FFPr FY25 NOFO_01 JUL 25.pdf

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE

International Food Assistance Division

Global Programs

FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

FISCAL YEAR 2025

Application Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025

July 1, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.2 FEDERAL AGENCY NAME

1.3 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE

1.4 ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE

1.5 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER

1.6 ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER

1.7 FUNDING DETAILS

1.8 KEY DATES

1.9 AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

2. ELIGIBILITY

2.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

2.2 SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE

2.3 EVIDENCE OF ELIGIBILITY

2.4 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

2.5 MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

2.6 COST SHARE/MATCH REQUIREMENT

3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

3.1 AUTHORIZING STATUTES AND REGULATIONS

3.2 TYPE OF ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENT

3.3 PROGRAM SPECIFIC UNALLOWABLE COSTS

4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

4.1 FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.2 CONTENT GUIDANCE

4.3 ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

4.4 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

4.5 OTHER APPLICATION INFORMATION

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

5.1 ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

5.2 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

(SAM)

5.3 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

5.4 SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

5.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

6.1 ELIGIBILITY THRESHOLD REVIEW

6.2 REVIEW CRITERIA

6.3 PROGRAMMATIC CAPABILITY AND PAST PERFORMANCE REVIEW

6.4 REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

6.5 RISK REVIEW

7. AWARD NOTICES

8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

8.1 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

8.2 REPORTING

8.3 MONITORING

8.4 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

8.5 MANDATORY DISCLOSURES

8.6 OTHER AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS

9. OTHER INFORMATION

9.1 EXTENSIONS

9.2 NO AWARDS

9.3 SAM.GOV REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

9.4 FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

APPENDIX A – Application Content Checklist

APPENDIX B – Budget Summary

APPENDIX C – Budget Narrative Example

APPENDIX D – Results Framework and Illustrative Examples of Foundational Results

APPENDIX E – Past Performance Review Template

APPENDIX F – Potential Available Commodities

NEW IN FY 2025

1. USDA/FAS has moved information between sections and subsections across the Notice of

Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to align with other FAS NOFOs and with the updated 2 CFR

200 and 2 CFR 400, effective October 1, 2024. Most requirements have not changed.

Applicants should familiarize themselves with relevant regulatory changes. Changes that will affect Food for Progress (FFPr) Program applications and awards include, but are not limited to:

a. The threshold for differentiating between Equipment and Supplies has increased from $5,000 to $10,000 (2 CFR 200 Subpart A)

b. The subaward threshold for Modified Total Direct Costs has increased from

$25,000 to $50,000 (2 CFR 200 Subpart A)

c. The de minimis indirect cost rate has increased from 10% to 15% (2 CFR 200.414)

d. Administrative costs associated with termination and standard closeout are now allowable (2 CFR 200.472)

2. USDA/FAS now refers to the total project budget, minus commodity and freight costs for

U.S. commodities, as “project operational costs” or “project operating budget.” Previous

Notices of Funding Opportunity sometimes referred to this portion of the budget as “cash portion” or “administrative costs,” but USDA/FAS has removed these terms for better clarity and consistency. USDA/FAS has updated the C-1 and C-2 templates to reflect this change.

3. USDA/FAS has moved some information regarding regulatory requirements of awards from

Content Guidance to Post Award Requirements and Administration, in order to clarify application requirements versus requirements that must be met during the life of an award.

Applicants should familiarize themselves with the regulatory requirements in Post Award

Requirements and Administration to ensure they are proposing a feasible and compliant project under relevant regulation.

4. USDA/FAS has reduced the information required and the page limits for Applications across all sections. All reduced requirements from the proposal stage will still be required post-award through subsequent deliverables (see subsection 8.6.a., Annual Work Plan).

5. Previous Food for Progress evaluations are available as attachments along with this NOFO on Grants.gov.

6. USDA/FAS has adjusted Appendix C to categorize Subrecipient costs under “Other” rather than “Professional Services” or “Contractual” to promote consistency within the NOFO and with other Federal awards.

7. USDA/FAS has removed country guidances.

8. USDA/FAS requires applicants to submit Proof of 501(c)(3) determination, if applicable.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-400 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.472 https://grants.gov/

1. BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, International Food

Assistance, announces this funding opportunity to support the Food for Progress Program by issuing new awards. This opportunity is available to the government of an emerging agricultural country, intergovernmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, nonprofit agricultural organization or cooperatives, non-governmental organizations, colleges or universities, and any other private entity, and is intended to increase agricultural productivity and expand trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and/or internationally).

1.2 FEDERAL AGENCY NAME

United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS)

1.3 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE

Food for Progress Program Notice of Funding Opportunity Fiscal Year 2025

1.4 ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE

New Announcement

1.5 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER

USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-25(542) – Kenya

USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-25(110) – Colombia

USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-25(320) – Vietnam

USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-25(520) – Ethiopia

USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-25(000) – Non-priority country applications

1.6 ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER

10.606 Food for Progress

1.7 FUNDING DETAILS

Total Available Federal Funding: $208 million

Anticipated number of awards: 6 to 10

Expected range of each individual award: $5 million to $35 million

USDA/FAS reserves the right to make additional awards under this opportunity if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made, consistent with agency policy and guidance. Any additional selection for awards will be made no later than six months after the original selection decisions.

Period of Performance: Approximately 36 to 60 months

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 10/01/2025

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): approximately 09/30/2028 to 09/30/2030

“Period of performance” is defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

1.8 KEY DATES

Deadline for Question Submission: July 15, 2025

Applicants may submit questions until 5:00 P.M. EDT on 07/15/2025 through Grants.gov.

USDA/FAS will consider questions submitted by the stated deadline and will post responses to questions on a regular and rolling basis on Grants.gov.

Application Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. EDT

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: September 15, 2025

Anticipated Award Date: September 26, 2025

1.9 AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

For all inquiries, contact:

Name: Ingrid Ardjosoediro, Food for Progress Branch Director

Email Address: ingrid.ardjosoediro@usda.gov

Phone Number: +1 (202) 531-0216

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. EDT/EST https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://grants.gov/

2. ELIGIBILITY

2.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

In accordance with the Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. § 1736o), the following entities are eligible Applicants (see 7 CFR 1499.2 for definitions):

• The government of an emerging agricultural country

• An intergovernmental organization

• A private voluntary organization

• A nonprofit agricultural organization or cooperative

• A nongovernmental organization

• A college or university

• Any other private entity

All Applicants must have an active registration in the U.S. Government System for Award

Management1 before the application submission deadline of the announcement. Applicants with inactive, expired, pending, or excluded listings will be deemed ineligible. Requests for exceptions, waivers, or extensions will not be considered. More information about SAM.gov registration can be found in Section 9, Other Information.

2.2 SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE

All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and must meet the eligibility requirements described in this NOFO to be considered eligible. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified 14 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section 4, Application Contents and Format, of this solicitation or else they will be deemed ineligible for funding consideration.

2.3 EVIDENCE OF ELIGIBILITY

Applicants are responsible for including documentation, if necessary, establishing that they meet the stated eligibility requirements, when it is not immediately obvious. Applicants should not presume that USDA/FAS is sufficiently familiar with the Applicant organization or that additional information would be unnecessary, USDA/FAS will not make assumptions as to the nature of the Applicant’s work, qualifications, and will rely solely on the materials provided.

2.4 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

Funds may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by applicable regulations, including 2

CFR 200, 2 CFR 400, and 7 CFR 1499. Awards issued pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity may only be used for the purpose set forth in the award, consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Capital expenses, such as the purchase of equipment, not entirely attributable to this award, must be pro-rated.

1 https://www.sam.gov https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml;jsessionid=8994B700ACE1C80B67BF08AB2BD19784?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section1736o&num=0&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjcgc2VjdGlvbjoxNzM2byBlZGl0aW9uOnByZWxpbSk%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-C/part-1499#1499.2 https://www.sam.gov/

For example, agreement funds and other support may not be used for matching contributions for other federal grants or cooperative agreements, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. Federal employees are prohibited from acting as an agent of the

Applicant in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on any proposal submitted under this program. Also, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity.

Compensation for personal services: Employees, consultants, or other personnel, including those of subrecipients, and regardless of the method of engagement, may not exceed the pro-rata equivalent of GS-15, Step 10 on the 2025 General Schedule2 (for 2025, $162,672 per year, $623.60 per day, or $77.95 per hour) Post Hardship Differential and non-monetizable fringe benefits, such as health insurance coverage, are not included in this ceiling.

In general, costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective but not readily assignable to specific awards, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved, are considered indirect costs. These may include facilities not specific to individual projects, enterprise-wide services such as IT, and enterprise management. Pursuant to USDA

Departmental Regulation DR2255-001, a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with a cognizant U.S. Government agency will be honored, except when prohibited by statute.

If an application is submitted that includes any ineligible tasks, activities, or cost items, that portion of the application will be deemed ineligible for funding and may, depending on the extent to which it affects the application, render the entire application ineligible for funding.

2.5 MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

An individual Applicant may submit more than one application in response to this NOFO, and may be offered more than one award.

2.6 COST SHARE/MATCH REQUIREMENT

Not required.

See subsection 6.2, Review Criteria, for further details.

2 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/25Tables/html/GS.aspx https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/25Tables/html/GS.aspx

3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Food for Progress Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The commodities are generally sold on the local market, and the proceeds are used to support agricultural development activities.

Per the Food Security Act of 19853, (7 U.S.C. 1736o(d)), the Food for Progress Program has six specific objectives:

(i) Access, on the part of farmers in the country, to private, competitive markets for their products;

(ii) Market pricing of eligible commodities to foster adequate private sector incentives to individual farmers to produce food on a regular basis for the country’s domestic needs;

(iii) Establishment of market-determined foreign exchange rates;

(iv) Timely availability of production inputs (such as seed, fertilizer, or pesticides) to farmers;

(v) Access to technologies appropriate to the level of agricultural development in country; and

(vi) Construction of facilities and distribution systems necessary to handle perishable products.

These can be summarized through two high-level strategic objectives: (1) increase agricultural productivity, and (2) expand trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and/or internationally).

USDA/FAS will also accept applications for non-priority countries; however, it will prioritize funding applications for the identified priority countries. USDA/FAS will consider funding a project in a non-priority country, but an application for a non-priority country must include sufficient justification.

3.1 AUTHORIZING STATUTES AND REGULATIONS

Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, 7 U.S.C. § 1736o and 7 CFR 1499.

3.2 TYPE OF ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENT

USDA/FAS anticipates that a Cooperative Agreement will be funded pursuant to this funding opportunity.

This type of agreement provides for substantial involvement between USDA/FAS and/or other

USDA Agencies, and the selected Applicant in the performance of the project. This may include:

• Close monitoring of the successful applicant’s performance to verify the results proposed by the Applicant;

• Collaboration during performance of the scope of work;

3 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:1736o%20edition:prelim) https://www.congress.gov/bill/99th-congress/house-bill/2100/text

• Review of proposed procurement in accordance with 2 CFR 200.325 and 2 CFR 200.318;

• Approve qualifications of key personnel (USDA will not select the recipient’s employees or contractors, but may disallow costs for specific individuals where required by statute or regulation); and

• Review and comment on reports prepared under the cooperative agreement (the final decision on the content of reports rests with the recipient).

3.3 PROGRAM SPECIFIC UNALLOWABLE COSTS

Funds provided under Food for Progress Program may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by applicable regulations. USDA/FAS strongly recommends that Applicants familiarize themselves with program-specific unallowable costs described in 7 CFR 1499 to avoid proposing program-specific unallowable costs.

Applicants may refer to Appendix C, 2 CFR 200.1, and 2 CFR 200.414 for information on what costs are allowable as indirect costs.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.325 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318

4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

This announcement contains all information necessary to apply for this funding opportunity.

4.1 FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

a. Application Format

Applicant must complete the application in English and adhere to the maximum page limits in subsection 4.1.b, Required Content and Forms.

Applicants should:

• Use clear and concise language, appropriate spelling and grammar, demonstrate logical flow and consistency of information across sections, and follow the formatting guidance throughout the application.

• Be single spaced and adhere to the maximum page limits per section for all content to be considered (see subsection 4.2).

• Use Times New Roman, 12-point font and one-inch margins;

• Number each page consecutively in the footer;

• Be submitted as PDF files, unless otherwise specified in the NOFO;

• Cite source information (with at least author and year) and/or provide an explanation of the analysis;

• Reduce file size to the greatest extent that is reasonable; and

• Not be certified, signed, or password protected.

b. Required Content and Forms

Each application must include the following content and forms within the required page limits. If an Applicant exceeds the page limits for a section, USDA/FAS will only review and score material within the page limits for the section. Requirements marked with “no page limit restrictions” do not count towards their section page limits.

A complete application package must include:

• Cover Sheet: 1 page

• Strategic Analysis: 8-page limit

• Plan of Operation: 12-page limit

• Organizational Capacity and Staffing: 4-page limit o Capacity and Staffing o In-Country Registration o Curriculum Vitae for Chief of Party (4-page limit; excluded from Organizational

Capacity and Staffing page count) o Organizational Chart (1 page; excluded from Organizational Capacity and

Staffing page count) o Project-Specific Commitment Letters from anticipated subrecipients, if applicable

(no page limit restrictions; excluded from Organizational Capacity and Staffing page count) o Past Performance Records (no page limit restrictions; excluded from

Organizational Capacity and Staffing page count)

• Monitoring and Evaluation: 18-page limit o Project-Level Results Framework: 5-page limit o Performance Indicators: 5-page limit o Evaluation Plan: 8-page limit

• Commodity Management: 5-page limit

• Budget o Budget Summary: 1 page o Detailed Budget: no page limit restrictions o Budget Narrative: 15-page limit o Applicant’s most recent approved NICRA agreement (no page limit restrictions)

(See Part D Section 4 g, Budget, for more on indirect costs) o Standard Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, showing the Unique

Entity Identifier (UEI), and signed by the Applicant o Single Audit (Applicant’s most recent; no page limit restrictions)

• Proof of 501(c)(3) status documentation to support eligibility determination, if applicable.

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form

Applicants should ensure they are using active, i.e. non-expired, versions of standard forms. The use of an expired standard form will not itself be grounds for a determination of ineligibility but may delay processing of an Applicant selected for award.

Find additional requirements on the content of each section of the application below in subsection 4.2, Content Guidance. Applicants should review the content guidance carefully to determine what sections they may submit as attachments and what information they are required to input directly into FAIS. USDA/FAS strongly discourages, and will not consider, any materials submitted by or on behalf of the Applicant other than those materials specifically requested in this NOFO.

4.2 CONTENT GUIDANCE

To have an impact in the agriculture sector, Applicants are expected to closely consult with existing service providers, as well as national authorities in the country such as research institutes, universities, private sector stakeholders, and all other pertinent organizations.

Applicants should also consider complementing efforts with the work of other international donors as well as other USG programs. The expected coordination efforts should integrate the project’s agricultural approaches with existing private sector and government extension services in alignment with USDA priorities of advancing American agricultural interests while also advancing the priorities set forth in the country’s national agricultural strategy including the following:

• Cost-efficiency and prevention of fraud and abuse: Applicants should propose activities that maximize the use of resources and return on investment while implementing measures that provide a high degree of assurance against misuse of funds, fraud or abuse. Use of resources should ensure that at least 70% of the funding is used directly on program activities. Proposed activities should demonstrate the funds are mainly used to further the impact of the project rather than used on administrative https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_Mandatory_3_0-V3.0.pdf expenses. Applicants should also consider maximizing the use of investment funds or grants mechanisms to further the return on investment.

• Access to finance: Access to finance is a key constraint in most countries, stretching from the microfinance needs of small farmers to formal financial institution access for medium- and larger-scale farmers and processors, and formal bank loans and investor financing for larger processors. To avoid duplications of efforts and consolidations of technical expertise in the area of access to finance, Applicants should work with existing local entities instead of creating new financial institutions. Applicants are highly encouraged to consider facilitation of appropriate financial solutions, based on an assessment of existing financing, credit, and investment options such as the use of grants in close coordination with existing financial institutions given its key role in stimulating finance options. For example, a project could use a grant mechanism to minimize the program beneficiaries’ risk for entry of these institutions while also being used as a form of loan guarantee.

Other examples of access to finance can include: seasonal loans or advances from buyers to farmers (such as “contract farming”), agro-processors advancing credit to farmers, input providers supplying in-kind loans to farmers, buyer out-grower schemes that involve credit

(often alongside inputs), short-term, seasonal loans for working capital from microfinance institutions, long-term fixed asset loans from financial institutions, and partial guarantees from financial institutions to leverage credit to value chain actors. Most financing options should be sustainable in the market long term. If proposing a matching grant co-investment component, Applicants should provide examples and investment ranges.

• Use of ICT (Information Communication Technology): The project should utilize advances in digital technologies to benefit extension services, market information, and access to finance, which would benefit the agriculture sector. Currently, initiatives to digitize farmer records, enterprises, and markets remain weak, given the weak digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Besides more modern ICT, traditional media

(such as radio) could be used more intensively for agricultural extension and market information systems to reach remote and poor areas. ICT could also be used to help stakeholders make more informed decisions more efficiently and effectively. The feasibility of developing mobile money transfers and insurance against seasonal weather patterns and disasters could be further examined.

All FFPr Program applications must include the following as attachments in the Food Aid

Information System (FAIS):

a. Cover Sheet (1 page)

Applicants must provide an introductory cover sheet with the following information:

• Applicant organization name;

• Subrecipient organization(s) name(s);

• Priority country;

• Award funding request, itemized by commodities, freight and administration, and operating budget;

• Number of direct beneficiaries; and

• An executive summary of the proposed project’s technical approach.

b. Strategic Analysis (8-page limit)

Applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the priority country’s specific context, including its agricultural landscape and current challenges. Applicants must provide a compelling strategic vision outlining the design of the project. The strategic analysis must provide a description of existing gaps, opportunities for lasting impact, and sustainable benefits and sector growth. Applicants must identify what needs to be addressed within the priority sector(s). Applicants must also provide a clear strategy regarding the proposed interventions and why those interventions are important for achieving the objectives of the project. The strategic analysis should emphasize cost-effectiveness, including the risk assessment and management strategy and measures to reduce fraud, waste, and misuse of U.S. provided resources, to improve on operational efficiencies, demonstrating how resources will be optimized and strategies implemented to achieve sustainable outcomes and measurable impacts.

Applicants must also:

• Describe specific areas within the priority sector(s) where the proposed project can have a lasting, transformative impact and why its interventions are the most appropriate, contextually relevant, and replicable for creating sustainable change beyond the proposed project’s duration. Where applicable, Applicants should include technical agricultural approaches and demonstrate an understanding of potential end-markets for any targeted value chains.

• Introduce the target geographic area(s) and the beneficiary group(s) and justify these selections.

• Incorporate key insights from stakeholders that drive the applicant’s unique approach and strategic vision. Detail an understanding of key local, public, and private sector actors and organizations as well as existing development and private sector investments.

• Describe how the proposed project would make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

c. Plan of Operation (12-page limit)

Applicants must develop an actionable Plan of Operation that directly builds upon the Strategic

Analysis. This plan must clearly articulate how the Applicant will implement the proposed interventions and achieve the specific measurable results to address the needs identified in the

Strategic Analysis, providing implementation plan for each activity, including major milestones and timelines. Detailed activity breakdowns will be included in the work plan post-award.

Applicants should design the plan of operation prioritizing cost-effectiveness and operational efficiencies, demonstrating how resources will be strategically allocated and activities structured to achieve measurable outcomes and sustainable impact. The plan must be technically and programmatically feasible within a three to five-year timeframe and must prioritize the following:

• Identify the target geographic area(s) and beneficiary groups.

• Show clear process – Provide steps and end results for the implementation of each activity of each activity.

• Create economies of scale – Explain how the activities will facilitate economies of scale in individual smallholder farmers, such as through farmer organizations. Demonstrate how these economies of scale will lead to greater efficiencies and achieve broader economic growth in the priority sector(s).

• Foster local capacity and sustainability – Describe how the project will enhance local capacity and create long-term sustainable results through market growth, linking smallholders to end-markets, and private sector engagement and partnerships. Include an exit strategy to ensure ongoing momentum and sustained results after the life of project.

• Leverage Other Investments – Describe how the Applicant will complement ongoing development and private sector efforts, avoid duplication, and maximize impact.

• Define Subrecipients’ Roles (if applicable) – Outline the roles and responsibilities of each proposed subrecipient in the activities.

d. Organizational Capacity and Staffing (4-page limit) Applicants must clearly describe their organizational capacities to implement the proposed project across all aspects of project management. Current experience in agricultural projects, especially within the priority area or targeted geographic area(s), must be included in this section.

The Organizational Capacity and Staffing section must also include a staffing plan that details the technical and geographic expertise required for efficient and effective project implementation, administration, and management. The staffing plan should include a brief description of all long-term staff positions and required levels of experience. The Applicant should present a highly skilled, yet streamlined team that can achieve maximum efficiency and productivity and be as cost effective as possible. FAS may request changes to the final staffing plan during award negotiation or project implementation.

Applicants must also provide a rationale for the involvement of each subrecipient, including experience and expertise, in the proposed project. If the allocation to a subrecipient is 20% or more of the proposed operating budget, Applicants should provide details in the budget narrative.

Subrecipient means an entity that enters into a sub-agreement with the Applicant for the purpose of implementing in the target country activities described in an agreement. Such an entity would receive commodities, CCC-provided funds, program income, sale proceeds, or other resources from the Applicant to use for this purpose and would be accountable to the Applicant for the use of these resources. The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for each subrecipient must be included in the description.

Applicants must disclose their registration status in the target country. Applicants not registered must provide a clear plan to become registered and a timeline to complete the registration process including potential delays. Applicants with active registration in the target country must provide the date they became registered and any relevant information and dates regarding the expiration of their registration.

In addition, Applicants must provide the following items related to the Organizational Capacity and Staffing section. Each item will be submitted as a separate attachment to, and excluded from the page count of, the section:

• Organizational Chart and Key Personnel (1-page limit) – Applicants must include an appropriate and adequate organizational chart that identifies Key Personnel positions.

Key Personnel would include, but are not limited to, managers responsible for overall agreement implementation (e.g. Finance Director, Deputy Chief of Party, and Chief of

Party), as well as specialized technical staff for specific activities. Should the Applicant be selected for funding, the information on Key Personnel will be added to the Plan of

Operation in the agreement. If subrecipient(s) are proposed, they should be identified in the organizational chart so that a clear reporting structure between the subrecipient(s) and the Applicant is established.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) for Chief of Party (4-page limit) – The Applicant must attach, as part of the proposal, the CV for the project lead, the Chief of Party. This person will provide major oversight of the FFPr Program project. The CV must clearly describe the project lead’s relevant work experience and qualifications.

• Subrecipient Letters of Commitment (no page limit) – A project-specific commitment letter from each proposed subrecipient must be included. Letters of support from entities that are not subrecipients must not be included with the application.

• Past Performance Reviews (no page limit) – Applicants must identify points of contact or reviewers for at least one and no more than three grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts implemented by the organization within the previous five years. For projects without a Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) on CPARS.gov, each reviewer must complete a Past Performance Review form (see Appendix E) and submit it to ppded@usda.gov by the closing date of this announcement. For any reference projects with an existing CPAR on CPARS.gov, the Applicant may provide that CPAR as a substitute for submitting a Past Performance Review form. Applicant must submit the

CPAR information (contract number, assessment date, and UEI) in an e-mail to ppded@usda.gov.

When selecting reviewers to submit past performance review forms, Applicants are encouraged to select reviewers with knowledge of the Applicant’s past performance of projects. An Applicant is strongly encouraged to include at least one review from a reviewer with knowledge of its performance of a past or active award outside of USDA’s international food assistance programs and is not an affiliate, subsidiary, or sister organization.

If a proposed subrecipient will receive 20% or more of the operating budget for the project, the Applicant must submit one Past Performance Review from a reviewer for the subrecipient to ppded@usda.gov by the closing date of this announcement.

e. Monitoring and Evaluation (18-page limit)

FAS requires an Applicant to submit three monitoring and evaluation documents in its proposal:

1) Results Framework (5-page limit)

The project-level RF must clearly identify how the proposed project will contribute to the FFPr mailto:ppded@usda.gov mailto:ppded@usda.gov

Program-level RF, as shown in Appendix D. A project-level RF has two components:

(i). A graphical representation of the project’s theory of change. The suggested length of the graphical RF is two pages. A strong graphical RF should:

• Use the FFPr Program-level RF as the basis of the project-level RF.

• Identify which results the project will contribute to, and which results the project will not contribute to.

o A single project is not expected to contribute to all of the results in the program-level RF. Projects typically contribute to a subset of program-level results, and may also contribute to custom results, reflecting the specific country and programmatic context of the proposed project. The number of results contributed to will not be a factor in proposal evaluation.

• Display the project’s activities and align each with the result(s) the activity will help achieve. Applicants should use short, descriptive activity titles so that readers have enough information to understand how an activity will logically lead to a result.

• Add custom results, beyond what is available in the program-level RF, to communicate additional results the project is designed to achieve. This is particularly important for projects such as Trade Enabling Environment focused projects that typically work towards results not already displayed on the program-level RF.

(ii). A narrative text, articulating the project’s theory of change, describing the cause-and-effect linkages outlined in the Strategic Analysis. The suggested length of the narrative is three pages. A strong narrative should:

• Reference existing research to support the theory of change.

• For each FFPr Program-level result to which the proposed project will not contribute, explain why.

• Provide a convincing argument that the project’s theory of change will achieve the intermediate and highest-level results, and these results will be sustained beyond project completion.

o A strong narrative will tie desired results into the sustainable impact of activities proposed in the Plan of Operation. An applicant should have a plan to develop local ownership of the project and develop sustainable partnerships to maximize the potential for the benefits of the project to endure over time.

Overall, the project-level RF should reflect sound, causal thinking. The project logic should follow a chain of cause-and-effect relationships. There should be no significant causal gaps or large leaps from one level in the causal hierarchy to the next. Proposed activities should be sufficient to produce outputs, achieve initial and intermediate results, and contribute to the strategic objectives.

2) Performance Indicators (5-page limit)

Applicants must submit a table of standard and custom performance indicators for their proposed project results. Performance indicators identify how to recognize the success of the project and help to clarify results. For each indicator, the Applicant must identify a baseline value (where possible), annual targets for each year of the project, and a life of project target. Applicants should include, at a minimum, these columns in the table: Performance Indicator, Standard or

Custom, Baseline Value, Year X Target, Year Y Target, etc. (numbers to correspond to each year in the project), and Life of Project Target.

Standard FFPr program performance indicators are required, where appropriate. Each result included in the project should have one or more corresponding indicators in the indicator table. If an Applicant addresses a result that has a corresponding standard indicator, it must include the standard indicator in its table. When a standard indicator isn’t available for a proposed project result, the Applicant should include a custom indicator for that result. Custom indicators proposed for a project should be a mix of output and outcome indicators, in alignment with the result level(s). As described in the Monitoring and Evaluation Policy, custom indicators should also meet the criteria of being direct, objective, adequate, and practical. USDA/FAS does not require a specific number of indicators per result; however, the number of indicators should be sufficient to monitor the project’s performance in achieving each result.

Applicants should review the FFPr program standard indicators carefully to propose indicators that will reflect applicable good agricultural practices activities. Applicants should capture additional results with custom indicators that reflect the specific objectives of the proposed project, and may consult publicly available, established indicator sets for ideas as relevant, including other USG standard indicator sets and validated indicators identified by relevant experts.

3) Evaluation Plan (8-page limit)

Applicants must submit a draft partial evaluation plan as described below. Once an award is granted, USDA/FAS will require a comprehensive evaluation plan as described in the

International Food Assistance Division’s Monitoring and Evaluation Policy. The comprehensive plan required post-award should be developed as a stand-alone document that can be shared with interested parties and the public and should provide a detailed approach to both monitoring and evaluating the project’s performance and impact.

The partial evaluation plan submitted with the proposal will include only the key sections described below:

• Evaluation Approach and Methodologies – Describe the overall evaluation approach including how the Applicant will ensure a participatory process in the design of the evaluations, the roles and responsibilities of staff in their organization and other entities involved in the project, and the quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods that will be used throughout the project. An evaluation approach may include repeat cross-sectional designs or panel studies and may consist of direct observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and secondary data analysis. These methodologies should be described in detail, including sample design, expected sample sizes, and key informants. The Applicant should also describe the strengths and limitations of the proposed methodology for measuring impact and assessing attribution. If the Applicant is proposing an impact evaluation, the evaluation plan should identify the design

(experimental or quasi-experimental) and method of attribution (e.g., a randomized control trial, difference-in-difference, or propensity score matching). If the Applicant will not include an impact evaluation, provide a justification excluding it and describe https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/resources/guidance-food-aid-program-standard-indicators https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/resources/monitoring-and-evaluation-policy https://www.fas.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/fad_mande_policy_feb_2019.pdf how the methodology will assess contribution. A good evaluation plan will demonstrate why the evaluation approach is appropriate to the project context and how that evaluation design will be useful for project learning.

• Baseline Study – Provide a description of the Applicant’s plan to establish performance indicator baseline information and targets that the project will use to measure performance and report to USDA/FAS at regular intervals. Baseline data will be collected for two purposes: (1) to measure progress on performance indicators, and

(2) to assess project outcomes and impacts using evaluation methods. Specify who will conduct the baseline, the timeline, and how the project plans to use the baseline findings.

• Midterm Evaluation – Provide a description of the project’s midterm evaluation strategy and activities, if applicable. Identify the purpose and scope of the evaluation, preliminary key evaluation questions, methodology, and key audience for the evaluation. Include a timeline for conducting key evaluation activities and a description of how the project will use the evaluation findings and recommendations.

• Final Evaluation – Provide a description of the project’s final evaluation strategy and activities. Identify the purpose and scope of the evaluation, preliminary key evaluation questions, methodology, and the key audience for the evaluation. Include a timeline for conducting key evaluation activities and a description of how evaluation findings and recommendations will be used.

• Monitoring and Evaluation Budget (also included in Applicant’s Budget Narrative) –

Applicants must allocate, at a minimum, three percent (3%) of the total project operating budget (not the Federal award amount) towards monitoring and evaluation. If the Applicant is proposing to conduct an impact evaluation, USDA/FAS expects costs to range from five to ten percent (5% - 10%) of the total operating budget. The percent invested is calculated as actual monitoring and evaluation costs divided by the operating budget minus any cost share. Applicants must not include cost share in the total operating budget and must exclude monitoring and evaluation staff salaries and staff travel from actual monitoring and evaluation costs when calculating the required monitoring and evaluation investment. Examples of items that count towards the three percent minimum investment are costs of designing a monitoring database, database licenses, infrastructure for data collection such as tablets, and external contracts for evaluations and special studies.

The draft evaluation plan submitted with the proposal should include a short table showing the evaluation budget broken into key line items, including separate lines for the baseline, midterm, and final evaluation costs. Applicants should also include a summary of the monitoring and evaluation budget in the General Explanatory

Comments section of the Budget Narrative (see Appendix C - Budget Narrative

Example).

f. Commodity Management (5-page limit)

The funding for this award is predicated on the sale of U.S. agricultural commodities. The ability to manage the monetization of commodities is an essential element of successfully implementing

FFPr Program award. In this section, Applicants must document the reasoning for their commodity selection and demonstrate that a sufficient level of market analysis has been performed to determine the most appropriate commodity. This includes considerations of local demand, cost recovery, the impact on local production and markets, previous monetization efforts in the market with the commodity, the impact on commercial sales, and any specific country concerns that would impact the potential sale.

Applicants that have experience successfully monetizing commodities should include information relevant to their experience. If there is no prior experience, Applicants should describe their proposed plans to hire an experienced agent or third-party consultant to perform this element of the award.

1) Commodity List

Applicants must provide the following information:

• Commodity type(s): Applicants may consider a basket of approved commodities.

• Commodity specifications or target grades and standards

• Commodity end use: Specify how the commodity will be used, e.g., food sector, feed sector, etc. Provide details on the market conditions for the end use of the commodity in the monetization country or countries.

• Quantity in metric tons (MT): Tonnages must be whole numbers only and in multiples of

10.

• Destination country or specific countries within the same trade region. Analysis must not use a whole region. Up to five specific countries (where monetization is likely to occur) within a region must be listed and used for analysis.

• Any potential positive benefit or negative cost to the country, countries, and/or region due to the monetization

• Estimated delivery to U.S. port (month and year)

• Estimated delivery to destination port (month and year)

• Estimated sales price per MT

• Estimated proceeds

• Estimated U.S. and Foreign Freight costs

• Estimated rate of return: The target is a minimum of 70%.

2) Special Needs and Distribution Methods

Each proposal must include detailed information on special needs and distribution of commodities, including the following:

• Transportation and Storage

Provide assurances to USDA/FAS that the port, transportation infrastructure, and storage facilities are sufficient to prevent undue spoilage or waste of the commodities. Describe the following: (1) the discharge port facilities in the importing country, including offloading and storage capacity, number of discharge berths, depth of draft, and who will receive the commodities at the discharge port; and (2) storage capacity at port of discharge and destination, and structure and level of security at the port and during inland routing; Applicants should provide the names of any third-party contractors (e.g., marine surveyors and cargo expeditors) used for this analysis and include their findings. Third-party assessments and assistance are viewed favorably.

USDA/FAS reserves the right to require the offered and performing vessel to have a vetting approval from RightShip. The vetting evaluation of the performing vessel may require a RightShip inspection. The Applicant/Recipient must ensure RightShip or their contracted inspection company is allowed to perform the required inspection at the ship owner’s expense. Any vessel that fails to meet vetting approval (at least a RightShip

Safety Score of three out of five) or does not allow an inspection when required, may be subject to booking or contract termination. Cargo preference applies to ocean transportation of donated U.S. commodities.

• Economic Impact

Provide information indicating how the commodities were selected. Describe why the commodities can be imported and distributed without resulting in a substantial disincentive to or interference with domestic production or marketing patterns, and why the sale or barter of the commodities will not displace or interfere with any sales of U.S.

commodities that may otherwise be made to or within the target country. Highlight current local agricultural risks, aberrations, and marketing practices for locally produced foods. Discuss how these factors have been considered in the commodity selection process and monetization plan. Applicants must include plans to conduct a monetization impact assessment, which must be designed to examine the market or markets where the actual monetization will occur. The impact assessment will look at pricing and market structure for the monetized commodity or commodities, as well as relevant substitutes, prior to monetization, during the period of monetization (if there are multiple tranches), and for at least 12 months after the last tranche is delivered. The impact assessment must be budgeted for and reflect the size and scale of the monetization activity. Thus, if the sales plan is regional or involves multiple countries, the budget for this task should reflect that complexity.

Include recent production and consumption statistics, along with sources to support these statements. Applicants must provide the names of third-party “monetization agents” used for the analysis and include their findings. Third-party assessments and assistance for the sale are viewed favorably.

3) Monetization

The Applicant must enter information on the proposed sale of the donated commodity(ies). Please use the following guidance when entering this information.

• Private Sector Participation in Sales of Commodity

Provide information that describes how the commodities will be sold (i.e., open tender, tender with negotiation, or direct negotiation) and why this method of sale has been selected. Direct negotiation may only be approved by USDA/FAS under extenuating circumstances. Dual tender or advertising bids for commodities other than the assigned commodity is not allowed.