FILOVC RFA Amendment 1.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development U.S.A. Postal Address Av. de Marginal 5467 Tel: (258) 84 095 8000 2330 Maputo Place P.O. Box 783 U.S. Department of State Maputo, Mozambique www.usaid.gov/mz Washington, D.C. 20521-

REFERENCE: Request For Application (RFA) Number: 72065622RFA00005

USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC) Local Activity in Mozambique

SUBJECT: Amendment No. 01

DATE: March 2, 2022

Dear Potential Recipient:

The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. Extend the closing date for Applications to April 4, 2022 10:00 am (Maputo Time);

2. Issue responses to questions from potential applicants;

3. Included language in the RFA that all budgets for the Prime applicant and subs as well as SF 424 forms budgets must be in U.S. Dollars; and

4. Provide the RFA 72065622RFA00005 with highlighted areas that have been revised.

Please review the enclosed amendment 01 and attachment A. Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the original RFA issued on February 10, 2022 remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, Patrice Lopez Agreement Officer

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC) Local Activity in Mozambique

Amendment 01

Questions and Answers

Question 1:

Em nenhum dos anexos do RFA, encontramos o template (Template orçamental, narrativa orçamental e a descrição do programa). Gostaríamos de saber se teremos algum template ou não haverá necessidade;

In none of the RFA annexes do we find the template (Budget Template, Budget Narrative and Program Description). We would like to know if we will have a template or not.

Answer 1:

A summary budget template was provided in Annex 1 on page 89. No templates will be provided for the budget narrative or program description. The Budget narrative should follow the line items.

Question 2:

Que tratamento se dará aos distritos que tem o pacote Dreams com outro parceiro, sendo que o RFA contempla também o mesmo pacote;

What treatment will be given to districts that have the Dreams package with another partner, as the RFA also includes the same package;

Answer 2:

The focus will be on implementing the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and Determined, Resilient, Educated, AIDS-Free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) package and securing overlap for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) aged 10-14 years-old in the districts.

Where there is a different partner implementing DREAMS, the successful applicant will be required to implement both OVC and DREAMS activities even where currently they are being implemented by different partners.

Question 3:

Não sendo parceiro principal gostávamos de saber se vamos adotar o staff constante no RFA ou do organograma existente na organização;

Not being the main partner, we would like to know if we are going to adopt the staff listed in the RFA or the organization's existing organizational chart;

Answer 3:

The successful applicant will need to identify the key staff recommended in the RFA.

Question 4:

No âmbito da orçamentação visto que esta que RFA contempla também o DREAMS, e somos implementadores do Dreams gostaríamos de saber se orçamentamos as actividades, e o staff do Dreams nesta RFA?

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

In the scope of budgeting, since this RFA also includes DREAMS, and we are implementers of Dreams, we would like to know if we budgeted the activities, and the Dreams staff in this

RFA?

Answer 4:

DREAMS activities and staff should be budgeted for in the application that will be submitted.

Question 5:

Qual será a base da partilha do valor referenciado no RFA, pelo parceiro principal aos subparceiros.

What will be the basis for splitting the value referenced in the RFA, by the main partner to the sub-partners

Answer 5:

The total percentage for subpartners must not exceed fifty five percent (55%) of the Total Estimated Amount.

In total sub-grants to U.S. or international organization must not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the fifty five percent (55%) allocated for subspartners of the total estimated amount of the Award.

The RFA has been amended for clarity.

Question 6:

Em que momento poderemos Recrutar o pessoal Técnico?

When can we recruit Technical staff?

Answer 6:

Once the successful applicant is notified and an award has been issued the recruitment process can start.

Question 7:

About Geographic Scope: Per the RFA language on p. 22, Provisional districts can be used as part of the application and planning process, using approved districts from COP21 as a proxy. A list of these districts can be made available upon request. We are requesting a list of these districts. Please provide.

Answer 7:

Please find attached the list of districts for Analyzing Joint Underperformance and Determining Assistance ( AJUDA) sites and targets for OVC and DREAMS in accordance with the Country Operational Plan for Fiscal Year 21 (COP21). This list is provided as Attachment A. This is just for illustrative purposes as they change according to the U.S. President 's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) priorities.

Question 8:

Nine Provinces Selected for Implementation: Please confirm if Sofala is indeed one of the nine provinces selected for implementation.

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Answer 8:

The selected Applicant(s) for this activity will work in six provinces of Mozambique (Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo City, Maputo Province and Nampula). This activity will not be implemented in Niassa, Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia. The RFA is amended to reflect the changes.

Question 9:

Targets- Can USAID please share the estimated or confirmed targets by province and districts in year 1.

Answer 9:

Unfortunately this can only be shared with the successful applicant upon award as it can change depending on the priorities that are identified.

Question 10:

About the Deadline for Submission: USAID has issued A 32-day turnaround for from issue date (Febuary 10) to closing date (March14th) for this RFA. This is a tight turnaround for any type of applicant, INGO or local organization. Would USAID consider an extension of the closing date for this RFA? As this RFA is limited to local organizations who are newer to compiling and responding to USAID RFA requirements as a prime recipient, a longer period to prepare would be welcomed and warranted.

Answer 10:

The closing date for the submission of applications has been extended to April 4, 2022 10:00 am (Maputo Time).

Question 11:

About INGO Subawards and INGO Subrecipients Budget Cap: The RFA states on p. 45 that future post award US or INGO sub-awards are capped at 30% of the total estimated award budget. Is this 30% cap of the total estimated award budget a requirement for named INGO subrecipients in the application phase also?

Answer 11:

Yes, USAID confirms U.S. or INGO subawards are capped at 30%.

Question 12:

About MELP Plan: On p. 57 in Annexes it states that a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan is required as part of the technical application in response to the RFA. On p. 46 it says the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plan will be submitted 60 days after the award. Please confirm if a MEL plan is required as part of the technical application for the RFA stage.

Answer 12:

A draft MELP plan should be submitted with the application of no more than 5 pages. The RFA has been amended to reflect the correct language. The successful applicant will be required to submit a complete MELP 60 days after award.

Question 13:

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Page 8, the solicitation lists Tete province as one of nine provinces of Mozambique where the selected applicant(s) will work. We understand that work in Tete province is currently being transferred to a local partner. Can USAID please confirm if the proposed project will include programming in Tete province?

Answer 13:

The selected Applicant(s) for this activity will work in six provinces of Mozambique (Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo City, Maputo Province and Nampula). This activity will not be implemented in Niassa, Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia. The RFA is amended to reflect the changes.

Question 14:

Page 9, Figure 2 lists AGYW aged 10-17 as the target group for DREAMS; however, Figure 4 on Page 20 mentions children and adolescents aged 9-14 for both the OVC primary prevention and the DREAMS interventions. OGAC Guidance indicates that DREAMS should serve 10- 24 year old AGYW. Can USAID please clarify the target age group for DREAMS activities?

Answer 14:

The target group for the DREAMS activities is 10-24 year old AGYW in accordance with the OGAC guidance.

Question 15:

Page 9, Figure 2 OVC Intervention Types and Intended Beneficiaries graph shows that AGYW ages 10-17 should be reached in DREAMS districts. If AGYW 15-17 years old are to be included in project activities, can USAID please confirm if the implementer will be expected to implement enhanced economic strengthening interventions with those AGYW who are eligible to receive them?

Answer 15:

Yes, the Successful Applicant will be expected to implement enhanced economic strengthening interventions.

Question 16:

Page 16, the RFA states that FILOVC should enroll “at least 80% of all C/ALHIV on ART within activity-supported districts annually”. However, on pg. 25, under IR 2.1, it says that it should be 81%. Can USAID please confirm the correct percentage?

Answer 16:

The correct percentage is 81%. The RFA has been amended to reflect the correct percentage.

Question 17:

Page 16, the solicitation lists key lessons from the COVIDA program to date, including a need to "Incorporate community-based index case HIV testing services (IC-HTS) into community OVC programs to facilitate identification and linkage of HIV-positive children and adolescents." On page 25, the solicitation mentions that the FILOVC local activity will be expected to offer high-quality, community-based index case HIV testing services. Can USAID please clarify if the recipients will be expected to provide HIV testing, or facilitate completed referrals to testing?

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Answer 17:

Currently the guidance is to facilitate completed referrals to testing. In case the guidance changes the successful applicant will provide HIV testing.

Question 18 Page 17, the solicitation states that “the FILOVC Local Activity shall proactively identify subgroups of girls at high risk of HIV infection in the targeted districts, including out-of-school girls, and incorporate a primary prevention package aligned with the existing DREAMS intervention, which benefits these groups and reduces the risk of exposure to HIV”. Does this indicate that FILOVC will only enroll and work with new DREAMS participants, there will be no handover or referral of participants from other programs?

Answer 18:

PEPFAR allocates targets annually and the successful applicant will be required to work with the targeted AGYW allocated within the specific districts in the relevant COP year.

Question 19:

Page 22, the solicitation states that "Provisional districts can be used as part of the application and planning process, using approved districts from COP 21 as a proxy. A list of theses can be made available upon request" Can USAID please provide this list of districts and targets for COP21?

Answer 19:

Please find attached the list of districts for AJUDA sites and targets for OVC and DREAMS in accordance with COP21. This list is provided as Attachment A. This is just for illustrative purposes as they change according to PEPFAR priorities.

Question 20:

Page 26, the solicitation states that “Given the need for high coverage of C/ALHIV, the program will not have unlimited resources available to support HIV-negative OVC beneficiaries.” Can USAID please clarify these implications for enrolling and supporting HIV-negative children in C/ALHIV households and HIV-negative children of PLHIV who are not stable on treatment? These populations are usually enrolled as program beneficiaries due to the family-centered approach used in OVC programs, consistent with OGAC Guidance and promoted by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Action.

Answer 20:

The program will accept HIV-negative OVC but the focus is in providing services to C/ALHIV. Further guidance will be provided to the successful applicant(s).

Question 21:

Page 56, the solicitation does not include mention of a List of Acronyms as a section in the Technical Application format. Can USAID please confirm if applicants can include a List of Acronyms as a section of the Technical proposal? And, if so, that these page(s) do not count towards the 22 page limit?

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Answer 21:

Acronyms can be part of the Technical application and will not count as part of the 22 page limit.

Question 22:

On page 57, Under Annexes, the solicitation notes that the annex which includes resumes/Curriculum Vitaes for Key Personnel and long-term professional staff as well as proposed position descriptions and signed letters of commitment must have a page length of maximum 3 pages. On page 61, USAID confirms that resumes must be no more than 3 pages in length for each proposed individual. Can USAID please clarify what the 3-page maximum requirement for this annex refers to? For example, is it confirming the 3-page requirement for the CV of each candidate or a requirement for all other documents (signed letter of commitment and proposed positions description) required per candidate?

Answer 22:

The three (3) page limitation includes Resumes/Curriculum Vitaes, proposed position descriptions and signed letters of commitment from Key Personnel as stated on page 57.

Question 23:

Page 62, can USAID please clarify if the institutional capacity criterion outlined is expected for all sub-partner organizations or just the prime candidate?

Answer 23:

Institutional capacity information that should be provided is for the prime candidate.

Question 24:

Page 62 states that “Past Performance information will only be requested from the apparently successful applicant(s)”. Can USAID please confirm if they would like applicants to submit past performance information now and it will only be reviewed once a decision has been made or if it should only be submitted upon request from USAID?

Answer 24:

Past performance will only be requested from the apparently successful applicant(s) and does not need to be submitted with the application.

Question 25:

Given the complex nature of programming across Mozambique and of local primes submitting applications to USAID, would USAID consider providing extending the submission date of this opportunity?

Answer 25:

The closing date for the submission of applications has been extended to April 4, 2022 10:00 am (Maputo Time).

Question 26:

Can USAID please confirm if Section 889 guidance applies to the implementation of the FILOVC program?

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Answer 26:

Yes, Standard Provision M29. Prohibition on Certain Telecommunication and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (August 2020) is currently applicable to all Non-U.S.

Nongovernmental Organizations as per Annex 2 page 89 of the RFA.

Question 27:

Page 67, the solicitation states that “USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier (DUNS number) and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements”. Page 66, under Approval of Subawards, the solicitation reads that there must be confirmation that the subrecipient does not have active exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM) system. Can USAID please confirm if all prime and subpartners on a proposal in response to this solicitation must be registered in the SAM system, or only Prime partners?

Answer 27:

USAID confirms that the prime applicant must be “registered” in SAM before submitting its application, and that sub-recipients must be “in progress” or “submitted” in SAM before the consortium’s application is submitted. However, please note that by the time of award, the prime and all subs must be “registered” in SAM.

Question 28:

In what districts will the FILOVC activity be implemented within the nine Provinces?

Answer 28:

The selected Applicant(s) for this activity will work in six provinces of Mozambique (Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo City, Maputo Province and Nampula). This activity will not be implemented in Niassa, Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia. The RFA is amended to reflect the changes.

Question 29:

What are the DREAMS districts for the FILOVC activity

Answer 29:

Please find attached the list of districts for AJUDA sites and targets for OVC and DREAMS in accordance with COP21. This list is provided as Attachment A. This is just for illustrative purposes as they change according to PEPFAR priorities.

Question 30:

Do we have to re-apply for a province if we are already expanding the OVC programme in the province?

Answer 30:

This RFA will result in an independent local award(s) with separate activities or geographical focus than those under other current awards. Should an applicant be interested and meet the eligibility requirements, they may apply under this RFA.

Question 31:

Is Sofala Province part of the FILOVC RFA

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Answer 31:

The selected Applicant(s) for this activity will work in six provinces of Mozambique (Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo City, Maputo Province and Nampula). This activity will not be implemented in Niassa, Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia. The RFA is amended to reflect the changes.

Question 32:

Can an organization that is a USAID Prime organization apply with another organization as a sub partner?

Answer 32:

Yes.

Question 33:

Can an organization apply in multiple proposals at a non-exclusive level?

Answer 33:

Yes.

Question 34:

Can a Local organization apply without an International Technical Partner?

Answer 34:

Yes.

Question 35:

On page 46, the NOFO of the RFA says “The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan will be submitted 60 days after the award and it will include the Applicant’s proposed results framework (which should build upon the results framework described earlier in the PD)….”. On page 57 of the RFA, the MELP is listed among the application annexes.

Does the Application need to include a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (MELP)?

Answer 35:

A draft MELP plan should be submitted with the application of no more than 5 pages. The RFA has been amended to reflect the correct language. The successful applicant will be required to submit a complete MELP 60 days after award.

Question 36:

First Year draft Work Plan is listed under Annexes.

Does the Application need to include a First Year draft Work Plan? If so, is there a template for the First Year Work Plan?

Answer 36:

At this time the applicant is expected to draft their own work plan format. Once the successful applicant is identified, the USAID technical team will work with the organization on refining the work plan format.

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Question 37:

On page 22 of the RFA it says: "Specific target districts will be defined on a yearly basis during the development of annual work plans and in consultation with USAID and GRM.

USAID will provide the Applicant with clear guidance regarding the detailed geographic prioritization expected during the first year of the activity once the COP22 planning process has been finalized; likely by May 1, 2022. Provisional districts can be used as part of the application and planning process, using approved districts from COP21 as a proxy. A list of these districts can be made available upon request."

Could you please provide the list of RFA nine provinces and COP21 approved districts, including the COP21 targets as a proxy for budget purposes?

Answer 37:

The selected Applicant(s) for this activity will work in six provinces of Mozambique (Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo City, Maputo Province and Nampula). This activity will not be implemented in Niassa, Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia. The RFA is amended to reflect the changes.

Please find attached the list of districts for AJUDA sites and targets for OVC and DREAMS in accordance with COP21. This list is provided as attachment A. This is just for illustrative purposes as they change according to PEPFAR priorities.

Question 38:

Could you please provide the list and/or number of AJUDA sites of each COP21 approved districts of the nine provinces?

Answer 38:

Please find attached the list of districts for AJUDA sites and targets for OVC and DREAMS in accordance with COP21. This list is provided as attachment A. This is just for illustrative purposes as they change according to PEPFAR priorities.

Question 39:

On page 17 of the RFA it says: “The FILOVC Local Activity shall proactively identify subgroups of girls at high risk of HIV infection in the targeted districts, including out-of-school girls, and incorporate a primary prevention package aligned with the existing DREAMS intervention, which benefits these groups and reduces the risk of exposure to HIV.” And on page 22 of the RFA is says: “The package of primary prevention activities should align with the DREAMS primary prevention curriculum (i.e., OVC prevention activities should include age-appropriate activities that promote HIV prevention and support community norms and attitudes to reduce GBV, sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation of children and AGYW.) For those FILOVC Local Activity priority districts that are also DREAMS program districts, primary prevention activities should be integrated into ongoing DREAMS activities.”

Under this RFA, will applicants have to implement DREAMS program and provide DREAMS services for AGYW aged 10-14 years-old in the districts where both OVC and DREAMS programs are implemented?

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Answer 39:

Yes. The applicant will be required to implement both OVC and DREAMS activities even where currently they are being implemented by different partners.

Question 40:

Under this RFA, will applicants have to implement DREAMS program and provide DREAMS services for AGYW aged 15-19 and 20-24 years old in the districts where both OVC and DREAMS are implemented?

Answer 40:

Yes. The applicant will be required to implement both OVC and DREAMS activities even where currently they are being implemented by different partners.

Question 41:

Do applicants have to include in the Technical Application implementation of DREAMS program and provision of DREAMS services in the districts where both OVC and DREAMS programs are implemented? In case affirmative, for which age ranges?

Answer 41:

Yes, the ages are 10-24 years old.

Question 42:

On page 47, the RFA says: “In addition, all Applicants are required to report on the following indicators as appropriate:”, and the below indicators are listed along a number of OVC indicators.

Under this RFA, will FILOVC Applicants have to report DREAMS indicators, specifically a) AGYW_PREV; b) PP_PREV; and c) GEND_GBV?

Answer 42:

Yes Question 43:

On page 58, it says "Criterion 1: Technical Interventions: The technical Interventions must address the following five areas". Then, only three areas are identified in the following text.

What are the five areas referred to under Criterion 1: Technical Interventions, or are there only three as mentioned?

Answer 43:

This is a typo and has been corrected in the revised RFA. The correct number is “three”.

Question 44:

Do all sub-grantees need to sign certifications and representations?

Answer 44:

Yes.

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Question 45:

On page 45, it says “The Applicant is expected to manage sub-grants to other community-based local entities for aspects of the implementation of this award. Any sub-granting to local entities should include a capacity building plan”.

Does the Applicant need to include a capacity building plan in this proposal if managing sub-grants?

Answer 45:

Yes, the applicant must describe what capacity building activities will be prioritized to local entities. Successful applicants should provide details of the planned capacity building activities.

Question 46:

Page 8, the solicitation lists Tete province as one of nine provinces of Mozambique where the selected applicant(s) will work. We understand that work in Tete province is currently being transferred to a local partner. Can USAID please confirm if the proposed project will include programming in Tete province?

Answer 46:

The selected Applicant(s) for this activity will work in six provinces of Mozambique (Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo City, Maputo Province and Nampula). This activity will not be implemented in Niassa, Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia. The RFA is amended to reflect the changes.

Question 47:

Page 8, the solicitation lists the activity’s four integrated components and none of these components target AGYW 15-17 for HIV prevention activities. However, Figure 2 (OVC Intervention Types and Intended Beneficiaries) on Page 9, shows under DREAMS that AGYW 15-17 should be reached (under the 10-17 age band). Can USAID please clarify under which component the program should target AGYW 15-17?

Answer 47:

The intervention that covers AGYW 15-17 is covered under the DREAMS program.

Interventions type outside of the DREAMS program will focus on Primary Prevention from AGYW of 10-15 years old.

Question 48:

Page 9, Figure 2 OVC Intervention Types and Intended Beneficiaries graph shows that AGYW ages 10-17 should be reached in DREAMS districts. However, both IRs 1.1 and 1.2 under IR1 (Risky sexual behaviors among adolescents reduced) only focus on adolescents ages 9-14. Can USAID please confirm under which of these two IRs should HIV prevention activities for AGYW 15-17 be included?

Answer 48:

It should be covered under both IRs, 1.1 and 1.2 under IR1.

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Question 49:

Page 9, Figure 2 OVC Intervention Types and Intended Beneficiaries graph shows that AGYW ages 10-17 should be reached in DREAMS districts. If AGYW 15-17 years old are to be included in project activities, can USAID please confirm if the implementer will be expected to implement enhanced economic strengthening interventions with those AGYW who are eligible to receive them?

Answer 49:

Yes within DREAMS districts. If it is outside of a DREAMS district they will receive economic strengthening support under comprehensive interventions with OVC.

Question 50:

Page 9, Figure 2 OVC Intervention Types and Intended Beneficiaries graph shows that AGYW ages 10-17 should be reached in DREAMS districts. However, both sub-IRs 1.1 and

1.2 under IR1 (Risky sexual behaviors among adolescents reduced) only focus on adolescents ages 9-14. Can USAID please confirm under which of these two sub-IRs should HIV prevention activities for AGYW 15-17 be included? And, can USAID please confirm if the 18-24 age group will be excluded from this project?

Answer 50:

In general OVC and DREAMS should be complementary interventions. Both age groups are included in the project and this will only change if new guidelines are provided under the COP guidance for specific years.

Question 51:

Page 9, Figure 2 lists AGYW aged 10-17 as the target group for DREAMS; however, Figure 4 on Page 20 mentions children and adolescents aged 9-14 for both the OVC primary prevention and the DREAMS interventions. Can USAID please clarify if the target age group for program activities is children and adolescents aged 9-14 means that youth who turn 15 over the course of the program will no longer be eligible for program interventions?

Answer 51:

Under the OVC Preventive component, interventions are meant to reach adolescents girls and boys aged 10 to 14 years old. However, general OVC Comprehensive intervention type and DREAMS components beneficiaries will continue to be eligible for those that are over 15.

Question 52:

Page 16, the solicitation lists key lessons from the COVIDA program to date, including a need to "Incorporate community-based index case HIV testing services (IC-HTS) into community OVC programs to facilitate identification and linkage of HIV-positive children and adolescents." On page 25, the solicitation mentions that the FILOVC local activity will be expected to offer high-quality, community-based index case HIV testing services. Can USAID please clarify if the recipients will be expected to provide HIV testing, or facilitate completed referrals to testing?

Answer 52:

Currently OVC partners should only ensure referrals for HIV testing. Should there be programmatic changes, USAID will inform the successful applicant.

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Question 53:

Page 22, the Target Populations section states that “Given the existence of infant-specific HIV retention initiatives (e.g., mentor mothers), the Applicant should ensure adequate focus on adolescents, an often overlooked and underserved group”. Can USAID please clarify if this “special focus” relates to making sure the special needs of adolescents are met, or if this also means that adolescents should be prioritized for enrollment?

Answer 53: Applicants are encouraged to consult available HIV epidemiologic data to ensure that all proposed activities are aligned geographically to meet the needs of populations at elevated risk of HIV acquisition, as well as to address poor retention to ART, which is common among adolescents.

Question 54:

Page 22, the solicitation states that "Provisional districts can be used as part of the application and planning process, using approved districts from COP 21 as a proxy. A list of theses can be made available upon request" Can USAID please provide this list of districts and targets for COP21?

Answer 54:

Please find attached the list of districts for AJUDA sites and targets for OVC and DREAMS in accordance with COP21. This list is provided as Attachment A. This is just for illustrative purposes as they change according to PEPFAR priorities.

Question 55:

Page 23, IR 1.2 states that “as part of the primary prevention exercise, the OVC program should undertake confidential, age-appropriate screening to identify those high-risk adolescents, caregivers, and/or siblings in need of more specialized services”. Based on PEPFAR guidance, primary prevention activities for adolescents ages 9-14 do not involve reaching their caregivers and /or their siblings. Can USAID please clarify if project programming must include outreach to caregivers and/or siblings?

Answer 55:

The OVC preventive is meant for adolescent girls and boys. The caregivers or siblings over the age of 14 years who are HIV positive or part of Key Populations, can receive specialized services through referrals to other existing activities.

Question 56:

Page 23, the solicitation states that "applicants should describe the process for ensuring a high level of coverage of adolescents aged 9-14 within each supported district". Can USAID please clarify if districts will be assigned in consideration of other efforts by the Global Fund and the World Bank activities to also reach the same age group?

Answer 56:

Yes the district will be assigned in consideration of other efforts by the Global Fund and the World Bank activities.

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Question 57:

Page 34, can USAID please clarify that there are no mandatory PEPFAR indicators for IR4, as there are listed in the solicitation for IRs 1-3?

Answer 57:

It is expected that applicants develop appropriate custom indicators to proposed activities under this IR, illustrative indicators are solely for guidance purposes.

Question 58:

Page 55, the solicitation confirms that the responses must be presented in 12-point Times New Roman font, with 10-point Times New Roman find acceptable for graphs and charts.

Would USAID consider allowing a different 10-point font than Times New Roman for graphs and charts?

Answer 58:

As stated on page 55 only “10-point font Times New Roman can be used for graphs and charts.”

Question 59:

Page 57, can USAID please clarify who they define as long-term professional staff under the first annex?

Answer 59:

These positions are professional staff that will be hired for the duration of the activity. They exclude consultants and short term positions.

Question 60:

Page 57, can USAID please clarify if the annex Partner letters of commitment is a maximum of 1-2 pages is for each letter of commitment per partner or for the entire annex?

Answer 60:

The Partners letters of commitment are a maximum 1 - 2 pages per partner.

Question 61:

Page 57, can USAID please confirm that the annex of charts on management structure, staff skills, and organizational chart(s) has no page limit?

Answer 61:

Correct.

Question 62:

Page 57, can USAID please confirm that the annex First Year draft Work Plan has no page limit?

Answer 62:

There is no page limit for the first year work plan, however, the applicant should be precise in their description of their planned activity.

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Question 63:

Page 57, can USAID please confirm that the annex Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan has no page limit?

Answer 63:

A draft MELP plan should be submitted with the application of no more than 5 pages. The RFA has been amended to reflect the correct language. ---------------------------------------------- Question 64:

Page 58, the solicitation states that under Technical Application Considerations, Criterion 1:

Technical Interventions must address five areas, but only three are listed in the solicitation.

Can USAID please clarify the five areas that must be addressed under Technical Interventions in the Technical Application?

Answer 64:

This is a typo and has been corrected in the revised RFA. The correct number is “three”.

Question 65:

Page 60, Under COP requirements, the solicitation requires a Master’s Degree in public health, social welfare, institutional or organizational development, international management, public administration, or a related field. Would USAID consider a COP candidate as meeting all requirements if they have a Bachelor’s Degree and additional years of relevant experience?

Answer 65:

The proposed COP needs to meet the requirements as stated in the RFA on page 60.

Question 66:

Page 26, the solicitation states that “HIV testing services also provide an opportunity to engage AGYW and their male partners on healthy sexual practices and linkages to other health services such as VMMC, family planning, SRH, and GBV prevention”. In the past OVC programming does has not typically reached out to AGYW’s male partners. Is this a change in guidance? Can USAID please clarify the target age group for the FILOVC project?

Answer 66:

With regards to the outreach to AGYW male partners there has been no change to the COP guidance.

According to the COP 22 guidance, page 670, OVC program targets beneficiaries from 0-17 year old. Page 9 of the RFA states that For the second OVC intervention type (Comprehensive), the age range is larger (0-17).

Question 67:

In the NOFO, there is a strong focus on DREAMS interventions for 10-17 year old AGYW, however it is not clear to what extent the FILOVC Activity is to target 18-24 year olds as usually included in DREAMS programming and very relevant to Mozambique context?

Please clarify.

72065622RFA00005 – USAID’s Facilitating Impact that Lasts for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FILOVC)

Answer 67:

The DREAMS package is integral and activities should cover target populations from 10-24 year olds. The successful applicant will receive further guidance according to the COP guide for the specific year.

Question 68:

Is there any updated or revised guidance on specific evidence-based curricula to be used in the FILOVC program, by age group, for primary prevention and/or for DREAMS?

Answer 68:

The current curricula used on OVC and DREAMS are: Aflatoun, Family Matters, Siyakha and Go Girls. Please refer to page 23 of the RFA.

Question 69:

The NOFO states that a list of districts from COP21 will be made available upon request, but this may not include some districts or provinces (e.g. Niassa). Understanding that final districts and targets for COP22 will not come out until the 2nd quarter of FY22, can a list of priority districts and estimated targets be shared with us at this time to assist bidders in preparing our technical and financial applications?

Answer 69:

Please find attached the list of districts for AJUDA sites and targets for OVC and DREAMS in accordance with COP21. This list is provided as attachment A. This is just for illustrative purposes as they change according to PEPFAR priorities.

Question 70:

Sofala has ongoing USAID OVC/DREAMS funding under the Mwanasana project, is the assumption that FILOVC Activity would expand OVC programming in Sofala, so FILOVC would be implemented in other districts not already covered under the existing project?

Answer 70:

The selected Applicant(s) for this activity will work in six provinces of Mozambique (Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo City, Maputo Province and Nampula). This activity will not be implemented in Niassa, Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia. The RFA is amended to reflect the changes.

Question 71:

We were interested in finding out which Mozambican organisations receive USAID funding and have principal recipient status or have had principal recipient status, especially in regards to global health, SRHR and HIV/AIDS programming and youth and gender programming.

Answer 71:

FHI360 is currently implementing the Service Delivery and Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (COVIDA) activity. This FILOVC activity once awarded is expected to pick up where COVIDA has ended. For information regarding organizations or institutions that currently do business with USAID, please visit www.SAM.gov where USAID shares information regarding issued awards. Unfortunately, similar announcements are not available on www.grants.gov.

--------------------End of Amendment 1---------------------http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/