nofo 014 rural youth development questions and answers.pdf

Funding Opportunity: 014 Rural Youth Development

Funding Opportunity Number: SCAKAB-15-CA-014-SCA-06152015

Questions and Answers

Question 1: It says the pilot project must be approved before the rest of the project continues. Since this is a two year project, is there a specific timeframe for the pilot project prior to implementation in other provinces? / The Notice indicates that this opportunity is for 24 months (2 years) funding with 1 additional year optional. It also explains that projects should start with a pilot phase limited to 1-2 provinces, before they are upscaled to 8 provinces. It is unclear when should the project transition from pilot phase to full phase. Is this supposed to follow the 2 years-1 year logic, or can a project be upscaled earlier than after 2 years?

Answer: We haven't specified a timeframe, however up to three projects (provinces) within the first year, before the rest starts, should be doable. The pilot should definitely show some results to allow us to know whether to continue in that fashion, within the first 6 months or so.

We'd like the first pilot (which should be in a comparatively easy-to-work location) to be up and running within 3 months-not completed, just up and running, then 3 months to begin to test ideas and see how it goes. The grantee can expand beyond the pilot phase any-time after the first 6 months, in consultation with the GOR and GO. The project should be upscaled after the first year.

Question 2: Is the request for an assessment of current agriculture, science, and youth development resources in the areas chosen for the pilot a deliverable during the project or a requirement to be included in the proposal?

Answer: a) The assessment should be included in the proposal. We want to know the logic behind their ideas are based in fact. This can be a desk-review assessment. Focus groups and surveys are not necessary at this stage.

b) The assessment for additional provinces should begin any-time before the pilot ends. It will be viewed favorably if at least some information is in the proposal.

Question 3: It indicates that a budget category summary must be available for each option period which would be the third year, are there other documents required to be submitted or available for the optional 3rd year of the project?

Answer: We would require a summary of anticipated activities in the third year, along with a budget summary.

Question 4: Can you give us the list of the 41 Top Counter Narcotic (CN) Priority Districts or give us a contact that we can get this list from? / On page 4 the Notice mentions the National

Unity Government’s 41 Top Counternarcotics (CN)-Priority Districts to be targeted.

Unfortunately, repeated attempts to google these priority districts failed. Would you please mind sharing a list of those districts, or a link where to find such list?

Answer:

Baghdis: Argo, Balamurghab, Darayem, Ghormach

Farah: Bakwa, Balabuluk, Dehrawud, Farah, Gulestan, Khak-e-Safed Helmand: Baghran, De-e-shut, Garmser, Kajaki, Lashkargah, Musaqalah, Nad-e-Ali, Nahar-e- Saraj, Nawzad, Reg, Sangin, Wassher Kandahar: Arghestan, Daman, Maywand, Panjwayi, Shahwalikot, Spinboldak, Zheray Nangarhar: Achin, Chaparhar, Khogyani, Kot, Pachieragam, Sherzad Nimroz: Khashrod Uruzgan: Khasuruzgan, Pushtrod, Shaid-e-Hassas, Tirinkot Zabul: Tarnak Wa Jaldak

Question 5: Are what is called 'cooperative extension agents' in the RFP representatives from

MAIL, university students or someone else?

Answer: Cooperative Extension Agents are representatives from MAIL under the extension offices.

Question 6: Under objective 1. there is reference to cross-border trade relations? Is this provinces, countries and/or both?

Answer: The reference was to international (country) borders, with the idea of trade in mind, however solid justification for choosing an area to work in, including its agricultural resources, CVE, youth and narcotics issues, is more important than this.

Question 7: Is sub-granting to the youth groups possible? If so, what would be the conditions

(maximum size of grant, maximum share of total budget to be sub-granted)?

Answer: It would be preferable for tangible assistance to youth groups to be on an in kind or reimbursement basis, as most youth groups lack the capacity to manage grants, however it is possible. Sub-grantees would be held to the same grant regulations as the primary implementer. Sub-agreements would need to be approved by the GO. There is no set maximum or minimum for a sub-grant.

Question 8: On page 20 the Notice indicates that under certain conditions, an exception to branding may be applicable. Would it please be possible to indicate what conditions would provide grounds for such exception?

Answer: If branding would result in risk of harm to the project and project participants. The potential implementer would need to request and make a case for this exemption during the pre-award process.

Question 9: According to UNODC Afghanistan Opium Survey 2014, the provinces of Paktika, Khost, Ghazni, Logar, Paktya and Nuristan are poppy free. For this RFP, we have to select districts within provinces in the east and south east. Our questions is whether we should include some of these provinces or not?

Answer: The main goal is youth development. They may include some poppy-free provinces, with justification.