Attachment A-Questions and Answers (2).pdf

Attachment A: Questions and Answers

Amendment 01 to Call for Concepts Notes (Notice of Funding Opportunity - NOFO Number 72066823RFA00001

# Question Answer

1 First, On page 17, under IR 3, the last bullet states, “At least one LP is identified to receive a transition award.” Could USAID clarify whether it expects applicants to transition activities/funding to an LP by the end of the five year period of performance?

Is the transition award funding included in the $15M budget ceiling?

Yes. The activity is meant to strengthen the capacity of a LP and prepare the LP to continue implementing the activity as a Prime through a transition award.

Also, yes, the LP transition award is within the same $15M budget ceiling.

2 In the NOFO you said that local partners are only eligible to apply, and now you said what happen,?

also it possible to locate the amount that partner can able to request rather the amount in NOFO

This award is open to all implementing partners; it is NOT restricted. The NOFO states that “Eligibility for this award is not restricted. Local organizations are encouraged to apply.”

3 I’m interested in working with a Prime entity who are open to working with sub-awardees and would like to know the best way to contact them. Also I would like to share my capability statement to share how I can best support prime and/or locally based entities as a sub-awardee. Thank you!

USAID does not help potential sub awardees contact the Primes. USAID will issue the registration list for all participants on the virtual pre-solicitation.

4 On page 33 of the NOFO, USAID states that Criterion 2 of the evaluation criteria for this concept note will be Organization Management and Staffing. However, Attachment 1 does not include a section for Organizational Management and Staffing as part of the Concept Note outline, aside from C. Management Structure in Section III.

This section has been revised, please review the attached amendment.

5 Could USAID please clarify in which section of the This section has been revised, please concept note applicants should include Organization Management and Staffing information to address the evaluation criteria review the attached amendment.

6 Would USAID please provide guidance on what information it is expecting to see in an Organizational Staffing and Management section?

Would USAID consider increasing the five page limit for the Concept Note so that applicants have room to fully respond to this evaluation criterion?

This section has been revised, please review the attached amendment.

7 I understand that the Activity is a follow on, what does this mean in terms of competitiveness of the Activity? Is current more preferred than new prospective?

There are no preferences for the incumbent. This is a fully open and competitive procurement.

9 The NOFO also indicated possibilities for scale up in other counties of South Sudan along the life of the project, should prospective applicants have a scale up plan as part of the Concept Note?

A scale up plan is not required in the Concept Note. As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County.

10 The NOFO specifies that international partners should not enter into exclusive agreements with local staff or organizations, what if that agreement was signed before the NOFO was shared? What will happen?

Secondly, what are the consequences of an international organizations that had signed an exclusive agreement with local organizations? Is a local organization allowed to partner with three different other organizations who are applying as prime?

USAD has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

11 We have read the NOFO and the section on Eligibility Information is clear concerning the Exclusive agreement. What happens if a NNGO

USAD has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

signs an Exclusive teaming agreement with the Applicant? Will the concept note be treated as ineligible?

12 Can an organization be a Prime and at the same time sign a Non Exclusive teaming agreement with another Prime? Is this accepted by USAID?

Yes

13 Based on the last presentation, I am finding it difficult for me to register my organization in sam.gov, how best shall we help the local partners who find it difficult for them to register too.

The sam.gov website has a number of tutorials. If you have further questions please email abako@usaid.gov

14 Are UIE and DUNs numbers different? On April 4, 2022 the US Government switched to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) system in place of the DUNS number. To receive funding from the US Government, all companies must have a UEI number. Additional information can be found on www.sam.gov.

15 Lake States is loading in terms of newly HIV infection. How would you intervene in that situation?

As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County.

16 What is the plan of USAID to the new HIV infection rate in the country specifically Lakes State is concerned.

As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County.

17 Do USAID accept concept note aimed at creating an enabling environment for HIV integrating into FP and SRHR

Concept notes should respond to all areas of the Program Description.

Applicants are encouraged to provide innovative approaches to meeting the activity’s objectives, which may include FP/HIV integration and SRHR.

18 Where does the USAID Localization target of 25% stand for the health sector?

USAID is committed to allocating 25% of program funds to local partners by FY25. This is a global goal and targets are not set for individual sectors. For more information on USAID’s vision and approach to localization please visit the localization site.

19 What is the minimum and maximum budget received by NNGOS?

This NOFO has a total ceiling of $15 million. There is no specific ceiling for NNGOs.

20 How will USAID help us to get registered on SAM? Please contact Contact Michael Loro at mloro@usaid.gov or Juma Lutyo at jlutyo@usaid.gov for additional information.

21 We have been trying for registration on SAM, but we failed.

See Answer 20

22 What are the five (5) states selected by USAID for the project?

As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County.

23 Some DONORS at times dictate where the project (proposed draft) should be run. Is USAID open in these locations?

As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County.

24 Would you kindly shed more light on (Implementation experience of similar projects) e.g. HIV/AIDS preventive activities and trying to involve treatment in such a concept note?

This question does not appear to be related to the solicitation, we cannot provide a response.

25 Can USAID accept applications from consortiums or platforms? If yes! How?

Yes, in your organizational section please provide a full list of the partners and their contributions to the overall proposal.

26 Does the funding cover all states and its counties in the country?

As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County.

27 What does NOFO stand for in concept notes?Do USAID also offer grants to NNGO / Grassroot Organization , especially those who had never accessed funding from the USAID?

NOFO stands for Notice Of Funding Opportunity. USAID may offer funding to NNGOs that have previously not worked with USAID.

28 Can you share this proposal with all national NGO present in this meeting including the new partners?

Please see the link for the NOFO :

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/se arch-grants.html?keywords=Tamkeen https://www.usaid.gov/localization mailto:mloro@usaid.gov mailto:jlutyo@usaid.gov https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=Tamkeen https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=Tamkeen

29 What is the total number of year (Project Period) Five years.

30 What are USAID priorised project locations? As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County.

31 What is the minimum & maximum grant value to be applied per applicant.

There will be one award. The maximum is $15 million

32 What is the total estimated number of grantees to be contracted?

USAID will make one award for this activity.

33 What is the time frame for the health project? 5 year period starting October 2023

34 Does USAID have a concept note template? This section has been revised. Please review the amendment.

35 Can a local partner directly apply for USAID program without a lead partner i.e. International

NGO?

Yes

36 Does USAID allow new local partners to apply for funding.

Yes

37 How do the local partners access USAID online funding?

To check for upcoming funding opportunities visit the USAID business forecast on https://www.usaid.gov/business-foreca st . In addition please sign up for alerts on on www.grants.gov and www.beta.sam.gov

38 What are the funding criteria for local partners to apply?

There are no specific criteria, They must follow all guidelines in the NOFO.

39 Is this project going to be extended in the current location or is going to extend to other locations?

As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County.

40 How many NNGOs will be taken/selected by the prime INGO?

Primes are required to select at least one NNGO https://www.usaid.gov/business-forecast https://www.usaid.gov/business-forecast http://www.grants.gov http://www.beta.sam.gov

41 Can you kindly elaborate more on exactly what cooperative agreement is?

A Cooperative agreement is a type of assistance that provides for substantial involvement between the Agency and recipient during implementation of an Activity. For additional information on cooperative agreements please refer to : link

42 How many partners will be specifically selected to implement the OVC / DREAM Program?

USAID will select one prime. Each prime must include at least one local partner

43 Could USAID please confirm that a UEI for proposed subrecipients is required prior to disbursing funding to those proposed subrecipients, but is not required at time of concept or full application submission.

Correct

44 Please elaborate on what is expected for inclusion in the Key Personnel plan, and whether it needs to remain within the 5 page concept page limit, or whether it can be included in “Supporting Information”

This section has been revised . Please review the amendment.

45 Is the expectation and timeline for “at least one local partner identified [and prepared to effectively receive] a transition award” expected during the period of performance or by the end of project?

USAID South Sudan is looking for the activity to provide technical assistance to a locally identified partner(s), with the expectation that the local partner(s) will eventually receive a transition award to become direct USAID recipient(s) by the end of the activity.

46 Given the NOFO says “applicants must not enter into exclusive arrangements for labor with any local staff or local organizations”, how can applicants be responsive to the NOFO requirement to provide letters of commitment for any named partner? In other words, applicants are required to ask local organizations to commit to a team, but they may

The section in the NOFO referring to exclusive arrangements has been removed in the amendment as well as the request for commitment letter.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/India_RFIP_WhatIsCooperativeAgreement.pdf get rejected by USAID. This can be confusing and counterproductive in the context of locally led development. Kindly consider removing the requirement for letters of commitment in favor of just letters of support, or clarifying that all letters of commitment with local partners must be non-exclusive.

47 The current DREAMS and OVC covered only urban Juba county and the NOFO mentioned Juba county as the geographical location but we have facilities in the rural Juba county like Aru Junction PHCC currently under PEPFAR, are there plans to cover rural Juba county too? Or can this funding cover other facilities that were not covered in Juba county?

As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County.

48 The geographic focus is Juba County. However, USAID may require the Recipient of this award to shift or expand the geographic focus outside of Juba during the life of the Activity to better align with PEPFAR geographic priorities, is there a specific period that this consideration of expanding will be considered in the five years period?

As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County, with the potential for expansion in the future pending funding and PEPFAR guidance.

There is no time frame specified for potential geographic expansion or transition.

49 Our organization is planning to apply as prime with one international organization and as a sub with a National NGO, will there be some contradiction from this provision in this NOFO?.

No, there is no restriction on the number of partners an IP can submit as part of the proposal.

50 Could USAID confirm that it intends to notify applicants on the status of their concept note within 90 days of submission (e.g., by September 26, 2023)? Could USAID also clarify how long after the oral presentation will the Apparent Successful Applicant be invited to co-creation discussions?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

51 On page 24, USAID indicates that the estimated start date will be October 2023. However, given the five-stage process and that applicants will be notified if they are invited to the oral presentation by end of September 2023 (90 days after concept note submission), and then must complete the oral presentation, co-creation, and then full application stages, could USAID confirm this estimated start date is feasible, or revise as needed?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

52 On page 27, under III. The first paragraph states, “In preparing their submissions, applicants must not enter into exclusive arrangements for labor with any local staff or local organizations.” Could USAID confirm this means that the applicant should not enter into exclusive agreements with any identified activity staff nor partners?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

53 On page 28, under Phase 1: Five Page Concept Notes Submission, the last sentence states, “The concept note must be submitted in two separate parts: The Technical and the Business (Cost) Application” However, Attachment 1: Concept Paper Template, Section III requires applicants to include A. Proposed estimated cost and cost breakdown. Could USAID confirm if the cost information should be submitted with the Concept Note as part of Section III, or should the cost information be submitted separately from the Concept Note? If it should be submitted separately, can USAID confirm that sections G and H should be

USAID has revised this section. Please removed from the Concept Note template since they refer to cost information?

54 On page 28 of the NOFO, USAID states under “format and style of the submission shall…be single spaced, standard margins, fonts- 11 point or larger”. Can USAID confirm that they do NOT have a font preference and the applicant is able to choose the font that they would like to present?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

55 Would USAID allow 10-point font for tables and graphics in the concept note?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

56 In Attachment 1: Concept Paper Template, we have several questions for clarification: a. Section I, B Proposed short and unique title of the activity – could USAID clarify if it expects applicants to use the Tamkeen Activity name, or propose a different title for the activity?

USAID expects the applicant to use the Tamkeen name for the submission. The name of the activity will be discussed and finalized during the co-creation phase.

57 Section I, I. Proposed period of performance – could USAID clarify if it expects applicants to propose a different period of performance from the five years that is specified earlier in the NOFO on pg. 24?

The period of performance for this activity is five years. The information will be updated.

58 Section II, sections E through H, would USAID allow applicants to include this information in Section III so it does not count towards the five page limit?

59 Section II, H. “Other pertinent information,” could USAID provide any guidance on what type of information could be included in this section?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

60 On page 17, under IR 3, the last bullet states, “At least one LP is identified to receive a transition award.” Could USAID clarify whether it expects applicants to transition activities/funding to an LP by the end of the five-year period of performance?

Is the transition award funding included in the $15M budget ceiling, or will additional funds be programmed to fund the transition award at the conclusion of Year 5?

The activity is meant to strengthen the capacity of a LP and prepare the LP to implement as a Prime through a transition award, by the end of the activity.

The LP transition award is within the same $15M budget ceiling. No additional funds will be programmed to fund the transition award.

61 NOFO On page 33 of the NOFO, USAID states that Criterion 2 of the evaluation criteria for this concept note will be Organization Management and Staffing. However, Attachment 1 does not include a section for Organizational Management and Staffing as part of the Concept Note outline, aside from C. Management Structure in Section III.

Could USAID please clarify in which section of the concept note applicants should include Organization Management and Staffing information to address the evaluation criteria? Would USAID please provide guidance on what information it is expecting to see in an Organizational Staffing and Management section? Would USAID consider increasing the five-page limit for the Concept Note so that applicants have room to fully respond to this evaluation criterion?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

62 Similarly, Criterion 2 of the evaluation criteria states that applicants will be evaluated to the “Extent to which the proposed Key Personnel plan demonstrates experience, expertise and skills required to implement the program.” Would USAID please provide guidance on what information it is expecting to see in this Key Personnel plan? Could USAID confirm that applicants can determine the number and type of key personnel positions it believes is needed to achieve the results of the Activity?

63 On page 38 of the NOFO, USAID states that applicants should include “abbreviated proposed budget projections and brief narratives. Could USAID please clarify what level of detail is required on the excel spreadsheets. Should it include a summary and detailed budget? 2. Similarly, could USAID clarify if they require detailed budgets for the proposed subawards? Oral Presentation 1. Will USAID invite more than one organization to participate in Phase 3: Oral Presentation? 2. How long will applicants have to prepare for the oral presentation after notification they have been invited to this phase? 3. Could USAID please provide further guidance and information about the oral presentation requirements? For example, what format will the oral presentation consist of, how long should the presentation last, who should present on behalf of the applicant (key personnel or other staff), will applicants be required to submit a presentation ahead of time, how will applicants’ oral presentations be evaluated, etc.?

1.As indicated in SECTION III – SUPPORTING INFORMATION, please provide a summary of your budget projections as per listed items.

2. No detailed budgets are required at this stage.

Oral Presentations.

1. If more than one organization proceeds to phase 3, each one will have a chance to present orally. Each with different sessions.

2. The applicants will be informed of the time after they proceed to this phase.

3. Successful applicants will be informed of the time they will have to get the oral proposals ready and the agenda.

64 On page 38 of the NOFO, USAID states that applicants should include “abbreviated proposed budget projections and brief narratives. Could USAID please clarify what level of detail is required on the excel spreadsheets. Should it include a summary and detailed budget?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

65 Similarly, could USAID clarify if they require detailed budgets for the proposed subawards? Oral Presentation 1. Will USAID invite more than one organization to participate in Phase 3: Oral

Revised.

Presentation? 2. How long will applicants have to prepare for the oral presentation after notification they have been invited to this phase?

66 Could USAID please provide further guidance and information about the oral presentation requirements? For example, what format will the oral presentation consist of, how long should the presentation last, who should present on behalf of the applicant (key personnel or other staff), will applicants be required to submit a presentation ahead of time, how will applicants’ oral presentations be evaluated, etc.?

See 63 above

67 Should Tamkeen plan to coordinate exclusively with the PEPFAR-supported clinical sites currently engaged by ACHIEVE, or may other PEPFAR clinical sites be integrated into the program for enrollment of OVC?

The applicant should propose coordination with any clinical sites necessary to achieve the activity’s objectives.

68 Can USAID share current PEPFAR guidance for the number of beneficiaries per household to be counted toward the OVC_SERV comprehensive target in South Sudan?

The activity should follow the PEPFAR MER guidance for reporting of

OVC_SERV.

69 Does USAID/South Sudan have any expectations or requirements for the OVC household graduation benchmarks, i.e. timeline for graduation or the expected proportion of households that should graduate each year?

OVC households must meet all graduation benchmarks before they are eligible to graduate. The time from enrollment to graduation will vary based on household vulnerability and need. There is no requirement around the proportion of households that must graduate per year.

70 Within the FY24 OVC_SERV comprehensive target, USAID specifies 1,755 AGYW age 15-17 are to receive DREAMS services:

a. Should applicants assume these girls are ALHIV, and does USAID expect them to also receive comprehensive household-based OVC services?

b. Are these 1,755 AGYW included in the overall DREAMS target of 4,031 for FY24, or are these in addition (bringing the total number of DREAMS participants to 5,786 for Y1)?

Please refer to the PEPFAR MER guidance.

a) The AGYW 15-17 counted under OVC_SERV/DREAMS are DREAMS beneficiaries who “received an eligible OVC service”. They may or may not be

HIV+.

b) The 1,755 AGYW ages 15-17 counted under OVC_SERV/DREAMS are included in the 4,031 DREAMS (AGYW_PREV) target for FY24.

71 Within the OVC package, USAID includes implementation of HIV/GBV prevention interventions for 10-14-year-old OVC:

a. Can USAID provide a target for the number of OVC to be reached with these interventions?

b. Is the expectation that 10-14-year-olds receiving HIV/GBV prevention interventions come from the OVC_SERV comprehensive beneficiary cohort, i.e. C/ALHIV and other eligible, enrolled OVC receiving household case management? Or does USAID expect more general targeting and enrollment for prevention sessions, i.e. other children within OVC households or broad community enrollment?

c. Can USAID confirm that they expect HIV/GBV prevention sessions for 10-14-year-olds to be delivered at the community level vs. in schools or other settings?

d. Does USAID have a preference for the HIV/GBV prevention intervention to be used with 10-14-year-old OVC?

Will USAID support the OVC partner placing and funding focal points such as Clinic-Community Linkage Coordinators or Youth Peer Supporters at clinical sites

a. The NOFO outlines notional OVC_SERV and AGYW_PREV targets for FY24. Applicants are welcome to propose additional indicators or targets based on their application.

b. Yes. These are currently part of the OVC_SERV comprehensive beneficiaries. .

c. The Applicant should propose the best methods to achieve the activity’s objectives that are in line with PEPFAR COP23 guidance and OVC programming guidance.

d. The applicant should refer to the PEPFAR COP23 Guidance which includes recommended curricula for HIV and violence prevention. .

The Applicant should propose the best methods to achieve the activity’s objectives that are in line with PEPFAR COP23 guidance and OVC programming guidance.

72 Within the OVC package, USAID includes implementation of HIV/GBV prevention interventions for 10-14-year-old OVC:

a. Can USAID provide a target for the number of OVC to be reached with these interventions?

b. Is the expectation that 10-14-year-olds receiving HIV/GBV prevention interventions come from the OVC_SERV comprehensive beneficiary cohort, i.e. C/ALHIV and other eligible, enrolled

a. The NOFO outlines notional OVC_SERV and AGYW_PREV targets for FY24. Applicants are welcome to propose additional indicators or targets based on their application.

b. Yes. These are currently part of the OVC_SERV comprehensive beneficiaries.

c. The Applicant should propose the best methods to achieve the

OVC receiving household case management? Or does USAID expect more general targeting and enrollment for prevention sessions, i.e. other children within OVC households or broad community enrollment?

c. Can USAID confirm that they expect HIV/GBV prevention sessions for 10-14-year-olds to be delivered at the community level vs. in schools or other settings?

d. Does USAID have a preference for the HIV/GBV prevention intervention to be used with 10-14-year-old OVC?

activity’s objectives that are in line with PEPFAR COP23 guidance and OVC programming guidance.

d. The applicant should refer to the PEPFAR COP23 Guidance which includes recommended curricula for HIV and violence prevention.

73 Will USAID support the OVC partner placing and funding focal points such as Clinic-Community Linkage Coordinators or Youth Peer Supporters at clinical sites?

The Applicant should propose the best methods to achieve the activity’s objectives that are in line with PEPFAR COP23 guidance and OVC programming guidance.

74 Does USAID/South Sudan provide any guidance or standards for the ratio of OVC caseworkers to Households?

Please refer to the 2012 PEPFAR OVC Programming Guidance and PEPFAR COP23 Guidance as noted in the NOFO.

75 Does USAID/South Sudan have any expectations or requirements for the OVC household graduation benchmarks, i.e. timeline for graduation or the expected proportion of households that should graduate each year?

OVC households must meet all graduation benchmarks before they are eligible to graduate. The time from enrollment to graduation will vary based on household vulnerability and need. There is no requirement around the proportion of households that must graduate per year.

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

https://www.socialserviceworkforce.org/system/files/resource/files/PEPFAR%20Guidance%20for%20OVC%20Programming.pdf https://www.socialserviceworkforce.org/system/files/resource/files/PEPFAR%20Guidance%20for%20OVC%20Programming.pdf

77 Section D.III.a) on pp 28-29 indicates both that “The concept note must be submitted in two separate parts: The Technical and the Business (Cost) Application.” and that the concept note “must follow the format provided as Attachment 1 to this NOFO.” Could USAID clarify this requirement for separate portions of the concept note to be submitted separately, given that there is only a single template in Attachment 1 to the NOFO, and it includes both technical and cost information in Sections I and III?

See Revised Sections in the Amendment

78 Section D.III.a) on pp 28-29 indicates both that “The Applicant should ONLY submit the information and materials specified and email a PDF saved copy of the document” and that “The format and style of the submission shall…Be in searchable and editable Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat formats…” Could USAID kindly clarify whether it will accept any application materials in Microsoft Word, and whether the submission of multiple documents is allowable given particularly the requirements of Section III of the template in Attachment I

See Amendment

79 Section D.III.a) indicates that applicants should submit their concept note with the file name saved as “CONCEPT NOTE AND BUDGET – NOFO No.

72066823RFA00001”. In addition to our separate request for clarification regarding whether the concept note should be submitted as one document or with separated technical and cost components, could USAID clarify if it is their intention that all applicants should submit files with identical file names? Or should the name of the applicant be included as part of the file name as well (and potentially other information such as

See Amendment whether the file relates to the technical or cost component, or a particular section of the template)?

80 Could USAID confirm that in Attachment I, Section I.J (page 37), “UEID number” is meant to refer to “UEI number”?

This is a typo, it should read UEI number.

81 Could USAID kindly clarify whether the requirement in Attachment I, Section III.D (page 38) for “letters of support and commitment from any named partner(s)” is meant to refer to one or two letters from each named partner?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

82 Is there a limit on the number of attachments (per email) for the electronic submission?

USAID has revised this section. Please review the amendment.

83 Does USAID require applicants to use the ELA curriculum, or are other evidence-based economic empowerment and SRH curricula currently adapted for and in use in South Sudan able to be used for the DREAMS package?

The Applicant should propose the best methods to achieve the activity’s objectives that are in line with PEPFAR COP23 guidance and DREAMS programming guidance.

84 Are any other USAID mechanisms slated to provide capacity strengthening support to Tamkeen local implementing partners during the project period of performance, or should Tamkeen partners plan to undertake all necessary work to prepare local organizations for transition to direct USAID awards?

The Applicantis responsible for identifying a local partner to be trained and capacity strengthened. At this time it is not possible to specify whether a proposed local partner will receive additional capacity development from other sources.

85 Given the requirements for content that is to be included in the concept paper, would USAID kindly

USAID is requesting a concept note of 5 pages or less. Please note that concept notes that exceed the five pages limit consider increasing the page limit for the concept body to 10 pages, to enable applicants to meet the review criteria and adequately convey their proposed contextual understanding and implementation strategies?

will not be reviewed.

86 On the list of merit review criteria for the concept paper provided on page 33 of the NOFO, USAID includes the following: “Extent to which the proposed Key Personnel plan demonstrates experience, expertise and skills required to implement the program.” However, the concept paper outline does not include presentation of key personnel. Can USAID please clarify its expectations given the page limitations and concept paper structure?

There may have been a typo. The key personnel plan is key for the second review criterion. So, it has to be included in the five pages concept note.

87 Within the FY24 OVC_SERV comprehensive target, USAID specifies 1,755 AGYW age 15-17 are to receive DREAMS services:

a. Should applicants assume these girls are ALHIV, and does USAID expect them to also receive comprehensive household-based OVC services?

b. Are these 1,755 AGYW included in the overall DREAMS target of 4,031 for FY24, or are these in addition (bringing the total number of DREAMS participants to 5,786 for Y1)?

a) Applicants should not assume that all 1,755 AGYW age 15-17 are HIV+. The 1,755 AGYW aged 15-17 counted in OVC_SERV/DREAMS are DREAMS beneficiaries who have received an “eligible OVC service”. Please refer to the PEPFAR MER Guidance for more information on the OVC_SERV indicator.

b) The 1,755 AGYW age 15-17 counted under OVC_SERV/DREAMS are included in the total DREAMS target of 4,031.

88 Can USAID please provide a budget ceiling for Year 1?

Year 1 cannot be more than $2.8M.

89 What is the Federal Assistance Listing Number for

19.029 The U.S. President's

Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief https://sam.gov/fal/ca56d4a6db53419fa8b0a2fa4e30e1df/view this program? Programs

90 Can USAID please confirm specific geographic coverage expected within Juba County?

As noted in the NOFO, implementation of OVC and DREAMS programming is currently only in Juba County, with the potential for expansion in the future pending funding and PEPFAR guidance.

[END OF ATTACHMENT 1.1]