ASHA FY15 APS - Final.pdf

SUBJECT: USAID/DCHA/ASHA Annual Program Statement (APS) No. APS-ASHA-15-

000001 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 American Schools and Hospitals Abroad

(ASHA) Program Worldwide

ISSUANCE DATE: October 27, 2014

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA), is accepting funding requests for its program to assist schools, libraries, and medical centers outside the United States serving as study and demonstration centers for ideas and practices of the United States. This is a worldwide program.

A. Program Description

The Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad, part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance of the U.S. Agency for International Development

(USAID/ASHA), seeks proposals to support or stimulate qualifying activities by eligible U.S.

non-profit, nongovernmental organizations to implement activities as described in this Annual

Program Statement (APS).

USAID/ASHA builds bridges of cooperation and mutual understanding between the people of foreign nations and the people of the United States by providing funds to schools, hospitals, and libraries overseas that demonstrate the ideas, innovations, and best practices of the United States in health and education, as authorized in Section 214 of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of

1961, as amended (http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/faa.pdf). In fulfilling its legislative mandate, USAID/ASHA builds positive relationships abroad and supports progress in the fields of health and education worldwide. The USAID/ASHA program directly contributes to U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives by fostering civil society, inclusiveness, tolerance, innovation, and new technology.

USAID/ASHA’s approach to meeting its public diplomacy goals is discussed in-depth in the program’s FY14-FY18 Strategic Plan, available at http://www.usaid.gov/documents/1866/office-american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad-2014-2018-strategic-plan. As this plan explains, USAID/ASHA provides tangible assistance from the people of the United States to the people of other countries, generally funding either capital improvement projects (construction or renovation projects) and commodity procurement. These activities provide concrete illustrations of the generosity of the American people and catalyze collaboration between citizens of the

United States and citizens of other countries. A USAID/ASHA project will both result in sustainable improvements in the lives of people overseas in health and education and lead to http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/faa.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/documents/1866/office-american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad-2014-2018-strategic-plan http://www.usaid.gov/documents/1866/office-american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad-2014-2018-strategic-plan deeper relationships with the United States. Examples of successful USAID/ASHA projects are available in its Strategic Plan, referenced above, and its past annual reports, available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/business-funding/grant-programs/american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad/asha-assisted. Interested parties can also find reports from previous

USAID/ASHA-funded projects by searching USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse

(DEC), at https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/content/search.aspx.

USAID/ASHA sponsors partnerships between nonprofit organizations based in the United States

(“U.S. Organizations,” or “USOs”) and civil society institutions overseas (“Overseas

Institutions,” or “OSIs”). These partnerships enable OSIs to benefit from the expertise and experience of USOs, while ensuring that projects are locally owned and sustained. The partnerships also mitigate risk and allow for all parties to a project (including the USO, OSI, and

USAID/ASHA) to leverage investments and maximize the potential benefits of an activity.

Eligibility criteria for these organizations are defined in depth in Section C (pgs. 3-5) of this

APS.

For more information on USAID/ASHA, including examples of prior awards, visit the program’s website at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/business-funding/grant-programs/american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Anticipated Funding

In FY2015, USAID/ASHA expects approximately $20,000,000 will be available for funding.

The ceiling for any individual award is $2,000,000 and there is no minimum award amount.

Individual funding levels will depend on the content and quality of applications, the number of applications received, and availability of USAID/ASHA funding.

In FY2015, USAID/ASHA plans a single award cycle, resulting in multiple awards, subject to the availability of funds. Generally, USAID/ASHA provides between 30 and 40 awards each year. Nevertheless, USAID/ASHA reserves the right to make a single award, to fund parts of applications, or to not make any awards at all. Issuance of this APS does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government, nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of any application.

2. Award Timing and Duration

USAID/ASHA expects to fund approved activities and make awards prior to September 30, 2015. Awards for projects that include only commodities may last up to two (2) years from the date of award. Awards for projects that include construction or renovation may last up to four (4) years from the date of award.

USAID/ASHA welcomes applications from all potential partners, previous, current and new.

Applicants may choose to submit applications that supplement prior projects funded by

USAID/ASHA.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/business-funding/grant-programs/american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad/asha-assisted http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/business-funding/grant-programs/american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad/asha-assisted https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/content/search.aspx http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/business-funding/grant-programs/american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/business-funding/grant-programs/american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad

3. Types of Awards and Substantial Involvement

USAID/ASHA awards both grants and cooperative agreements. A “cooperative agreement” is a form of grant that provides for “substantial involvement” on the part of USAID/ASHA in project implementation. “Substantial involvement” is further defined in ADS 303.3.11

(http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303).

In general, USAID/ASHA will issue grants for projects that include only commodity procurement activities and cooperative agreements for projects that include any construction or renovation activities. The nature of USAID/ASHA’s substantial involvement varies based on the nature of the project proposed and will be determined at the time of award. In general, USAID/ASHA’s substantial involvement includes:

● Annual review and approval of the Recipient’s Implementation Plans, including construction documents, a construction/renovation schedule, cost estimate, and signed drawings and specifications;

● The approval of Key Personnel for project implementation, such as the Project Manager and Chief Architect/Engineer; and

● Agency authority to immediately halt a construction activity if specifications identified in the cooperative agreement are not met.

C. Eligibility Information

Applications that do not demonstrate that they meet the following eligibility criteria will not be reviewed. See Annex 1 (pg. 22) of this APS for the information required to demonstrate eligibility.

1. Eligible Applications

a) Applications must clearly identify one (1) USO and one (1) OSI. The USO and

OSI may be the same entity if the USO conducts activities in the proposed place of performance. The applicant (proposed awardee) must be the USO, which in turn intends to provide a sub-award to the identified OSI.

The applicant must be a registered tax-exempt non-profit organization in the

United States, such as those organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal

Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. Registration must be complete by the date of application.

USAID strongly encourages applications from qualified Minority-Serving

Institutions (MSIs).

b) The OSI must be located outside the United States.

c) The OSI must not be under the control or management of a government (including a local, regional, or national government) or any of its agencies. “Control or management” in this context indicates that a majority of the members of an http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303 organization’s Board of Directors are government employees/appointees or that the recipient government owns a majority interest in the organization. The receipt of financial or other assistance from a government or government agency or the observance of national educational or medical standards does not mean that the institution is “under the control or management” of a government.

d) The OSI must not discriminate against any beneficiary or potential beneficiary on the basis of any non-merit factor, including, but not limited to, one of the following bases: race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or perceived gender non-conformity, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, and veteran’s status. Nothing in this clause is intended to limit the ability of an

OSI to target assistance to certain populations as defined in their application narrative.

For more on USAID’s policies regarding discrimination, see ADS 302

(http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/302mbf). The Agency strongly encourages its recipients and their subrecipients and vendors to develop and enforce comprehensive nondiscrimination policies for their workplaces that include protection for all their employees, subject to applicable law.

e) OSIs that are schools must meet one of the following three criteria:

i. Provide post-secondary education, including technical schools, colleges, universities, or other post-graduate professional schools;

ii. If they are a secondary school, they must serve students at the equivalent of the U.S. seventh grade level or higher; or

iii. If they are a middle school, they must serve students at the equivalent of a

U.S. sixth grade level or higher.

f) OSIs that are schools must either use English as the language of instruction in at least one course or provide English instruction.

g) OSIs that are medical centers must, in addition to being a treatment facility, perform medical education and/or research.

h) Where the proposed project involves construction or renovation activities, either the USO or OSI must be able to demonstrate ownership of, or possession of a long-term lease (extending at least 20 years from the expected start date of the project) to, the land to be used.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

This award does not require cost sharing or matching. However, cost sharing may contribute to an application’s cost effectiveness, as discussed in Section E.1.c (pg. 17-18) of this APS.

http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/302mbf

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

a) One USO may submit multiple applications, but each must be on behalf of a different OSI.

b) One application may request funds that benefit multiple organizational units at a given OSI (for example, multiple academic departments). In this case, the application would be regarded as benefitting one (1) OSI and should be submitted via one (1) application.

c) This is a worldwide program, and USAID/ASHA may make awards for activities performed in any country other than the United States, provided that USAID activities in the country are not otherwise restricted by statute, regulation, or

Agency policy from receiving assistance.

d) There is no minimum amount of time that a USO must have been in partnership with an OSI. Similarly, there is no minimum standard for the nature of that collaboration, such as a specific funding level or legal agreement. The nature of the USO/OSI relationship is evaluated competitively for this award, as discussed in Section E.1.b (pg. 17) of this APS.

e) Any documentation or characteristic not specifically identified in this APS is not necessary for eligibility for this competition. Applicants should assume anything not stated in this APS is not relevant for eligibility determinations.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

All information about how to apply for this funding opportunity is contained in this document.

No separate application package needs to be requested.

2. Questions about This APS

Questions about this APS should be sent via email to ASHAApplications@usaid.gov. Questions that pertain to issues that may be relevant to all applicants will be answered publicly via amendments to this solicitation’s posting on www.Grants.Gov at least twice before the closing of this opportunity. The first such response will be provided approximately 60 days after the posting of this APS. The second such response will be provided approximately 60 days after the prior posting. Applicants may register to receive automatic notifications of such amendments by selecting “send me change notification emails” on this opportunity’s posting on www.Grants.Gov.

USAID/ASHA may not provide guidance on specific applications while this solicitation is active.

3. Application Submission Method and Deadline

This APS is open for six months from the date of issuance. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on April 24, 2015.

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

Applications must be submitted via email to ASHAApplications@USAID.Gov. Email is the required method of submission for this APS, and applications submitted only through www.Grants.Gov will not be accepted. The subject line of the application should include the solicitation number and the full name of the USO. Attachments to the email, including the application narrative, must be clearly labeled, using the naming conventions specified in this

APS. Applicants should send the minimum number of emails necessary. If more than one email is necessary due to the size of attachments, include the sequence of emails and total number sent in the subject line (i.e. “1 of 3,” “2 of 3,” etc.). All application materials must be received by the deadline above for an application to be complete. Any materials submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.

USAID/ASHA will use a system-generated email timestamp to determine whether or not application materials have been submitted by the deadline. The timestamp generated by USAID’s own email system will be the relevant criteria for this determination. All applications received before this deadline will receive an email confirmation of receipt. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their application well before this deadline to ensure receipt. Applications that are not received before this deadline will not be reviewed.

USAID/ASHA will review applications submitted at least 10 business days before the closing date of this APS for completeness only. The deadline for such reviews is 5:00pm Eastern

Daylight Time on April 10, 2015. Applicants that have provided incomplete applications before this deadline will be notified of any deficiencies, and permitted to submit missing materials prior to the closing date of this APS. Applications will be reviewed for completeness only if they are received 10 business days prior to the APS closing date. USAID/ASHA will not advise applicants of their eligibility or the merits of their proposal at any point before the closing of this

APS.

4. Content and Form of Application Submission

a) General Formatting Requirements for Application Narrative

All applications must include an application narrative that adheres to the guidelines below. The application narrative and the supporting documentation requested in this APS will be the critical items of consideration in selection of awards. Any information beyond that necessary for a complete and effective response to this APS will not enhance applicants’ competitiveness.

Application narratives must adhere to the following specific guidelines:

● All applications must be in English, single spaced, with each page numbered consecutively.

● Applications must be submitted either as Microsoft Word or searchable Portable

Document Format (PDF) documents.

● All applications must use Times New Roman font in size 10 or larger.

● The application narrative file must be named “Application Narrative”.

b) Application Narrative

The application narrative must discuss all of the elements below. Applicants should follow this format in structuring their application, including adhering to the specified page limits for each mailto:ASHAApplications@USAID.Gov section. There is no expectation or requirement that applicants use the full space allowed for each item. Rather, applicants should strive be as brief as possible when providing the requested information. Detailed information on the required contents of each section is provided below this summary outline.

Application Narrative Outline (Limit: 19 pgs. total)

1. Cover Page (Limit: 1 pg.)

2. Table of Contents (Limit: 1 pg.)

3. Eligibility (Limit: 1 pg.)

4. Executive Summary (Limit: 1 pg.)

5. Technical Application (Limit: 10 pgs.)

5.1. Goal and Objectives

5.2. Background

5.3. Technical Approach

5.4 Implementation Plan

5.5. Monitoring and Evaluation

5.6. Environmental Capability Statement Summary

5.7. Construction/Renovation Information (if applicable)

5.8. Commodities Information (if applicable)

6. Organizational Capacity and Past Performance (3 pgs.)

7. Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative (Limit: 2 pgs.)

1. Cover Page (Limit: 1 pg.)

On one page, clearly indicate the following:

● The solicitation number of this APS;

● The name of the applicant USO, its Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System

(DUNS) number, and its federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). See Section D.5

(pg. 15) of this APS for more information;

● The name of the applicant OSI, its city, state/province, and country;

● The total project cost, the amount requested from USAID/ASHA, and the amount of cost sharing proposed; and

● A brief (no more than 100 words) description of the project.

2. Table of Contents (Limit: 1 pg.)

List all major sections of the application, including page numbers, and attachments. Provide the relevant file names for all attachments.

3. Eligibility (Limit: 1 pg.)

Confirm compliance with all eligibility criteria identified in Section C.1 (pg. 3-4) of this APS.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the framework provided in Annex 1 (pg. 22) to complete this section. All documentation requested by USAID/ASHA in Annex 1 must be provided as attachments.

4. Executive Summary (Limit: 1 pg.)

Provide a concise summary of the project proposed. At a minimum, this section should include brief descriptions of the USO and the OSI, the specific commodities to be procured or facilities to be renovated/constructed, and an explanation of how the project will help USAID/ASHA achieve its legislative mandate and enhance mutual understanding with the people of other countries.

5. Technical Application (Limit: 10 pgs.)

Provide the following information:

5.1 Goal and Objectives

Identify the project’s public diplomacy objectives and development methodologies and explain how they fulfill USAID/ASHA’s legislative mandate by promoting a better understanding of the

United States in other countries through the demonstration of ideas and best practices of the

United States, as described in Part A of this Application, above. Reference to USAID/ASHA’s

Results Framework, as identified in USAID/ASHA’s FY14-FY18 Strategic Plan

(http://www.usaid.gov/documents/1866/office-american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad-2014-

2018-strategic-plan), is encouraged but not required. If one of the goals of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the overseas institution, identify this as well, including an explanation of why a stronger institution supports the achievement of USAID/ASHA’s legislative mandate.

5.2 Background

Provide a concise description of the context in which the proposed project will occur. This should explain why the proposed goals and objectives discussed in the prior section of the application are necessary, including why increased mutual understanding and the demonstration of the ideas and best practices of the United States would be a positive factor in the community where the project will be implemented.

5.3 Technical Approach

Describe how the project will achieve the goals or objectives identified in Part 5.1 of the application narrative, discussed above. Include a brief description of how the proposed activities will be accomplished and how the accomplishment will, in turn, enhance the institution or organization and enable it to achieve its goals or objectives. If relevant, include any innovative methods (science, technology, new methodologies) or approaches used; any contributions to the advancement of women’s and girls’ education or leadership; and how project activities promote stable and inclusive civil society.

Discuss the sustainability of project results. For USAID/ASHA’s purposes, “sustainable” results are those that are embedded in local health and education systems and have a social impact beyond USAID/ASHA’s direct contribution. Note that this is distinct from the operational and financial sustainability of the applicant organizations, which should be discussed in Part 6 of the application narrative, discussed below (pg. 11).

Discuss any potential differences in how the project might affect men and women, and how gender concerns have been integrated into the project proposed. While disaggregation of beneficiaries by sex is generally important to include, it does not by itself constitute a gender analysis. A gender analysis assesses how differences in gender roles and status affect a project’s implementation and outcome. If relevant, please include a discussion of how the OSI enhances gender equality in the society more generally. Applicants may wish to review Gender 101

(http://usaidlearninglab.org/library/gender-101-gender-equality-usaid), a USAID-developed http://www.usaid.gov/documents/1866/office-american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad-2014-2018-strategic-plan http://www.usaid.gov/documents/1866/office-american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad-2014-2018-strategic-plan http://usaidlearninglab.org/library/gender-101-gender-equality-usaid online course; the USAID Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy

(http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1870/GenderEqualityPolicy.pdf); and ADS

205 (http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/205) for more information about the integration of gender concerns into USAID projects.

Discuss how the project proposed advances public diplomacy goals of the United States in the benefitting country. Information about USAID Mission development goals can be found on the

Agency’s website at http://www.usaid.gov/results-and-data/planning/country-strategies-cdcs.

Information about the activities of U.S. Embassies and Consulates can be found at http://www.usembassy.gov. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to Missions, Embassies, or

Consulates to discuss how potential projects might align with their work.

5.4 Implementation Plan

Clearly outline links between the proposed objectives, technical approach and performance milestones, as well as a realistic timeline for achieving the expected results. Requests for projects that support ongoing activities should identify specific milestones for the use of supported commodities or facilities within those activities, for example, when students will first begin to use new equipment or a constructed facility will open. The implementation plan should extend at least until the commodities or facilities that benefit from USAID/ASHA support begin to serve intended beneficiaries.

5.5 Monitoring and Evaluation

Applicants must explain how they intend to monitor and evaluate the project’s success, both as activities unfold and at the end of the project. This explanation should identify what data the applicant intends to collect to verify the achievement of project goals, and outline how, when, and by whom this data will be gathered, analyzed, and used. Applicants are encouraged to review the information in Annex 3 (pg. 24), which discusses the indicators that USAID/ASHA uses to monitor and evaluate its own activities, and incorporate this into their monitoring and evaluation plans, if relevant to the project proposed. Annex 3 is provided for informational purposes only, and use of these indicators is not mandatory.

5.6 Environmental Capability Statement Summary

All applicants are required to submit a 2-page Environmental Capability Statement as an

Attachment. Applicants must briefly summarize their Environmental Capability Statement in this section of the application narrative. See Annex 4 (pg. 26) of this APS for detailed information about the contents of the Environmental Capability Statement. In their summaries, applicants should include the expected environmental impact of the project, the intended measures to mitigate that impact, and the applicant organizations’ capacity for environmental monitoring and mitigation. Due consideration should be given to implementation of climate change actions per current host country regulations and United States Government Executive Orders on climate change (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/11/01/executive-order-preparing-united-states-impacts-climate-change) and climate-resilient international development

(http:/www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/09/23/executive-order-climate-resilient-international-development).

5.7 Construction/Renovation Information (if applicable)

If the project proposed includes construction or renovation, include the following information:

http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1870/GenderEqualityPolicy.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/205 http://www.usaid.gov/results-and-data/planning/country-strategies-cdcs http://www.usaid.gov/results-and-data/planning/country-strategies-cdcs http://www.usembassy.gov/ http://www.usembassy.gov/ http://www.usembassy.gov/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/11/01/executive-order-preparing-united-states-impacts-climate-change http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/11/01/executive-order-preparing-united-states-impacts-climate-change http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/09/23/executive-order-climate-resilient-international-development http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/09/23/executive-order-climate-resilient-international-development

5.7.1 Description

Provide a concise description of the facility to be constructed or renovated, including basic details such as the location of construction, floors and rooms affected, ancillary structures affected such as water, sanitation, or energy systems, and the projected end result of the construction. Provide Global Positioning Systems (GPS) coordinates, if available.

5.7.2 Conceptual/Architectural Design

Provide a Conceptual/Architectural design of the proposed project as an attachment. This is a basic picture of what the proposed project will look like, understandable by both engineers and non-engineers. Include these drawings in a single attachment. Applicants may submit other drawings, such as mechanical, electrical, or structural drawings, if they would be helpful to reviewers, but they are not required.

5.7.3 Issues and Compliance

The applicant must identify any existing significant engineering, construction, and environmental issues at the site for the proposed construction/renovation due to natural or man-made events. The applicant must state if the OSI is in compliance with applicable local, provincial, and national laws and regulations concerning land use, building, construction, and environmental management. If the OSI is not in compliance (for example, if this project is intended to support efforts towards larger overall facility compliance), the application must discuss the steps taken to address these gaps and what steps will be necessary in the future.

5.7.4 Construction/Renovation Timeline

The applicant should include a timeline for project completion, which includes milestones such as the permits required, the length of the design phase, the length of the construction phase, and the date of project completion. This information may be provided in an attachment, but if that is the case, reference the attachment in this section of the application narrative.

5.7.5 Additional Construction Information

Successful applications that include construction or renovation activities will be required to provide additional information prior to the beginning of construction, as per the substantial involvement described in Section B.3 (pg. 3) of this document.

5.8 Commodities Information (if applicable)

If the project proposed includes commodities, include the following information:

Description of Commodity Number of

Units

Cost per

Unit

Total Cost

Total

Recipients of awards must comply with ADS 310, Source and Nationality Requirements for

Procurement of Commodities and Services Financed by USAID

(http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/310), and ADS 312, Eligibility of Commodities

(http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/312). Only eligible commodities may be funded by

USAID/ASHA. For awards resulting from this APS greater than or equal to $250,000, the authorized geographic code is Code 937. This code authorizes goods with source and nationality in the United States, the recipient country, and developing countries other than advanced developing countries, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source. For awards resulting from this APS less than $250,000, the authorized geographic code is Code 935. This code authorizes goods with source and nationality in any area or country including the recipient country, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source. A list of prohibited sources is available in ADS 310. In certain situations, identified in ADS 310.3.4, recipients may obtain waivers from USAID’s Source and Nationality provisions.

6. Organizational Capacity (Limit: 3 pgs.)

Explain and summarize the ability of the USO and OSI to remain sustainable (financially and operationally), independent of funding from USAID/ASHA. This may include a discussion of the organizations’ histories, if that discussion illustrates their ability to continue providing high quality services over the long term. Include a discussion of the organizations’ ability to leverage financial, material, and human resources to sustain their activities beyond USAID/ASHA funding. “Leveraging” in this context should be interpreted more broadly than the amount of funding that applicants plan to commit to the project via cost share. Instead, it includes applicants’ ability to secure all the resources necessary for continued operation at a level of excellence, including but not limited to private sources of funding, program income, investments, volunteer arrangements, and in-kind partnerships.

Discuss the capacity of both the USO and the OSI to implement the project proposed. Include a description of the organizational systems and structures in place to ensure the project is implemented efficiently and soundly, including the nature and length of the relationship between the USO and the OSI. Identify the key personnel who will be implementing the project proposed, and explain why these personnel are qualified to execute this project. Identify specific project managers for this activity at both the USO and the OSI, and explain their qualifications to serve in this role. Include their resumes or CVs as attachments. For the purposes of this application, “project managers” should be the individuals primarily responsible for the implementation of the majority of activities associated with the project. If the project includes partner organizations other than the USO and OSI, identify them here and explain how their involvement will contribute to a more effective project.

Briefly describe any similar projects to the one proposed that have been implemented within the previous three years. Include a brief discussion of the previous project’s objectives, activities, results, and funding. The discussion should illuminate how the prior projects have demonstrated http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/310 http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/312 the capacity to implement the project proposed. “Similar projects” for the purposes of this APS includes projects with elements of construction/renovation of facilities or commodity procurement that resemble the proposed project. It is not necessary for these projects to have been funded by USAID/ASHA or the U.S. Government. USAID/ASHA may use past performance information obtained from sources other than those identified in the application.

7. Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative (Limit: 2 pgs.)

Applicants must also submit a detailed cost proposal and budget narrative. The cost proposal and corresponding narrative must identify all project costs, including those to be funded by

USAID/ASHA and those to be funded by cost sharing. It must also provide a description of each budget line item requested and a justification for these items.

This narrative is in addition to completed copies of the relevant forms from the SF-424 family of forms, which are required attachments. The cost proposal and budget narrative may refer to the

SF-424 forms, but should provide additional detail not included in the standard forms.

c) Attachments

Applicants must submit the following documents as attachments with their application narrative, as applicable. Attachments must be less than 20 pages total, excluding SF-424 forms, construction drawings, the optional Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity, audited financial statements and translations thereof, and leases or titles and translations thereof. All attachments must follow the naming conventions specified. Attachments that are inappropriately named may not be reviewed. An attachment checklist is provided in Annex 2 (pg. 23).

Mandatory Attachments: These attachments are required for all applicants.

1. Application Forms SF-424 (required for all applicants), SF-424A and SF-424B

(required for non-construction projects) or SF-424C and SF-424D (required for projects that include construction). These forms are available on the solicitation page for this opportunity (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=268248) on www.Grants.Gov on the “Application Package” tab. These forms should be submitted as a single PDF document, named “M1 - SF424

Family”. Applicants may attach other documents to the SF-424 using the form provided by Grants.Gov if they choose, but this is not required.

2. The most recent independently audited financial statements of the USO. This document should be named “M2 - USO Financial Statements”.

3. The most recent independently audited financial statements of the OSI. If originally completed in a language other than English, applicants must include an English translation of the audited financial statements in addition to a copy of the original financial statements. If originally completed using a currency other than the U.S.

dollar, applicants must include a version that converts local currency to their U.S.

dollar equivalents. Unaudited financial statements, OSI financial statements in a language other than English without an accompanying English translated version, and financial statements in a currency other than the U.S. dollar without an accompanying version in U.S. dollars will not be considered responsive. The original document http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=268248 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=268248 should be named “M3 - OSI Financial Statements”. A translation or conversion to

U.S. dollars, if included, should be named “M3 - Translated OSI Financial

Statements”.

4. Resumes/CVs of Project Managers identified in Part 6 of the Application Narrative.

See Section D.4.b.6 (pgs. 11) of this APS for more information. These resumes/CVs should be submitted as a single attachment, named “M4 - Project Managers”.

5. A list of the members of the USO and OSI’s Boards of Directors, including names, titles, employers, and, in the case of the OSI, an indication of whether they are appointed by the host country government. This information should be submitted as a single attachment, named “M5 - Boards of Directors”.

6. A two-page Environmental Capability Statement. See Annex 4 (pg. 26) of this APS for more information. This document should be named “M6 - Environmental

Capability Statement”.

Mandatory as Applicable Attachments: These attachments are required for applicants, as applicable.

7. An A-133 audit of the USO. See OMB Circular A-133

(http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/circulars/a133/a133.p

df) for applicability information. This document should be named “AA1 - A133

Audit.”

8. An annual financial audit of the OSI conforming to the requirements of ADS 591

(http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/500/591), submitted both in its original language and translated into English, if the original language was not English. The original document should be named “AA2 - ADS591 Audit”. A translation, if included, should be named “AA2 - Translated ADS591 Audit”. See ADS 591 for applicability information.

9. Construction Drawings, required only for applications that include construction or renovation activities. These drawings should be submitted using as few attachments as possible. The name of each attachment related to this requirement should begin with“AA3 – Construction Drawings,” followed by an indication of each attachment’s order within all construction drawings. For example, an application with three construction drawings attached would name these attachments “AA3 - Construction

Drawings - 1 of 3”, “AA3 - Construction Drawings - 2 of 3,” and “AA3 -

Construction Drawings - 3 of 3.” The required conceptual construction drawing and additional optional construction drawings should utilize the same naming convention.

See Section D.4.b.5.7 (pg. 9-10) of this APS for more information.

10. Evidence of Land Ownership or Lease, in English, required only for applications that include construction or renovation activities. The evidentiary document itself should be named “AA4 - Land Ownership or Lease”. A translation, if included, should be named “AA4 - Land Ownership or Lease - Translation”. A description, if included, should be named, “AA4 - Land Ownership or Lease - Description”. See Annex 1

(pg. 22) of this APS for more information.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/circulars/a133/a133.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/circulars/a133/a133.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/500/591

Optional Attachments: The following attachments may be included at the discretion of applicants:

11. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (optional). See Section F.2.b

(pg. 18) of this APS for more information. If included, this document should be named “O1 - EEO Survey”.

12. Other attachments, not to exceed the 20 page limit identified above, may be included.

Applicants should specifically reference all such attachments in the application narrative. Such attachments should only include supplementary information, as all information necessary to understand the project proposed must be included in the application narrative for consideration by technical reviewers. Such attachments must have file names that begin with the designation “O” and a number, followed by a short description of the information included. For example, if a strategic plan is included as an attachment, this document would be labeled “O2 - Strategic Plan”, and so on.

d) Information Required Prior to a Federal Award

The following information will be required of successful applicants after notification of the intent of USAID/ASHA to make an award, but prior to the beginning of grant activities.

Branding Strategy and Marking Plan (BS/MP)

Successful applicants will be required to comply and ensure compliance with USAID/ASHA’s branding and marking requirements, set forth in ADS 303

(http://inside.usaid.gov/ADS/300/303.pdf). Applicants will be required to submit an acceptable

BS/MP after notification of intent to award, but prior to the issuance of an award.

Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (AMEP)

Applicants will be required to complete and submit an AMEP that meets specific requirements set forth in their grant agreement for approval by USAID/ASHA prior to beginning program implementation.

Substantial Involvement Provisions

See Section B.3 (pgs. 3) of this APS for more information.

Project-Specific Initial Environmental Examination

See Part 2 of Annex 4 (pg. 27) of this APS for more information.

Certifications and Assurances

Copies of signed certifications, assurances, and other statements are required prior to receipt of an award. The certifications, assurances, and other statements are located in ADS 303

(http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303mav).

611(e) Certification

As required by Part 611(e) of the FAA

(http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/faa.pdf), when capital assistance is proposed (for example, construction), and total U.S. assistance for it will exceed $1 million, the

Mission Director of the country where construction will take place must certify and the cognizant

Assistant Administrator must take into consideration the country's capability to maintain and http://inside.usaid.gov/ADS/300/303.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303mav http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/faa.pdf utilize the assistance effectively. Additional information may be requested from applicants to support this certification.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the information provided about these components, as they may have both budget and time implications for the implementation of proposed projects.

5. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicant USOs except those exempted under 2 CFR 25 (http://www.ecfr.gov) must:

● Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting their application;

● Provide a valid DUNS number in their applications; and

● Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by

USAID/ASHA.

USAID/ASHA may not make an award to an applicant until that applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements, and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time USAID/ASHA is ready to make an award, USAID/ASHA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another organization. Visit www.SAM.gov and www.dnb.com, respectively, for more information.

6. Funding Restrictions

USAID/ASHA funds must be used to finance: (a) the procurement of durable commodities

(equipment, furnishings, and other non-expendable items) and/or (b) capital improvements.

Capital improvement activities are broadly expressed as the construction of a permanent structure, structural improvement, or the renovation/rehabilitation of existing facilities.

Procurement of commodities may include such items as library materials, specialized medical and research technology, and education equipment and furnishings. Certain items, including but not limited to vehicles or pharmaceuticals, are generally not eligible commodities for

USAID/ASHA funds. See ADS 312 (http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/312) for a full description of restricted commodities. One application may request funds to support both commodities and capital improvements.

USAID/ASHA will not fund operating costs of either the USO or the OSI. Applicants are expected to fund direct operational costs and indirect costs from other sources and must demonstrate they have the capacity to continue to support the planned project, including any annual maintenance costs associated with the project, without ongoing USAID/ASHA support.

USAID/ASHA will only fund program support costs of USOs and OSIs related to the cost of audits and branding/marking materials associated with USAID/ASHA awards.

USAID/ASHA generally will not fund salaries or administrative expenses, though

Architect/Engineering fees are acceptable in the case of capital improvement projects. Applicants http://www.ecfr.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.dnb.com/ http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/312 may include items that USAID/ASHA will not fund, such as USO operating costs and salaries, within the overall project budget if these items are funded by cost share.

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Applications will be evaluated according to the criteria outlined below.

a) Technical Merit (Total: 55%)

The technical merit of the application will be evaluated based on the extent to which the application sets forth in sufficient detail a valid conceptual approach and methodology that will successfully achieve USAID/ASHA’s legislative mandate according to the terms specified in this

APS. Specifically, applications will be evaluated to the extent that they demonstrate the following:

1. Goals and Objectives (10%)

The proposed project, if successful, will enhance mutual understanding between the people of the

United States and the people of other countries by supporting the study and demonstration of the ideas and practices of the United States in health and education.

2. Background (10%)

There is a need for greater mutual understanding with the people of the United States and the demonstration of the ideas and practices of the United States in the community to benefit from the proposed project, and the proposed project meets the specific context of that community.

3. Technical Approach (25%)

The application uses a sound technical approach to achieve its desired results. This must include a demonstration of each of the following:

3.1 That the technical approach proposed is likely to achieve the goals and objectives of the project. (15%)

3.2 That project results will be sustained beyond the life of a USAID/ASHA award, will have a social impact beyond USAID/ASHA’s direct contribution, and are embedded in local health and education systems. (5%)

3.3 That gender concerns have been integrated into the project proposed. (5%)

3.4 The most competitive applications will demonstrate an awareness of U.S.

Government goals and objectives in the country. Awards are not contingent on alignment with these goals or objectives, but a clear articulation of how the proposed project would supplement or enhance U.S. Government goals or objectives will benefit applications.

Applications for projects that take place in countries without a USAID Mission will not be penalized. (Up to 5% additional points, not to exceed a total of 25% for Criterion 3, may be earned for this sub-criterion. No points will be deducted for not addressing this issue.)

4. Implementation Plan (3%)

The application provides a clear and feasible implementation plan, including a realistic timeline to achieve project results and specific, verifiable performance milestones.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation (4%)

The proposed monitoring and evaluation plan (1) specifies intended indicators; (2) gives clear descriptions of how each indicator will be measured; (3) identifies when indicators will be measured; and (4) provides a clear description of the data collection strategies for each indicator.

6. Environmental Capability (3%)

The application demonstrates sufficient capacity in environmental management to comply with

USAID/ASHA requirements.

7. Commodity Information

For commodity requests, the application identifies specific commodities that directly contribute to the achievement of the goals or objectives of the project. (Though not provided its own weight, up to 5% may be deducted from the score for Criteria 3 if the commodities specified do not directly contribute to the achievement of project goals or objectives.)

8. Construction Information

For construction/renovation projects, the application presents a clear, feasible, and responsible plan for all construction activities. (Though not provided its own weight, up to 5% may be deducted from the score for Criteria 3 if applicants do not provide a clear, feasible, and responsible plan for all construction activities.)

b) Organizational Capacity and Past Performance (Total: 35%)

Applications must demonstrate that:

1. The USO and OSI have an ability to continue operating at a high-level beyond the term of

USAID/ASHA funding, including the ability to leverage other financial, material, and human resources to meet their goals. (10%)

2. The USO/OSI pair possesses the capacity to implement the project proposed, including sound organizational systems and structures, strong partnerships, and qualified personnel.

(10%)

3. Both the USO and OSI possess project managers that have the necessary managerial, technical and logistical skills to carry out the activity. (5%)

4. The USO/OSI pair has a record of success implementing similar projects. (10%)

c) Cost Effectiveness (5%) and Cost Realism (5%) (Total: 10%)

The cost proposal and budget narrative will be evaluated for feasibility, practicality, reasonableness, and scale. Whereas the technical merit criteria address an application’s objectives and ability to achieve those objectives, cost realism addresses the ability of the applicant to achieve those objectives within the budget proposed and cost effectiveness addresses a project’s return on investment for the U.S. Government. Applicants should demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of the organization’s approach and its ability to achieve targets and make a positive measurable impact on a wide range of beneficiaries.