Attachment 1 UPHIP NOFO Questions and Answers .pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: 72062024RFA00009

NOFO Questions and Answers

USAID Primary Health Care Improvement Program (UPHIP)

ATTACHMENT 1: NOFO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Will the awards be structured in such a way that there is an opportunity to bring all partners together to harmonize plans and agree on who is going to do what?

USAID Answer: Yes, there will be an opportunity to bring all partners together to harmonize plans to ensure complementarity between all applicable USAID awards. This will occur within Phase 3 of this NOFO, or at a later date after award.

2. Is there going to be a co-creation with the government?

USAID Answer: Yes, this will be done in Phase 3 and/or after award.

3. USAID presented 5 core primary impacts . Does it mean that the concept should address the 5 at this concept

USAID Answer: USAID’s five core components of primary impacts, alongside the updated Primary Health Care Program Initiative (PHCPI) framework, should be tied to the applicant's approach to address all components from systems, inputs, service delivery, and proposed indicators to measure outputs and outcomes over time. All five core primary impact components should be addressed; and if they are not addressed, applicants should articulate why they are not addressed. Your organization may not necessarily be responsible for implementing or managing any or all of the five core impacts; however, it should be documented how your organization will leverage other government or non-government programs or resources to address all five core primary impact components.

4. How does USAID plan to mitigate risks arising from Nigeria's complex political landscape, especially in regions where governance challenges might hinder the programs effectiveness?

USAID Answer: USAID will work with the apparently successful applicant(s), other development partners and the Government of Nigeria leadership to use data and criteria (including good governance metrics) to determine where this activity will be implemented.

There will be documentation to justify selected geographies, expected results to be achieved, joint accountability modalities, and clear delineation of roles and responsibilities. Adaptive management solutions will be jointly developed to resolve and mitigate complex operating environments, including potential governance challenges. Depending on the outcomes of adaptive management intervention, joint accountability monitoring, and review of results and bottlenecks, USAID and the selected partner will develop a course correction plan that may include shifting geographies. Development partner assistance and technical assistance or solutions offered by implementing partners are meant to support and complement public resources and programs, not supplement. Ultimately, funding provided by USAID is paid for by U.S. citizen taxpayer money and all parties are accountable for the utilization of funding and the results achieved.

5. Is it ok to propose pilot PHCs and states across any two geopolitical zones in the first 18 months and scale up to more PHCs, LGAs and states in the remaining years??

USAID Answer: Yes.

6. I just want to confirm that for the video concept note on the area of geographical coverage, what I am taking home is that it is to be determined. We should just talk about geographical coverage, maybe based on our experience and where we have worked. So, if am doing the concept note, I don't need to talk about the geographical coverage right now, but I can talk about our experience in FCT working with the 60 PACs and so on?

USAID Answer: As stated in Merit Review Criterion 1: “The extent to which Applicant’s proposed preliminary plan showcases the applicant’s ability to create tailored approaches for at least two geopolitical zones and demonstrates an understanding of contextualized, data-driven and people-centered technical assistance plans.” USAID encourages approaches that demonstrate an understanding of the unique characteristics of different populations located in different geopolitical zones.

7. How will USAID determine the geographic focus areas and the selection of healthcare facilities? Will applicants have any input into which states or regions are prioritized for intervention?

USAID Answer: Geographic focus will be determined using available evidence (data) in collaboration with relevant Government Ministries, Departments and agencies, and developing partners. Selection of health facilities will be done together with USAID, GoN alongside the implementing partners.

8. For the other NOFOs, I asked if one applicant can apply for both North and South and they said yes. I just want to confirm if one partner can apply for both here too?

USAID Answer: The NOFO does not focus on North or South. Submissions are not dependent on geography. Your organization’s concept should present your solutions to address the issues presented in the NOFO. This flexibility allows you to tailor your approach to the most relevant context for your initiatives. The NOFO is intentionally open-ended. This allows USAID to consider your best ideas and understand the rationale behind your choices, such as the geographical areas you select for your applications.

9. Can an applicant submit more than one application for different geographic areas

USAID Answer: No. Submissions are not dependent on geography.

10. Is there any restriction to the target geographic coverage area of the locations, for example States, Local Government Area or Go-Political Zone?

USAID Answer: There are no restrictions under Phase 1 of the NOFO.

11. Is this award intended to cover all regions in Nigeria

USAID Answer: USAID has yet to determine the geographic focus of this award, this will be decided together with relevant Government Ministries, Departments and agencies, and developing partners. Geographic focus is not a requirement for Phase 1 of your submission.

12. The NOFO indicates UPHIP will be co-located within the same geography with other awards

– HRH, Health Financing, Community Health and SBC etc – what geography would this be?

Should we expect NOFOs for all of these other streams of work?

USAID Answer: Geographic focus for USAID PHIP is yet to be determined. The referenced future activities may be co-located in the same geographies as UPHIP. Separate NOFOs will be published for new activities.

13. On the geographic coverage, how will USAID characterize states for interventions under this

NOFO?

USAID Answer: State characterization will be driven by data and available evidence. As stated in the NOFO, USAID is looking for tailored approaches that focus on at least two geopolitical zones. USAID encourages approaches that demonstrate an understanding of the unique characteristics of different populations located in different geopolitical zones.

14. Should applicants propose specific states or criteria for selecting this in their concept note?

USAID Answer: Yes, applicants should propose suggested criteria for state selection based on scenarios and tailored approaches that focus on at least two geopolitical zones. Submissions need to be contextualized, data-driven, and demonstrate people-centered technical assistance plans. This is to encourage approaches that demonstrate an understanding of the unique characteristics of different populations located in different geopolitical zones.

15. In terms of the two-phase model, could USAID elaborate on the milestones for the two-phase model in terms of startups against scaling up or sustainability?

USAID Answer: The performance milestones indicated in the NOFO are illustrative. USAID will have an assessment conducted at the end of the phase 1 (year 3) to determine if the award will continue beyond the initial three-year period and be considered for renewal for up to an additional two-year period. USAID will among other factors consider scale and sustainability in the last phase (year 4 & 5) of the award.

16. How will sustainability be supported in phase two, particularly in partnership with local government and the private sector?

USAID Answer: For applicant(s) that are invited to Phase 3, USAID will expect the applicant(s) to propose a sustainability model that is scalable with meaningful impact. This may also take into consideration how the applicant's proposal aligns with existing Government of Nigeria efforts at all levels of activity implementation.

17. Are there any specific health financing models that you would like to prioritize, such as community-based health insurance or public-private partnership in this code?

USAID Answer: No, the NOFO offers flexibility. USAID encourages applicants to propose models that are most effective and sustainable for their approach, while considering existing government financing structures. USAID is looking for applicants to include what they think will work best, drawing from each organization’s expertise and experience; while keeping in mind the need for sustainability and alignment with government efforts at the sub-national level.

18. Should the proposed list of suggested indicators and targets in the video submission cover the initial 3-year phase or the entire 5-year period, including renewal?

USAID Answer: The proposed list of indicators and target should cover the initial three-year period.

19. Section D, Application Format and Guidelines, pg. 33. USAID states that applicants should propose a list of suggested indicators and targets. Can USAID please confirm whether applicants should propose targets for Y3 (end of Initial Period), or Y5 (end of Renewal Period)?

USAID Answer: The proposed list of indicators and target should cover the initial three-year period.

20. Section D, Application Format and Guidelines, pg. 33. USAID states that applicants should include program objectives as part of the video presentation. Can USAID please clarify whether they are referring to proposed intermediate results areas, or overall project results?

USAID Answer: The proposed theory of change and expected results should include both intermediate results and overall project results.

21. Will USAID, agree that the individual applicants can give up the theory of change, or retain that which is in the NOFO in the area of the video presentation.

USAID Answer: It is expected that the applicant proposes a theory of change, see Section D (D.4) of the NOFO. The theory of change in the document is illustrative, the applicant should present their own theory of change that best fits their approach.

22. Section D, Application Format and Guidelines, pg. 33. The NOFO provides a theory of change on page 14. The instructions for the video presentation on pg. 33 indicate that section 2 of the video should include ‘Theory of Change and Expected Results.’ Does USAID wish for applicants to propose an updated Theory of Change, or should the NOFO’s Theory of Change be maintained, with Applicants building that out into their own results framework?

USAID Answer: It is expected that the applicant proposes a theory of change, see Section D ( D.4) of the NOFO. The theory of change in the document is illustrative, the applicant should present their own theory of change that best fits their approach. Theory of change and expected results should be presented.

23. Would it be acceptable to develop a proposal focused on substance abuse prevention, considering its significant impact on crime, gender-based violence, and the mental health of women and adolescents?

USAID Answer: No, this award is focused on reproductive and sexual health, malaria and maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health as per the details in the NOFO.

24. To what extent should the proposal address an area that is capture in other awards e.g. health financing at the facility, health workforce management and community engagement

USAID Answer: It is not expected for applicants to capture activities that have not yet been awarded. However, it is noted that collaboration at various levels is described in the NOFO, so it is at the applicant’s discretion as to how to demonstrate future collaboration.

25. Can the proposed project be a combination of technical assistance and practical community level solutions?

USAID Answer: Yes; however, please note that all submissions should clearly meet the requirements in section D of the NOFO.

26. Page 26 of the Nofo indicated that supplemental technical assistance fund will be provided.

Do prime request for the fund or will USAID engage an organization to provide the technical assistance?

USAID Answer: The flexible technical assistance fund is a part of your award with USAID.

USAID would not engage a separate institution for this piece. Up to 5% of your financing received or $2.5m can be used for flexible/demand driven technical assistance. If successful, USAID and the apparently successful applicant(s) will discuss and co-design the establishment and management of this flexible technical assistance funding.

27. While studying the NOFO? We saw that there's a tiered approach. How will the tiered approach be implemented across primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in Nigeria?

And in terms of coverage of essential services, what services are expected at each of these levels going forward?

USAID Answer: USAID acknowledges that not all primary health care (PHC) and secondary facilities are the same, hence the need for tailored strategies based on their specific contexts.

USAID encourages applications that incorporate a tiered approach, considering the different capacities of facilities. For example, high-volume facilities may require different levels of support compared to those needing more intensive assistance. Applicants should detail the importance of proposed strategies for different tiers (1, 2, and 3) in their applications.

28. Does the outcome of any proposed intervention or initiative address all three NHSRII 2023- 2026 goals?

USAID Answer: The NSHRII is the government plan and priority. This activity will support the achievement of the three goals: saving lives, reducing both physical and financial pain and providing health for ALL Nigerians. This is consistent with all externally financed support to the health sector in Nigeria.

29. Where do you see the balance in the program between technical assistance, to the government, to strengthen PHC systems versus direct support and services improvement at the facility level?

USAID Answer: USAID expects tailored approaches in addressing specific health challenges per geographic area/region. The goal is to effectively meet the needs of communities, whether through light-touch technical assistance or comprehensive service delivery. It is at the applicant’s discretion to explore innovative applications and describe the balance that will best align with the applicant’s approach.

30. Are there specific areas where USAID and the Government of Nigeria (GON) have already agreed on interventions for this funding opportunity to avoid overlap, particularly concerning activities like training, which the government may already be addressing?

USAID Answer: USAID's efforts are aligned with the Nigerian government's health plans, in line with the sector-wide strategic blueprint (HSSB). USAID acknowledges a collaborative nature of the proposal process, and the concept of adaptive management. This approach allows for flexibility in responding to evolving circumstances.

31. In describing the upcoming awards, USAID mentioned the other ones that have been forecasted before, the community aid, the HRH, the health financing, the data and digitization, but that of the quality of care was missing. Is this NOFO substitute for the quality-of-care activity? Are there similarities in what it intends to achieve?

USAID Answer: Yes, it is the same. The only change is that the title has changed from “Strengthening Quality of Care through Primary Health Care,” as stated in the business forecast, to “USAID Primary Health Care Improvement Program.” The focus and objectives remain the same, and they are consistent with the goals outlined in the NOFO.

32. I would like to find out if the UPHIP award is the same as the initial forecast "Strengthening

Quality of Care through Primary Health Care" forecast.

USAID Answer: Yes, it is the same. The only change is that the title has changed from “Strengthening Quality of Care through Primary Health Care,” as stated in the business forecast, to “USAID Primary Health Care Improvement Program.” The focus and objectives remain the same, and they are consistent with the goals outlined in the NOFO.

33. Section C, Introduction, pg. 9. The NOFO indicates that this activity is to coordinate with a social and behavior change activity. Can USAID please confirm if this will be a separate activity from the anticipated forecasted Community Health Initiative? If so, could USAID please consider adding this to the USAID forecast?

USAID Answer: Yes, the Community Health and Social Behavior Change activity will be a separate activity. Yes, USAID will add it to the forecast.

34. Section C, Introduction, pg. 9. To help inform the design of the project and coordination with other upcoming awards, could USAID kindly indicate the anticipated NOFO release date, award date, and eligibility criteria for the following upcoming awards: human resources for health, healthcare financing, community health, social and behavior change communication, data use, and strengthening health information opportunities that are mentioned in the

NOFO?

USAID Answer: Please refer to the USAID Nigeria business forecast on;

https://www.usaid.gov/business-forecast. It will be updated as information is available. This will provide the most accurate information at any given time.

35. Since UPHIP is expected to work with “the future USAID community health and social and behavior change award,” can USAID provide relevant details about it such as when it will be competed/awarded, what are the expected geographies, and the expected scope?

USAID Answer: See USAID’s business forecast per the indicated community health and social behavioral change award(s). It is expected that the community health activity would be co-located in the same geographies as UPHIP.

https://www.usaid.gov/business-forecast

36. So, in the NOFO it's mentioned that more than one award will be funded, and the value that is written in the local award is $40 million. Is it $40 million for each award, or all the awards will sum up to $40 million?

USAID Answer: Yes, up to $40 million is for one award. USAID may award one or more awards, therefore the $40M is for each award, as applicable.

37. The NOFO mentioned that up to two awards may be funded and it indicates the value to be 40m. Is the for the total irrespective of the number of award or 40m each?

USAID Answer: Yes, up to $40 million is for one award. USAID may award one or more awards, therefore the $40M is for each award, as applicable.

38. What model of agreement will this grant take? Bilateral or cooperative Agreement

USAID Answer: Bilateral, cooperative agreement as per the NOFO.

39. How many awards do USAID intends to issue and if more than one award is issued, is the funding amount going to be reviewed upward?

USAID Answer: USAID may award one or more awards. This decision will be based on the evaluation of the submissions received. If more than one award is awarded, each award may be up to $40 million over a potential five-year period. This is at the discretion of USAID.

40. Does USAID plan to give more than one award on this Nofo?

USAID Answer: It is a possibility. USAID may award one or more awards. This decision will be based on the evaluation of the submissions received.

41. In the NOFO I found somewhere that says subject to funding available for one or more renewal awards. So, my question is this; will it be by geographical settings or by the goals?

There are three goals. Is USAID planning one award per goal, or is it one or more awards per state?

USAID Answer: USAID intends to issue one or more renewal awards under this NOFO. There is no specific delineation between potential awards at this time. A decision will be made after review of the applications, based upon phases of evaluation, as to the number of awards and how they are structured.

42. Related to the presentation ,will individuals be speaking to the camera or graphic, or it should be on the slide presentation as PowerPoint?

USAID Answer: The only requirements from USAID regarding the format of the video are listed in Section D of the NOFO. Other than those listed requirements, it is at the applicant’s discretion regarding the use of a PowerPoint slide, animation, or any other format; the key is to ensure clarity in your message.

43. Section D, Application Format and Guidelines, pg. 32. USAID states that Phase 1 applicants should submit a 10-minute video presentation. Could USAID please elaborate on the desired presentation style for this video? Specifically, can the video include a mix of an individual speaking to the camera and graphics and/or PowerPoint slides on the screen?

USAID Answer: The only requirements from USAID regarding the format of the video are listed in Section D of the NOFO. Other than those listed requirements, it is at the applicant’s discretion regarding the use of a PowerPoint slide, animation, or any other format; the key is to ensure clarity in your message.

44. Can we get an insight into how USAID expects the 10 minutes video concept to be curated aside the structure that has been provided in the NOFO?

USAID Answer: Please follow the guidance in the NOFO, Section D. The video presentation must meet all requirements as outlined in the NOFO. However, beyond those requirements, there is no restriction on how an applicant’s video concept should be curated.

45. Could you provide further details on what USAID expects to see in the video concept submission? Are there specific areas of the proposal (e.g., partnerships, innovation, sustainability) that should be emphasized more than others?

USAID Answer: Please follow the guidance in the NOFO, Section D. The video presentation

46. Can you provide a bit of expectation for the video submissions.

USAID Answer: Please follow the guidance in the NOFO, Section D. The video presentation

47. My question is around partnership. How receptive is USAID to local organizations partnering with international organizations for this opportunity?

USAID Answer: INGOs can be a sub-implementing partner. There is no restriction to the number of INGOs in a consortium. Decisions regarding business development and selection of sub-partners are at the discretion of the applicant. Applicants should create partnerships that best support their proposed approach.

48. Can INGOs be a sub implementing partner? And if so, is there a restriction to the number of

INGOS on a consortium?

USAID Answer: Yes, INGOs can be a sub-implementing partner. There is no restriction to the number of INGOs in a consortium. Decisions regarding business development and selection

49. Are international NGOs allowed to participate as co sub partners in collaboration with local prime?

USAID Answer: Yes, INGOs can be a sub-implementing partner. There is no restriction to the number of INGOs in a consortium. Decisions regarding business development and selection

50. In forming a consortium, is there a cap on the number of Sub recipients?

USAID Answer: No, there is no cap on the number of sub-recipients. It is at the applicant’s discretion to create a consortium that best suits their proposed approach.

51. The NOFO is targeted at non government organization but will government entities and agencies especially at the state and LGA level be eligible for consortium membership?

USAID Answer: Yes, government entities and agencies are eligible as consortium members.

Decisions regarding partnerships are at the discretion of each applicant. However, please note that some partnerships with government entities will require additional approvals.

52. Are sub-national Governments (States and Local Government Areas) or Statutory Public Sector Organisations allowed to be members of a consortium led by a local Nigerian organisation?

USAID Answer: Yes, government entities and agencies are eligible as consortium members.

Decisions regarding partnerships are at the discretion of each applicant. However, please note that some partnerships with government entities may require additional approvals.

53. In making the video, does it have to include all consortium partners or only the prime?

USAID Answer: A list of partner organizations, as applicable, is required in the “Introduction” section of the video (see D.4 of the NOFO), this is the only requirement. It is at the discretion of the applicant regarding who is featured/speaks on behalf of the consortium (if applicable).

54. Is the prime organization expected to include the consortium members and any other list of partners in the video?

USAID Answer: A list of partner organizations, as applicable, is required in the “Introduction” section of the video (see D.4 of the NOFO), this is the only requirement. It is at the discretion of the applicant regarding who is featured/speaks on behalf of the consortium (if applicable).

55. Could you elaborate on USAID's expectations for consortium applications? Are there particular types of partnerships or organizational roles that USAID favors in a consortium model?

USAID Answer: No, USAID does not favor any specific consortium model.

56. Can new partners be included in the consortium after scaling the first stage?

USAID Answer: Yes, new partners may be included or excluded in the consortium if the applicant advances to the next phase of the NOFO process. Any changes must be noted on the subsequent phase.

57. Section C, Program Description, pg. 27 and pg. 29. USAID states that partnerships with local universities and professional associations are desired. USAID also requests applicant to list partners as part of Phase 1 application (pg.32). However, USAID also states that geographies will be selected post-award. Given that many of these partnerships are state-dependent, can USAID please confirm whether it would be acceptable for applicants to identify local university and professional association partners post-award once implementation states are finalized?

USAID Answer: Yes, it is acceptable for applicants to identify local university and professional association partners after geographic regions are determined. Partnership with local universities and professional associations will be decided together (where applicable) with Government of Nigeria (GoN), Implementing Partners relevant to this activity, and relevant development partners.

58. Can one organization submit 2 NOFO applications?

USAID Answer: One organization cannot submit two applications as a prime. An organization can be considered as prime on one application and then a sub-awardee or consortium members under other applications where the organization is not the prime (primary submitter).

59. Are organizations allowed to Prime an application and sub in another consortium for the same application?

USAID Answer: Yes. An organization can be considered as prime on one application and then a sub-awardee or consortium members under other applications where the organization is not the prime (primary submitter).

60. Is it allowed for an organization to have two submissions? That's possibly one as a prime and another as a sub?

USAID Answer: Yes. An organization can be considered as prime on one application and then a sub-awardee or consortium members under other applications where the organization is not the prime (primary submitter).

61. Can an organization be sub in more than 1 submission?

USAID Answer: Yes. An organization can be considered a sub-awardee or consortium members under more than one submission.

62. If we submit one as a subaward and another as a prime, so kindly reconfirm there is no duplication penalty to it.

USAID Answer: An organization can be considered as prime on one application and then a sub-awardee or consortium members under other applications where the organization is not the prime (primary submitter).

63. Quick one please, I wish to ask if for profit organizations can apply as a prime or sub organization?

USAID Answer: Yes, for-profit entities may apply as a prime or sub organization; however, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.400, payment of profit is not authorized under USAID Assistance awards.

64. Our organization is a young organization which is about 3 years old. Can this organization with no experience. Can we apply?

USAID Answer: Yes, your organization can apply if it is a local Nigerian organization (as defined in Section B.1 of the NOFO), as this is the only restriction to competition at this time.

As section B of the NOFO states: “...USAID encourages applications from potential new and underutilized implementing partners who may not have previously received financial assistance from USAID.”

65. I am glad for the opportunity to attend the pre-application conference. Our organization, though relatively new at about a year old, is led by a chairman with over 25 years of experience in Primary Health Care (PHC) leadership at the community, local government, and state levels. We are deeply passionate about PHC and immunization. Given this background, would our organization be eligible to apply?. We partner with the State PHCB on PHC and Immunization activities strengthening demand side activities and expanding access, demand, uptake and utilization.

USAID Answer: Yes, your organization can apply if it is a local Nigerian organization (as defined in Section B.1 of the NOFO), as this is the only restriction to competition at this time.

As section B of the NOFO states: “...USAID encourages applications from potential new and underutilized implementing partners who may not have previously received financial assistance from USAID.”

66. Are key personnel expected to be listed at the first phase?

USAID Answer: No, please see E.2 and E.3 of Section E in the NOFO.

67. Must the oral presentation be led by the key personnel?

USAID Answer: Separate and detailed instruction for Phase 2 submission of oral presentation will be sent to those who are successful in Phase 1.

68. Can USAID please clarify what positions will be considered key personnel and what the requirements are for those positions?

USAID Answer: Further details will be provided to those who make it to Phase 2 of the application process.

69. Can USAID please confirm if there will be specifications for who presenters can be during the Phase 2 oral presentation?

USAID Answer: There will be a limit on the number of presenters in attendance. Generally, anticipated key personnel are encouraged to participate (if possible), but specific instructions will be provided to applicants that are invited to Phase 2.

70. Our organization is a Health Tech company both registered as a Delaware top co and a Nigerian entity. While referring for the SAM, what entity should be registered? Can both entities be registered simultaneously?

USAID Answer: Please direct your question to the helpdesk at sam.gov.

71. How will the video concept be evaluated compared to traditional concept papers? What are the most critical criteria that USAID will be looking for in the video?

USAID Answer: The video concept will be evaluated by a Merit Review Committee according to the criteria described in E.3 (section E of the NOFO).

72. Does USAID expect UPHIP to budget for the external performance assessment described on pages 4 and 5 of the NOFO?

USAID Answer: No, USAID will pay for the external performance assessment described on pages 4 and 5. It will not come from the UPHIP budget. Please note that these details will be provided to successful applicants in Phase 3.

73. Does USAID expect applicants to propose and budget for a cost-effectiveness study?

USAID Answer: Cost applications are not required in Phase 1 of this NOFO. Please note that only the Apparently Successful Applicant(s) that are invited to Phase 3 will be required to submit a cost application.

74. Whether USAID envisions the MEL responsibilities to be incorporated by a primary awardee or if there is an opportunity for a dedicated MEL partner to apply independently for these roles. If so, does USAID expect the MEL firm to operate independently from other implementation partners, or will there be integrated MEL activities across different components of the UPHIP project?

USAID Answer: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) activities remain an integral part of the UPHIP award. USAID expects this to be incorporated into the proposed technical approach. Any successful applicants will be required to develop a MEL Plan, this will be required after award.

75. The extent of third-party verification and performance audit services required, and if USAID will prioritize independence in MEL functions through external support?

USAID Answer: USAID will externally and objectively verify achievement of key results.

However, applicants must develop their own Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan after award, in accordance with the NOFO requirements.

76. Any preferred data management systems or platforms and the frequency and format USAID expects for reporting across performance indicators?

USAID Answer: No. Please see F.4 (Performance reporting, section F of the NOFO).

77. Section A, Start Date and Period of Performance for Federal Awards, pg. 4. Does USAID have an illustrative desired start and award date for this project?

USAID Answer: USAID anticipates March 2025 as the estimated start date for performance of activities under this NOFO. Note that this is an estimated date and is subject to change.

78. Section A, Start Date and Period of Performance for Federal Awards, pg. 4. Given that funding will be allotted in two phases, should the applicant propose a project design and budget that reflects Y1 – Y3, or Y1 – Y5?

USAID Answer: Applicants should plan for a design approach for three years. Note that cost applications are not required in phase 1 of this NOFO. Only the Apparently Successful Applicant(s) that are invited to phase 3 will be required to submit a cost Application.

79. Section D, Application Format and Guidelines, pg. 32. Regarding the phased application approach, can USAID please clarify:

USAID Answer: Please Refer to Page 31 and 32 of the NOFO. The merit review and selection criteria has been provided in Section E of the NOFO.

80. Is there a limit to the number of organizations who will proceed to Phase 2?

USAID Answer: No, there is no limit on the number of organizations that will proceed to Phase 2. Reference Section E (E.2) of the NOFO.

81. Could USAID share an anticipated date when they will notify applicants about progression to

Phase 2? And Phase 3?

USAID Answer: USAID will communicate these dates to successful applicants following completion of each phase of the process. Timing is partially contingent on the number of concepts received, as this will impact the length of the evaluation period.

82. Could USAID share the anticipated timing between when an applicant will be invited to make an oral presentation and the date of the oral presentation?

USAID Answer: USAID will communicate these dates to successful applicants following completion of each phase of the process.

83. Can USAID please confirm if only one Apparently Successful Applicant will be invited to Phase

3?

USAID Answer: No, this cannot be confirmed. USAID reserves the right to invite one or more applicants to Phase 3. The number of applicants to be invited to Phase 3 will be determined from the results of the evaluation of Phases 1 and 2.

84. Section D, Application Format and Guidelines, pg. 33. To assist applicants in preparing for

Phase 2, can USAID kindly provide some initial parameters for the oral presentations, including the length of the presentation, format of the presentation (e.g., presentation followed by Q&A), the number of slides that will be allowed, and number of presenters who will be allowed?

USAID Answer: Further details will be communicated to the applicant(s) that are invited to the oral phase (Phase 2) of the award process.

85. Section E, Application Review Information, pg. 39. Can USAID please confirm if cost share will be required in the Phase 3 application, and if so at what level? If cost share is required, does USAID anticipate providing additional parameters surrounding acceptable items to propose for cost share? While a cost application is not required for Phase 1, additional guidance would be helpful to ensure applicants’ designs are responsive to USAID preferences.

USAID Answer: Cost share is not required.

86. Question regarding how to apply for the NOFO and where to submit?

USAID Answer: Information regarding the submission process for the NOFO is contained in www.grants.gov. Applicants should search for the NOFO number: 72062024RFA00009 as indicated in the recent newspaper publication dated October 16, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to read the NOFO and understand the application process before submitting applications. Also, video presentations should be sent to the designated email address, abujasolicitations@usaid.gov on or before November 15, 2024.

87. Does it mean that November 15, 2024, is the last date for intending applicants to submit their response?

USAID Answer: Yes. For Phase 1, submissions are due on or before November 15, 2024. After the Phase 1 deadline, as stated in the NOFO, no additional concept submissions will be accepted. After Phase 1, only those applicants that are evaluated in Phase 1 as “conditionally acceptable” will be invited to Phase 2, in accordance with Section E of the NOFO.

88. If a video submission by a partner has an issue and they are not aware of it, will there be a communication to the applicant to say, oh, your video has this issue and things like that, so that it can be resent?

USAID Answer: If applicants find an error in their video submission, they can resubmit it as long as it’s before the deadline of November 15, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to test the submission link on various devices to ensure it works properly, and to set the right permission settings so that everyone can view the video in the cloud storage. USAID will test the links as they are received and will let applicants know if we cannot access the file. For this reason, it http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:abujasolicitations@usaid.gov is encouraged that applicants provide their Phase 1 concept video before the deadline to account for any access issues.

89. Will there be an acknowledgement that USAID have received the video concept? Do we have limited correction of the videos, because let's say some persons after the second attempt of sending the corrected video concert, they still intend to correct one or two things, so do we have limited sending?

USAID Answer: Yes, once your video submission is received, you will get an acknowledgment.

If you discover a mistake, you can resubmit your video multiple times. Please be sure to mark the resubmission as "updated" and include the date. However, any submissions made after the due date will not be considered. USAID will also test the video link and contact the applicant if the link is not functional.

90. Just to clarify, the organization has done everything, they tested the video, they shared the link, but at the point of evaluation, USAID is unable to probably access or download the video, what will be the way forward?

USAID Answer: USAID will test the links as they are received and will let applicants know if we cannot access the file. For this reason, it is encouraged that applicants provide their Phase 1 concept video before the deadline to account for any access issues.

91. I want to respectfully ask what will be your feedback mechanism after the pre-award risk assessment?

USAID Answer: This question was interpreted in two different ways by attendees during the pre-application conference on October 23. One interpretation was regarding the Non-US Organization Pre-Award Survey (NUPAS) process; the other interpretation was regarding feedback from evaluations at each phase. We have addressed both interpretations below:

Regarding the NUPAS, only applicants that are selected as Apparently Successful Applicant(s) will undergo a NUPAS, and usually only if they have not previously had such an assessment.

From this assessment, USAID will provide oral debriefing to the Applicant upon completion of the pre-award risk assessment and a report of the outcome of the assessment will be communicated in writing.

Regarding if applicants want feedback on their submission, there will be an opportunity to request feedback from USAID on their submission. While feedback is not automatically provided, interested applicants can request such information after notification of their evaluation result.

92. If the lead organization in a consortium has critical issues under NUPAS but there are other organizations in the consortium, are you going to aggregate the risk within the consortium, or are you just going to look at the lead organization?

USAID Answer: USAID focuses on the lead organization (the prime) during the NUPAS process. Even if the subcontractors are well-qualified and do not require NUPAS, USAID's legal relationship is solely with the prime organization. USAID strives to support organizations in overcoming any findings or challenges, making it rare for an organization to be completely ruled out. We aim to work collaboratively to help organizations meet the necessary requirements.

93. For new organizations or those that have not previously received USAID funding, what does the risk assessment process entail, and how can new applicants better prepare for it?

USAID Answer: Additional information regarding the Non-US Organization Pre-Award Survey (NUPAS) process on the USAID website. The following links will provide more information about the process and how to prepare:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/get-grant-or-contract/trainings-how-work-usaid/preparing-non-us-organization-nupas https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/303sam_092823.pdf

Please note that only applicants who are determined to be Apparently Successful Applicants in Phase 3 will be subject to a NUPAS, and only if it is applicable to their organization.

94. I just want an interpretation of the sentence in Slide 20 of the presentation. ‘In performance with no government intervention, can that word be interpreted or unbundled?

USAID Answer: It means no U.S. government intervention. USAID operates through two main paths: acquisition and assistance. The UPHIP initiative falls under assistance, meaning USAID's role is to support and fund activities proposed by organizations. It is expected that the performance of this activity will be done by the awardee; there are small exceptions that will be written into the award under “substantial involvement.” The concept of "substantial involvement" means that while USAID can provide guidance, it will not directly intervene in the execution of the projects. This approach is designed to empower local organizations to lead their initiatives without U.S. government personnel supplementing their efforts.

95. Is it possible to advertise this call on the workwithusaid.gov so that organizations that may not necessarily have the capacity to apply as leads in this call could apply as sub-partners?

USAID Answer: No, USAID has widely circulated the NOFO on different fora including, government websites, social media platforms, and two national newspapers.

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/get-grant-or-contract/trainings-how-work-usaid/preparing-non-us-organization-nupas https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/get-grant-or-contract/trainings-how-work-usaid/preparing-non-us-organization-nupas https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/303sam_092823.pdf

96. Will the presentation slides be shared?

USAID Answer: Yes, the power point presentation from the pre-application conference on October 23, 2024 will be posted as an attachment to this amendment on grants.gov.