Attachment B - Questions and Answers.pdf

Attachment B Notice of Funding Opportunity Number 72067022RFA00001

Libya Economic Acceleration Project (LEAP / Aqfuz) NOFO Number: 72067022RFA00001

Questions and Answers

1. Section D.4, on page 18, notes the requirements for page size, font, and font size for concept notes, but does not have any set parameters for graphs and charts. Could USAID confirm whether the parameters set for Phase 2 (10 pt. font for graphs and charts), on page 20, apply to Phase 1 as well?

USAID Response: Yes, a 10 point font can be used for graphs and charts for Phase I as well. The tables must use a 12 point font.

2. Could USAID confirm its desired level of visibility in branding and marking for LEAP activities?

USAID Response: USAID Branding and Marking ADS Chapter 320 as updated on March 15, 2022 is fully applicable to this award opportunity. Exceptions and waivers are not anticipated but will be reviewed closely, if any.

3. Could USAID confirm the anticipated award date of this project?

USAID Response: The anticipated award date is in the month of August 2022.

4. Section F.3(B), on page 33, notes that a Rapid Mobilization Plan is due within 14 days of award. Could USAID consider revising this to within 30 days of award?

USAID Response: Yes, a Rapid Mobilization Plan due date is hereby changed to be within 30 days of the award as of this Amendment 1.

5. Section F.3(B), on page 33, notes that an Annual Implementation Plan is due within 45 days of award. Could USAID consider revising this to within 60 days of award?

USAID Response: The Annual Implementation Plan due date remains within 45 days of award.

6. Could USAID confirm that the Opportunity Response Mechanism (ORM), noted in Section A.8, on page 8, is meant to be used during implementation and that applicants do not need to describe illustrative ORM activities in their applications?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the Opportunity Response Mechanism (ORM) is envisioned to be used during implementation of the award and that applicants do not need to describe illustrative ORM activities in neither Phase I nor Phase II applications.

7. Could USAID confirm that advanced funding through a letter of credit will be provided?

USAID Response: This award opportunity is eligible to be funded through a letter of credit.

8. On page 18, USAID states applicants should include “Proposed management plan including office location(s) and key personnel positions.” Can USAID please confirm that applicants do not have to disclose names of Key Personnel at this time and only elaborate on the positions and management structure?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that Key Personnel names do not have to be provided in the Concept Paper phase.

9. On page 18 USAID requests a size 12 font. Can applicants use smaller fonts in graphics and text boxes for the concept note?

USAID Response: Yes, a 10 point font can be used for graphs and charts for Phase I as well. The tables must use a 12 point font.

10. On page 6, the NOFO states the activity will provide interventions in “several economic centers in Libya’s south” but the focus is specifically on Fezzan. Can USAID confirm if applicants should discuss other areas beyond Fezzan?

USAID Response: The applicants must focus specifically on the Fezzan region.

11. Could you please confirm that a budget summary is not to be included in the 7-page Concept Note?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that a summary budget must only be included as a part of the full application under Phase II.

12. Could you please confirm whether there are any restrictions on the types of local organizations that a lead applicant can provide a sub-award to? Would state-owned or state-operated entities qualify?

USAID Response: USAID does not anticipate approving subawards to organizations owned or operated by the local government.

13. Do sub-grantees need to have a UEI number at the time of proposal submission?

USAID Response: If a UEI number is not available at the time of the concept paper submission, the applicant must submit the UEI number for the subgrantee(s) as soon as possible and preferably at the time of Phase II submissions.

14. Could you please provide the relevant weight of (or how many points are allocated to) each section of the 7-page Concept Note in terms of USAID's review?

USAID Response: The concept paper sections (technical approach, management plan, and institutional capability) are equal in importance.

15. On p.3 of the NOFO, there is a mention of a "recent USAID/Libya youth analysis".

Could this analysis be shared with applicants?

USAID Response: Yes, the analysis is available through the Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) as the following link: https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WPGV.pdf

16. Under Objective 1 “to strengthen entrepreneurship skills and opportunities for vulnerable and historically marginalized populations” (NOFO p.6): Could you please clarify whether applicants can target both established entrepreneurs and nascent/would-be entrepreneurs?

USAID Response: Applicants can target both established entrepreneurs and nascent/would-be entrepreneurs.

17. Could you please provide what definition of "MSME" should be used for this opportunity? Can self-employed individuals be included in this definition?

USAID Response: Applicants are able to propose their definition of MSME. Self-employed individuals can be included in that definition.

18. Under Objective 2 “to improve the productivity of Micro-, Small- and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs) among the target populations” (NOFO p.6): Could you please clarify whether target MSMEs under this objective are restricted to those led, managed or owned by targeted vulnerable communities or MSMEs operating in Libya?

USAID Response: Target MSMEs can, but do not have to be, those led, managed, or owned by individuals from vulnerable communities. Target MSMEs must be located in Libyan communities which hire vulnerable and historically marginalized groups in the targeted geographic area.

19. Could you please provide what definition “incubators” and “accelerators” should be used for this opportunity? Could Business Support Organizations providing business development services to MSMES be included under this definition?

USAID Response: Incubators will support early companies with product development and operational advice.

Accelerators will support revenue-generating companies identify capital, services, and strategic guidance needed to rapidly increase growth.

https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WPGV.pdf

Business Support Organizations provide similar services as Incubators and Accelerators but under a different model. Incubators and Accelerators often provide office space and have different financing models. It is up to the applicant to determine if a Business Support Organization provides comparable services.

20. Under the Expected outcomes and indicators section (NOFO p.6), the following indicator is listed: “Business incubators and accelerators better able to serve clients”. Could you please clarify if applicants can partner and/or build the capacity of business incubators and accelerators outside the Fezzan region to help them deploy operations in Fezzan?

USAID Response: Applicants can partner with business incubators and accelerators outside the Fezzan region to help them deploy operations in the Fezzan region.

21. In section A.8, USAID describes LEAP’s Opportunity Response Mechanism. Can USAID provide further clarification on the parameters of this $3M fund as relates to grants, activity costs, and/or project operations?

USAID Response: There are no such parameters established, because the ORM mechanism will be used during the implementation stage to address unanticipated opportunities and challenges. The scope of the ORM activities will be limited to contribution to the objectives of the resulting agreement.

22. In section D, USAID provides application and submission information for both Phase One and Phase Two. Can USAID provide any further clarifications on the turnaround and timeframe for Phase Two of LEAP’s procurement?

USAID Response: Request(s) for full application(s) are estimated to be made approximately in the middle to end of June 2022, subject to the finalization of the concept paper review process. It is anticipated that the award would be made in the month of August 2022.