Amendment1-72068823APS00001 Mali YouthPower2 Addendum to 7200AA20APS00007.pdf

July 21, 2023

Subject: Annual Program Statement Number (APS) No.: 7200AA20APS00007 Addendum Amendment 1

Program Title: USAID/Mali Shifin ni Tagne Activity Addendum to YouthPower 2 Annual Program Statement

Dear Prospective Applicants:

This amendment modifies the Addendum 72068823APS00001 to:

a) provide answers to questions raised by potential applicants by the deadline for general consideration of interested parties.

b) revise Section D.III-APPLICATION PROCESS, to read: “The application process for USAID/Mali

Shifin ni Tagne Activity Addendum will happen in four phases:

1. An open call for a brief (5-page) Concept Note and Budget

2. Review of Concept Notes and Budget by USAID as outlined below.

3. In-person and/or virtual co-creation discussions and/or workshop(s) with selected

Concept Note(s), by invitation only: and

4. Submission and review of Full Application(s), by invitation only.”

Except for the specific changes transmitted through this Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Addendum as published remain unchanged.

Sincerely, Aaron Ruble Agreement Officer

Attachments: 1. Responses to Questions

2. Concept Note Template

3. Budget Template

USAID/Mali Shifin ni Tagne Activity- Addendum 72068823APS00001 to YP 2 APS– Amendment 1

Attachment 1: Responses to Questions

Technical:

1. a) The proposed results framework on page 14 of the NOFO reference age 15-19 as the target population, however, throughout the document the age range of 15-29 is referenced, can USAID kindly clarify whether the focused population age range for the project is 15-19 or 15-29?

b) Proposed Results Framework Page 14: Can USAID please confirm if the ages for youth in the proposed results framework should be 15-29?

Response: USAID confirms that, under Proposed Results Framework, the purpose is to “enable vulnerable and marginalized 15–29-year-old Malian youth to become educated, healthy, and productive citizens while building their resilience to recurrent crises.” The Addendum is modified to reflect this change.

2. On page 6 under the introduction of section A, “at the end of the five-year, USAID/Mali expects that (1), Youth will have improved their literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills. Can USAID define what it means by “social-emotional skills'' and provide illustrative indicators that align with social-emotional skills?

Response: Applicants should conduct the necessary research and present the approach based on their understanding of the Addendum requirements.

3. The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization recently revised the regions within Segou, Mopti and the district of Bamako which includes new locations.

On page 14, under geographic priority, are the selected regions (Segou and Mopti, and the district of Bamako) based on the old administrative division or the more recent re-distribution?

Response: No. The selected regions of Bamako, Mopti, and Segou should be based on the most recent administrative division.

4. This opportunity may provide an avenue for the provision of alternative education. Is it mandatory to only choose alternative education systems that are currently recognized by the Mali Ministry of Education (MoE) or could we suggest other modalities, if relevant, based on our experience and analysis? Would USAID allow an action-research or pilot approach for alternative education that has not yet been proven by evidence?

Response: No. The basic education system should be recognized by the Mali Ministry of National Education. Applicants should conduct the necessary research and present the approach.

5. a) Can USAID kindly provide access to the “Qui fait Quoi?” tool developed by the USAID Education Bureau? We are unable to locate the information.

b) On page 20 of the APS, it states: “Coordination and Collaboration with other Development Partners and Stakeholders: USAID/Mali’s Education Office developed an activity mapping tool entitled “Qui fait Quoi?” (Who is doing what?) in 2021…”. Could USAID provide a hyperlink or an online source that provides more information on “Qui fait Quoi?” and its key findings?

Response: No. The “Qui fait Quoi” is an internal document and access will not be provided.

6. a) On page 22 of the NOFO it is mentioned "Key personnel as designated in the Section “Key Personnel” must be submitted in writing" However, there is no 'Key Personnel' section found in the NOFO. Can USAID kindly share information on the expected qualifications for the key personnel?

b) On page 22 of the APS, it is stated that “Key personnel as designated in the Section “Key Personnel” must be submitted in writing to the Agreement Officer’s Representative for approval. “Does this mean that key personnel identifications and recruitment will happen after awarding (during project implementation)? If not, at what stage of the application will the prime applicant be expected to submit resumes of key personnel?

Response: The information provided under Section B.III. b on page 22 of the Addendum are applicable only if a concept note moves forward to application and award stage. As stated in Section B, Federal Award Information, of the Addendum, key personnel are not required for this concept note stage.

7. Page 17 of NOFO Expected Results (Objective 1): Media literacy and “inoculation, fact-checking, debunking mis/disinformation” are different approaches to countering mis/disinformation. Could USAID confirm that USAID does not have a preference, that Implementing Partners can choose the best, evidence-based approach to countering mis/disinformation.

Response: USAID confirms that it does not have a preference, that Implementing Partners should choose the best, evidence-based approach to countering mis/disinformation.

8. Page 14 of NOFO, Proposed Results Framework: Could USAID confirm that age range referenced in the Results Framework “15-19-year-old” is a typo and that the age range of 15-29-year-old referenced elsewhere (for example, at page 13 under section III – Purpose) is correct?

Response: Yes, this is a typo, and the Addendum is modified to read: “the purpose is to enable vulnerable and marginalized 15–29-year-old Malian youth to become educated, healthy, and productive citizens while building their resilience to recurrent crises.”

9. a) Page 14 of NOFO, under Objective 3 and Page 18: Under the Proposed Results Framework (page 14) it states, “To provide youth with the relevant workforce readiness, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills to succeed as market actors in the agriculture and livestock value chains, vocational trades, and sanitation and green jobs in their communities". Under the description under "Objective 3" (page 18) "To provide youth with the relevant workforce readiness, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills to succeed as market actors in the agriculture and livestock value chains, vocational trades, and green jobs in their communities." Could USAID confirm that “sanitation” is not one of the market sectors this opportunity is focusing on?

b) Objective 3 of the Results Framework on p. 14 mentions preparation for jobs in sanitation. This is the only version of Objective 3 in the document that mentions sanitation and differs from the descriptions of Objective 3 on pp. 6 and 18. Can USAID kindly confirm if the activity is meant to focus on preparing youth for jobs in sanitation?

Response: Objective 3 of this Addendum includes sanitation. The Addendum is modified to read: “Objective 3: to provide youth with the relevant workforce readiness, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills to succeed as market actors in the agriculture and livestock value chains, vocational trades, and sanitation and green jobs in their communities.”

10. a) Page 27 of NOFO, regarding Concept Note submission, NOFO mentions that: PDF saved copy of the document to bamakoaao@usaid.gov with the file name saved as:

“Insert File Name.” Request you to kindly confirm the File name which we should use for submitting the Concept Note.

b) Addendum - III. Application Process - Pg 27: The Addendum states "Respondents are asked to download the template from grants.gov in Word format, provide their responses in that document, and email a PDF saved copy of the document to bamakoaao@usaid.gov with the file name saved as: “Insert File Name.”" Can USAID please confirm what the submission file should be named?

c) D.III Page 26: Could USAID please clarify the file name which should be used for final submission?

d) Pages 26-27 of the NOFO read: “Respondents are asked to download the template from grants.gov in Word format, provide their responses in that document, and email a PDF save copy of the document to bamakoaao@usaid.gov with the file name saved as:

“Insert File Name”. Can USAID kindly specify the name to use for the PDF concept note file?

e) Will USAID please clarify if the documents should be named “Insert File Name”? See the following from page 27: “... and email a PDF saved copy of the document to bamakoaao@usaid.gov with the file name saved as: “Insert File Name.”” Or “Name of Addendum_ [respondent’s institution]” as indicated in Attachment A of the Youth Power

2 APS - 7200AA20APS00007?

d) Section D.III. pgs. 26-27. USAID states of concept note submission, “...email a PDF saved copy of the document to bamakoaao@usaid.gov with the file name saved as:

‘Insert File Name.’” Can USAID confirm the file name respondents should use?

mailto:bamakoaao@usaid.gov

Response: Applicants can use the following sample for the file name: “YouthPower2 Annual Program Statement (YP2 APS) 72068823APS00001 Mali YouthPower2 Concept Note_with the Applicant name.”

11. Could USAID please clarify any parameters regarding which communes’ applicants should plan to work within Bamako, Segou, and Mopti?

Response: Applicants should plan to work within the selected regions of Bamako, Mopti, and Segou and the selection of communes within the targeted regions should be based on the most recent administrative division.

12. Section E.I. (page 29) of the Mali Addendum APS notes that review of the Concept Note submissions “will result in one of two outcomes”; however, three outcomes are listed.

Could USAID please confirm all three outcomes are relevant?

Response: USAID confirms that all three outcomes are relevant. The Addendum is modified to read: “The initial review and communication will result in three outcomes”

13. Section E.III. Sustainability sub-section (page 32) of the Mali Addendum APS notes that “A phased exit plan should be forecasted”. Could USAID please confirm whether this plan is required at concept stage and, if so, whether this would be outside the 5-page limit?

Response: The actual detailed phased exit plan is not required at the Concept stage and is not part of the 5-page limit.

14. Pg 6: The first paragraph under I. Introduction states that the target age range for the activity is 15–29-year-old youth. Then on pg. 14 under Proposed Results Framework in the purpose field it states that 15–19-year-old youth are the target. Can USAID confirm that 15–29-year-old youth are the target age group for this activity?

Response: USAID confirms that, under Proposed Results Framework, the purpose is to “enable vulnerable and marginalized 15–29-year-old Malian youth to become educated, healthy, and productive citizens while building their resilience to recurrent crises.” The Addendum is modified to reflect this change.

15. Addendum Header. pg. 1. Deadlines are listed as 5:00 pm Local Time. Could USAID kindly confirm that “local time” refers to Bamako time?

Response: USAID confirms that application submission deadline is 5:00 pm Bamako, Mali local time.

16. Section A.III. pg. 13. USAID states, “The applicant should propose the Theory of Change linked to the Results Framework for the USAID/Mali Shifin ni Tagne Activity.” Can USAID confirm the TOC should be provided as an if-then statement? In addition, can the TOC be included as an annex that does not count against the 5-page limit?

Response: USAID confirms the Theory of Change (TOC) should be as an if-then statement. The TOC should not be included as an annex.

17. Section D.III. pg. 26. In the addendum, USAID only mentions a budget during the co-creation phase stating, “The aim of the co-creation phase is to further define activity objectives, design interventions, align timelines, and finalize budgets.” Can USAID confirm that a budget is not required at concept note phase? If a budget is required, can USAID confirm the excel budget template provided with the YouthPower 2 APS and supplemental 1-page narrative in the concept note template is all that is required?

Response: A short budget is required at the concept stage and applicants should use the attached template.

18. a) Can USAD clarify if a specific amount is required for a grant’s component?

b) Can USAID kindly share the estimated LOE/budget allocation per Objective Area?

Response: The amount required for a grant’s component is described below:

a. Objective 1: $16,500,000

b. Objective 2: $7,500,000

c. Objective 3: $1,000,000

The Addendum is modified to reflect this change.

19. I.2 and Objective 2 references Page 6: Could USAID please clarify and define what “healthy behavior’ is meant to include?

Response: Applicants should conduct the necessary research and present the approach based on their understanding of the Addendum requirements.

20. Purpose of Proposed Results Framework Page 14, and all overall purpose statements:

What does “productive” mean in the context of this call? Is the intention for youth to be productive in civic engagement (i.e., active and engaged citizens), and/or productive in the labor market?

Response: Applicants should present their approach based on their understanding of the Addendum requirements.

21. Objective 1 Expected Results Page 17: What does “community engagement” mean in the context of this call? Is it more related to engagement with local authorities/service providers, awareness raising, or a combination of those?

Response: Applicants should conduct the necessary research and present the approach based on their understanding of the Addendum requirements.

22. VI. Partnership with the Government of Mali Page 20: Could USAID share the National Policy for Vocational Training 2009 document referenced in the solicitation?

Response: The applicant should conduct the necessary research and present their approach.

23. On page 14 (Geographic priority) that “The activity will focus where other technical sectors are currently implementing activities: Bamako, Mopti, and Segou”. We would like to know if it is possible to add and target also northern regions (Gao, Menaka, and Kidal).

Response: No, the northern regions are not a geographic focus of this Activity. The geographic areas are: Bamako, Mopti, and Segou.

24. Can USAID kindly confirm that “Shifin ni Tagne” stands for “Youth Make Progress” (Sifin ni Taa ɲɛ)?

Response: Shifin ni Tagne means Youth and Development.

25. Figures from the Population Pyramid on page 8 of the NOFO are very different from figures from the narrative on the top of page 8. According to the pyramid, the total number of youth aged 15-29 is 5.6 million compared to the 3.9 million youth in the same age category referenced from the ONEF document. According to the pyramid, 49% of youth are female as opposed to 58% referenced in the ONEF source.

o Could USAID kindly provide specific references to ONEF data/reports?

o Which figure for the number of youth does USAID recommend using to establish targets and strategies?

Response:

o ONEF reports from 2020 and past years are online at:

https://onef.ml/publication/rapport-national-sur-lemploi/ o The ONEF figures presented in the Addendum can be used.

26. a) Pages 24-25 of the NOFO state the requirement to partner with at least “one youth organization”. Can USAID kindly clarify whether this should be a youth-led organization or a youth-serving organization or either?

b) The YouthPower APS mentions an NPI eligibility requirement for partners. However, the Shifin ni Tagne Activity Addendum does not mention such an eligibility requirement for partners. Could USAID kindly clarify whether Shifin ni Tagne Activity places any restrictions on partners and provide more guidance?

Response: All applications must include at least one local youth organization based in Mali equipped with being able to partner with the prime applicant and achieve the results listed in the Addendum. The prime applicant is expected to build the capacity of the local youth organization in order for that organization to independently manage USAID awards in the future.

https://onef.ml/publication/rapport-national-sur-lemploi/

27. a) The overall YouthPower APS includes a generic budget template. However, the Shifin ni Tagne NOFO makes no mention of a budget. Could USAID kindly clarify whether a budget is required at the Concept Note stage and if, so, provide the appropriate budget template?

b) Page 27 of the APS states that “The aim of the co-creation phase is to further define activity objectives, design interventions, align timelines, and finalize budgets.” Would USAID kindly confirm if budget information will be required at the concept stage, and if so, are we expected to use Budget Template – Attachment B” provided under the YouthPower2 APS No. 7200AA20APS00007?

Response: USAID confirms that a notional budget is required at the Concept Note stage.

The Addendum is modified to reflect this change. Please see the attached Budget Template which should be submitted with the Concept Note.

28. Will USAID require the identification of all sub partners at the concept stage?

Response: Yes, USAID requires the identification of all sub partners at the concept stage.

29. Can USAID please provide more information around the wording of objective 2 regarding the explicit call out of adolescent girls and young women with disabilities? Specifically, is “adolescent girls and young women with disabilities” a reference to issues connected to survivors of female genital mutilation or is it a reference to all types of disabilities (physical, sensory-related, intellectual, and mental health-related)?

Response: USAID confirms that it is a reference to all types of disabilities.

30. Can USAID clarify whether an organization could submit a concept note as a prime member of a consortium and a subaward member of a separate consortium?

Response: Applicants must follow the eligibility information as outlined in Section C.

31. Given the current political and security context of Mali, and the anticipated departure of MINUSMA, is there an expectation that applications include strong components of conflict prevention & management and/or crisis modifiers?

Response: Applicants should present their approach taking into account any ongoing situation on ground in Mali.

32. Objective 3 focuses heavily on labor supply readiness (i.e., skills). Is labor market demand (i.e., working with businesses that can absorb young people into employment) also a focus?

Response: Applicants should present their approach responding to the requirements under Objective 3.

33. Will USAID be able to be flexible with some of the administrative expectations/requirements of USAID sub-awardees to ensure that the best local youth-led and youth-serving partner organizations can be selected?

Response: USAID needs to receive at least a concept note before making the decision of flexibility.

34. USAID states on p. 15, “For youth who have experienced conflict-affected trauma, “positive youth development services, opportunities, and support are essential in counteracting the effects of trauma to promote healthy brain and social development in adolescence.” Considering “trauma” is often diagnosed through clinical evaluation, is USAID requesting mental health services strengthening? And/Or is USAID supportive of integrated, community-based approaches to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support that align with USAID’s Integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support into Youth Programming: A Toolkit?

Response: Applicants should present their approach based on their understanding of the requirements of the Addendum.

35. Considering the data presented on p. 11 Section C:

a. “...16.1 percent of females marry before age 15…”,

b. “39 percent of adolescents are already sexually active, and 30 percent have had at least one child…”, and

c. “49 percent of married women reporting having experienced sexual or physical violence by their spouse”, Will USAID consider activities targeting adolescents between 10-14 years old to advance and increase the impact of Objective 2?

Response: No. USAID will not consider activities targeting adolescents between 10-14 years old to advance and increase the impact of Objective 2.

36. Does USAID have more specific guidance around targeting within the three target regions?

Response: Applicants should conduct the necessary research and present their approach.

37. Can USAID/Mali share key findings and challenges of previous disinformation activities it has supported?

Response: Applicants should conduct the necessary research and present their approach.

Cost:

1. Section C, Eligibility Information, Page 24, Part II, Cost Sharing or Matching: Would USAID consider allowing applicants to propose leveraged contributions in lieu of cost share, to encourage financial commitments from a broader pool of contributors and incentivize buy-in and sustainability? As cost share is auditable, applicant partners are often unable to provide the documentation required to meet cost share standards per 2 CFR 200.306 despite providing legitimate contributions that would otherwise be acceptable as leverage. Using leverage will allow for a more flexible collection of contributions from a broader pool of contributors.

Response: No. USAID does not consider allowing applicants to propose leveraged contributions in lieu of cost share.

2. Concept Note Template - Section III Supporting Information: The template states that if requested by the Addendum, applicants should submit a “Proposed Estimated Cost and Cost Breakdown” and “Contact Information for Proposed Partners” as attachments to the Concept Note. The Addendum does not mention either item. Can USAID please confirm what supporting information needs to be submitted with the Concept Note?

Response: As mentioned in the Concept Note template, Applicants should submit the following: a) Proposed Estimated Cost and Cost Breakdown; and b) Contact Information for Proposed Partners.

3. Could USAID please confirm that Addendum Applicants should include the 1-page Proposed Estimated Cost and Cost Breakdown attachment referenced in Section III of the YP2 APS Concept Note Template?

o If required, could USAID please confirm whether the summary budget and budget narrative should be submitted in Excel format?

o If required, could USAID please confirm that offerors can modify/add columns to the budget summary and narrative for presentation of cost share?

Response: Yes.

● Budget must be submitted in Excel format and the budget narrative in Word format. A budget template is provided with this Amendment.

● Applicants can add columns or a row for presentation of cost share.

4. Could USAID please confirm if it is required to submit a Proposed Estimated Cost and Cost Breakdown, Section III.A in Attachment A? If this information should not be provided, can USAID kindly indicate if a demonstration of cost share at the concept note stage is necessary.

Response: Yes, USAID confirms that it is required to submit a Proposed Estimated Cost and Cost Breakdown, Section III.A in Attachment. Cost share information should also be included at the concept stage.

Others

1. We would like to know more about the Shifin ni Tagne grant in relation to sending the concept note by what means?

Response: All needed information can be found in the Shifin ni Tagne Addendum and the Youth Power 2 APS available on www.grants.gov. The concept note shall be sent to bamakoaao@usaid.gov in PDF form.

2. Are United Nations agencies eligible to submit a concept note for the USAID/Mali Shifin ni Tagne?

Response: Applicants should read the instructions provided under Section C.(I).

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION.

3. What is the application process?

Response: The application process is well detailed in Section D of the Addendum.

4. Could you please send me the complete Shifin ni Tagne addendum document?

Response: The complete Addendum is available on www.grants.gov.

5. Once the form is completed, where should it be sent?

Response: The form should be sent to bamakoaao@usaid.gov in PDF form.

6. On page 22 of the NOFO, it states: “The estimated start date will be determined at the time of the award. "Could USAID clarify what the estimated awarding date for this Activity is?

Response: The process is still at the concept note phase. USAID will provide clarification at the appropriate time.

7. Could USAID please confirm that Addendum Applicants should include the 2-page Contact Information for Proposed Partners attachment referenced in Section III of the YP2 APS Concept Note Template?

Response: Yes, Applicants should include the 2- page Contact Information for Proposed Partners attachment referenced in Section III of the YP2 APS Concept Note Template.

http://www.grants.gov mailto:bamakoaao@usaid.gov http://www.grants.gov mailto:bamakoaao@usaid.gov

8. Could applicants attach Letters of Support or Commitment from partner organizations or key stakeholders?

Response: Yes, Applicants can attach Letters of Support or Commitment from partner organizations or key stakeholders.

9. a) On page 27 of the NOFO, it states: “Concept notes must be five (5) pages or less, with 12-point Times New Roman font and one-inch margins on the electronic equivalent of

8.5 x 11- inch paper.” Could USAID clarify if tables and footnotes could be 10-point font?

Could USAID also clarify if words in graphics could be less than 12-point font?

b) Section D.III. pg. 27. USAID states, “Concept notes must be five (5) pages or less, with 12-point Times New Roman font.” Can USAID confirm graphics, tables, and text boxes may use less than 12-point font and font other than Times New Roman?

Response: Yes, tables, footnotes and graphics could be 10-point Times New Roman font.

10. a) Could USAID confirm if the 5-page limit of the concept note includes or excludes the cover page? Could USAID confirm the information to be included in the cover page?

b) Will USAID kindly confirm that the cover page is not included in the 5-page limitation for the Concept Note submission as indicated in Attachment A, Section I?

Response: The 5-page limit of the concept note is exclusive of cover page, table of contents, acronym list, and annexes.

11. Will USAID please clarify if Attachment A, mentioned on page 26: “All concept notes must be prepared and submitted in English using the provided template (see Attachment A) on www.grants.gov.” is the same as that uploaded under the Youth Power 2 APS - 7200AA20APS00007 entry on grants.gov?

Response: Yes, USAID confirms it is the same document.

12. a) Will USAID please confirm if we may provide Contact Information for Proposed Partners Section III.B as an additional 2 pages to the 5-page Concept Note submission?

b) YP2 APS Concept Note Template. Section III.pg. 4. Can USAID confirm applicants should include Contact Information for Proposed Partners as a two-page supplemental information annex for the concept note?

Response: Yes, Contact Information for Proposed Partner is a required document along with the concept notes. USAID confirms that applicants should include Contact Information for Proposed Partners as a two-page supplemental information annex for the concept note.

13. a) I am writing to you to request an application form for the USAID-MALI Shifin ni Tagné project.

b) Could USAID please include the Attachment A Concept Note template, referenced on page 26 of the Mali Addendum APS?

http://www.grants.gov/ http://grants.gov/

c) The APS referred on page 26 to “Attachment A” for the template to be used in developing the concept. Would USAID kindly provide a link to Attachment A as it is currently not included in the RFA or posted on grants.gov.

d) Page 26 of the NOFO references an Attachment A concept note template. However, no such Attachment A is included. Could USAID kindly provide the concept note template?

Response: USAID will post the Attachment A Concept Note Template on www.grants.gov.

14. Section D.III. pg. 26. USAID states, “All concept notes must be prepared and submitted in English using the provided template (see Attachment A) on www.grants.gov.” Can USAID please confirm this is the template provided as Attachment A under the YouthPower 2

APS?

Response: Yes, USAID confirms that it is the same document.

http://grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov