FAQ and Changes to ASHA Request for Application 72ASHA18RFA00001 - 1.24.2018.pdf

Changes to ASHA Request for Application 72ASHA18RFA00001 Amendment 2 - 1.24.2018

The deadline for questions concerning this Request for applications closed on January 23, 2018. In response to questions received, we have made minor revisions to the RFA and have prepared a list of

FAQs, below.

Revision #1

Section III, B. Limitations, the final paragraph has been amended to read as follows:

For capital assistance projects (e.g., construction) estimated to cost in excess of $1 million, additional requirements (e.g., a certification by USAID) may be applicable.

Revision #2

Annex 2: Concept Paper Template, Section II – Eligibility, Item 9d has been amended to read as follows:

d. If the OSI is a Center of Excellence, does it build new knowledge, foster collaboration and advance learning and understanding on issues of importance to the U.S. and demonstrate

American best practices and values? (Yes/No/Not Applicable):__________________________

Revision #3

Annex 2: Concept Paper Template, Section II – Eligibility, Item 10, Footnote 9 has been amended to read as follows:

9 If the applicant is asked to submit a full application for a project that involves construction or renovation activities, the applicant must submit with the full application, an official copy of a title, lease or similar official documentation recognized within the country where implementation will take place. The documentation must demonstrate a legal right to the land, ideally for a period of at least 20 years from the date of the application, as well as an English translation of the lease or title, if the official copy is not in English. Applications involving a legal right to the land of 20 years (or more) will be given a greater preference, although USAID is willing to consider applications that include a title, lease or similar official documentation covering a shorter period of time; such applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONIS

Q: Is VAT (or other taxes) an allowable cost under ASHA grants?

A: USAID has a long-standing policy that USAID assistance should be exempt from host government taxes and custom duties. However, USAID must negotiate a bilateral agreement with each host government, and it is these bilateral agreements which define what exemptions exist.

In some cases, taxes such as sales tax or Value Added Tax (VAT) are charged at the point of purchase and later refunded by the host country government.

The extent and application of tax exemptions vary from country to country. Grantees should consult with the local USAID Mission (or US Embassy in countries which do not have a USAID

Mission) on what exemptions apply in a particular country or in a particular situation. Grantees can also contact ASHA directly for assistance with this.

Taxes can be an allowable cost under some circumstances, however this is very case-specific.

Therefore, we recommend that you not include these costs in your request from ASHA. We advise noting them in the overall budget but allocate them to a non-federal source of revenue

(i.e. cost share).

Q: Is the acquisition and installation of solar panels/computer desktops considered commodities or construction?

A: The purchase and installation of desktop computers is considered a commodity. The purchase and installation of solar panels is considered construction. Please see P Section II: Federal

Award Information (including Footnote 1) for further discussion of this distinction.

Q. Which attachments should be submitted alongside the Concept Paper?

A. The Concept Paper submission should consist of only those elements detailed in ANNEX 2, Concept Paper Template, of the RFA. Applicants should not submit Full Proposals (Step Two) unless requested by the ASHA Agreement Officer, following successful review of the Concept

Paper.

For additional information and clarity, refer to Revision # 3 above.

Q. According to the RFA, OSIs must be founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens. How does ASHA define sponsorship?

A. As noted, per Section 214 of the FAA , OSIs must be founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens.

USAID/ASHA has broadened that relationship to include institutions which have been supported by Americans over a period of time (i.e. for 2 years or more). Sponsorship is generally defined as financial, however, it can also be in-kind. Most importantly, ASHA is looking for a clear and sustained relationship between the USO and the OSI.

Q. What can be included as Cost Share under this RFA?

A. Per Section VI, C, 7, entitled "Budget Narrative", Cost Share is not a requirement under this RFA.

That said, applicants who wish to include cost share in their proposal should do so in accordance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, including CFR §200.306 on "Cost sharing or matching". Cost share must also comply with USAID's ADS 303.3.10.3, entitled "Meeting Cost

Sharing Requirements".

Q. May our organization schedule a visit, meeting or phone call with an ASHA representative?

A. USAID/ASHA adheres to all federal regulations guiding open and competitive procurement. As the RFA is open, the Office is therefore unable to speak with prospective applicants on an individualized basis. We believe you will find everything you should require within the RFA.

Guidance related to questions about this RFA is found in Section VII of the RFA. All questions should be sent via email to ASHAapplications@usaid.gov.

Q. Does the USO have to have a certain sized budget to apply for an ASHA grant? For example, can a very small NGO with a budget of $200,00 apply?

A. There is no minimum budget requirement for the USO. However, ASHA reviews the USO’s independently audited financial statements to determine whether the USO has the necessary financial and management capacity to effectively execute a federal grant.

Q. Can a USO request a grant for more than its current-year operating budget?

A. Yes. However, ASHA reviews the USO’s independently audited financial statements to determine whether the USO has the necessary financial and management capacity to effectively execute a federal grant.

Q. Does the optional sketch will count against the 7 page project description limit?

A. No. The sketch does not count against the 7 page project description limit. The sketch should be included on and easily fit on the cover page.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c16296aecfef71d582e0634cf6658cf1&node=2:1.1.2.2.1.4.29.7&rgn=div8 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303.pdf