 calendar days (or an earlier date as agreed upon by the pass-through entity and subrecipient) after the end date of the period of performance, all financial, performance, and other reports as required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may approve extensions when requested and justified by the non-Federal entity, as applicable.

USAID may be able to approve extensions beyond the 120-day calendar days stated above, however this will be negotiated with the ASA prior to award of the Cooperative Agreement.

Q.49 What percentage of Objective 3 LOE does USAID expect to address service provision so that youth have services available when youth gain greater knowledge and exercise agency in pursuing healthy behaviors?

A.49 Applicants may propose the proportion of LOE to address activities proposed.

Q.50 One of the results of objective #3 is “Increased female participation in household-level decision-making processes. Please clarify USAID’s expectation on female participation in health-related decisions within the household (decision regarding family health, family planning, or access to health services)?

A.50 The Applicant may describe its intended approach.

Q.51 Is there an expectation to provide a comprehensive response to GBV survivors or to develop referral pathways for youth to access the services like psycho-social support, mental health, and legal services?

A.51 The Applicant may describe its intended approach.

Q.52 Are costs related to the model Youth Service Corps expected to be linked to a certain objective, e.g., Objective 4: Contribution, or meant to be distributed across relevant

Engagement Activity (IYEA) objectives?

A.52 Costs may be distributed across objectives.

Q.53 It is noted that “Basic Education (BE) funds cannot be used to fund hard skills in vocational education (e.g., automotive repair).” Does this restriction also apply to activities proposed to meet Workforce Development, Program Element EG.6.4:

Technical/Vocational Training for Employment programming? Does the funding for the IYEA program come solely from Basic Education funds?

A.53 The education portion of the funding comes solely from Basic Education funds, but other funding sources will also be used for funding the IYEA activity.

Q.54 Does the restriction on construction only apply to new construction? Does it apply to improvements on and/or maintenance of existing facilities?

A.54 Restrictions apply to all types of infrastructure investments.

Q.55 Youth Services Corps - Does USAID have any specific guidelines or publications with more information on its Youth Service Corps model?

A.55 No. Applicants can propose innovative, contextually appropriate Youth Service Corps models.

Q.56 It is noted that the IYEA is expected to coordinate with relevant GRSS institutions or ministries. Given that the capacities of some GRSS institutions remains low, especially outside of Juba, is there any allowance for capacity-building of GRSS institution or ministry staff within this project as a means of engaging more effectively in or sustaining the proposed activities?

A.56 No capacity building of the GRSS is envisioned under this activity.

Q.57 What budget format would you like for the initial application? Do you want only completed SF-424 standard forms or SF-424 forms and budget by cost category in an excel worksheet with cover page (tab)?

Engagement Activity (IYEA)

A.57 Please see response to Question No. 25.

Q.58 Will the AO provide the AMEL format to be used prior to Phase 3, or should we use formats previously supplied by USAID for the draft IYEA AMEL to be submitted in Phase 3?

A.58 As set forth in Section F.3 B., the ASA must submit a draft AMEL in accordance with the terms set forth therein. USAID will confer with the ASA prior to submission of the Final Applicant regarding the format.

Q.59 Can USAID please confirm that only an “Initial Business (Cost) Application” (which includes sections: Cover Page; SF-424 Forms; UEI and SAM Requirements; and Conflict of Interest Pre-Award Term) is required for Phase 1?

A.59 Please refer to Section D.5 Phase 1 Initial Application Format & Content for information regarding submission requirements for Phase 1.

Q.60 Can USAID confirm whether size 10 font is acceptable for text boxes?

A.60 Please see response to Question No. 13.

Q.61 Given that many learning spaces have been destroyed or are in need of major rehabilitation in order to function, will USAID consider small scale construction to rehabilitate or construct temporary learning centers?

A.61 No construction is envisioned under this activity.

Q.62 In the first review phase (technical concepts), can USAID confirm that the only budget figures required are those needed to complete the SF424 family of forms, which would include the Life of Award totals for each budget category (Personnel, Benefits, Transportation, etc.), and estimated cash needs by Year? In other words, does the total requested need to be broken down by budget category, or only by year?

A.62 Only the budget figures to complete the SF425 family are required at Phase 1.

Engagement Activity (IYEA)

Q.63 Merit Review Criteria are presented as divided into the three evaluation phases, with

Factors 7, 8 and 9 appearing ONLY at the final proposal phase. Does this mean that management and staffing (Factor 8) and adaptive management (Factor 9) will not be assessed in the first two phases and do not need to be addressed fully in the Technical Concept?

A.63 As stated in Section E.3 A, the Evaluation Criteria for Phase 1 are:

Factor 1 - Technical Concept and Factor 2 - Institutional Capacity, which are of equal importance.

Please refer to Section D.5 A. (3) for details pertaining to the Technical Concept.

Evaluation factors 7,8, and 9 only apply to the evaluation conducted during Phase 3.

Q.64 Does USAID expect to receive nominations of key personnel with Technical Concepts?

A.64 As stated in the NOFO, specifically under Section D.7 Phase 3: Full Application Format and Content, A. Full Technical Application Format, (3) Management and Staffing Plan:

“The Applicant must also propose candidates that meet these specific qualifications for these Key Personnel positions.”

Therefore, named Key Personnel are required under Phase 3.

With regards to Phase One - Initial Application, potential applicants are expected to focus on institutional capacity, not to exceed four pages. It is up to the applicant to decide how to utilize the four page limitation.

With regards to Phase Two, Oral Presentation, USAID does not expect named key personnel positions in this phase.