LEAP NOFO 72067022RFA00001.pdf

Issuance Date: April 20, 2022 Closing date for Questions: May 2, 2022, 5:00 PM U.S. Eastern Standard Time Time Closing date to receive Concept Paper: May 17, 2022, 5:00 PM U.S. Eastern Standard Time Time

Subject: Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: 72067022RFA00001

Program Title: Libya Economic Acceleration Project

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 98.001

Dear Prospective Applicants:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications from qualified U.S. and Non-U.S. organizations for a cooperative agreement to fund a program entitled Libya Economic Acceleration Project (LEAP/Aqfuz). Eligibility for this award is not restricted. See Section C of this NOFO for eligibility requirements.

USAID intends to make an award to the applicant(s) who best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment.

Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements and selection process.

For the purposes of this NOFO the term "Grant" is synonymous with "Cooperative Agreement";

"Grantee" is synonymous with "Recipient"; and "Grant Officer" is synonymous with "Agreement Officer".

To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO. This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, and may be amended. Potential applicants should regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this notice of funding opportunity. Applicants will need to have available or download Adobe to their computers in order to view and save the Adobe forms properly. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the entire NOFO has been received from the internet in its entirety and USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section D of this NOFO. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process.

USAID is giving an opportunity to potential applicants to send any questions pertaining to this NOFO before the deadline as shown above. Please send any questions to the point(s) of contact identified in Section D. Responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential http://www.grants.gov mailto:support@grants.gov

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: 72067022RFA00001 applicants through an amendment to this notice posted to www.grants.gov. Questions submitted after the deadline will not receive responses.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government nor does it commit the U.S. Government 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, David Arnett Regional Agreement Officer USAID/Middle East Regional Platform

SECTION A: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This funding opportunity is authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961, as amended. The resulting award will be subject to 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.

A.1 SUMMARY

The Libya Economic Acceleration Project, LEAP or Aqfuz (“Aqfuz” means “jump” or “leap” in Arabic) will promote an inclusive, private sector led economic growth and increase employment opportunities and economic diversification for vulnerable and historically marginalized populations in different centers in Libya’s south and specifically the Fezzan Region. The project will also enhance resilience among vulnerable and historically marginalized populations, including, but not limited to, women, youth, minorities, indigenous groups (such as Tebus, Amazigh, and Tuaregs), people with disabilities, and internally displaced populations (IDPs).

With the above in mind, the program will address some of the root causes of conflict in Libya’s south, especially those that are economic in nature. Poverty, unemployment, and inequality in economic opportunities within the vulnerable and historically marginalized populations played a role in Libya’s current conflict and fragility. LEAP will enhance economic opportunities for the target group in Libya’s south by increasing their effectiveness through contributing to the following objectives 1) strengthen entrepreneurship skills and opportunities for vulnerable and historically marginalized populations; 2) improve the productivity of Micro-, Small- and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs) among the target populations; 3) increase vocational and technical training with a focus on market demands, and 4) increase assistance to businesses in all phases of their life cycle, all which will help build economic resilience among the target population and promote stabilization, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention.

A.2 BACKGROUND

a) General Background Information and Country Context

The Libyan economy is highly dependent on the oil and gas sector and has a public sector that is large and inefficient. Oil accounts for around 80 percent of Libya’s gross domestic product (GDP) and nearly all government revenue. In 2021, Libya earned $24.6 billion in oil revenues, and the recent conflict in Ukraine has increased oil prices. If the oil prices stay stable at over $100 per barrel, Libya’s oil revenues in 2022 are expected to reach more than $37 billion. The non-hydrocarbon-related private sector share of Libya’s GDP is very low and was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the service sector (trade, transport), construction, and light manufacturing (agro-industries, handicrafts). Despite that, Libya’s GDP could increase from about $30 billion in 2021 to $50 billion in 2022 due to the increase in global oil prices.

Despite heavy over-reliance on public sector employment, only about half of working-age Libyans are active in the labor force, and the country suffers from generally high unemployment rates. The World Bank estimated the 2019 overall unemployment rate to be 18.6 percent. As of 2017, there are an estimated

1.7 million Libyans on the public payroll, with salaries taking up more than the majority of the government budget. Public sector employment includes almost 400,000 employees of public enterprises, which dominate most economic sectors. Additionally, youth unemployment, which has consistently been elevated, reached an estimated 48 percent in 2015, and 20.3 percent of the labor force are seeking their first job. Libya is struggling to provide employment for youth due to public sector fiscal constraints and a shortage of jobs in the limited private sector. A recent USAID/Libya youth analysis highlighted the importance of targeting youth. The report noted that young men are at risk of recruitment into violent groups and/or illicit activities, due to un- or underemployment, poor quality education, youth exclusion on the one hand, and the attractions of militias in terms of income, power, and security on the other.

In the labor market, women are not allowed the same opportunities as men, which is reflected in their participation and employment levels. Estimates of the 2018 female labor force participation rate are at a low 25.8%, compared to 79.1 percent for males. Estimates of female unemployment are at 28%, while unemployment is lower at 19 percent for males. According to World Bank estimates, 59.6 percent of women held an account at a financial institution, not too far behind the 70.7% of men with an account.

The Ministry of Education reports that 70 percent of staff are female, but less than one percent of these employees hold leadership positions.

Historically marginalized populations in southern Libya face particular challenges to increased economic inclusion. Southern Libya suffers from lack of viable economic opportunities, and trafficking and the illicit economy plays a key role in sustaining the livelihood of communities. A large portion of the country's minorities, including indigenous groups such as Tuareg, Tebu, and Amazigh, live in southern Libya and have faced systemic exclusion from the country's political and economic life. This situation creates openings for destabilizing elements to capitalize on conflict and community grievances. To promote longer-term peace and stability in Libya, it is critical to spur the formal economy in southern Libya to create new economic opportunities, including for marginalized groups.

The development of a dynamic private sector, in particular, Micro-, Small- and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs), and an environment conducive to entrepreneurship will be essential for employment creation, productivity and a more balanced economic diversification, for all of Libya but mainly for the vulnerable and historically marginalized population in the south. Private sector development could be an integral part of broader peacebuilding and conflict management processes. Providing inclusive economic opportunities for the vulnerable and historically marginalized populations is essential for sustainable stabilization in Libya’s south. Improved entrepreneurship and an expanded role for MSMEs are particularly important for economic recovery because of their potential to generate jobs generally, and mainly because they can employ vulnerable populations.

b) Development Challenge

The activity will support the goal of USAID/Libya Strategic Framework 2021-2024 “Strengthen the foundations of a more stable, inclusive, and self-reliant Libya.” Specifically, LEAP will contribute to development objectives 2, “Libyans empowered to mitigate drivers of instability and conflict,” through Area 2.2, “Strengthening Entrepreneurship”, and Area 2.4, “Supporting conflict affected and vulnerable populations.” Traditionally marginalized populations in Libya’s south can be empowered through capacity building and human capital development, support to NGOs that represent vulnerable and historically marginalized Libyan interests, and support to private sector SMEs and entrepreneurs to diversify the economy in Libya’s south. Furthermore, Libyans are also considered empowered if they receive services that improve their livelihoods and enable them to pursue their needs effectively.

Thus, the development challenge is to empower Libyans to mitigate drivers of instability and conflict by supporting conflict affected areas and vulnerable populations to achieve economic resilience by strengthening entrepreneurship, productivity, vocational training and increasing assistance to businesses.

Libya’s Strategic Framework’s Cross-cutting programming principles and operations related to inclusion, Libyan empowerment, flexibility/adaptation, and conflict sensitivity must be defined and integrated by the implementer throughout the Activity.

c) Complementary USAID and Donor Activities

USAID is supporting a number of ongoing activities that should be considered and which offer engagement opportunities as this activity is developed. USAID may also have new activities starting up that should be reviewed for coordination and collaboration opportunities. Collaboration and integration with the other USAID programming is expected to avoid overlap and duplication, including but not limited to:

● Libya Public Financial Management (LPFM): LPFM helps the Government of Libya strengthen macroeconomic and fiscal foundations for sustainable and inclusive growth by improving financial management technical assistance at the national and sub-national levels, making the business enabling environment more conducive to growth, and supporting energy sector reforms.

● Libya Local Governance and Civil Society Program (LGCS): LGCS, locally known as Taqarib, works toward a more unified Libyan state. The activity supports community-led activities that improve service delivery and accountable governance; and promotes stronger links between government institutions and citizens.

● Libya Elections and Legislative Strengthening Activity (LELSA): LELSA increases the capacity of Libya’s election bodies to effectively and transparently manage electoral processes. It improves voter and civic education and supports civil society - particularly ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, women, and youth - to take an active role in advocacy and political processes.

● Promoting Leadership and Activism of Youth for Peace in Libya (PLAY): PLAY is a Conflict and Management project that works towards reducing the likelihood of violence by promoting reconciliation through positive interactions and strengthening youth-to-youth relationships.

● Libya Transition Initiative (LTI): USAID/OTI supports Libya’s resilience to fragmentation and spoilers by improving stability in strategic, conflict-affected areas, increasing citizens’ confidence in the public institutions, and reducing the influence of extremist groups and values in strategic areas. Its activities frequently work at the local level with relevant governance authorities, including municipal councils and local offices of line ministries.

There are other donors that are supporting economic activities for vulnerable and historically marginalized populations in Libya’s south. Donors may also have new activities starting up that USAID is unaware of. It is recommended to identify such efforts in order to coordinate and collaborate with existing programs to avoid duplication and competition. Examples of projects that are working in this sector are as follows:

● The European Union funds a project called Strengthening Local Capacities for Resilience and Recovery in Libya. It is implemented through UNDP Libya by Tatweer Research. Its goal is to help local authorities in Libya to improve access to essential services, create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, and increase community security and rule of law. Tatweer Research is in charge of identifying and supporting economic recovery strategies that will create sustainable jobs outside of the public sector. The European Union also funds Libya Enterprise, a business support organization.

● Expertise France works in the areas of entrepreneurship, training, youth employability and women’s empowerment. Expertise France gives support to Libyan institutions (including the Ministries for Economy and Industry, Education and Local Governance) in order to help them deliver the best services for entrepreneurs. Throughout its projects, Expertise France strengthens the capacities of Business Support Organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, universities, young and vulnerable people, entrepreneurs or civil society organizations. It emphasizes the need to better train entrepreneurs by fostering the creation or development of an online business school (Libus.ly), creating coding schools and founding incubators in partnership with major Libyan companies. Expertise France works together with institutions and banks to inject more liquidity into Libyan markets through microcredit. It encourages the development of credit through supporting the reactivation of the Credit Guarantee Fund.

● STREAM is an integrated incubator, an accelerator and a fab lab funded by the UK Embassy and implemented by Expertise France in sponsorship with Libyana mobile company in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning.

● Deraz Corner is a co-working space that also serves as a business incubator for start-ups.

A.3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES

a) Objectives:

Understanding the basics of the economy in Libya’s south is key to the success of this program. The program will provide interventions in several economic centers in Libya’s south to address the historical nexus between vulnerable and historically marginalized populations and the lack of economic opportunities and economic resilience.

LEAP will address some of the root causes of conflict in Libya’s south, especially those that are economic in nature. Poverty, unemployment, and inequality in economic opportunities within the vulnerable and historically marginalized populations played a role in Libya’s current conflict and fragility. The activity aims at building economic resilience in Libya’s south, specifically the Fezzan Region. By supporting LEAP’s four main objectives below, the activity will help promote peace, conflict prevention, and stability in Libya’s south: 1) to strengthen entrepreneurship skills and opportunities for vulnerable and historically marginalized populations; 2) improve productivity of Micro-, Small- and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs) among the target populations; 3) increase vocational and technical training with a focus on market demands, and 4) increase assistance to businesses in all phases of their life cycle. The program will create economic opportunities to improve livelihoods among the target group to enhance their integration with the rest of Libya and contribute to collective efforts in stabilization and peaceful local reconciliation. The recipient needs to identify specific challenges for the target population and communities and propose a tailored approach to address those particular challenges.

Examples of vulnerable and traditionally marginalized populations for this activity include but are not limited to, youth, women, minorities, indigenous groups (such as Tebus, Amazigh, and Tuaregs), people with disabilities, and internally displaced people.

b) Expected outcomes and Indicators:

● MSMEs growing and creating employment.

● Potential entrepreneurs have improved business skills.

● Targeted groups are more employable and better employed as a result of vocational and technical training.

● Business incubators and accelerators better able to serve clients.

● Start-ups and micro-enterprises benefit from improved Business Development Services.

Illustrative indicators for this activity include:

● Number of firms receiving USG-funded technical assistance for improving business performance

● Number of small and medium-sized enterprises supported by USG assistance

● Number of days of USG-funded training provided to support microenterprise development

● Number of clients benefiting from financial services provided through USG-assisted financial intermediaries, including non-financial institutions or actors

● Average percent change in earnings following participation in USG-assisted workforce development programs

● Percent of individuals with new employment following participation in USG-assisted workforce development programs

● Percent of individuals with better employment following participation in USG-assisted workforce development programs

c) Development Hypothesis: If historically marginalized and vulnerable Libyans (i.e., women, youth, minorities, indigenous populations, people with disabilities, IDPs, etc.) are given better economic opportunities to reduce poverty, unemployment, and inequality in economic opportunities within their communities, they will be more empowered to prevent conflict and promote peace and stability in Libya’s south and specifically the Fezzan Region.

d) Assumptions: USAID recognizes that the operating environment in Libya is challenging, particularly as it relates to security, reliable supply of electricity and internet coverage, as well as the business economic environment for promoting private business development. However, the LEAP activity assumes that the overall objectives can be achieved, in spite of these challenges. This assumption is based on the experiences of current projects funded by other donors in this sector as well as USAID’s previous project Libya Economic Empowerment (LEE).

A.4 INTERVENTIONS

The Applicant will identify needs and tailored approaches for stabilization in target communities and target groups. Ultimately, this activity could promote private sector development by supporting MSMEs in order to increase employment opportunities and to diversify the economy in Libya’s south to promote economic resilience which will contribute to stability, peace, and conflict prevention. In sum, the activity will strengthen entrepreneurship skills and opportunities for growth for the target population in Libya’s south and provide entrepreneurship and MSME business development services through local organizations, such as incubators and accelerator programs. Other ideas and approaches, tailored to specific geographic areas or marginalized communities in Libya’s south, that will improve economic resilience for the target population are also welcomed. The Applicant’s proposed approaches must be informed by recent data and analysis. As applicable, the Applicant can propose additional analysis that will be conducted once the activity is on the ground to further inform the implementation approach.

A.5 MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

The interventions under this activity will take place in Libya’s south and specifically the Fezzan Region and the program is expected to establish some presence in the south to better implement this activity.

While USAID understands the possible need for some management/staffing/programs to be held regionally out of Tunis, this should be on a limited basis and with clear justification. The Recipient will have a clear management platform, including a startup plan that addresses both flexible management and a robust footprint within Libya’s south and, as necessary, a small footprint in Tunisia or Tripoli.

A.6 CONSTRUCTION

USAID does not envision that construction work will be accomplished under this award.

A.7 GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE AND CRISIS PROVISION

The geographic focus of this activity will be Libya’s South and specifically the Fezzan Region. We encourage the Applicant to consider areas where development agencies and programs don’t usually work.

However, allowing for a flexible implementation in unforeseen circumstances (such as but not limited to if political context or USG priorities change, in an event of a crisis or in an event of other emerging economic challenges during implementation of this program), the activities could be implemented in other regions of Libya including the East and West subject to USAID’s review and approval during the activity implementation stage.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Recipient will be allowed to propose program adjustments and solutions that will achieve the outlined objectives to the Agreement Officer. There is a probability of a crisis developing in the operating environment during the life of this activity. If a crisis develops or in an event of other unforeseen circumstances, it is imperative to use adaptive management principles to respond immediately, such as but not limited to moving implementation to other regions of Libya, as well as maintaining development gains achieved through activity implementation up until the crisis. When the USAID/Libya Country Representative has formally declared a crisis in writing, the Agreement Officer will, through oral or written communication, solicit a crisis response proposal for adjustment from the awardee to respond to the crisis and maintain gains. The awardee will submit the crisis response proposal for adjustment to the Agreement Officer in the time period specified by the Agreement Officer. If through negotiation the parties agree on a crisis response which increases or decreases the cost of, or time required for performing the work, the Agreement Officer shall make an equitable adjustment before the final payment under the Agreement. Failure to agree to any adjustments can be appealed by the awardee in accordance with USAID’s ADS 303.3.23.2.

A.8 OPPORTUNITY RESPONSE MECHANISM (ORM)

An Opportunity Response Mechanism in the amount of $3,000,000 of the total award budget will be set aside to be able to respond to unanticipated related opportunities and challenges in Libya’s fluid political environment within the scope of this Program Description. The ORM will give USAID the flexibility to quickly and efficiently respond to problems or to design activities to address unforeseen events or opportunities in contribution to attainment of the resulting Agreement objectives. The ORM, in the entire amount of $3,000,000, will be subject to available funding and identified opportunities and/or challenges.

Both the Recipient and USAID may initiate an activity request under the ORM in the implementation stage.

All ORM requests must be submitted for Agreement Officer’s approval and will be supported by the Recipient’s separate budget and an activity description for the ORM activity(ies). All requests to utilize the ORM must contribute to attainment of objectives under the resulting Agreement. All activities under the ORM will be subject to substantial involvement provisions of the resulting Agreement and will require amendments to, included but not limited to, the Recipient’s approved Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) and annual Implementation Plan(s).

If the ORM, or a portion of the ORM, is not utilized prior to the final year of the resulting LEAP Agreement, the AOR or the Recipient may request that the ORM be realigned into the standard program funding partially or in full, subject to funding availability and with the final approval authority of the Agreement Officer. Not all of the ORM must be used at one time and multiple interventions can be considered. Overall, subject to funding and identified opportunities and/or challenges, it is possible that by the end of the resulting LEAP Agreement, the ORM set-aside: (1) will be utilized in full, (2) will be utilized in part, or (3) will not be utilized at all.

A.9 THE U.S. STRATEGY TO PREVENT CONFLICT AND PROMOTE STABILITY

The U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability (the “Strategy”), which was developed in response to the Global Fragility Act of 2020, charts a new way forward in how the U.S. government will engage on matters related to preventing conflict and promoting stability over a 10-year time horizon. In April 2022, the White House identified Libya among the primary countries for implementing this Strategy. LEAP is expected to contribute to the U.S. government’s objectives under the Strategy and contribute relevant data and lessons learned. As such, LEAP will have distinctive monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements to show its contributions to advance the Strategy in Libya. These requirements will be codified in LEAP’s Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP).

{END OF SECTION A}

https://www.state.gov/the-u-s-strategy-to-prevent-conflict-and-promote-stability-priority-countries-and-region/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Strategy%20to%20Prevent%20Conflict%20and%20Promote%20Stability%20outlines,%2C%20and%20security%2Dsector%20engagement.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/01/addressing-the-collective-challenges-of-our-time-implementing-the-u-s-strategy-to-prevent-conflict-and-promote-stability/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/01/addressing-the-collective-challenges-of-our-time-implementing-the-u-s-strategy-to-prevent-conflict-and-promote-stability/

SECTION B: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B.1 ESTIMATE OF FUNDS AVAILABLE AND NUMBER OF AWARDS CONTEMPLATED

USAID intends to award one (1) Cooperative Agreement pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity.

USAID reserves the right to fund any one or none of the applications submitted. Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the Agency, USAID intends to provide up to $15,000,000 in total USAID funding over a four (4) year period. The figure of $15,000,000 is inclusive of the $3,000,000 Opportunity Response Mechanism (ORM).

B.2 EXPECTED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, TARGETS, BASELINE DATA, AND

DATA COLLECTION

The Recipient will employ a comprehensive and effective approach to monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), including evaluating the outcomes of program activities, documenting changes and achievements reasonably attributable to the program, learning and adapting from continual analysis and evaluation of data, and applying learning within the period of performance to increase the achievement of sustainable results. The Recipient will be required to work closely with USAID’S Monitoring and Evaluation Contractor and cooperate on data collection and verification.

The Recipient will be responsible for developing and implementing an Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) aligned with expected outcomes of this program. In designing the AMELP, the Recipient is expected to (1) allocate sufficient human and financial resources within the program budget necessary for its successful implementation, (2) provide a clear description of methods to monitor and measure results, collect data and apply analysis and learning, and (3) ensure direct attribution of changes measured, as feasible. The AMELP is expected to facilitate flexibility in activity implementation to allow for course corrections and duplication of successful approaches. It must also address how the Recipient will monitor, evaluate and learn despite access and security challenges posed by the context.

Examples of context indicators that the Recipient will be expected to monitor include number and nature of security incidents and freedom of movement in municipalities where the Recipient works. As part of its MEL efforts, the Recipient will be expected to contribute distinctive performance data, lessons learned, and respond to reporting requirements related to the Activity’s contribution to advance the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Libya. These requirements will be codified in LEAP’s Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) though requests for data to meet reporting requirements may also be ad hoc in nature.

B.3 START DATE AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR FEDERAL AWARDS

The period of performance anticipated herein is four (4) years. The start date will be the signature date of the award, unless otherwise noted.

B.4 SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

USAID will be substantially involved in this Cooperative Agreement to help the Recipient achieve the agreement objectives in the following manner:

A. Approval of the Recipient’s Implementation Plan: The Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) will review and approve the annual implementation plan, and subsequent updates thereto.

If changed contexts or new information require a pivot in the activity, USAID may consider changes to the implementation plan.

B. Approval of Key Personnel: USAID’s policy limits this to a reasonable number of positions, generally no more than five (5) positions or five (5) percent of recipient employees working under the award, whichever is greater. The majority of Key Personnel position candidates must be identified at the time of award. New Key Personnel and replacement of Key Personnel identified after the award must be submitted for approval to the AO. Any replacement Key Personnel will meet or exceed requirements as finalized at the time of award.

C. Agency and Recipient Collaboration or Joint Participation:

– Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP): The AOR will review and approve the AMELP, and concur with all learning and analyses products to include questionnaires, scopes of work, and other tools.

– The Recipient will consult with USAID on individual information and/or learning products such as the format and type of content for products that are not included in the

AMELP.

– Concurrence of the substantive provisions of sub-awards: The Agreement Officer will delegate authority to the AOR for review and approval of Subawards. Refer to 2 CFR 200.308(c)(6) for subaward (grants) approval requirements. Refer to 2 CFR 200.330 in determining whether a subaward or subcontract is appropriate. Any sub-awards proposed in the final application and budget are considered approved unless otherwise noted.

– The Recipient will communicate and collaborate with USAID on technical direction/redirection and efforts to develop synergies between USAID, USG and other donor programs within this same or similar field.

– Geographic selection: The AOR and Recipient will collaborate on the selection process to identify geographic coverage and targeted beneficiaries of the activity.

D. Unforeseen Circumstances: USAID has the ability to request, review and approve changes to the Agreement in unforeseen circumstances, such as but not limited to political context changes, in an event of a crisis or in an event of other emerging economic challenges during implementation of this program (see A.7 GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE AND CRISIS PROVISION).

E. Reporting Requirements: Due to safety concerns, fluid operating environment, the political context, and the Global Fragility Act requirements, USAID has the ability to change and update the distinctive reporting and communication requirements throughout implementation of the resulting Cooperative Agreement (see A.7 GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE AND CRISIS PROVISION, A.9 THE U.S. STRATEGY TO PREVENT CONFLICT AND PROMOTE STABILITY and F.3 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS). The Recipient will update and/or change its reporting and communications as requested by USAID in implementation of the award.

B.5 TITLE TO PROPERTY

Property title under the resultant agreement shall vest with the Recipient in accordance with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 700.

B.6 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

The geographic code for this program is 935. Code 935 is defined as a “Special Free World” which consists of all countries, including the recipient country, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source. Procurement of vehicles and other restricted commodities are subject to the limitations in 22 CFR 228, ADS 312, ADS 310, and may require a waiver or Agreement Officer’s approval.

B.7 NATURE OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN USAID AND THE RECIPIENT

The principal purpose of the relationship with the Recipient and under the subject program is to transfer funds to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation of the Libya Economic Acceleration Project in Libya which is authorized by Federal statute.

The 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 and in line with USG foreign policy priorities. The Recipient will assume responsibility for administering Federal funds in a manner consistent with underlying agreements, program objectives, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The Recipient using its own unique combination of staff, facilities, and experience, has the primary responsibility for employing whatever form of sound organization and management techniques may be necessary in order to assure proper and efficient administration of the resulting award.

B.8 TRAVEL POLICY

As of August 6, 2020, the Department of State has issued a Travel Warning for U.S. Citizens regarding travel to Libya due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, and armed conflict (see https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/libya-travel-advisory.html.

The Recipient should continuously verify the Travel Warning as it may be updated). The USG is unable to provide emergency or routine assistance to U.S. citizens in Libya, as the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli suspended its operations in July 2014.

The parties understand and agree that the Recipient, not USAID, is solely responsible for and assumes all risks associated with the implementation of the activities under this award, including but not limited to for any injury, incarceration or other harm or inconvenience that may be caused by the Government of Libya or third parties to individuals regardless of nationality traveling to and performing work in Libya.

The Recipient is solely responsible for maintaining the security of its personnel regardless of nationality, materials, and equipment. Considering the security situation in Libya, the Recipient is expected to have the proper procedures, resources, and staffing to operate in this environment prior to commencing work. This shall include but is not limited to a detailed security and risk mitigation plan which details: adequate procedures to advise its personnel of situations or changed conditions that could adversely affect their security; adequate security staff at office locations as needed; established security protocols and procedures; staff training on safety procedures; evacuation contingency plans; and situational analysis and awareness of the security environment. The security and risk mitigation plan shall be submitted to the USAID AOR and AO prior to any staff travel to Libya.”

{END OF SECTION B}

SECTION C: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

U.S. and non-US organizations may participate under this NOFO. For the purposes of this NOFO, Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) include any incorporated entity, either non-profit or for-profit, other than a governmental organization. All applicants must be physically able to operate in Libya including successfully obtaining needed registrations, permits and access to work in Libya.

To be eligible for award of a cooperative agreement, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must be politically neutral and have a commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400(g), USAID policy is not to award profit under assistance instruments. However, all reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the grant program and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 700), may be paid under the Agreement.

In order for an award to be made, the AO must make a positive “risk assessment,” as discussed in ADS

303.3.9. This means that the applicant must possess, or have the ability to obtain, the necessary management and technical competence to conduct the proposed program. The applicant must agree to practice mutually agreed-upon methods of accountability for funds and other assets provided or funded by USAID. If notified by USAID that a pre-award survey is necessary, the applicant must prepare in advance the required information and documents. Prospective NGO applicants should refer to ADS Chapter

303.3.9.1 for additional information about pre-award surveys. A pre-award survey does not commit USAID to make an award to any entity. In the absence of a positive risk assessment, an award can ordinarily not be made. However, in rare cases, an award can be made with “Specific Conditions” (e.g., additional non-standard award requirements designed to minimize the risk presented to USAID of making an award to an NGO for which a positive risk assessment cannot be made), but only where it appears likely that the applicant can correct the deficiency in a reasonable period.

C.2 COST SHARING OR MATCHING

Cost sharing is encouraged but is not required. Cost share is defined by USAID as “contributions, both cash and in-kind, which are necessary and reasonable to achieve program objectives and which are verifiable from the Recipient’s records.” Cost sharing also refers to that portion of a program cost not borne by the USG. Such funds may be mobilized from the recipient; other multilateral, bilateral, and foundation donors; host governments; and local organizations, communities and private businesses that contribute financially and in-kind to implementation of activities at the country level. Examples of cost share for this program may include the provision of technical assistance, commodities, distribution networks, staff salaries, and other sources of support. Cost share must be verifiable from the Recipient’s records, is subject to the requirements of 2 CFR 200.306 and 2 CFR 700.1, and is subject to audit. A Recipient’s failure to meet its cost share requirement can result in disallowed costs.

Recipients must be aware that all cash contributions and non-Federal third-party in-kind contributions must meet all the criteria set forth in 2 CFR 200.306 and 2 CFR 700.1. Recipient cost share may be in any combination of in-kind support, staff salaries, waiver of overhead, etc. Applicants will not be graded favorable or unfavorably as a result of the cost share or leverage provided for in the applicant’s program.

The Application will be graded purely on merit review in Section E of this NOFO.

{END OF SECTION C}

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 AGENCY POINT OF CONTACT

Mr. David Arnett Regional Agreement Officer U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt Giessener Str. 30, 60435 Frankfurt am Main Federal Republic of Germany Email: libyasolicitations@usaid.gov

D.2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Any questions regarding this NOFO should be submitted in writing via email to libyasolicitations@usaid.gov no later than the date and time indicated on the cover letter of this NOFO, as amended. All amendments to this NOFO will be published on www.grants.gov.

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 if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective applicants.

D.3 GENERAL CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

It is recommended that Applicants review the full requirements in this Section before submitting a concept paper under this NOFO to ensure that you can meet all of the requirements listed therein.

Reviewing these requirements will help you prepare for what must be done to increase the likelihood that your concept paper is successful. Applicants are expected to review, understand, and comply with all aspects of the NOFO.

There are two (2) phases to the application under this NOFO:

PHASE ONE (1) - CONCEPT PAPER: A concept paper is a short document where the Applicant provides an overview of how you would respond to the NOFO problem description. During Phase One (1), the Selection Committee (SC) will review and evaluate the concept papers. The concept paper should be specific, complete and presented concisely. The concept paper should concisely demonstrate the applicant's capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the objectives of this activity. The Applicant should take into account the concept paper’s submission requirements and evaluation criteria found in this NOFO. Applicants should only submit the information and materials specified in concept paper format.

The SC will review and evaluate the submitted concept papers based upon evaluation criteria provided in this NOFO. Not all Applicants will proceed to Phase Two (2).

Once the SC completes the merit review, USAID may conduct discussions with entities who submitted concept papers responsive to the NOFO. The purpose of discussion is to validate and clarify design assumptions and proposed technical approaches including activities, interventions and application of implementation principles. Discussions may take place in many forms including phone calls, emails and in-person communications. Based on the merit review and potential communication(s), USAID will further narrow the list of applications to move to Phase Two (2). Do not submit a full application unless requested to do so by USAID.

mailto:libyasolicitations@usaid.gov mailto:libyasolicitations@usaid.gov http://www.grants.gov/

PHASE TWO (2) - FULL TECHNICAL AND COST APPLICATION: Successful applicant(s) from Phase One (1) will be notified in writing and will be requested to submit a full technical and cost application.

USAID will review the full technical and cost application. After the reviews are concluded and discussions held, the Agreement Officer will notify the apparently successful applicant in writing. At this time the successful applicant will be asked to submit additional documents including Branding and Marking Plan, Program Description (PD) that is in line with its technical application, and other documents as identified by the AO. The final PD will be included in the award as SECTION B - PROGRAM

DESCRIPTION.

At this time vetting is not required, however, policies may change and vetting may be required prior to award. Although submission of a security plan is not required at this stage, the Recipient must have a security plan in place upon award and the plan must address how the Recipient will monitor and evaluate the security situation despite challenges posed by the Libyan context.The security and risk mitigation plan will have to be submitted to the USAID AOR and AO prior to any staff travel to Libya (see B.8 TRAVEL

POLICY).

IMPLEMENTATION PRINCIPLES

Implementation principles must be clearly articulated and integrated throughout the designed approach.

USAID is seeking inclusion of the below key principles:

– Conflict Sensitive Programming: A conflict-sensitive or “do no harm” approach is critical in Libya. All activities will have a conflict sensitive lens at the forefront integrating ongoing conflict analysis to ensure continued appropriateness and that activities do not exacerbate conflict or divisions. Central to the conflict-sensitive approach is the question of how program activities impact conflict dynamics and vice versa. Inclusivity is a fundamental principle of conflict sensitivity. To the maximum extent possible, marginalized groups are incorporated into designed programs but not exclusively or at the risk of exacerbating conflict by excluding other groups, such as men and boys. Ongoing conflict analyses will be needed to inform project activities and must be incorporated into the learning agenda throughout the project.

– Coordination and Collaboration: There are numerous efforts planned and ongoing, to support improved entrepreneurship and vocational and technical training. While donors seek to ensure close coordination and division of labor, these efforts must continue as new programming comes on line. When identifying opportunities for synergies with other USAID and donor funded activities working in the same municipality/community, it is imperative that interventions do not duplicate but rather complement activities conducted under other initiatives.

– Social inclusion: Social inclusion is about achieving balance, fairness, representation, and diversity, especially for groups that are typically marginalized from opportunities such as women, ethnic/tribal/indigenous people, people with disabilities, internally displaced people, and youth.

Designed initiatives must meaningfully promote social inclusion and measure social inclusion changes (e.g., empower women, girls, youth and other traditionally marginalized groups; propose activities that do not exacerbate or perpetuate gender and social disparities; hire women and other marginalized groups as project staff and advisors, seek opportunities for youth to be actively engaged in their communities, etc.).

– Strengthen Self-Reliance: USAID/Libya is committed to strengthening and measuring self-reliance. In Libya this means clearly incorporating sustainability into program activities and providing assistance that strengthens the ability of MSMEs to operate successfully beyond the life of this program. This includes ensuring beneficiaries are applying the skills and knowledge gained, and there is an effort to measure improvements in business performance.

– Geographic Focus: The geographic focus of this activity will be Libya’s South and specifically the Fezzan Region. However, allowing for a flexible implementation in unforeseen circumstances (such as but not limited to, if the political context or USG priorities change, in an event of a crisis or in an event of other emerging economic challenges during implementation of this program), the activities could be implemented in other regions of Libya including East and West subject to USAID’s review and approval during the activity implementation stage (See A.7 GEOGRAPHIC

SCOPE AND CRISIS PROVISION).

– Expanding USAID’s local partnership base: Use of partnerships, including with local organizations and the private sector to explicitly expand USAID/Libya’s partnership base in line with the Agency’s New Partnerships Initiative principles is encouraged.

– Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning: The Recipient will employ a comprehensive and effective approach to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), including evaluating the outcomes of program activities, documenting changes and achievements reasonably attributable to the program, learning and adapting from continual analysis and evaluation of data, and applying learning within the period of performance to increase the achievement of sustainable results. The Recipient will be required to work closely with the USAID’s Monitoring and Evaluation contractor on data collection and verification. The Recipient will be responsible for developing and implementing an AMELP aligned with expected outcomes of this program.