.DRAFT FY25 RFA 7201P125R00001 CLEARED for Public Comment 12.20.24.pdf

Post Date for Comments: 12/20/2024 Deadline for Comments: 01/17/2025 by 4 pm US EST Issue Date: XX/XX/2025 Deadline for Questions: XX/XX/2025 by 4 pm US EDT Deadline for Phase 1: XX/XX/2025 by 4 pm US EDT

Subject: The American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Initiative Worldwide

Request for Applications for Fiscal Year 2025 (Solicitation No.

7201P125R00001)

Program Title: American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Initiative

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 98.006

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for cooperative agreements and grants from qualified entities to implement the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Program. The ASHA Program is now being implemented as the ASHA Initiative, part of the Bureau for Inclusive Growth, Partnerships, and Innovation (IPI), Local, Faith and Transformative Partnerships (LFT) Hub. The mission of the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Initiative is rooted in an early vision of U.S. public diplomacy as codified in the United States (U.S.) Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (“Smith- Mundt Act of 1948”). The main objective for ASHA’s programming is “to promote a better understanding of the United States in other countries, and to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries” (Sec. 2, Smith- Mundt Act of 1948). ASHA was created as, and remains, a public diplomacy program that furthers development outcomes, and that proposed projects should link their activities to public diplomacy outcomes and to U.S. Government (USG) policy goals as articulated in this Request for Application (RFA).

USAID intends to make multiple awards as a result of this Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) RFA.

Individual awards will be made to those Applicants who best meet the objectives of this funding opportunity based on a review against the merit review criteria described herein, and subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this RFA thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements, and selection process.

Please note: RFA requirements change from year-to-year and should be properly addressed in the application. Applicants must provide complete information about their organization for the Merit Review Committee’s (MRC) consideration. Do not assume that MRC members have any prior knowledge of your organization, work history, or mission. MRC members must rely exclusively on information provided in your Application to this RFA. MRC members are strictly prohibited from considering any information, including personal and professional knowledge of your organization and its past activities, when reviewing applications.

Organizations new to USAID1, as well as those that have previously received awards from USAID, and minority serving2 institutions, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), are encouraged to apply3.

To be eligible for an award, the Applicant must provide all information as required in this RFA and meet the eligibility standards in Section C.1. This RFA is posted on www.grants.gov and may be amended. It is the responsibility of the Applicants to regularly check www.grants.gov to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this RFA and that they have downloaded the RFA from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the RFA, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726, or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

USAID will not award to an Applicant unless the Applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section D.5.B.3. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, Applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process.

Please send any questions to the point of contact identified in Section D.1. The deadline for questions is shown above on the cover page. Responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential Applicants through an amendment to this notice posted to www.grants.gov.

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the USG nor does it commit the USG to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or an application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the Applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the Applicant’s expense.

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, 1 https://www.usaid.gov/npi 2 WorkwithUSAID.org 3 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/how-to-work-with-usaid http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.usaid.gov/npi http://workwithusaid.org/ https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/how-to-work-with-usaid

Raymond Jennings ASHA Partnership Initiative Senior Leader

Contents

Contents 3

SECTION A: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 5

1. Funding Priorities and Programmatic Focus 5

2. Authorizing Legislation 8

3. Program History 9

SECTION B: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 9

1. Estimate of Funds Available and Number of Awards Contemplated 9

2. Start Date and Period of Performance for Federal Awards 9

3. Substantial Involvement 10

4. Nature of the Relationship between USAID and the Recipient 11

SECTION C: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 12

1. Eligible Applications: Instructions 12

2. Cost Share or Match vs. Leverage 14

3. Other 15

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 16

1. Agency Point of Contact 16

2. Questions and Answers 16

3. General Submission Procedures 16

4. Technical Applications 18

A) Phase 1 Technical Application Format and Submission 19

B) Phase 2 Technical Application Format and Submission 19

5. Business (Cost) Application Format 25

SECTION E: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 32

1. Review and Selection Process 32

2. Merit Review Criteria 34

A) Phase 1 Merit Review Criteria 1 34

B) Phase 2 Merit Review Criteria 37

3. Business (Cost) Review 38

4. History of Performance and Risk Assessment 39

SECTION F: FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 39

1. Federal Award Notices 39

2. Administrative & National Policy Requirements 40

3. Reporting Requirements 42

4. Program Income 43

5. Environmental Compliance 43

6. Acquisition and Assistance Ombudsman 44

SECTION G: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED SUBSEQUENT TO APPLICATION 44

1. Additional information 44

2. Applications with Proprietary Data 47

3. Authorized Geographic Code 47

4. Pre Award Terms 48

ANNEXES

ANNEX 1 PHASE 1 TECHNICAL APPLICATION

ANNEX 2 PHASE 2 TECHNICAL APPLICATION

ANNEX 3 BUSINESS (COST) APPLICATION TEMPLATE (Editable Excel)

ANNEX 4 MANDATORY ATTACHMENTS AND MANDATORY AS APPLICABLE

ATTACHMENTS

ANNEX 5 REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS LAYOUT

ANNEX 6 STANDARD PROVISIONS

ANNEX 7 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1yacHXvuAZ7pga1zl8LsdhHxeOTsJH3Oq

SECTION A: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This Request for Application (RFA) is authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961, as amended. The resulting awards will be subject to the mandatory standard provisions as well as 2 CFR 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and USAID’s supplement, 2 CFR 700, as well as the additional requirements found in Section F.

1. Funding Priorities and Programmatic Focus

ASHA contributes to U.S. foreign policy interests by funding institutions that foster a positive image of the United States around the world. ASHA’s mandate, which is distinct from other development programs within USAID, is to focus on public diplomacy and sharing American values, ideas, technologies, and practices to increase mutual understanding and promote locally led development. ASHA’s program is a critical component of the USG’s public diplomacy efforts, which aim to further U.S. foreign policy goals and objectives, advance national interests, and enhance national security by informing and influencing foreign publics and by expanding and strengthening the relationship between the people and Government of the United States and citizens of the rest of the world.4

ASHA provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, hospital centers5, and centers of excellence6 (see section C.1) to highlight American ideas and practices, to provide concrete illustrations of the generosity of the American people, to further USG public diplomacy, and to catalyze collaboration between U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries.

ASHA awards grants and cooperative agreements to existing partnerships between U.S. not-for-profit non-governmental organizations (referred to as “U.S. Organizations,” or “USOs”) and institutions overseas founded or sponsored by United States citizens (referred to as “Overseas Institutions,” or “OSIs”). These partnerships enable OSIs to benefit from the expertise and experience of USOs while ensuring projects are locally owned and sustained. These partnerships help mitigate investment and construction risk, and contribute to sustained returns. For additional information on which partnerships are eligible to apply for ASHA funding, see Section C: Eligibility Information.

4 State Department Bureau of Global Public Affairs and USG Integrated Country Strategies 5 Hospital centers are institutions where medical education and research occur in addition to medical treatment, Sec. 214(b) of the FAA.

6 A Center of Excellence is an institution that can demonstrate that it builds new knowledge, fosters collaboration, advances learning and understanding on issues of importance to the U.S., and models American best practices (ABP) and values. A Center of Excellence’s main objective is the dissemination of information and knowledge as opposed to conferring a degree or providing medical services. See Section C: Eligibility Information for an expanded definition.

https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs/bureau-of-global-public-affairs/ https://www.state.gov/integrated-country-strategies/

This RFA is a worldwide solicitation. USAID may make awards for projects in any country other than the United States, provided that USAID activities in that country are not otherwise restricted by statute, regulation, or Agency policy.

ASHA’s Strategic Vision addresses the following goals:

(1) Promotes public diplomacy7 by using a targeted approach of increased awareness, positive attitude shift, and/or positive behavioral change by implementing American ideas, values and best practices to create mutual understanding.

(2) Aligns with 6 components of the USAID policy framework 2023:

(1.b) Help countries withstand the effects of a changing climate and secure a net-zero future;

(1.c) Stem the tide of authoritarianism, counter corruption, fight digital repression and foreign disinformation, and spur democratic renewal;

(1.d) Bolster health security, improve primary care, and reverse the decline in global life expectancy; and

(1.e) Address economic headwinds and promote inclusive economic growth

(2. a) Elevate the practice of development diplomacy;

(2. c) Significantly expand our support for locally led development.

(3) Aligns with cross-cutting Agency priorities of Gender Equity and Inclusion8; Science, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships; Localization9; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion10 especially regarding religious11 and ethnic minorities and other underserved communities;

Climate Change; and Private Sector Engagement.

(4) Aligns with two components of the vision outlined in the U.S. State Department–USAID Joint Strategic Plan (2022-2026):

a. (Goal 1.5): “Renew U.S. leadership and mobilize coalitions to address the global challenges that have the greatest impact on Americans’ security and well-being” supporting objective “1.5: Enhance foreign publics’ understanding of and support for the values and policies of the United States.”

7 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XChXzQgcwXv7roalf2uhDmaGhrFU6rDq/view 8 Please see the White House National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality found here:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/National-Strategy-on-Gender-Equity-and- Equality.pdf.

9 https://www.usaid.gov/localization 10 See Executive Order 13985 and https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/diversity-equity-inclusion 11 https://www.usaid.gov/local-faith-and-transformative-partnerships/local-works https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XChXzQgcwXv7roalf2uhDmaGhrFU6rDq/view?usp=sharing https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/10/22/fact-sheet-national-strategy-on-gender-equity-and-equality/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/National-Strategy-on-Gender-Equity-and-Equality.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/National-Strategy-on-Gender-Equity-and-Equality.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/localization https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/diversity-equity-inclusion https://www.usaid.gov/local-faith-and-transformative-partnerships/local-works

b. (Goal 3.5): “Strengthen democratic institutions, uphold universal values, and promote human dignity” supporting objective 3.5: “Improve inclusive and equitable health, education, and livelihood services, especially for women, youth, and marginalized groups.”

ASHA’s Public Diplomacy Program Mandate

Applicants must clearly show how their project will promote a better understanding of the U.S.

in their OSI country and increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of their OSI country.

Public diplomacy, within ASHA’s context, is achieved by using American values, ideas and/or best practices as a tool to promote mutual understanding with the U.S. American values, ideas and/or best practices have been shortened to American Best Practices (ABPs) for ease of use.

The ABPs selected by the Applicant must be defined and justified by the Applicant in the Phase 1 application. ABPs do not have to be unique to the U.S.; rather, they are values, ideas, or best practices that are broadly held dear by the people of the U.S., and are oftentimes shared by both the target audience and the people of the U.S. ABPs may include, but are not limited to, the following: inclusion, tolerance, diversity, democratic participation, gender equality, meritocracy, technologies, pedagogies, approaches, resilient construction, various risk reductions, sustainable energy, and environmental resilience. This list is non-exhaustive, and Applicants are encouraged to make a case for ABPs that they believe are of value and promoted by their OSI.

As is illustrated in the ASHA’s results framework below, ASHA’s most ambitious and mandated goal is to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of foreign countries.

ASHA developed a results framework to translate its public diplomacy mandate into measurable results, through two Intermediate Results (IRs):

● IR1.1 - American best practices showcased within Partner institution

GOAL: Mutual understanding fostered between the American people and people of foreign countries

Development Objective 1:

Fostered American ideas and practices among citizens of foreign

IR 1.1:

American best practices showcased within

Partner institutions

IR 1.2:

Best practices understood as

American by the broader

● IR1.2 - Best practices understood as American within the broader community.

ASHA further developed ASHA’s Intermediate Results (IRs) into program requirements to show how public diplomacy is used to:

● improve organizational performance “within the walls of the institution”; and,

● increase awareness of American best practices “beyond the walls of the institution.”

ASHA measures the IRs through the following indicators:

● ASHA PD Custom 1 - Number of American best practices implemented with the intent to improve organizational performance

● ASHA PD Custom 2 - Number of individuals made aware of American best practices by partner institutions

In public diplomacy, there are generally three types of measurable outcomes from any undertaken initiative or activity. The possible outcomes for ASHA are:

1. An increase in awareness of values, ideas, or practices that are considered American/shared, that support a favorable view of the U.S.;

2. Positive shift in attitudes toward the U.S. attributable to the implemented values, ideas, or practices that are considered American/shared; and/or,

3. A positive action or set of actions carried out as a result of the positive shift in attitude toward the U.S. attributable to the implemented values, ideas, or practices that are considered American/shared, either as positive behavior change(s) or a change(s) in the frequency of the positive behavior.

In many cases, the three types of outcomes are complementary. Within this RFA, the Applicant is not required to address all three types of public diplomacy outcomes; however, as a minimum requirement, the application must address how, at least, one type of outcome will be accomplished.

In order to accomplish the public diplomacy objectives for ASHA, it is imperative that the communication strategy for each ABP be communicated as American and/or shown to be practices that are shared with Americans by the OSI. The OSI must also demonstrate action(s) they are undertaking to ensure ABPs are understood by the target audience to either be American and/or shared with Americans. An effective communication strategy assists the Applicant in meeting ASHA’s public diplomacy requirements.

For additional information please refer to public diplomacy (ASHA's Mandate)12.

2. Authorizing Legislation

ASHA provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, hospital centers, and centers of excellence founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens as authorized in Section 214 of the Foreign

12 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XChXzQgcwXv7roalf2uhDmaGhrFU6rDq/view https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XChXzQgcwXv7roalf2uhDmaGhrFU6rDq/view https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/faa.pdf#page=104

Assistance Act (FAA) of 196113, as amended. ASHA builds bridges of cooperation between the people of foreign nations and the people of the United States by providing funds to schools, libraries, hospital centers, and centers of excellence overseas that demonstrate the ideas, innovations, and best practices of the United States in health and education. ASHA directly contributes to U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives by fostering partnerships and promoting the best practices in health and education.

3. Program History

ASHA’s roots are in foreign public engagement led by private U.S. citizens throughout American history. These roots are reflected in ASHA’s focus today on strengthening private institutions overseas that are founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens. Foreign public engagement by the non-profit U.S. private sector is a central component of America’s diplomacy—that is, communicating ideas, sharing our diverse and historic national experiences, and engaging foreign communities through collaboration and exchange.

Since its inception, ASHA has achieved a visible legacy by providing assistance to over 350 OSI institutions globally and aiding in the development of innovative and state-of-the-art schools, hospitals, and libraries in more than 120 countries. ASHA’s record of contributing to and building bridges with vibrant networks of civil society institutions extends through 25 U.S.

Congresses and 18 presidential administrations. ASHA currently manages a worldwide portfolio of over 145 awards and is an invaluable complement to USAID’s wide-ranging development work.

SECTION B: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Estimate of Funds Available and Number of Awards Contemplated

Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the Agency, USAID/IPI/LFT/ASHA intends to provide approximately $28,500,000 U.S. dollars (USD) in total USAID funding and issue multiple awards as a result of this FY 2025 RFA. The maximum amount for an individual award is $2,000,000 USD, and there is no minimum award amount. Individual funding levels will depend on the substance and quality of applications, the number of applications received, and the availability of ASHA funding.

Applications requesting more than $2,000,000 USD for a single OSI, will be excluded from consideration. Each USO is limited to receiving a total of two awards. ASHA generally awards between 20 to 30 cooperative agreements and/or grants each year. USAID reserves the right to make an award under this RFA by incorporating it into an Applicant’s existing ASHA award through a modification.

13 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/faa.pdf#page=104

2. Start Date and Period of Performance for Federal Awards

USAID expects to make awards in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) subject to the availability of funds. Awards for applications that include only durable commodities will have an initial period of performance of no more than two years from the start date of the award. Awards for applications that include construction or renovation will have an initial period of performance of no more than four years from the start date of the award. Awards for applications that include a combination of commodities and construction/renovation will have an initial period of performance of no more than four years from the start date of the award.

Please note that allowable costs for successful award recipients, will only be reimbursable if incurred during the award period beginning on the award’s start date and ending on the completion date, and no costs may be incurred against the award until all necessary approvals are first received from ASHA as detailed in the Award language.

Construction or renovation:

“Construction or renovation” is defined in Automated Directives System (ADS) 303maw14 as follows:

● “Construction” for purposes of this policy means construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging and excavation) of buildings, structures, or other real property and includes, without limitation, improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment.

The term includes, without limitation, roads, power plants, buildings, bridges, water treatment facilities, and vertical structures.

Construction also includes “Small-scale construction/renovation for commodities” which is defined by ASHA as the installation of commodities that impact the building structure/site which MUST be classified as small-scale construction/renovation projects, rather than “commodities-only” projects. Specifically, commodity projects that fall in this category have:

○ Structural Connection: Any commodity installation that physically connects to or affects the existing structure of the building.

○ Foundation Requirements: Commodities that require a foundation slab or blocks, such as heavy equipment or machinery that needs a stable base to operate.

○ Impact on Building Loads: Installations that add or alter the load on the building, such as:

■ Electrical systems impacting the building's capacity to handle power loads.

■ Dead loads (the weight of permanent structural components).

■ Snow loads, wind loads, and seismic stressors, which may require structural reinforcement.

14 https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303maw https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303maw

Examples of projects that fall under this definition of small-scale construction/renovation include:

○ Solar panels that are permanently affixed to the building and alter its roof load capacity.

○ Solar panels that are installed on the ground, requiring assessment of foundations slabs/columns and new electrical loads.

○ Large-scale generators that necessitate pouring a concrete foundation slab to support the equipment.

○ Roof-mounted generators where the roof must be evaluated to ensure it can safely handle the additional weight or load.

○ Installation of an elevator that requires renovation of the shaft and assessment of the new electrical load.

○ Large X-ray machines that require retrofitting existing space for thicker walls or changes to the dimensions of the room.

Commodity projects that have an impact on the structure MUST be classified as small-scale construction/renovation projects. Submitting such proposals as a "commodities only" project would result in removal from consideration

● “Improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment” for purposes of this policy includes any betterment or change to an existing property to allow its continued or more efficient use within its designed purpose (renovation), or for the use of a different purpose or function (alteration). Improvements also include improvements to or upgrading of primary mechanical, electrical, or other building systems.

● “Improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment” does not include non-structural, cosmetic work, including painting, floor covering, wall coverings, window replacement that does not include changing the size of the window opening, replacement of plumbing or conduits that does not affect structural elements, and non-load bearing walls or fixtures (e.g., shelves, signs, lighting, etc.).

Durable commodities “Durable commodities” is a category of tangible (physical) products with a significant lifespan that generally lasts three years or longer.

3. Substantial Involvement

Under this RFA, USAID will award both grants and cooperative agreements. A cooperative agreement allows USAID to have substantial involvement in project implementation.

“Substantial involvement” is further defined in ADS 303.3.1115.

A grant will generally be issued for projects that include only durable commodity procurement activities, and cooperative agreements for projects that include any construction and/or

15 https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/303 https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/303 https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/303 renovation activities. To complement USAID/ASHA's investment, applicants may leverage funding from other sources to fund either commodities and/or construction/renovations.

USAID/ASHA will issue either a grant (commodities) or cooperative agreement (construction/renovation or construction/renovation with commodities) based on the intended use of USAID/ASHA funds. The nature of ASHA’s substantial involvement varies based on the nature of the project and will be determined for each award. In general, substantial involvement includes:

1. Review and approval of the Recipient’s Implementation Plan16—The Implementation Plan will cover the following areas:

● Summary of competitive procurement process for Architectural & Engineering (A&E) and Construction firms;

● Timeline and plan for all mandatory ASHA approval milestones for monitoring & evaluation, construction/renovation requirements including environmental and final construction documents;

● Description of planned capital investment warranties, such as bid bonds, performance bonds, retainage, etc.;

● Construction Schedule (Gantt chart);

● Organizational Chart or Staffing Plan; and

● Timeline and plan for Operations & Maintenance (O&M).

2. Approval of Key Personnel — the USO Project Manager and OSI Project Manager.

3. Agency and Recipient Collaboration or Joint Participation — USAID concurrence with proposed architectural and engineering (A&E) firm.

4. Agency Authority to Immediately Halt a Construction Activity — The Agreement Officer (AO) may immediately halt the construction activity if specifications, as identified in the design documents, are not met. The AO may also immediately halt construction if there are serious concerns about health, safety, environment, or work quality, as recommended by the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) or the USAID Engineer in consultation with the AOR.

4. Nature of the Relationship between USAID and the Recipient

The principal purpose of the relationship with the Recipient (which may be referred to exclusively as the “USO”) and under the subject program is to transfer funds to accomplish a

16 USAID approval of the Implementation Plan merely constitutes an acknowledgment of the completion of the deliverable, not a technical validation/endorsement of the Recipient’s design/construction decisions. USAID does not take responsibility for the quality of design/construction. In the event of any issues with the design or construction, USAID will hold the Recipient liable.

public purpose of support or stimulation of the USAID ASHA program, which is authorized by Federal statute. The successful Recipient will be responsible for ensuring the achievement of the program objectives and the efficient and effective administration of the award through the application of sound management practices. The Recipient will assume responsibility for administering Federal funds in a manner consistent with underlying agreements, program objectives, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.

SECTION C: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applications: Instructions

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Applicants must be U.S. not-for-profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including U.S. public colleges and universities (e.g. “NGOs,” foundations, and similar). ASHA will not accept applications from individuals, for-profit, or foreign entities.

2. Each application must clearly identify only one USO (the Applicant) and only one OSI partner (the Applicant’s sub-awardee). Please also note:

○ One USO Applicant may submit an application that requests funds to benefit multiple organizational units within a single OSI.

○ One USO may submit separate applications for a maximum of two OSIs.

○ One USO may not receive more than two awards.

○ In cases where USO and OSI are the same legal entity, the applicant must indicate in the Eligibility Checklist form whether they are the “same entity17.” If the Applicant answers “Yes” to “same entity,” the Applicant must provide proof with the Phase 2 Technical Application (not Phase 1) that it is registered as a legal entity in the U.S. and that it is authorized to operate in the foreign country. The following types of documentation would be acceptable proof:

■ 1) letter of accreditation,

■ 2) written statement from the Government on government letterhead acknowledging the entity, or

■ 3) the entity’s documentation showing a government stamp.

For OSIs operating in contexts where submission of proof is not possible, please provide a separate explanation in the form provided.

17 Even if the USO and the OSI share the same name, the Applicant must still indicate in the Eligibility Checklist form whether they are the “same entity.”

3. Each OSI may be included in only one application under this RFA. In other words, multiple USOs cannot submit separate applications for the same OSI, and one USO cannot submit multiple applications for the same OSI.

● OSIs must be founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens. A USO must have a continuing and successful supportive formal relationship with its partner OSI of at least two years.

“Sponsored” means a continuing relationship that MUST include significant financial support from the USO; and may include technical support, joint ventures, exchange programs, volunteer placement programs, faculty exchanges, fundraising, and in-kind contributions. Partnerships and mutual collaborations alone are insufficient.

● USOs must have current registration and no active exclusions or delinquent federal debt in the USG’s System for Award Management (SAM). USOs must maintain their active SAM registration with current information while their application is under consideration and, if successful, during the life of the award. (USOs must submit verification of status in SAM in the Phase 1 Application18.)

● USOs and OSIs must submit independently audited financial statements performed by an accredited independent audit firm for a recent operating year from 2023 or later.

(See Annex 4, Mandatory Attachments M1/M2 for the complete requirements concerning audits.)

● USOs and OSIs must not discriminate against any beneficiaries in the implementation of the award, including, but not limited to, withholding, adversely impacting, or denying equitable access to the benefits provided through this award on the basis of any factor not expressly stated in the award. This covers, for example, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, and veteran status.

● The OSI—even if it is the “same entity” as the USO—must be located outside the U.S.19

● Government Control

○ OSIs must NOT be under the control or management of a foreign government or its agencies, including local, regional, or national governments. “Foreign government” in this context is any government other than the U.S. government. This means a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the OSI must not be government employees or foreign government appointees must not own a majority interest in the OSI. Financial or other assistance from a government or government agency or observance of national

18 Note: Applicants must also provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in the application as stated in Section

D.5.B.3.

19 When the USO and OSI are separate entities, then the OSI headquarters must be located outside the United

States.

educational or medical standards does not mean the institution is under the control or management of a foreign government.

○ A foreign government institution must NOT be the final recipient of items procured or buildings constructed with ASHA funds. “Foreign government” in this context is any government other than the U.S.

government.

● OSIs must meet the following eligibility requirements:

○ For applications involving “schools”: The OSI must provide English language instruction or use English as the language of instruction in at least one course, must provide post-secondary education or secondary education that serves students at the equivalent of a U.S.

sixth grade level or higher20 and model American best practices and values;

○ For applications involving “hospital21 centers”: The OSI must provide medical education and/or conduct medical research and model American best practices and values;

○ For applications involving “libraries”: The OSI must demonstrate that it promotes English language and literature, builds knowledge, advances learning, and models American best practices and values;

○ For applications involving “Centers of Excellence”: The OSI must demonstrate that it builds knowledge, fosters collaboration and advances learning, and models American best practices and values. A Center of Excellence will disseminate knowledge through research, publication, professional training, or interactive platforms and is not required to offer educational degrees or medical services.

● If the project involves construction or renovation activities, the USO or OSI must submit an official certified copy of a title, lease, or similar official documentation that proves the rights over the land, recognized within the country where implementation will take place, as well as an English translation if the official copy is not in English. This documentation must be submitted with the Phase 2 Technical Application. The official documentation must demonstrate a legal right to the land (to build, renovate, retrofit according to current building codes) for a period of at least 20 years from the date of the application. Although applicants with a legal right to the land of 20 years or more will be given a higher preference, USAID is willing to consider applications that include a title, lease, or similar official documentation covering a shorter period of time. If an English-language copy of the title or lease is not submitted with the Phase 2 Technical Application, the proposed application will be ineligible for further consideration.

20 The project proposed in the application must focus on secondary education or higher-level activities.

21 Hospitals also include Medical Centers.

2. Cost Share or Match vs. Leverage

Cost share or "match" refers to the resources a Recipient contributes to the total cost of an agreement. It becomes a condition of an award when it is included in the approved award budget. It is verifiable from the Recipient's records, and it can be audited. Cost share includes all cash and in-kind contributions from the recipient or third parties. Recipient cost share is not required for ASHA awards.

“Leverage” refers to new, non-public resources—whether money, technologies, or expertise— brought by a third party such as the private sector and other non-traditional USAID partners to a partnership. Because leveraged resources are not cost share, they do not become a part of the award budget and are not subject to audit. Applicants who choose to include funds from other sources may include those as leveraged funds in their applications; leverage is recommended but not required for ASHA awards22.

If Applicants choose to include either cost share or leveraged funds, they must ensure that those funds are clearly identified in the Budget tables in Annex 3.

3. Other

Applications that support efforts to solely combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and/or malaria in countries where USAID has a Mission or other office will not be considered eligible given the availability of other international, national, and USG resources available to combat these diseases.

Per Agency policy, all ASHA awards are contingent on the concurrence of the USAID Mission for the country where the award will be implemented23. Applications that do not receive Mission concurrence will not be eligible for funding. Missions may withhold concurrence based on security risk (e.g., for projects in high-threat or non-permissive environments) or other factors.

(See ADS 201.3.4.324.) Applicants may wish to confer with these respective Missions before submitting an application.

22 Leveraged funds are used to complement ASHA’s investment and help ensure project success. Developing and sharing a plan to secure non-ASHA funding to complement the USG’s investment of ASHA funds helps ensure project sustainability and long-term success. Leveraged funds are not evaluated during the merit review of applications.

23 ASHA will request concurrence from Missions for apparently successful Phase 1 Applications. Applicants should not request concurrence from USAID Missions. Feel free to contact us at ASHAApplications@usaid.gov if you have questions concerning specific countries.

24 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/201_1.pdf#page=57 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/201_1.pdf#page=57 mailto:ASHAApplications@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/201_1.pdf#page=57

For construction and other capital assistance projects estimated to cost in excess of $1 million USD that require a certification by USAID in accordance with Section 611(e) of the FAA, additional information25 or requirements may be requested of Recipients.

ASHA may make awards for projects in any country other than the U.S., provided USAID activities in that country are not otherwise restricted by statute, regulation, or Agency policy.

All awards are subject to USAID’s pre-award terms found in ADS 303mba26. See Section G for the complete pre-award terms.

1. Branding Strategy – Assistance

2. Marking Plan – Assistance

3. Reserved

4. Conflict of Interest Pre-Award Term

For additional Funding Restrictions, please see Section D.5.B.5.

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Agency Point of Contact

Mr. Raymond Jennings U.S. Agency for International Development Ronald Reagan Building, 5.10 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20523 ASHAApplications@usaid.gov

All questions and inquiries in reference to this solicitation should be directed to the Agency Point of Contact above.

2. Questions and Answers

Questions regarding this RFA should be submitted via email to ASHAApplications@usaid.gov no later than the date and time indicated on the cover letter, as amended. Any information given to a prospective Applicant concerning this RFA will be furnished promptly to all other prospective Applicants as an amendment to this RFA on grants.gov, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective Applicant. While ASHA is available to respond to administrative questions, ASHA will not respond to technical questions about the RFA outside of this specific Q&A period.

25 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_d-fhN3dW3u1OGbxlYPoplEEV08_5Muf/edit 26 https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303mba https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_d-fhN3dW3u1OGbxlYPoplEEV08_5Muf/edit https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303mba https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303mba mailto:ASHAApplications@usaid.gov mailto:ASHAApplications@usaid.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_d-fhN3dW3u1OGbxlYPoplEEV08_5Muf/edit https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303mba

3. General Submission Procedures

This subsection covers general content requirements, and subsections four and five cover content specific to the Technical and Business (Cost) applications. The Technical Application must address technical aspects only and must not include any cost information; the Business (Cost) Application must present costs and address risk and other related issues.

Applicants must ensure their application responds to the current requirements, instructions, and templates provided in this RFA. Applicants must submit complete information about their organization and must not assume reviewers have prior knowledge of their organization, work history, or mission.

Preparation and Format of Applications:

Applications must be submitted in three separate Google Form submissions:

1. Phase 1 Technical Application

2. Phase 2 Technical Application (by invitation only)

3. Phase 2 Business (Cost) Application (by invitation only)

Applicants can refer to the ASHA Google Form Application Guidance (in the Related Documents tab of the FY 2025 RFA on grants.gov) on how to complete forms. For technical questions on the Google Form, please email ASHAapplications@usaid.gov.

The timestamp generated by USAID’s system will determine if the application deadline was met and applicants must account for delays in electronic transmission. All applications will receive an email confirmation of receipt. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered.

After Applicants submit an application via the Google Form, they will receive email confirmation that the Google Form was submitted, which will be ASHA’s official confirmation of receipt. If Applicants find errors in their Application, they can use the link sent in the confirmation email to edit their response before the submission due date and time.

Applicants are discouraged from sending files in *zip format because such files may be blocked by anti-virus software on the internet server. File upload size limits will be noted in the Google Form.

Any erasures or other changes to the application must be initiated by the person signing the application. Applications signed by an agent on behalf of the Applicant must be accompanied by evidence of the agent’s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office.

If Applicants submit a cover letter, then it will serve only as a transmittal letter to the Agreement Officer and will not be included in the review of the application.

mailto:ASHAapplications@usaid.gov

Applications must comply with the following:

● Applications must be submitted using the three separate Google Form submissions.

● Applications must strictly adhere to stated page limits. USAID will not review pages in excess of page limits.

● Application documents must be in English or have an English translation.

● Applications must be on standard 8 ½” x 11”, single sided, single-spaced, 11-point Calibri font, 1” margins, left justification and headers and/or footers on each page, including consecutive page numbers, date of submission, and Applicant’s name.

● Tables must use 11-point font; graphs and charts can use 10 point font. The Monitoring and Evaluation section “Indicator Summary Table” in the Phase 2 Application can use 9-point font.

● Documents submitted with the Google Form as uploaded files must be in Microsoft Word or searchable PDF formats, except budget files, which must be submitted in Microsoft Excel format.

● The budget Excel spreadsheet submitted with the Google Form must have all cells unlocked and no hidden formulas or sheets.

● The estimated period of performance identified in Section B of this RFA must be used in the cost application.

Applicants should retain a copy of the application and all enclosures for their records.

4. Technical Applications

The Technical Application process is in two (2) phases:

1) Phase 1 and

2) Phase 2 (by invitation only).

The table below outlines the phased approach of the FY 2025 Application Process.

Phase Submission Attachments Page Limits*

Phase 1 Phase 1 Technical Application No 3 pages

Phase 2 Phase 2 Technical Application Yes: See Annex 5

Commodities only - 13 pages Construction/Reno only - 15 pages Commodities+Construction - 18 pages

Business (Cost) Application Yes: See Annex 5 N/A

*Page Limits: Attachments do not count against the page limits. Attachments serve as supporting documentation and substantive information should not be placed in Attachments.

The Technical Application must be specific, complete, and concise. It must demonstrate the Applicant’s capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the goals of this program. The

Application should take into account the requirements of the program and merit review criteria for each Phase in Section E of this RFA.

A) Phase 1 Technical Application Format and Submission

Phase 1 Technical Application Google Form: https://forms.gle/F8wzUYgMWgiMc1mP8 (The Google Form will be open to collect Phase 1 application submissions once the official RFA is posted to grants.gov.)

Applicants must submit a Phase 1 Technical Application using the ASHA Google Form, which includes an upload of the Annex 1 template. Phase 1 submissions will be reviewed by a Merit Review Committee (MRC) against the Phase 1 merit review criteria in Section E. The Phase 1 submission format is as follows (See Annex 1 for Phase 1 Technical Application Template):

1. Use the Google Form for submission.

2. Applicant information - Respond in Google Form.

3. Eligibility Checklist: Applicants must confirm compliance with all eligibility requirements identified in Section C.1: Eligibility Information - Respond in Google Form.

4. (Optional) Upload a photo or sketch related to the project.

5. Must upload a screenshot of SAM registration status.

6. Upload response to the Phase 1 Merit Review Criterion - Public Diplomacy (see

Section E.2.A), no more than three (3) pages; see Annex 1 for template.

No other information should be included with the Phase 1 Technical Application. Information that does not adhere to the requirements of Phase 1 will not be considered during the merit review.

Phase 1 Technical Applications must be submitted no later than the date and time specified on the cover sheet/page of this RFA.

B) Phase 2 Technical Application Format and Submission

Phase 2 Technical Application is by USAID invitation only. Invited Applicants must submit the Phase 2 Technical Application and Business (Cost) Application proposal through an ASHA-prescribed Google Form, for which ASHA will provide a link in the Request for Phase 2 Application invitation letter. The deadline to submit the Phase 2 Technical Application will be sent in the invitation letter. Phase 2 submissions will be reviewed by a Merit Review Committee (MRC) against the Phase 2 Merit Review criteria in Section E. An invitation to submit a Phase 2 Application does not guarantee issuance of an award.

https://forms.gle/F8wzUYgMWgiMc1mP8

All documents uploaded through the Google Form must be clearly labeled as shown in Annex 5.

The Phase 2 Application submission format is as follows (See Annex 2 for Phase 2 Technical Application Template):

2. Applicant Information - Respond in Google Form.

3. Upload Phase 2 Technical Application

a. Table of Contents (1 page).

b. Management Approach - Annex 2 (no more than 5 pages). The Management Approach must address the following elements:

i. Operational Approach. The applicant must describe an operational approach, including the management structure, staffing, roles and responsibilities, which clearly demonstrates and rationalizes the applicant’s plan for the execution of the commodities and/or construction/renovation project as well as the technical (health, education, center of excellence) activities linked to the project’s public diplomacy outcomes. Applicants are advised to limit the history of the organization or how the project fits into the broader country context to one (1) brief paragraph.

ii. Sustainability and OSI Strengthening Approach. Applicants must describe their approach to OSI strengthening, clearly demonstrating how the proposed project will contribute to the OSI’s sustainability, including clear identification of sources of future funding.

iii. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Approach. Applicants must describe their approach to monitoring and evaluation, including staffing and roles and responsibilities, which clearly demonstrates a logical, thorough, and efficient plan that follows the ASHA-prescribed content and templates in Annex 2.

c. Construction/Renovation and/or Commodities and Environmental Capability

Information - Annex 2 (no more than 4…