FY 2021 IFRP Final Transport RFA.pdf

Issuance Date: June 8, 2021 Deadline for Questions: June 18, 2021 Closing Date: July 9, 2021 Closing Time: 11:59 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) CFDA Number: 98.008 RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004

Subject: Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) 2021 Request for Applications (RFA) - Global transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable food commodities.

Title: BHA Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Title II: International Food Relief Partnership (IFRP), Shelf-Stable Food Commodity Transportation, Delivery, and Distribution

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) is seeking applications for funding to support the rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable, prepackaged commodities to be distributed under the International Food Relief Partnership (IFRP) program. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Description for a complete description.

Private voluntary organizations or cooperatives, including U.S. and non-U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) may apply. Organizations designated by USAID as public international organizations are also eligible to apply.

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of BHA, nor does it commit BHA to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant.

BHA cannot make final awards until funds have been fully appropriated, apportioned, allocated, and committed. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award.

For the purposes of this program, the RFA consists of this cover letter and the following:

● Section I – Funding Opportunity Description

● Section II – Award Information

● Section III – Eligibility Information

● Section IV – Submission and Application Information

● Section V – Application Review Information

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 1

● Section VI – Award Administration Information

● Section VII – Agency Contacts

● Section VIII – Other Information

To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all required information in its application, including the requirements found in any attachments to this www.grants.gov opportunity. Any future amendments to this RFA can be downloaded from www.grants.gov. This information may also be posted on the BHA website. It is the responsibility of the applicant to use the most up-to-date versions of all the documents related to this RFA.

BHA may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifiers and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section III.

The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process.

Applicants may submit up to three separate grant applications, with no more than one application per country. Applicants may propose use of one or two commodities in any given application.

All questions regarding this RFA must be submitted in writing by June 18, 2021 to BHA, attention Benjamin C. Vogler, IFRP Program Manager, at IFRP@usaid.gov.

BHA may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept applications for reasons other than cost, or (c) accept more than one application (see Section V - Application Review Information). BHA intends to award predominantly fixed obligation awards, but reserves the right to award any other form of assistance agreement. BHA may waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

BHA may make an award on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions.

Therefore, each initial application must contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.

In the event of any inconsistency between this RFA and the referenced documents in the RFA, the RFA shall take precedence over any referenced documents, except statutes and regulations. In the event of an inconsistency in the RFA documents or in the text of the RFA, it will be resolved at the discretion of the Agreement Officer (AO).

Thank you for your interest in BHA’s programs.

Sincerely, /S/

Matthew Nims Agreement Officer http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov mailto:IFRP@usaid.gov

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 2

SECTION I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1. General Description

USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) is seeking grant applications from eligible organizations for the transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable food commodities produced by U.S. non-profit organizations under the International Food Relief Partnership (IFRP) program. Any and all IFRP activities would entail the transfer of commodities to implementing organizations and then the transfer of these commodities by the implementing organizations to the designated recipients for any allowable purpose specified by the Food for Peace Act, as referenced in Section I – General Description, 2) Authorizing Legislation.

Countries that the U.S. Government designates as “Prohibited Sources” are not eligible for funding under this RFA. Prohibited sources means countries to which assistance is prohibited by the annual appropriations acts of Congress or other statutes, or those subject to other executive branch restrictions, such as applicable sanctions administered by OFAC. USAID maintains a list of prohibited sources, available in ADS Chapter 310. As of this RFA's posting date, there are currently no prohibited source countries nor are there additional restrictions on eligible countries under this RFA.

There will be only one IFRP transport, delivery, and distribution grant review cycle during Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, and the three commodities available for distribution are: Harvest Lentil Pro, Enov’ Nutributter (LNS-SQ), and Enov’ Mum (LNS-PLW). Please see the detailed chart below regarding commodity specifications and details, and please note that applicants are responsible for organizing their transportation logistics beginning from receipt/loading of the commodity(ies) at the producers’ facility(ies) to unloading at the distribution sites in country.

Commodity: Harvest Lentil Pro #

Enov’ Nutributter Enov’ Mum

Producer:

Breedlove Foods, Inc. Edesia Edesia

Website: breedlove.org https://www.edesianutriti on.org/ https://www.edesianutriti on.org/

Location: 1818 North Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Lubbock, TX 79403

550 Romano Vineyard Way North Kingstown, RI 02852

550 Romano Vineyard Way North Kingstown, RI 02852 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/310mac http://breedlove.org/ https://www.edesianutrition.org/ https://www.edesianutrition.org/ https://www.edesianutrition.org/

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 3

Commodity Intended Purpose:

To supplement daily diet of vulnerable groups.

As a supplement to age-appropriate complementary foods for children 6-24 months of age to promote healthy growth and prevent micronutrient deficiencies in contexts where nutrition and child health indicators are poor.

As a supplement to complementary foods for pregnant and lactating women to reach recommended nutrient intake with the aim of having a positive effect on maternal status, birth outcomes, and postnatal growth.

Commodity Use & Primary Intended Population:

General population supplement (e.g., maternal/child health, school feeding, hospital patients, orphans, clinics, emergency feeding, food for work, etc.)

from primary & secondary school children to adults & elderly.

Preventive (LNS) supplement (This product is not for treatment and is not therapeutic/curative) for children 6-24 months of age at risk of malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and poor diet.

Preventive (LNS) supplement (This product is not for treatment and is not therapeutic/curative) for women for the duration of pregnancy and lactation.

Maximum Request Per Application:

150.08 MTs – Up to

eight 40’ containers, which is equivalent to approximately 150.08 MTs, or precisely 10,720 cases (boxes).

Each case contains 14 (1kg) bags.

69.12 MTs – Up to four

40’ containers, which is equivalent to 69.12 MTs

17.28 MT/ 40’ Container

10.8 MT/ 20’ Container

69.12 MTs – Up to four

four 40’ containers, which is equivalent to

69.12 MTs

17.28 MT/ 40’ Container

10.8 MT/ 20’ Container

Servings in Maximum Level:

7,504,000 – 20g servings. Each 1kg bag contains 50 soup servings.

3,456,000 – 20g servings (enough to supplement approximately 19,200 children for a six month period).

3,456,000 – 20g servings (enough to supplement approximately 9,460 women for a 12 month period).

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 4

Suggested Servings Per Day:

One 20g serving rehydrates to one cup, 1-3 per day, determined by program goals.

One 20g sachet/day/child One 20g sachet/day/woman

Contact information:

Michelle Logan michellelogan@breedl ove.org

(806) 741.0404 ext.

Rebecca Primeau rprimeau@edesianutritio n.org

(401) 272-5521 ext. 1161

Rebecca Primeau rprimeau@edesianutritio n.org

(401) 272-5521 ext. 1161

Please note: contact information has been provided for each commodity should applicants require further information on commodity use and logistics requirements.

Applicants proposing two commodities via one application may request any combination of commodities so that the maximum tonnage amount proportionally does not exceed 100 percent, as long as the commodities are requested in amounts that fill a full container as listed below.

For example, if an applicant requests 25 percent of the maximum amount of one commodity, it may propose up to 75 percent of the maximum amount of a different commodity, or if an applicant requests 50 percent maximum for one commodity it may propose up to 50 percent of the maximum amount of a different commodity.

BHA requires applicants not requesting the maximum commodity tonnage level to request the following lower tonnage levels based on the carrying capacity per 20’ or 40’ container. There is no minimum tonnage level that must be requested. Apparently successful applicants who propose tonnage amounts that do not meet the containerized tonnage amounts listed below will be requested to revise their application as necessary.

Please note that since Enov’ Nutributter and Enov’ Mum are the same weight and dimensions, the metric tonnage limit per container is the same for both commodities. As such, a container carrying any mix of Enov’ Nutributter and Enov’ Mum would be subject to the same metric tonnage limits as those listed below. However, please note that applicants cannot combine commodities from two separate producers in one carrying container. Further, containers must be sealed at the producer’s location when loaded and food grade containers must be used.

● Harvest Lentil Pro

○ 150.08 MTs=eight 40’ containers

○ 131.32 MTs=seven 40’ containers

○ 112.56 MTs=six 40’ containers

○ 93.80 MTs=five 40’ containers

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 5

○ 75.04 MTs=four 40’ containers

○ 56.28 MTs=three 40’ containers

○ 37.52 MTs=two 40’containers

○ 18.76 MTs=one 40’container

○ 11.34 MTs=one 20’container

Note: 40’ containers = 1,340 handloaded cases, 20’ containers = 810 handloaded cases

● Enov’ Nutributter

○ 69.12 MTs=four 40’ containers

○ 51.84 MTs=three 40’ containers

○ 34.56 MTs=two 40’ containers

○ 17.28 MTs=one 40’ container

○ 10.8 MTs= one 20’ container

● Enov’ Mum

○ 69.12 MTs=four 40’ containers

○ 51.84 MTs=three 40’ containers

○ 34.56 MTs=two 40’ containers

○ 17.28 MTs=one 40’ container

○ 10.8 MTs= one 20’ container

Each applicant may request up to $175,000 of funding per application if proposing one commodity and up to $200,000 of funding per application if proposing two commodities (excluding commodity value). It is not mandatory, however, that applicants request that level of funding or the maximum level of the commodity. Additionally, funding is available for costs directly associated with the movement, management, and monitoring of IFRP commodities.

Funding will not be considered for vehicle purchase, project materials, or office equipment.

1. (a) Commodity Descriptions And Their Appropriate Uses

Harvest Lentil Pro (Product Code # 404 – Unflavored):

The Harvest Lentil Pro (Product Code # 404 – Unflavored) soup mix is a dry/dehydrated blend comprised of lentils, rice, soy, potatoes, onions, carrots, and salt that has a broad utility across ages. It is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and vegetable protein, including dietary fiber, iron, vitamin B complex, vitamin C and potassium, but is not limited to these micro-nutrient fortifications. The product has a shelf-life of up to 24 months (or two (2) years). The suggested serving size is 20g of dry/dehydrated mix. After reconstitution, the serving provides a full cup serving of soup. A non-GMO version is also available upon request, with approval from the IFRP Program Manager.

The product offers essentially a complementary/supplemental nutritional intake of mineral and

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 6 vitamins needed for a balanced diet and is primarily intended for institutional feeding venues, i.e.

as a supplement to main meals to patients/school children/orphans/adults/the elderly at hospitals, schools, clinics, orphanages, civic centers, internally displaced person (IDP)/refugee camps, and other similar locales with sufficient potable water for preparation. The product can also be distributed as a take-home ration (to multi-children/single mother households) provided that preparation training and ration intake are available. In most cases, preparation is very consistent with local cooking and food preparation practices, permitting the product to be a base for local ingredients and seasoning. Cooking requires bringing the mix to a boil and simmering for 20-30 minutes to rehydrate the blend for ready consumption.

IMPORTANT: The Harvest Lentil Pro product is for “general population” feeding per the above, and is intended and appropriately used as a supplement to primary meals and dietary needs to alleviate hunger and address micro-nutrient and/or vitamin deficiencies among targeted populations, people living with AIDS (PLWA) populations (those suffering from nutrient deficiencies from the effects of HIV/AIDS), along with enhancing overall capacities of institutions and associated locales. Once prepared, the product can be distributed/provided as a supplement for added nourishment to a wide-range of ‘at-risk’ and/or food insecure program participants, essentially from primary and secondary aged school children, to young adults, to adults and the elderly.

For additional information about this product, its overall ingredients/specifications and appropriate use, please refer to Breedlove Food’s website. Potential applicants may also contact Ms. Michelle Logan of Breedlove Foods at the following email address:

michellelogan@breedlove.org.

Breedlove Foods – http://www.breedlove.org/

Enov’ Nutributter:

Enov’ Nutributter is a small quantity, ready-to-use, lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS-SQ) intended to complement the diet of children 6-24 months of age. The product was formulated for children at risk of nutritional deficiencies to obtain their nutrient needs, who experience sub-optimal and/or insufficient diets typical in poor and food-insecure households.

Enov’ Nutributter, per the above, is a dietary supplement of one (1) packet/sachet per day, to provide 20 grams of essential nutrients to infants and young children (6-24 months). Enov’ Nutributter has a shelf life of 24 months, especially when stored up to 30 ° C.

IMPORTANT: The Enov’ Nutributter product is NOT a therapeutic food product, and is therefore NOT intended for treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM), nor is Enov’ Nutributter intended for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). Enov’ Nutributter is also NOT a breast milk replacement.

It is highly recommended and encouraged by BHA that all grant applicants understand the Enov’ https://www.breedlove.org/ mailto:michellelogan@breedlove.org http://www.breedlove.org/

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 7

Nutributter (LNS-SQ) product, appropriate uses as a dietary/nutritional supplement (preventive) for infants and very young children (6-24 months), and inherent limitations. Applications that propose this product for therapeutic use or for treatment of severe acute and/or moderate acute malnutrition will not be favorably considered for overall grant funding.

For additional information about this product, its overall ingredients/specifications and appropriate use, please refer to Edesia's website. Potential applicants may also contact Ms.

Rebecca Primeau of Edesia at the following email address: rprimeau@edesianutrition.org.

Edesia- https://www.edesianutrition.org/our-foods/

Enov’ Mum:

Enov’ Mum is a small quantity, ready-to-use, lipid based nutrient supplement (LNS-SQ PLW) intended to complement the diet of pregnant and lactating women with the aim of having a positive effect on maternal status, birth outcomes, and postnatal growth. The product was formulated to aid women not receiving a nutritionally adequate diet due to food insecurity, or those whose daily diet may be providing enough energy but is lacking in dietary diversity.

Enov’ Mum, per the above, is provided as one (1) packet/sachet per day, to provide 20g of essential nutrients and complements a regular diet. Enov’ Mum has a shelf-life of 24 months, especially when stored up to 30 ° C.

IMPORTANT: The Enov’ Mum product is NOT a therapeutic food product, and is therefore NOT intended for treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM), nor is Enov’ Mum intended for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM).

It is highly recommended and encouraged by BHA that all grant applicants understand the Enov’ Mum product and its appropriate uses as a dietary/nutritional supplement (preventive) for pregnant and lactating women, per all of the above information and inherent limitations as a supplement. Applications that propose this product for “therapeutic” use or for “treatment” of severe acute and/or moderate acute malnutrition will not be favorably considered for overall grant funding.

For additional information about this product, its overall ingredients/specifications and appropriate use, please refer to Edesia's website. Potential applicants may also contact Ms.

Rebecca Primeau of Edesia at the following email address: rprimeau@edesianutrition.org.

Edesia - https://www.edesianutrition.org/our-foods/

2. Authorizing Legislation

This funding opportunity is authorized under the Food for Peace Act, as amended. The Food for Peace Act authorizes the USAID Administrator to award grants to private voluntary organizations and international organizations for the rapid transportation, delivery, and https://www.edesianutrition.org/ https://www.edesianutrition.org/our-foods/ https://www.edesianutrition.org/our-foods/

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 8 distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods requested by eligible organizations to needy individuals in foreign countries. 7 U.S.C. § 1726b.

More information on the program can be found here:

https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance/what-we-do/nutritional-support-activities

3. Project Eligibility Requirements

To ensure the best opportunity, the proposed grant goals, objectives, and activities, along with the receipt/loading, rapid transportation, and delivery of the commodity in-country, must be achievable within 18 months of the initial date of the award.

SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

1. Estimate of Funds Available

Subject to the availability of commodities and funds, under this RFA, BHA plans to enter into grant award(s) up to $175,000 of funding per application if proposing one commodity and up to $200,000 of funding per application if proposing two commodities.

2. Anticipated Start Date and Performance Period

The anticipated award date is on (or around) September 30, 2021, with a performance period of 18 months for all awards.

3. Assistance Awards

Per 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 700, USAID does not award profit under assistance instruments. However, all reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the agreement activity and which are in accordance with applicable cost standards, may be paid under the agreement.

SECTION III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

To be considered for a Title II funded award, applicants must meet one of the following minimum eligibility requirements:

● A private voluntary organization (PVO).

o A PVO is a U.S. private voluntary organization, international private voluntary organization or a local private voluntary organization as defined in 22 CFR 203.2.

o A PVO includes U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofit, non-governmental organizations https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance/what-we-do/nutritional-support-activities

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 9

(NGOs) (1) as defined in Section 402 of the Food for Peace Act; and (2) in accordance with ADS 303.

● An organization designated by USAID as a Public International Organization (PIO), in accordance with USAID ADS 308.

2. New Partners

USAID encourages applications from potential new partners.

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required.

4. Limit on Number of Applications

Applicants may submit up to three separate grant applications, with no more than one application per country. Applicants may propose use of one or two commodities in any given application.

5. Minimal Qualification Requirements

The AO uses the Fixed Amount Award Entity Eligibility Checklist to assess the NGO’s capacity and capabilities for accomplishing the milestones. If the assessment identifies weaknesses or deficiencies in the organization that call into question the ability of the organization to complete the proposed activity, the technical office and the AO, as part of the risk assessment required in ADS 303.3.25, should document the weaknesses and deficiencies and describe the mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of failure to the organization and the Agency. Mitigation measures may include, but are not limited to the following: capacity building technical assistance, including but not limited to financial management and procurement functions; or, increased monitoring visits to confirm adequate progress on milestones.

6. Qualification Factors

To qualify for an award(s) resulting from this RFA, the applicant must:

(a) Have a satisfactory history of performance, including a satisfactory record of meeting expected performance goals and managing and executing programs or activities under USG awards if it is a prior Recipient of USG awards (e.g., timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements, conformance to the terms and conditions of the awards);

(b) Have a Unique Entity Identifier (DUNS) number and is registered in the USG’s System for Award Management (SAM) and not have any active exclusions in the SAM (http://www.sam.gov) (see Section D.g.);

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/308 http://www.sam.gov

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 10

(c) Be financially stable and have adequate financial resources (or the ability to obtain such resources) as required during the performance of the award;

(d) Have the necessary management systems and ability to meet required management standards, including the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements of 2 CFR 170, if applicable;

(e) Have the ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on recipients of USG assistance;

(f) Have the ability to meet the award terms and conditions considering all existing prospective Recipient commitments, both non-governmental and governmental;

(g) Not be indebted to the USG;

(h) Not appear on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons List maintained by the U.S. Treasury for the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC);

(i) Not appear on the United Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List (https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/un-sc-consolidated-list); and

(j) Be otherwise qualified to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

7. Pre-Award Survey/Risk Assessment

In order to determine whether an applicant qualifies for an award, the USAID Agreement Officer must assess the risks posed by applicants in accordance with the following:

• For U.S. and Non-U.S. NGOs: 2 CFR 200.205 and ADS 303.3.9

A positive risk determination means that the prospective non-Federal entity possesses or has the ability to obtain the necessary management competence to plan and carry-out the assistance program to be funded, and that the prospective non-Federal entity will practice mutually agreed-upon methods of accountability for funds and other assets provided by USAID.

Depending on the result of this risk determination the Agreement Officer may: (a) make the award; (b) not make the award; or (c) make the award with specific conditions.

8. Sources of Information

In assessing applicant risk vis-à-vis the qualification factors, the USAID Agreement Officer will utilize:

● Information available through any OMB-designated repositories of USG-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information, as appropriate;

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDNList/Pages/default.aspx

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 11

● Information available in the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s “Do Not Pay” system;

● Information available in SAM;

● Integrity and performance information available through the Federal Awardee

Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS);

● Information available in the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets

Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons List;

● Information available in the United Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List ;

● Reports and findings from audits, including Single Audit information available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (https://harvester.census.gov/facweb/);

● Information obtained from evaluations and assessments of prior work;

● Information received from references provided in the application (see Section IV.B of this

RFA), and references other than those provided in the application;

● The applicable statutory and regulatory certifications (see Section IV.B of this RFA);

● If requested, copies of: (a) audited financial statements for the last three years; (b) projected budget, cash flow, and organization charts; and (c) copies of applicable policies and procedures (e.g., accounting, procurement, property management, travel, and personnel);

● Formal pre-award surveys (if applicable); and

● Other information that the USAID Agreement Officer may reasonably request

9. Results of Risk Assessment

As a result of the aforementioned risk assessment, the USAID Agreement Officer may do one of the following:

a. Make an Award

If a positive risk determination is made, the USAID Agreement Officer would ordinarily be expected to make an award (assuming that mutual agreement can be reached on award terms and conditions and/or any other matter). A positive risk determination means that the applicant possesses or has the ability to obtain the necessary management competence to plan and carry out the assistance program to be funded, and that the applicant will practice mutually agreed upon methods of accountability for funds and other assets provided by USAID.

b. Not Make an Award

(1) If a positive determination cannot be made, the USAID Agreement Officer would ordinarily not make an award. If a positive risk determination cannot be made, it means that the applicant does not meet one or more of the qualification factors listed in Section III.6, and that specific conditions (see Section III.9(c) below) cannot appropriately mitigate the effects of the applicant’s risk.

(2) In accordance with 2 CFR 200.212, if the USAID Agreement Officer determines that an applicant is not qualified for an award(s) because the applicant does not have a satisfactory record of: (a) executing programs or activities under USG grants, cooperative agreements, or http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/un-sc-consolidated-list

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 12 contracts (see Section III.6(a) above); and/or (b) integrity and business ethics (see Section III.6(c) above), USAID must report that determination to the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) if it is the only basis for the USAID Agreement Officer’s determination and if the award would have exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000, but revised from time to time).

(3) In such cases, USAID will notify the applicant that the determination was made and reported to the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS), and include with the notification an explanation of the basis for the determination. The information will be kept in the system for a period of five years from the date of the determination, and then archived. The applicant may go to the awardee integrity and performance portal accessible through SAM and comment on any information the system contains about the applicant itself. If USAID enters information into the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM about a determination that an applicant is not qualified for an award(s) and subsequently learns that any of that information is erroneous, USAID will correct the information in the system within three business days. In addition, if USAID subsequently obtains an update to that information, USAID may amend the information in the system to incorporate the update in a timely way.

(4) In accordance with 2 CFR 200.211, all information posted in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM will be publicly available after a waiting period of 14 calendar days, except for information that is withdrawn by USAID during the 14-calendar day waiting period However, USAID will not publish any information in the non-public segment of designated integrity and performance system that is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552), or controlled unclassified information pursuant to Executive Order 13556. If the applicant asserts within seven calendar days that some or all of the information made publicly available is covered by a disclosure exemption under the Freedom of Information Act, USAID will remove the posting within seven calendar days of receiving the assertion. Prior to reposting the releasable information, USAID must resolve the issue in accordance with USAID’s Freedom of Information Act procedures.

c. Make an Award with Specific Conditions

If the risk assessment of a potential recipient identifies high risks, an award may still be made if the applicant can correct its deficiencies within a reasonable period of time, and if the award includes specific conditions that can appropriately mitigate the effects of the applicant’s risk.

Such specific conditions are described in 2 CFR 200.207 and ADS 303.3.9.2 or the other applicable regulations and policies cited above. These specific conditions may include items such as:

● Requiring payments as reimbursements rather than advance payments;

● Withholding authority to proceed to the next phase until receipt of evidence of acceptable performance within a given period of performance;

● Requiring additional, more detailed financial reports;

● Requiring additional project monitoring and reporting;

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 13

● Requiring the applicant/Recipient to obtain technical or management assistance; and/or

● Establishing additional prior approvals.

SECTION IV – SUBMISSION AND APPLICATION INFORMATION

1. Point of Contact

Benjamin C. Vogler IFRP Program Manager U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20523 Email: IFRP@usaid.gov

This RFA and any future amendments can be downloaded from http://www.grants.gov. If you have difficulty registering or accessing the RFA, please contact the grants.gov helpdesk at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

All application inquiries must be submitted to BHA, attention Benjamin C. Vogler, IFRP Program Manager, at IFRP@usaid.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applicants are expected to review, understand, and comply with all aspects of this RFA. Failure to do so will be at the applicant's risk. Each applicant must furnish the information required by this RFA.

BHA requests applicants submit documentation to IFRP@usaid.gov. All documents must be completed in accordance with the format detailed in this RFA and adhere to the following:

● Written in English and in 12-point Times New Roman font;

● Text in tables or charts may be 10-point Times New Roman font;

● Narratives must be prepared in Microsoft Word or compatible equivalent with print areas set to 8.5 x 11 inch, letter-sized paper and one-inch margins, left justification and a footer on each page including page numbers, date of submission, and applicant name;

● Spreadsheets must be prepared in Microsoft Excel or compatible equivalent, with print areas set to 8.5 x 11 inch, letter-sized paper;

● Official (signed) documents, memoranda, and certifications may be submitted as Adobe PDF files or compatible equivalent; and

● Faxed and hard copy applications are not acceptable.

mailto:IFRP@usaid.gov http://www.grants.gov mailto:support@grants.gov

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 14

To facilitate the competitive review of the applications, applications must conform to the format prescribed below.

Applications consist of two components: technical applications and cost applications. Both technical applications and cost applications must be specific, complete, and presented concisely.

Technical applications shall demonstrate the applicant's capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the goals of this program, and the requirements can be found in Section V – Application Review Information, 1) Evaluation Criteria.

An organization may submit up to three applications in response to this RFA, with no more than one application for any one country. Additionally, each grant application may propose use of one or two commodities in any given application.

The application must be specific, complete, and presented concisely. Applications that do not substantially meet the requirements of this RFA will not be considered for award. The application shall be divided into the following sections, with the maximum number of pages given per section as follows:

A. Application Narrative

1. Cover Page (1 page maximum)

2. Executive Summary (2 pages maximum)

B. Technical Narrative (10 pages maximum)

1. Organizational Capabilities

2. Situation Analysis

3. Program Objectives/Strategy

4. Implementation Plan

C. Budget

1. Detailed Budget (no page limit)

2. Summary Budget (no page limit)

3. Budget Narrative (no page limit)

D. Annexes (no page limit)

1. Risk Assessment and Management Plan to prevent the misuse or diversion of U.S.

Government resources.

The above bullets correspond to the sections of the RFA, as described below, and constitute the general application format.

A. Application Narrative (3 pages maximum)

The Application Narrative must have the following:

Cover Page (1 page maximum)

● The names of the organizations/institutions involved in the proposed application.

https://www.usaid.gov/bha-guidelines/annex-d

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 15

● Proposed sub-awardees are to be listed separately, including a brief narrative describing the unique capacities/skills being brought to the program by each.

● Include information about a contact person for the prime applicant, including this individual’s name (both typed and his/her signature), title or position with the organization/institution, address, and telephone and email address. Applicants are to acknowledge whether the contact person is the person with authority to contract for the Applicant, and if not, that person should also be listed.

● The date of registration in SAM.

Executive Summary (2 pages maximum)

● Summarize the key elements of the application:

○ The applicant’s capabilities;

○ The nature of the food security and nutritional situation in the proposed country;

○ The proposed program for the population targeted;

○ The type and amount of commodity(ies) requested; and

○ The funding requested.

● Must be concise and accurate.

IMPORTANT: See appropriate purpose and use of the available LNS supplemental commodities per the above information (pages 5-7).

B. Technical Narrative (10 pages maximum)

The Technical Narrative must have the following:

Organizational Capabilities

● Applicants must provide evidence of their technical and managerial resources and expertise (or their ability to obtain such) to meet the program objectives. Information in this section must include a brief description of all the organization’s history/expertise in the proposed country of operation not limited to U.S.

Government (USG) funding, any previous experience with the distribution of food aid commodities, current programming initiatives, and coordination relationships with government, International NGOs, local NGOs, and/or UN actors in the country proposed for the program.

● If the applicant is proposing to make a sub-award(s), all of the information above must also be provided with regard to that organization(s).

● No information is required on key personnel.

Situation Analysis

● Applicants must include a concise description of the food security and/or nutrition situation in the proposed areas of operation and the proposed program participants.

● Applicants must thoroughly explain why these proposed locations have been

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 16 selected.

● Applicants must provide a caseload of total program participants for each commodity, including the potential overlap if proposing two commodities, with appropriate justification for caseload size given population size and coverage of other actors/services in the proposed geographic area.

● Applicants must provide a detailed description of the proposed program participants, specifically focusing on the applicant’s rationale for targeting the proposed group, including explanation of the criteria used to select program participants.

● Relevant statistics and/or assessment data helping to further explain the need for the proposed program are also important to include.

● Details of all existing programming provided by the applicant and/or other actors in the proposed geographic location serving the proposed population, and explanation of gaps in that programming.

● Detailed description of how IFRP commodities will complement/add value to other programmatic activities undertaken by the applicant in the proposed geographic area, if applicable.

Program Objectives/Strategy

● Applications must provide the proposed program’s overall goals and objectives.

● A detailed description of the frequency, location, and process for distribution of food and/or nutrition commodities, including details of complementary activities provided during distributions.

● Applicants applying for use of two commodities must provide justification for participant number estimates for each planned commodity, based on demographic statistics for the implementation location.

● Applicants must discuss how an IFRP grant would contribute to addressing the problem of food and/or nutrition insecurity among the targeted population and how the IFRP activities enhance, or are integrated into any ongoing programs that they or other actors conduct.

● Applicants must provide a monitoring and evaluation plan outlining how progress against objectives and overall program impact will be tracked. The key aspects of the monitoring and evaluation plan include:

o List of indicators and life of award (LOA) targets: Applicants must report on the number of beneficiaries at the award level, and on required if applicable (RiA) indicators. Applicants will find these RiA indicators in the Nutrition Sector section of the BHA Indicator Handbook.

o Data collection system: Applicants must explain the system they will use for data collection; and o Beneficiary accountability: Applicants must explain the plan to collect beneficiary feedback on the quality of food items and the distribution process, and the plan to address any complaints.

● Applicants must include a monitoring and reporting schedule and any plans for internal or external program evaluations.

https://www.usaid.gov/bha-guidelines/annex-b-handbook

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 17

IMPORTANT: See appropriate purpose and use of the available LNS supplemental commodities per the above information.

Implementation Plan

● There are four important factors that must be addressed. Activities must include detailed planning for:

o The management of commodity-related packaging waste, in particular individual commodity wrapping/containers/boxes/bags/sachets.

o Energy use efficiency in preparation of the IFRP commodity.

o Coordination activities/actions with other relevant nutrition and/or food security actors in the same geographic area.

o Complementary activities, such as rehabilitation of infrastructure, provision of medical supplies and other health and community services including vaccination campaigns, nutrition messaging, screening and referral for acute malnutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) actions, and home-based food production and security activities.

Applicants must notify USAID in advance of activities that may negatively impact or harm the environment, per USAID environmental compliance procedures (22 CFR 216).

All necessary policies and procedures for ensuring environmental impact assessment and climate risk management may be found within the IFRP Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) found at this link:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/FFP_IFRP_RFA_IEE_FY19-2 1.pdf.

Please refer to the following link for additional information on this requirement:

https://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/agriculture-and-food-security/food-assistance/guidanc e/environmental-management.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose environmentally friendly approaches for transport of the commodity.

In order to avoid potential interference and/or duplication of other programs in the same country/region(s), applicants must demonstrate that they have coordinated with host country government(s) and/or the USAID Mission, BHA funded activities, and also other donors operating in-country. USAID strongly emphasizes that applicants describe in sufficient detail their overall knowledge and awareness of other food security and/or nutrition activities being implemented in their proposed country/region(s) by either:

o Any host country government and/or local governance activities and o Any/all other organizations, such as the World Food Program (WFP), and/or any other public international organizations (PIOs), private voluntary organizations (PVOs), and NGOs operating in the https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/FFP_IFRP_RFA_IEE_FY19-21.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/FFP_IFRP_RFA_IEE_FY19-21.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance/partner-with-us/environmental-risk-management/safeguard-guidance https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance/partner-with-us/environmental-risk-management/safeguard-guidance

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 18 region/country.

● Applicants must provide the following information for the proposed program:

o A concise explanation of how program activities will be executed;

o A delivery and distribution schedule and a list of proposed distribution sites;

o An explanation of why the commodity(ies) requested is appropriate for the proposed target population;

o A description of the total ration servings/doses planned per program participant;

o A description of how participants will be identified, selected, and aged in and out of the program (as necessary for LNS commodities with specific age ranges for usage);

o A description of the proposed timeline for the program, including estimates of shipping times and total distribution timelines;

o A description of the proposed activities which include receipt/loading at producer facility, containerized transport to in-country warehousing, and ultimate distribution to program participants;

o A description of any complementary activities (if any/as applicable) that will be provided using IFRP funding;

o Any relevant information pertaining to coordination with the host government, other organizations, or other program activities that complement or facilitate the use of IFRP commodities; and o An outline of logistical arrangements pertaining to the following:

▪ Assessing, loading and shipping, storing, handling, and distribution of the commodities to program participants;

▪ An understanding of host country restrictions on importing food commodities containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs);

▪ A solid waste management plan; and

▪ An energy efficiency plan.

C. Budget

The following sections describe the documentation that applicants for Assistance awards must submit to BHA. While there is no page limit for the cost application, applicants are encouraged to be as concise as possible while still providing the necessary detail to address the items discussed herein.

Summary and Detailed Budget

● Applicants must include the following line items in the Summary Budget:

o Cost of headquarters and field personnel;

o Cost of transport, storage, and handling;

o Cost of local travel;

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 19 o Direct costs; and o Indirect costs, if applicable.

● If applicable, applicants must include any non-federal cost-share, including the total amount and the description.

● If an application contains indirect costs, applicants must include substantiating documentation.

● If an applicant is requesting commodities from two different producers under one application, the budget must also include the separate containerized transport costs, including receipt and loading, from each location. However please note that since it is neither efficient nor realistic to combine commodities from two separate producers in one container, applicants will need to plan their shipping accordingly from the locations of each producer’s facilities if requesting commodities from both producers.

● Direct Costs- Applicants should detail planned staffing, M&E, distribution and complementary activity costs to describe how programmatic funds will support effective distribution of IFRP commodities.

● Indirect Costs – Applicants must indicate whether they are proposing indirect costs or will charge all costs directly. In order to better understand indirect costs please see Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. The application must identify which approach they are requesting and provide the applicable supporting information. Below are the most commonly used Indirect Cost Rate methods:

o Method 1 - Direct Charge Only

▪ Eligibility: Any applicant

▪ Initial Application Requirements: See above on direct costs o Method 2 - Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)

▪ Eligibility: Any applicant with a NICRA issued by a USG Agency must use that NICRA

▪ Initial Application Requirements: If the applicant has a current

NICRA, submit the organization’s approved NICRA and the associated disclosed practices. If the NICRA was issued by an Agency other than USAID, provide the contact information for the approving Agency. Additionally, at the Agency’s discretion, a provisional rate may be set forth in the award subject to audit and finalization. See USAID’s Indirect Cost Rate Guide for Non Profit Organizations for further guidance.

o De minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC)

▪ Eligibility: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414, eligible applicants may choose to apply a 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate.

▪ Initial Application Requirements: Costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate an indirect rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time. The applicant must describe which cost elements it https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/OCC_A_Guidefor_NonProfit_Indirect_CostRate_Oct31_16_Version1.01.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/OCC_A_Guidefor_NonProfit_Indirect_CostRate_Oct31_16_Version1.01.pdf

RFA Number: 720BHA21RFA00004 International Food Relief Partnership FY 2021 RFA - Page 20 charges indirectly vs. directly. See 2 CFR 200 for further information.

o Indirect Costs Charged As A Fixed Amount

▪ Eligibility: Non U.S. non-profit organizations without a NICRA may request, but approval is at the discretion of the AO

▪ Initial Application Requirements: Provide the proposed fixed amount and a worksheet that…