FY23 RFA 720DD123RFA00001 FINAL (6.22.2023) CLEARED.pdf

Post Date for Comments: 01/19/2023 Deadline for Comments: 02/03/2023 by 4 pm US EST Issue Date: 11/01/2023 by 4 pm US EDT Deadline for Questions: 11/17/2023 by 4 pm US EDT Deadline for Phase 1: 12/18/2023 by 4 pm US EDT

Subject: The American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Initiative Worldwide Request for Applications for Fiscal Year 2023 (Solicitation No.

720DD123RFA00001)

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

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 98.006

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

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

USAID intends to make multiple awards as a result of this Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023) RFA.

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

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

Organizations new to USAID , as well as those that have previously received awards from USAID,1 and minority serving institutions, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),2 are encouraged to apply .3

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

USAID will not award to an Applicant unless the Applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section D.6.2.c. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, Applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process.

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

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

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, Raymond Jennings Acting ASHA Partnership Initiative Senior Leader

3 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/how-to-work-with-usaid

2 WorkwithUSAID.org

1 https://www.usaid.gov/npi http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov

Contents

Contents 3

SECTION A: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 5

1. Funding Priorities and Programmatic Focus 5

2. Authorizing Legislation 8

3. Program History 9

SECTION B: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 9

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

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

3. Substantial Involvement 10

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

SECTION C: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 12

1. Eligible Applications: Instructions 12

2. Cost Share or Match vs. Leverage 14

3. Other 15

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 16

1. Agency Point of Contact 16

2. Questions and Answers 16

3. General Submission Procedures 16

4. Technical Applications 18

A) Phase 1 Technical Application Format and Submission 19

B) Phase 2 Technical Application Format and Submission 19

5. Business (Cost) Application Format 25

SECTION E: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 32

1. Review and Selection Process 32

2. Merit Review Criteria 34

A) Phase 1 Merit Review Criteria 1 and 1a 34

B) Phase 2 Merit Review Criteria 37

3. Business (Cost) Review 38

4. History of Performance and Risk Assessment 39

SECTION F: FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 39

1. Federal Award Notices 39

2. Administrative & National Policy Requirements 40

3. Reporting Requirements 42

4. Program Income 43

5. Environmental Compliance 43

6. Acquisition and Assistance Ombudsman 44

SECTION G: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED SUBSEQUENT TO APPLICATION 44

1. Additional information 44

2. Applications with Proprietary Data 47

3. Authorized Geographic Code 47

4. Pre Award Terms 48

ANNEXES

ANNEX 1 PHASE 1 TECHNICAL APPLICATION

ANNEX 2 PHASE 2 TECHNICAL APPLICATION

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

ANNEX 4 MANDATORY ATTACHMENTS AND MANDATORY AS APPLICABLE

ATTACHMENTS

ANNEX 5 REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS LAYOUT

ANNEX 6 STANDARD PROVISIONS

ANNEX 7 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

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

SECTION A: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

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

1. Funding Priorities and Programmatic Focus

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

ASHA provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, hospital centers , and centers of5 excellence (see section C.1) to highlight American ideas and practices, to provide concrete6 illustrations of the generosity of the American people, to further USG public diplomacy, and to catalyze collaboration between U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries.

ASHA awards grants and cooperative agreements to existing partnerships between U.S.

not-for-profit non-governmental organizations (referred to as “U.S. Organizations,” or “USOs”) and institutions overseas founded or sponsored by United States citizens (referred to as “Overseas Institutions,” or “OSIs”). These partnerships enable OSIs to benefit from the expertise and experience of USOs while ensuring projects are locally owned and sustained. These partnerships also help mitigate investment and construction risk, and allow for all parties to leverage investments to maximize the potential benefits of a project. For additional information on which partnerships are eligible to apply for ASHA funding, see Section C: Eligibility Information.

This RFA is a worldwide solicitation. USAID may make awards for projects in any country other than the United States, provided that USAID activities in that country are not otherwise restricted by statute, regulation, or Agency policy. No less than thirty percent (30%) of the Total

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

5 Hospital centers are institutions where medical education and research occur in addition to medical treatment, Sec. 214(b) of the FAA.

4 State Department Bureau of Global Public Affairs and USG Integrated Country Strategies https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs/bureau-of-global-public-affairs/ https://www.state.gov/integrated-country-strategies/

Estimated Amount (TEA) allocated to this RFA will be set aside for Applicants whose work primarily focuses on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). For purposes of this RFA, MENA includes the following countries and territories: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen. The thirty percent (30%) set-aside fund establishes a minimum and not a cap for awards to be made in the MENA region.

ASHA’s Strategic Vision addresses the following goals:

(1) Promotes public diplomacy by using a targeted approach of increased awareness, positive7 attitude shift, and/or positive behavioral change by implementing American ideas, values and best practices to create mutual understanding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3) Aligns with cross-cutting Agency priorities of Gender Equity and Inclusion ; Science,8

Technology, Innovation and Partnerships; Localization ; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion9 10 especially regarding religious and ethnic minorities and other underserved communities;11

Climate Change; and Private Sector Engagement.

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

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

11 https://www.usaid.gov/local-faith-and-transformative-partnerships/local-works

10 See Executive Order 13985 and https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/diversity-equity-inclusion

9 https://www.usaid.gov/localization

8 Please see the White House National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality found here:

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

7 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XChXzQgcwXv7roalf2uhDmaGhrFU6rDq/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XChXzQgcwXv7roalf2uhDmaGhrFU6rDq/view?usp=sharing https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/10/22/fact-sheet-national-strategy-on-gender-equity-and-equality/

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

As is illustrated in the FY 2019-2023 results framework below, ASHA’s most ambitious and mandated goal is to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of foreign countries.

ASHA’s Public Diplomacy Program Mandate

To be successful under this NOFO, Applicants must clearly show how their project will promote a better understanding of the U.S. in their OSI country and increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of their OSI country.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASHA’s IRs translate to ASHA’s public diplomacy indicators as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For additional information please refer to public diplomacy (ASHA's Mandate) and partner12 meeting presentations of effective public diplomacy.13

2. Authorizing Legislation

ASHA provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, hospital centers, and centers of excellence founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens as authorized in Section 214 of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961, as amended. ASHA builds bridges of cooperation between the people of foreign nations and the people of the United States by providing funds to schools, libraries, hospital centers, and centers of excellence overseas that demonstrate the ideas, innovations, and best practices of the United States in health and education. ASHA directly

13 ASHA's effective public diplomacy presentation recording:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nftMKu1xR2nwOHcOFiXCSNWbgD84PU1_/view?usp=sharing ASHA’s custom indicators:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i5xVc-BCd4JaQdTp84fNxP9FEdPkXlHw/view?usp=sharing

12 http://ow.ly/9jSY50v8t2X https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XChXzQgcwXv7roalf2uhDmaGhrFU6rDq/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fk_eAfnoK1U1SDR2m0XQbXz-6iYIM0Ui/view https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/faa.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/faa.pdf contributes to U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives by fostering partnerships and promoting the best practices in health and education.

3. Program History

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

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

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

SECTION B: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Estimate of Funds Available and Number of Awards Contemplated

Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the Agency, USAID/IPI/LFT/ASHA intends to provide approximately $28,500,000 U.S. dollars (USD) in total USAID funding and issue multiple awards as a result of this FY 2023 RFA. Of that amount, no less than thirty percent (30%) of the Total Estimated Amount (TEA) allocated to this RFA will be set aside for Applicants whose work is primarily focused on MENA (See Section A.1). The maximum amount for an individual award is $2,000,000 USD, and there is no minimum award amount. Individual funding levels will depend on the substance and quality of applications, the number of applications received, and the availability of ASHA funding.

Applications requesting more than $2,000,000 USD for a single OSI, will be excluded from consideration. Each USO is limited to receiving a total of two awards. ASHA generally awards between 30 to 40 cooperative agreements and/or grants each year. USAID reserves the right to make an award under this RFA by incorporating it into an Applicant’s existing ASHA award through a modification.

2. Start Date and Period of Performance for Federal Awards

USAID expects to make awards in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024) subject to the availability of funds. Awards for applications that include only durable commodities will have an initial period of performance of no more than two years from the start date of the award. Awards for applications that include construction or renovation will have an initial period of performance of no more than four years from the start date of the award. Awards for applications that include a combination of commodities and construction/renovation will have an initial period of performance of no more than four years from the start date of the award.

Construction or renovation is defined in Automated Directives System (ADS) 303maw as14 follows:

● “Construction” for purposes of this policy means construction, alteration, or repair

(including dredging and excavation) of buildings, structures, or other real property and includes, without limitation, improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment.

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

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

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

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

3. Substantial Involvement

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

“Substantial involvement” is further defined in ADS 303.3.11 .15

A grant will generally be issued for projects that include only durable commodity procurement activities, and cooperative agreements for projects that include any construction and/or renovation activities . To complement USAID/ASHA's investment, applicants may leverage16 funding from other sources to fund either commodities and/or construction/renovations.

USAID/ASHA will issue either a grant (commodities) or cooperative agreement (construction/renovation or construction/renovation with commodities) based on the intended use of USAID/ASHA funds. The nature of ASHA’s substantial involvement varies based on the

16 Please note that an application for commodity items that require installation (e.g., being structurally connected to an existing building) or may require evaluation of the existing construction and its ability to support new total loads (such as electrical, dead loads, snow loads, winds, seismic stressors) is considered a construction project, not a commodities project. An example of this would be solar panels being permanently affixed to a building. If such an application is submitted as a ‘commodities only’ project, it will not be considered for evaluation.

15 https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/303

14 https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303maw https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303maw https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/303 nature of the project and will be determined for each award. In general, substantial involvement includes:

1. Review and approval of the Recipient’s Implementation Plan —The Implementation Plan17 will cover the following areas:

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

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

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

● Construction Schedule (Gantt chart);

● Organizational Chart or Staffing Plan; and

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

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

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

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

4. Nature of the Relationship between USAID and the Recipient

The principal purpose of the relationship with the Recipient (which may be referred to exclusively as the “USO”) and under the subject program is to transfer funds to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation of the USAID ASHA program, which is authorized by Federal statute. The successful Recipient will be responsible for ensuring the achievement of the program objectives and the efficient and effective administration of the award through the application of sound management practices. The Recipient will assume responsibility for

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

administering Federal funds in a manner consistent with underlying agreements, program objectives, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.

SECTION C: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applications: Instructions

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

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

● Applicants must identify whether their Application is submitted under the general pool or the MENA Set-Aside pool. Applicants that work within the MENA region, but do not apply for the MENA Set-Aside, will not receive consideration for set-aside funding under this RFA. MENA Set-Aside Applicants will not be considered for the general pool. To be eligible for the MENA Set-Aside, Applicants must have ten or more years of experience in the MENA region, and have partnered with the OSI for at least the past ten years.

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

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

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

o One USO may not receive more than two awards.

o In cases where the USO and the OSI share the same name, the Applicant must indicate in the Eligibility Checklist form whether they are the “same entity.” If the Applicant answers “Yes” to “same entity,” the Applicant must provide proof with the Phase 2 Technical Application (not Phase 1) that it is registered as a legal entity in the U.S. and that it is authorized to operate in the foreign country. The following types of documentation would be acceptable proof: 1) letter of accreditation, 2) written statement from the Government on Government letterhead acknowledging the entity, or 3) the entity’s documentation showing a government stamp. For OSIs operating in contexts where submission of proof is not possible, please provide a separate explanation in the form provided.

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

● OSIs must be founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens. Further, each USO must have a continuing and successful supportive formal relationship with its partner OSI that has lasted at least two years – or at least ten years for Applicants applying for the Middle East Set-Aside – prior to the date of application. “Sponsored” means a continuing relationship that MUST include significant financial support from the USO; and may also include technical support, joint ventures, exchange programs, volunteer placement programs, faculty exchanges, fundraising or other arrangements and may include in-kind contributions. Partnerships and mutual collaborations alone are insufficient.

● USOs must be actively registered and have no active exclusions or delinquent federal debt in the USG’s System for Award Management (SAM). USOs must continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times while an application is under consideration. (Note: The USO must provide verification of status in SAM in the Phase 1 Application .)18

● USOs and OSIs must submit independently audited financial statements performed by an accredited independent audit firm for a recent operating year from 2021 or later. (See Annex 4, Mandatory Attachments M1/M2 for the complete requirements concerning audits.)

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

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

● OSIs must NOT be under the control or management of a foreign government or any of its agencies, including local, regional, or national government. Control or management in this context indicates that a majority of the members of the Board of Directors are government employees or appointees or that the foreign government owns a majority interest in the organization. The receipt of financial or other assistance from a government or government agency or the observance of national educational or medical standards does not indicate the institution is under the control or management of a foreign government.

● OSIs must also meet the following eligibility requirements:

o For applications involving “schools”: The OSI must provide English language instruction or use English as the language of instruction in at least one course, and must provide post-secondary education or

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

18 Note: Applicants must also provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in the application as stated in Section D.6. “Business (Cost) Application Format,” subsection 2.c “UEI and SAM Requirements.”

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BwZ5rH4ukGvMrdaEteQC-qDunvgPjG0A/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=105900233847351264804&rtpof=true&sd=true secondary education that serves students at the equivalent of a U.S.

sixth grade level or higher ;20 o For applications involving “hospital centers”: The OSI must provide21 medical education and/or conduct medical research, and model American best practices and values;

o For applications involving “libraries”: The OSI must demonstrate promotion of English language and literature;

o For applications involving “Centers of Excellence”: The OSI must demonstrate that it builds new knowledge, fosters collaboration, advances learning and understanding on issues of importance to the U.S., and models American best practices and values. A Center of Excellence’s main objective is the dissemination of knowledge. That is to say, the Center of Excellence will likely not offer educational degrees or provide medical services; however, it will promulgate critical knowledge and learning in the form of research papers, publications, professional development training, interactive platforms or centers (e.g. visitation centers), etc. This list is not exhaustive and serves only to provide a differentiation between a Center of Excellence and other typical ASHA award recipients.

● If the project involves construction or renovation activities, the USO or OSI must submit an official certified copy of a title, lease, or similar official documentation that proves the rights over the land, recognized within the country where implementation will take place, as well as an English translation if the official copy is not in English. This documentation must be submitted with the Phase 2 Technical Application (not Phase 1).

The official documentation must demonstrate a legal right to the land (to build, renovate, retrofit according to current building codes) ideally for a period of at least 20 years from the date of the application. While applications involving a legal right to the land of 20 years or more will be given a greater preference, USAID is willing to consider applications that include a title, lease, or similar official documentation covering a shorter period of time, but such applications will be given a lower preference. If an English-language copy of the title or lease is not submitted with the Phase 2 Technical Application, the proposed application will be ineligible for further consideration.

2. Cost Share or Match vs. Leverage

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

21 Hospitals also include Medical Centers.

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

“Leverage” refers to new, non-public resources—whether money, technologies, or expertise—brought by a third party such as the private sector and other non-traditional USAID partners to a partnership. Because leveraged resources are not cost share, they do not become a part of the award budget and are not subject to audit. Applicants who choose to include funds from other sources may include those as leveraged funds in their applications; leverage is recommended but not required for ASHA awards .22

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

3. Other

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

Per Agency policy, all ASHA awards are contingent on the concurrence of the USAID Mission for the country where the award will be implemented . Applications that do not receive Mission23 concurrence will not be eligible for funding. Missions may withhold concurrence based on security risk (e.g., for projects in high-threat or non-permissive environments) or other factors.

(See ADS 201.3.4.3 .) In recent years, countries including Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, and Sudan have24 withheld concurrence for various reasons. Applicants may wish to confer with these respective Missions before submitting an application.

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

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

All awards are subject to USAID’s pre-award terms found in ADS 303mba . See Section G for the25 complete pre-award terms.

1. Branding Strategy – Assistance

2. Marking Plan – Assistance

3. Conscience Clause Implementation (Assistance)

4. Conflict of Interest Pre-Award Term

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

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

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

22 Leveraged funds are used to complement ASHA’s investment and help ensure project success. Developing and sharing a plan to secure non-ASHA funding to complement the USG’s investment of ASHA funds helps ensure project sustainability and long-term success.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/201_1.pdf#page=57 https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303mba mailto:ASHAInfo@usaid.gov

For additional Funding Restrictions, please see Section D.6.2.e.

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Agency Point of Contact

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

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

2. Questions and Answers

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

3. General Submission Procedures

This subsection addresses general content requirements applying to all applications. Please see subsections four and five, below, for information on the content specific to the Technical and Business (Cost) applications. The Technical Applications must address technical aspects only and must not include any cost information, while the Business (Cost) Application must present the costs and address risk and other related issues.

Applicants must review, understand, and comply with all aspects of this NOFO. Applications that fail to do so will not be evaluated and will be removed from further consideration.

Applicants should read this RFA thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements, and the selection process. Please note that RFA requirements change year-to-year. Please ensure the application responds to the current requirements, instructions, and templates provided in this solicitation. Do not assume that requirements, instructions, and templates are identical from year-to-year. Applicants should also ensure that they provide complete information about their organization for the Merit Review Committee’s (MRC) consideration. Applicants should not assume that MRC members have any prior knowledge of their organization, work history, or mission and the MRC is only mailto:ASHAApplications@usaid.gov mailto:ASHAApplications@usaid.gov https://www.grants.gov/ able to review and evaluate what the applicant submits.

Preparation and Format of Applications:

Each Applicant must furnish the information required by this RFA. Applications must be submitted in three separate Google Form submissions:

1. Phase 1 Technical Application

2. Phase 2 Technical Application (by invitation only)

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

Applicants can refer to the ASHA Google Form Application Guidance (in the Related Documents tab of the FY 2023 RFA on grants.gov) on how to fill out the form. If you have technical issues or issues with the Google Form, please email ASHAapplications@usaid.gov.

Applications in response to this NOFO must be submitted no later than the closing date and time indicated on the cover sheet/page of this NOFO. ASHA will use a system-generated timestamp to determine whether or not application materials have been submitted by the deadline. The timestamp generated by USAID’s own system will be the determinant for this deadline requirement. All applications will receive an email confirmation of receipt. Late or incomplete applications will receive further notification that they will not be reviewed or considered.

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

Applicants are reminded that the internet is not instantaneous, and delays can occur between submission and receipt. Therefore, Applicants are encouraged to submit the application with sufficient time in advance of the deadline. For this NOFO, the initial point of entry to the government infrastructure is the USAID server.

There may be a problem with the receipt of *.zip files due to anti-virus software. Therefore, Applicants are discouraged from sending files in this format as USAID/ASHA cannot guarantee their acceptance by the internet server. File upload size limits will be noted in the Google Form.

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

If Applicants submit a cover letter, then it will serve only as a transmittal letter to the Agreement Officer. The cover letter will not be reviewed as part of the merit review criteria.

Applications must comply with the following:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=345438 mailto:ASHAapplications@usaid.gov

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

● Applications must strictly adhere to stated page limits. USAID will not review any pages in excess of the page limits noted in the subsequent sections.

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

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

● 10 point font can be used for graphs and charts. Tables must comply with the 11 point Calibri requirement. The Monitoring and Evaluation section “Indicator Summary Table” in the Phase 2 Application can use a 9 point font.

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

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

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

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

4. Technical Applications

The Technical Application process is in two (2) phases; it consists of

1) Phase 1 and

2) Phase 2 (by invitation only).

The table below outlines the phased approach of the FY 2023 Application Process.

Phase Submission Attachments Page Limits*

Phase 1 Phase 1 Technical Application No General pool - 3 pages MENA pool - 6 pages

Phase 2 Phase 2 Technical Application Yes: See Annex 5

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

Business (Cost) Application Yes: See Annex 5 *Page Limits: Attachments do not count against the page limits. However, substantive information responding to Phase 1 or Phase 2 applications should not be included in the Attachments. Attachments serve as supporting documentation.

The Technical Application must be specific, complete, and presented concisely. The Application must demonstrate the Applicant’s capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the goals of this program. The Application should take into account the requirements of the program and merit review criteria for each Phase found in Section E in this NOFO.

A) Phase 1 Technical Application Format and Submission

Phase 1 Technical Application Google Form: https://forms.gle/oUQfvYQiMCa3fxmXA

To be considered for an award under this NOFO, interested Applicants must submit a Phase 1 Technical Application using the ASHA-prescribed Google Form, which includes an upload of the Annex 1 template. Use of the provided Google Form is mandatory. Phase 1 submissions will be reviewed by a Merit Review Committee (MRC) against the Phase 1 Merit Review criteria in Section E. Applicant submissions for the MENA Set-Aside will be reviewed in the set-aside pool independently from the general submissions. The Phase 1 submission format is as follows (See Annex 1 for Phase 1 Technical Application Template):

1. Use the Google Form for submission.

2. Applicant information - Respond in Google Form.

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

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

5. Must upload a screenshot of their SAM registration status.

6. Upload response to the Phase 1 Merit Review Criterion - Public Diplomacy (see Section E.2.A), no more than three (3) pages, see Annex 1 for template.

7. The following requirement is ONLY for Applicants that are applying for the 30% Middle East set-aside funds: Upload response to the Phase 1 Merit Review Criterion - Past Project Impact (see Section E.2.A), no more than three (3) pages, see Annex 1 for template.

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

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

B) Phase 2 Technical Application Format and Submission

Phase 2 Technical Application is by USAID invitation only. Invited Applicants must submit the Phase 2 Technical Application and Business (Cost) Application proposal through an ASHA-prescribed Google Form, for which ASHA will provide a link in the Request for Phase 2 https://forms.gle/oUQfvYQiMCa3fxmXA https://forms.gle/oUQfvYQiMCa3fxmXA https://forms.gle/oUQfvYQiMCa3fxmXA https://forms.gle/oUQfvYQiMCa3fxmXA

Application invitation letter. The deadline to submit the Phase 2 Technical Application will also be provided in the invitation letter. Phase 2 submissions will be reviewed by a Merit Review Committee (MRC) against the Phase 2 Merit Review criteria in Section E. An invitation to submit a Phase 2 Application does not guarantee issuance of an award.

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

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

1. Use the Google Form for submission.

2. Applicant…