Amendment No. 1_UMIND_Q&A_Responses_FINAL_12.23.24_Signed.pdf

Amendment Issuance Date: December 23, 2024

Closing Date and Time for Submission of Applications: January 15, 2025 3:00 p.m. Local Kyiv Time

Subject: Amendment No. 01 - Notice of Funding Opportunity No. 72012125RFA00002 Ukraine Mental Health Initiative for National Development Activity (U-MIND)

Prospective Applicants:

The purpose of Amendment No. 01 is to:

1. Provide answers to the questions received in response to the Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: 72012125RFA00002.

Thank you for your interest in USAID/Ukraine programming!

Cheers, Jessica R. Faber Agreement Officer

4 Igor Sikorsky Street, Kyiv 04112, Ukraine; Phone: +380 (44) 521 5000; Fax: 521-5245; http://ukraine.usaid.gov http://ukraine.usaid.gov/

Q&A Responses

U-MIND NOFO No. 72012125RFA00002

Q&A Responses, U-MIND NOFO No. 72012125RFA00002

NO. Question Response

1. Are projects expected to meet/address all four objectives as outlined in the NOFO (or might projects focused exclusively/primarily on one such objective also be eligible for submission)?

Yes, Applicants are expected to respond to all four objectives in the NOFO in order to achieve the activity’s goal (see page 7 of NOFO).

2. Are the following types of legal status eligible: (1) small Ukrainian NGO; (2) Ukrainian-registered small business; (3) small Ukrainian charity?

Yes, eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted to specific types of organizations, as long as the applicants are not individuals or government entities. Small Ukrainian NGOs, Ukrainian-registered small businesses, and small Ukrainian charities are eligible to apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Section B of the NOFO.

3. Given the small scale of the implementing partner organization, can further detail please be provided concerning how many/what type of administrative functions (e.g. professional accountancy services) may be outsourced rather than maintained ‘in-house’?

The NOFO allows flexibility for applicants to determine how to manage administrative functions. Outsourcing professional accountancy and other administrative services is permissible as long as the applicant provides adequate justification and demonstrates strong internal controls to ensure compliance with USAID regulations.

4. Could you direct us to where we can find more information about the terms of this program and the results to be achieved?

Applicants should propose a technical approach based on the information in the NOFO, their own research regarding mental health in Ukraine, and the Government of Ukraine’s expressed vision for mental health. Please consult the NOFO.

NO. Question Response

5. What measures to achieve this goal are acceptable?

The goal is to be achieved via the four objectives (NOFO Section C, #1). Applicants should propose a technical approach that describes how they will operationalize and evaluate the four objectives. See also page 24 “Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.”

6. Is there a prioritization of assistance to the most vulnerable?

U-MIND will balance between short-term needs and longer-term systems strengthening support. Please see NOFO page 13 for information on priority populations: “Applicants are encouraged to consider groups who have been most impacted by the war, including those in frontline communities. USAID expects Applicants to propose evidence-based analyses that guide priority population identification aligned with their proposed technical application.

Special consideration should be given to subpopulations who require MHPSS services to maximize their participation in employment or other productive activities.”

7. Can a comprehensive program be supported that would simultaneously address the basic livelihood needs of the population through employment as a source of this resource and a course of psychological support for these employed people, the employer and the host team?

Applicants are encouraged to submit concept notes that address goals and objectives as described in the NOFO. USAID expects proposed approaches to be consistent with a health systems strengthening approach, scalable, sustainable, and consistent with the GOU’s vision.

See the response to Question #34 in this document.

NO. Question Response

8. Do I understand correctly that since we are an international humanitarian organization that provides humanitarian assistance in Ukraine through Ukrainian representative office among other places, we fall under the exemption under 2 CFR 25.110 (c) and can be exempt from the requirements of registering with SAM.gov and obtaining a UEI?

No. There is no 2 CFR 25.110 (c) as 2 CFR was recently revised.

USAID/Ukraine plans to provide up to $50 million, subject to the availability of funding, to support U-MIND. The full exemption under 2 CFR 25.110(2)(i) applies to certain awards under $25,000. The partial exemption under 2 CFR 25.110(2)(iii) applies to certain awards less than $500,000.

9. What cost items cannot be included in the program?

Cost items such as construction, luxury goods, and expenses not aligned with the goals and objectives of the program are generally unallowable. Detailed information on allowable and unallowable costs is provided in ADS Chapter 303 Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental Organizations and 2 CFR 200 and 700.

10. Is the form of the concept note arbitrary or is there a form?

The concept note must follow the structure outlined in Section D of the NOFO, including the specific sections and formatting requirements.

11. What methods of mental health support are acceptable?

Applicants are encouraged to submit concept notes that address the goals and objectives as described in the NOFO. Applicants are expected to propose evidence-informed and culturally appropriate forms of mental health support (also see Objective 1 on NOFO pages 12-13).

12. Is cooperation in project implementation with an implementing partner acceptable for this program? What are the requirements for an implementing partner?

Cooperation with implementing partners is acceptable and encouraged. Applicants must outline the roles and responsibilities of implementing partners in their application and demonstrate the partner’s capacity and alignment with program objectives.

NO. Question Response

13. Since the construction in this program is not allowed, we would like to clarify whether the following cost items could be covered by this program:

1.Purchase and planting of plants (shrubs, flowers, grasses) 2.Installation of lighting on the territory and installation of the electrical network

3. Renovation of the pavilion to organize a space for conducting therapeutic classes in horticulture and psychotherapeutic group sessions

These activities might be allowable if they are directly linked to achieving program objectives and are justified as necessary for the project’s success. If they fall under program support costs, they would be subject to USAID approval.

14. Can USAID clarify what position(s) it anticipates identifying as Key Personnel for the second phase full application, or if it intends to ask applicants to propose positions to be named Key Personnel?

Applicants are encouraged to propose Key Personnel positions based on their technical approach and management structure.

15. Can USAID provide copies of the following documents/materials that were referenced in the solicitation and did not have functional links to access?

o Audit conducted by BarrierFree and CIVITTA NGOs, with the financial support of USAID Public Health System Recovery & Resilience activity o Focus group discussion with private sector stakeholders and USAID. US Embassy in Kyiv, April 19, 2024 o Concept of Transformation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support System in Ukraine (in Ukrainian), BarrierFree NGO, Center of Economic Revival, MOH, 2023 o Model of the System of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Ukraine - draft version for public discussion, 2023 o Groggel, Laura; Rudenko, Maryna; Cheney, Katie. 2022. USAID/Ukraine Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Analysis Report. Prepared by Ukraine Monitoring and Learning Support Contract (UMLS) EnCompass LLC.

o USAID's E&E Bureau Strategic Framework:

Engagement in Ukraine's Recovery & Reconstruction o An English translation of the Mental Health Action Plan for 2024 – 2026 o 2022 - 2032 Ukrainian Healthcare Systems Post-War Recovery Plan

Applicants should refer to publicly available information. Applicants are also encouraged to consult stakeholders and conduct their own research and analysis as part of their NOFO response.

o Audit conducted by BarrierFree is on the organization’s website: https://bbu.org.ua/en/ Link from website is:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ETaw3gmDPReoPQk4-qSTMJj c_oozpK3N/view o A document of focus group discussion is not publicly available.

o Concept of Transformation of Mental Health and Psychosocial

Support System in Ukraine, BarrierFree NGO, Center of Economic Revival, MOH, 2023 o Applicants are directed to the final version of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support System of Ukraine: Target Model 2.0 publicly available at:

https://howareu.com/materials/target-model-of-the-mhpss-sy stem o GESI o Joint Regional Strategy Department of State Bureau of

European and Eurasian Affairs and USAID Bureau of Europe and Eurasia o Applicants should refer to publicly available Mental Health Action Plan for 2024-2026:

https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/en/572-2024-%D1%80# Text o Ukrainian Healthcare Systems Post-War Recovery Plan:

https://www.kmu.gov.ua/storage/app/sites/1/recoveryrada/e ng/health-care-eng.pdf and https://moz.gov.ua/uploads/ckeditor/%D0%9D%D0%BE%D0% B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/21-07-2022-Draft-Ukraine%20H C%20System%20Recovery%20Plan-2022-2032_UKR.pdf https://bbu.org.ua/en/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ETaw3gmDPReoPQk4-qSTMJjc_oozpK3N/view https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ETaw3gmDPReoPQk4-qSTMJjc_oozpK3N/view https://howareu.com/storage/app/media/Posibnuki/TM_MHPSS_UKRAINE_ENGLISH%20VERSION_upd.pdf https://howareu.com/storage/app/media/Posibnuki/TM_MHPSS_UKRAINE_ENGLISH%20VERSION_upd.pdf https://howareu.com/storage/app/media/Posibnuki/TM_MHPSS_UKRAINE_ENGLISH%20VERSION_upd.pdf https://howareu.com/materials/target-model-of-the-mhpss-system https://howareu.com/materials/target-model-of-the-mhpss-system https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/JRS_EUR_15July2024_PUBLIC.pdf https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/JRS_EUR_15July2024_PUBLIC.pdf https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/JRS_EUR_15July2024_PUBLIC.pdf https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/en/572-2024-%D1%80#Text https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/en/572-2024-%D1%80#Text https://www.kmu.gov.ua/storage/app/sites/1/recoveryrada/eng/health-care-eng.pdf https://www.kmu.gov.ua/storage/app/sites/1/recoveryrada/eng/health-care-eng.pdf https://moz.gov.ua/uploads/ckeditor/%D0%9D%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/21-07-2022-Draft-Ukraine%20HC%20System%20Recovery%20Plan-2022-2032_UKR.pdf https://moz.gov.ua/uploads/ckeditor/%D0%9D%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/21-07-2022-Draft-Ukraine%20HC%20System%20Recovery%20Plan-2022-2032_UKR.pdf https://moz.gov.ua/uploads/ckeditor/%D0%9D%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/21-07-2022-Draft-Ukraine%20HC%20System%20Recovery%20Plan-2022-2032_UKR.pdf

NO. Question Response

16. Are there specific recommendations from USAID on ministerial stakeholders that should be consulted or included in the U-MIND Activity?

Applicants are expected to align with and further promote GOU strategy, legislation, and policies related to mental health. Applicants should provide a concise rationale regarding how their GOU engagement strategy supports its proposed technical approach. See also the response to Question #18 in this document.

17. Which evidence-based Mental Health interventions does USAID consider most relevant to the Ukrainian context?

Applicants should conduct their own analyses and provide their rationale within their technical approach regarding proposed mental health interventions. See also the response to Question #11 in this document.

18. While the Ministry of Health primarily oversees the overall healthcare system including mental health services, the Ministry of Social Policy focuses on developing standards and support systems for people with mental health conditions.

Will Applicants be expected to support the consolidation of these functions under one government body?

Applicants are expected to align with and further promote GOU strategy, legislation, and policies related to mental health. USAID recognizes that multiple ministries are involved due to the cross-cutting nature of mental health and that mental health reforms are ongoing. Applicants should propose a GOU engagement strategy that aligns with their technical approach as well as with current and anticipated reforms. See also the response to Question #11 in this document.

19. Has an analysis of the draft Mental Health Law been conducted by USAID contractors/awardees and if so, can this analysis be shared with potential Applicants?

No, a formal analysis of the draft Mental Health Law has not been conducted by USAID contractors/awardees. Applicants should refer to publicly available information.

20. May Applicants include an acronym list exclusive of the Concept Note page limits?

Yes. Applicants may include an acronym list, limited to one (1) page, as an addendum. The acronym list will not count against the seven (7) page concept paper limit.

NO. Question Response

21. Is it possible to obtain a copy of the EU accession self-assessment (pg 15 of NOFO) from the MOH?

Applicants should refer to publicly available information. Applicants are also encouraged to contact relevant stakeholders and otherwise conduct their own research and analysis as part of their NOFO response.

22. Can USAID confirm if they require an acronym list to be included in the Concept Note. If so, will this be included in the page count?

An acronym list is not required. However, Applicants may include an acronym list, limited to one (1) page, as an addendum. The acronym list will not count against the seven (7) page concept paper limit.

23. Please confirm the preferred format for the concept note – font and size.

The NOFO does not specify a preferred font or size for the concept note. However, USAID expects professional formatting. Applicants should focus on ensuring the document is clear, concise, and easy to read. USAID recommends the use of Calibri or another sans serif typeface.

24. Can USAID confirm the number of key personnel positions that will be required and the specific roles beyond the Chief of Party?

USAID expects the applicants to propose the number and roles of Key Personnel based on their technical approach. Further guidance may be provided during the Phase 2 application process.

25. Will USAID and those involved in making funding decisions about the Ukraine Mental Health Initiative for National Development (U-MIND) activity be open to applications from teams that have never submitted an application for funding from USAID before?

Yes, USAID welcomes applications from organizations that have not previously received USAID funding, as stated in Section B of the NOFO.

NO. Question Response

26. Is this NOFO a fully open application competition or has the NOFO either been developed by or written for current USAID partners or identified potential partners?

This NOFO is full and open competition, and applications are welcome from all eligible organizations as specified in Section B of the NOFO.

27. Can USAID please clarify the required font size and type, margins, and any other formatting guidelines for the concept note?

The NOFO does not specify a preferred font or size for the concept note. However, USAID expects professional formatting. Applicants should focus on ensuring the document is clear, concise, and easy to read. USAID recommends the use of Calibri or another sans serif typeface.

28. The concept note structure outlined in the NOFO is not clear. Can USAID please provide additional guidance on required sections and related elements, including suggested section length?

The concept note must address the three points in the NOFO:

describing the concept and its alignment with the program description, addressing merit review criteria, and succinctly summarizing organizational experience and capacity. Suggested section lengths are proportional to the emphasis each area receives in the merit review criteria.

29. Can USAID please clarify if it will accept Past Performance References where an organization was in a subcontractor role? For example, would it be acceptable if IMA World Health submits a PPR where we served as a subcontractor to a prime contractor?

Yes, past performance references where the applicant served as a subcontractor are acceptable. The applicant must demonstrate its specific contributions and relevance to the proposed program.

NO. Question Response

30. Can USAID please provide additional guidance on geographic scope and coverage that is expected to be covered by the project?

Please refer to page 11 of the NOFO which states, “U-MIND will be national in scope and be implemented at both national and sub-national (oblast, rayon, and community) levels. The Implementing Partner will collaborate with stakeholders to determine the geographic targeting throughout the life of the Activity. Applicants should consider the GOU’s evolving priorities and needs related to implementation of mental health reform and provision of MHPSS services, availability of state funding, and willingness of regions to support and contribute to lasting change in the MHPSS sector.”

At the current Phase 1/concept note stage, USAID is not specifying additional geographic criteria or factors beyond those already listed on page 11 of the NOFO. USAID expects an Applicant’s technical approach to provide a rationale for any additional criteria and/or geographic areas proposed. See also responses to Questions #36 and #44 in this document.

31. Does USAID expect a MEL plan in the concept note? If so, can USAID please provide guidance on the required information?

A full Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan is not required at the concept note stage. Applicants should include a brief discussion of their approach to MEL and how they will track progress and results aligned with program objectives.

32. Would USAID kindly specify the formatting requirements for the concept paper and full proposal related to font type and size, including for text boxes, tables, graphics and charts?

The NOFO does not specify a preferred font or size for the concept note. However, USAID expects professional formatting. Applicants should focus on ensuring the document is clear, concise, and easy to read. USAID recommends the use of Calibri or another sans serif typeface.

NO. Question Response

33. Would USAID consider allowing the inclusion of a one-page acronym list outside of the allocated

7-page limit for the concept paper?

Yes. Applicants may include an acronym list, limited to one (1) page, as an addendum. The acronym list will not count against the seven (7) page concept paper limit.

34. On page 4 USAID states, “U-MIND seeks to enhance resilience, social cohesion, and economic productivity, thus fostering sustainable economic development and growth in Ukraine...As U-MIND’s overarching goal is to contribute to the economic recovery of Ukraine through improved mental health and wellbeing, Applicants are encouraged to propose approaches that link to citizens’ improved engagement and/or productivity in the economy or education system.” Question: Is USAID explicitly seeking programs that integrate economic inclusion (EI) activities and objectives as a core component?

Applicants are encouraged to submit concept notes that address goals and objectives as described in the NOFO. USAID expects proposed approaches to be consistent with a health systems strengthening approach, scalable, sustainable, and consistent with the GOU’s vision.

See also the response to Question #7 in this document.

NO. Question Response

35. On page 11 under ‘Priorities.’ To what extent does the mentioned adaptability work in connection with project planning and progression? Will there be room for adjusting objectives, activities, indicators, etc.? Can we plan years 3-5 more generally and then adapt based on the situation in country and evolving needs?

USAID confirms that ‘adaptability’ as referenced on page 11 of the NOFO is related to project planning and implementation of anticipated activities. USAID recognizes the dynamic environment and encourages applicants to propose adaptive management strategies that accomplish the goals and objectives as stated in the NOFO.

36. On page 11, USAID states, “The Implementing

Partner will collaborate with stakeholders to determine the geographic targeting throughout the life of the Activity.” Are there specific criteria or factors USAID recommends considering when selecting target areas besides GOU’s evolving priorities and needs related to implementation of mental health, reform and provision of MHPSS services, availability of state funding, and willingness of regions to support and contribute to lasting change in the MHPSS sector?

At the current Phase 1/concept note stage, USAID is not specifying additional geographic criteria or factors beyond those already listed on page 11. USAID expects an Applicant’s technical approach to provide a rationale for additional criteria and/or geographic areas proposed. See also the response to Question #30 in this document.

NO. Question Response

37. While understanding that the geographic targets of this project will be shaped through collaboration with stakeholders, geography has an implication on budgeting. Can USAID provide any assumptions about how close this project might be expected to operate in relation to the front lines?

USAID appreciates that geography and proximity to frontline areas have budgeting implications. At the current Phase 1/concept note stage, USAID is not specifying additional geographic criteria or factors beyond those already listed on page 11 of the NOFO. See also responses to Question #30, related to geography, and Question #58 related to budgeting, in this document.

38. On page 13 under ‘Objective 1.’ Given the analysis in the NOFO, children and youth are among the most affected groups of the war, leading to, among other things, their participation in the job market being significantly delayed. Considering this, how much of Objective 1 should be focused on supporting children versus youth’s wellbeing and support structures compared to the rest of the population?

USAID expects applications to include clear, concise rationale for selection of target groups, approaches, and linkages to economic outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to contact relevant stakeholders and otherwise conduct their own research and analysis as part of their NOFO response. USAID expects U-MIND to achieve measurable outcomes related to all objectives within the 5-year activity period.

NO. Question Response

39. On page 25, under ‘Private Sector Engagement.’

How does USAID see the private sector contributing to sustainability? Are there specific industries or roles (e.g., technology, health insurance, employment) that USAID wants to see included? Is USAID expecting a market analysis of the sectors with the highest demand to include in the development of the required soft skills and incorporate them into the training content?

USAID does not expect a market analysis of employment demands.

Applicants are encouraged to contact relevant stakeholders and otherwise conduct their own research and analysis as part of their NOFO response.

USAID does expect clear strategies that link MHPSS with economic outcomes, and USAID invites innovative approaches for private sector engagement to achieve U-MIND’s overarching goal. Please also see NOFO page 13: “Innovative collaborations with private sector stakeholders are especially encouraged to understand labor force wellbeing needs, decrease stigma, increase access to MHPSS services in the workplace and/or in the community, and enhance productivity.”

U-MIND’s overarching goal is to strengthen the mental health ecosystem of Ukraine.

40. On page 29, the concept paper instructions require applicants to: 1. Describe the concept and how it relates to the program description and the potential to have a significant impact; 2. address the merit review criteria; and 3. Provide succinct information on the organization’s experience and capacity to deliver results. Related to this, would

USAID please clarify what applicants should provide under #3 given that “Institutional Capacity and Capability” is also covered under Criterion 2 of the merit review criteria (#2 in the instructions).

Applicants should succinctly describe their organization’s relevant experience, highlighting examples that demonstrate their ability to implement similar activities. This complements the detailed discussion of capacity under Criterion 2.

NO. Question Response

41. On page 43 under ‘Merit Review Criteria,’ the

NOFO lists the Merit Review Criterion in

‘descending order or importance.’ Can USAID provide specific weights or will the percent of the score be dedicated to the different criterion?

The NOFO does not provide specific weights but lists the criteria in descending order of importance. Applicants should prioritize their responses accordingly.

42. Will USAID consider allowing applicants an additional page for the Past Performance

Information annex? Additionally, would USAID please clarify whether prime applicants can include Past Performance Information for proposed sub recipients in the annex?

The page limit for the Past Performance Information annex remains two (2) pages. However, prime applicants may include information about subawardees’ past performance as part of this annex.

43. Under Objective 4, USAID states applicants should “Contribute to the evidence base regarding effective mental health interventions and implementation approaches in Ukraine.” To what extent should the research element be prioritized or integrated into the proposed activities?

Applicants have discretion whether and to what extent Objective 4 is integrated into other proposed activities. Technical approaches should provide a concise rationale for the selected strategy and how it will achieve Objective 4 and contribute to U-MIND’s overarching goal.

NO. Question Response

44. Section C.2, Priorities, page 11, states, “U-MIND will be national in scope and be implemented at both national and sub-national (oblast, rayon, and community) levels”. Could USAID clarify whether there are specific oblasts they intend to prioritize for implementation?

At the current Phase 1/concept note stage, USAID is not specifying additional geographic criteria or factors beyond those already listed on NOFO page 11. USAID expects an Applicant’s technical approach to provide a rationale for additional criteria and/or geographic areas proposed. See also responses to Questions #30 and #36 in this document.

45 Section D2.4, Phase 1 – Concept Paper Format, page 30, states, “Applicants must provide the following budget categories: i. Personnel, ii. Fringe Benefits, iii. Travel, iv. Equipment, v. Supplies, vi.

Contractual, vii. Other, viii. Indirect Charges”. Could USAID clarify whether applicants may include additional budget categories (e.g., "Consultants" and "Trainings, Activities, and Workshops")? If they should be incorporated into one of the specified categories, could USAID indicate which category is most appropriate?

Applicants may propose additional budget categories, such as "Consultants" or "Trainings," if justified. These categories can be included under broader headings like "Contractual" or "Other."

NO. Question Response

46 Section D2.4, Phase 1 – Concept Paper Format, page 30, states, “A short budget narrative justification explaining line items and calculation rationale”. Could USAID please clarify if it is acceptable to just include the justification and/or assumptions for each budget line item, or if it is required to also provide calculation information?

Could USAID also clarify if it is acceptable to provide this justification and rationale as a column within the budget table?

Yes, it is acceptable for applicants to include the justification and/or assumptions for each budget line item. Calculation information is not required. Yes, it is acceptable to include the justification and rationale as a column within the budget table.

47 Section D.2, Phase 1 Concept Paper Format, page 30, states, “As part of the concept paper submission, organizations are directed to include past performance information and attach it as an addendum”. Could USAID please clarify whether the addendum must be submitted as a separate email attachment or if it can be incorporated within the technical application document?

The past performance addendum can be incorporated within the technical application document.

NO. Question Response

48 Section D.3c, History of Performance, page 34, states, “The applicant must provide information regarding its recent history of performance for all its cost-reimbursement or fixed price contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements, including any fixed amount awards involving similar or related programs, not to exceed three years...”. Could USAID confirm that this requirement is limited to only relevant projects and clarify whether there is a maximum number of projects that should be included?

USAID confirms this requirement is focused on relevant projects, with the Applicant selecting what they determine to be the most relevant project to include in the History of Performance. Please see Section D.3c, History of Performance on page 34 of the NOFO.

49 Section F.2a(2), Criterion 2 – Institutional Capacity and Capability, page 43, states, “The extent to which the Applicant (and its partners) convincingly demonstrates...” Could USAID confirm if Prime organizations can include partners' capabilities and past performance information in Addendum 1:

Past Performance Data?

Yes, prime organizations can include their partners’ capabilities and past performance in Addendum 1, provided they demonstrate relevance to the proposed activity.

50 The Government of Ukraine is committed to establish a total of 200 mental health centers.

With 23 out of the 200 mental health centers already operational across eight regions, does USAID envision supporting the establishment of the remaining centers under the U-MIND Activity?

Applicants are encouraged to propose a technical approach that meets U-MIND’s goals via the four objectives as stated in the NOFO.

51 Could USAID please share its latest FSN salary scale for USAID/Ukraine?

The FSN salary scale for USAID/Ukraine is not shared outside the Mission.

NO. Question Response

52 Could USAID please provide an estimated timeframe after submission of the phase 1 concept note for applicants to be informed about progressing to phase 2?

The estimated timeframe for notification of selection/non-selection for Phase 2 progression after submission of the phase 1 concept note is approximately 30 days. The exact timeline will depend on the review process.

53 Could USAID please clarify if applicants can use 12-point Calibri font throughout the application?

Would USAID allow applicants to use 10-point Calibri font for text boxes, tables, and graphics?

The NOFO does not specify a preferred font or size for the concept note. However, USAID expects professional formatting. Applicants should focus on ensuring the document is clear, concise, and easy to read. USAID recommends the use of Calibri or another sans serif typeface.

54 The development of a comprehensive mental health ecosystem involves numerous complex factors. To ensure applicants have sufficient space to present a robust and detailed technical approach that addresses these complexities, would USAID consider extending the page limit for the technical application to 10 pages? This extension, which includes a proposed two-page addendum, would allow applicants to provide greater depth and clarity in outlining their strategies, methodologies, and innovative solutions to meet U-MIND's objectives effectively. Could USAID confirm whether applicants may include a cover letter, acronym list, and table of contents in their submission, in addition to the cover page, without these elements counting toward the 7-page limit for the technical application?

USAID does not intend to extend the seven page concept paper page limit. A one page acronym list and a one page table of contents may be included and will not count toward the page limit. Additionally, a one page cover letter is permitted in Section D.2 of the NOFO.

NO. Question Response

55 What are the criteria for "brief psychological interventions," and how do they differ from psychotherapy?

Applicants are encouraged to refer to international research and best practice as well as evidence, practice, and policy specific to Ukraine.

56 While USAID references various groups, could you clarify which specific groups should be prioritized in the proposals?

Applicants are encouraged to propose priority groups according to their own research and analysis. See also the response to Question #6 of this document, as well as page 13 of the NOFO: “Applicants are encouraged to consider groups who have been most impacted by the war, including those in frontline communities. USAID expects Applicants to propose evidence-based analyses that guide priority population identification aligned with their proposed technical application. Special consideration should be given to subpopulations who require MHPSS services to maximize their participation in employment or other productive activities.”

57 USAID aims to establish a comprehensive, evidence-informed, and inclusive mental health system. Should proposals include services and treatments for both common mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress-related conditions, traumatic responses, and substance use) and severe conditions (e.g., chronic schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, severe depression, and other debilitating conditions)?

Concept notes are expected to address the four U-MIND objectives with a technical approach that balances between short-term needs and long-term systems strengthening and contributes to the economic recovery of Ukraine through improved mental health and wellbeing (see NOFO page 11). Applicants have discretion to propose an intervention mix that accomplishes the above, and they should provide a concise rationale as part of their concept note.

58 How significantly can budget line items vary between the concept paper (phase 1) and the full proposal (phase 2)? Must the line items remain consistent across these phases?

Budget line items may vary between phases as the technical approach is refined. However, significant changes should be justified in the full application.

NO. Question Response

59 What are the required font size and font for the concept paper? Is there separate guidance regarding font size and font for tables and figures?

The NOFO does not specify a preferred font or size for the concept note. However, USAID expects professional formatting. Applicants should focus on ensuring the document is clear, concise, and easy to read. USAID recommends the use of Calibri or another sans serif typeface.

60 What are the required page margins for the concept paper?

USAID expects professional formatting. Applicants should focus on ensuring the document is clear, concise, and easy to read.

61 Under Section F.2.a on page 43, USAID states that “The extent to which the Applicant’s technical concept demonstrates how the proposed implementation approaches and implementation considerations, as described in section A, will be integrated in a coherent technical approach that can feasibly and effectively achieve expected results within the current context in Ukraine.” Can USAID clarify if the reference should be to Section C, starting on page 7?

Yes, the reference should be to Section C, starting on page 7.

62 Under Section F.2.c on page 44, USAID states that “Address the mandatory cross-cutting considerations set forth in Section A.” Can USAID clarify if the reference should be to Section C, starting on page 7?

Yes, the reference should be to Section C, starting on page 7 of the

NOFO.

NO. Question Response

63 Page 30 specifies that, for the Past Performance annex, “This addendum does not count towards the 7 page concept paper limit; however, this addendum is limited to 2 pages, with up to five (5) recently completed (within the past three years) or active projects similar in scope to the solution your organization is proposing.” Would USAID consider allowing applicants to submit information about more than five recently completed or active projects and allow information about subrecipients’ projects to be included in the past performance annex?

The NOFO limits the annex to five projects. Applicants must prioritize the most relevant examples. Subrecipient projects may also be included within this limit.

64 Скажіть, будь ласка, чи можна в цю грантову заявку подати підтримку вже існуючого простору психосоціальної реабілітації дітей?

Або ж розширення діяльності Центру життєстійкості, який надає психосоцальні послуги для всіх мешканців Житомира? - ENG version:

Could you please let me know if it is possible to submit support for an existing psychosocial rehabilitation space for children in this grant application? Or is it possible to expand the activities of the Resilience Center, which provides psychosocial services for all residents of Zhytomyr?

Applicants are expected to propose a technical approach that achieves U-MIND’s overall goals via all four objectives. See also the response to Question #1 in this document.

NO. Question Response

65 І ще одне питання, чи є гранична сума по фінансуванню на 1 проєкт? - ENG version:

One more question: is there a maximum funding amount for a single project?

USAID anticipates awarding one Cooperative Agreement for U-MIND, up to the anticipated ceiling of $50 million subject to funding availability and discretion of the Agency.