INL24CA0059 NOFO Q&As (May 31, 2024).docx

Questions and Answers for Building Capacity of Nigerian Law Enforcement Explosive Ordinance Management

INL24CA0059-AMENigeria-ExplosivesMgmt-04232024 Updated: May 31, 2024

Question 1:

Will the necessary introductions/connections between the implementing organization and the national partners in Nigeria (NPF and NSCDC) be facilitated by/via the US Embassy in Nigeria? Or is the implementing organization expected to make the relevant introductions/connections with Nigerian stakeholders independently?

INL Response:

The INL/Abuja office at the U.S. Embassy will join the selected implementer on the first meeting with the NPF and NSCDC and can assist with letters of introductions with the relevant Nigerian agencies for the selected implementer.

Question 2:

When (and if) deploying outside of the capital city (Abuja), should the implementing organization comply with the US Embassy safety and security protocols, or is the implementer responsible for undertaking its own risk assessment and applying the measures it considers relevant?

INL Response:

Implementers are expected to proactively undertake risk assessments and appropriate risk management measures, in alignment with the cooperative agreement and grants officer representative guidance. INL works closely with implementers to prioritize the safety and security of staff implementing INL-funded projects. INL encourages implementers to stay abreast of public information provided by the Embassy for U.S. citizens in Nigeria. When possible, INL may provide guidance regarding project implementation should the security situation merit. If project implementation requires travel outside of Abuja or Lagos, implementers are strongly encouraged to consult with the INL/Abuja office well in advance of planned travel.

Question 3:

Objective 1: Needs Assessment. Number and Location of Training Centers: Could you please specify the number of training centers across Nigeria that require assessment and their locations?

INL Response:

INL is uncertain of the number and location of EOD training centers that the relevant law enforcement agencies have; hence, the NOFO’s request for an assessment. If training centers used for EOD training exist, and feasible within the project scope, INL would welcome the assessment of at least one facility for each organization.

Question 4:

Objective 1: Needs Assessment: Access to Training Programs: Will [the selected implementer] be granted access to review all existing training programs, including both theoretical and practical components?

INL Response:

INL has not negotiated blanket access to EOD training programs of Nigerian law enforcement agencies. After award, the selected implementer can liaise with the relevant agencies to review existing training programs. As needed, INL can support with formal requests for access to the various agencies.

Question 5:

Objective 1: Needs Assessment: Equipment Inventory and Condition: Can we obtain a current list of EOD/C-IED equipment at the training centers, along with its condition report?

INL Response:

INL does not have a list of EOD/C-IED equipment. Gathering information on the existing equipment and its status is part of the assessment that INL is requesting in the NOFO.

Question 6:

Objective 1: Needs Assessment: Previous Equipment Suppliers: Is there information available on who previously provided EOD/C-IED equipment to Nigeria (countries and types/amounts)?

INL Response:

The FBI has provided some EOD training to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in 2023. INL does not have information on which other countries gave EOD assistance or the types of assistance that were provided.

Question 7:

Objective 1: Needs Assessment: Current Training Providers: Who are the current trainers for EOD/C-IED in Nigeria?

INL Response:

The NPF and NSCDC have trainers for EOD, but INL is uncertain of the number of trainer or the depth of their knowledge and expertise. As noted in INL’s Response to Question #7, the FBI provided EOD training to the NPF and NSCDC in 2023. INL is not aware of any current international providers of assistance to those units.

Question 8:

Objective 2: Explosive Storage Assessment: Number and Location of Storage Areas: How many explosive storage areas require assessment, and where are they located?

INL Response:

INL does not have information on the number and locations of explosive and ordnance storage areas; hence, the request for an assessment.

Question 9:

Objective 2: Explosive Storage Assessment: Storage Condition and Inventory: Can you provide details on the condition of these storage areas, including potential issues with degrading or old munitions/explosives?

INL Response:

INL does not have information on the condition of explosive and ordnance storage areas; hence, the request for an assessment.

Question 10:

Objective 2: Explosive Storage Assessment: Security for Visits: Who will be responsible for providing security during [the selected implementer’s] visits to the storage areas (contractor-funded security or Nigerian security forces)?

INL Response:

INL cannot speak for Nigerian law enforcement agencies, but generally those agencies join INL on its visits to agency locations in and outside Abuja. Security can be discussed with the relevant agencies and INL after award.

Question 11:

Objective 3: Workshop Logistics: Stakeholder Identification: Could you elaborate on the number of stakeholders [the selected implementer] can expect to participate in the workshops, and which agencies they represent?

INL Response:

The NOFO identifies the two Nigerian agencies that requested the identified support from INL. The requested assessment seeks to give INL and the implementer a clearer picture of the numbers of officers that needed training and the types of training.

Question 12:

Objective 3: Workshop Logistics: Participant Logistics: Will the implementer be responsible for providing transportation and/or accommodation for workshop participants? If so, can you share an estimated number of attendees?

INL Response:

As noted in INL’s Response to Question 12, the requested assessment seeks to give INL and the implementer a clearer picture of the numbers of officers that needed training and the types of training. When the selected implementer conducts a training, the implementer shall provide the arrangements for transportation and accommodation, sustenance, and training materials.

Question 13:

Objective 3: Workshop Logistics: Food and Refreshments: Will [the selected implementer] be expected to provide food for the workshops (breakfast, lunch, dinner)?

INL Response:

When the selected implementer conducts a training/workshop, the implementer shall provide the food, refreshments (called tea breaks in Nigeria), accommodations, transport, training materials, and other support needed to ensure a successful training/workshop.

Question 14:

Objective 3: Workshop Logistics: Security for Workshops: Who will be responsible for security during the workshops ([the selected implementer] or Nigerian security forces)?

INL Response:

Trainings / Workshops for other INL projects are held at law enforcement training facilities in Abuja or Lagos, or at rented venues (local hotels) in those cities. Law enforcement training facilities are not open to the public, and trainings/workshops in local venues -- generally hotels, who have their own security.

Question 15:

Objective 3: Workshop Logistics: Subject Matter Expert (SME) Briefings: Is there a requirement for [the selected implementer] to provide SMEs and briefings? If so, will the U.S. government (USG) cover the cost of these resources?

INL Response:

Applicants will be evaluated on the subject matter expertise they possess in the field of explosive ordnance management, and the selected implementer will be expected to provide regular briefings to INL/Nigeria, the Embassy, and Nigerian agency counterparts on project implementation and progress in achieving project objectives, outcomes, and outputs. The amount of funding available identified in the NOFO is expected to cover the costs of project implementation.