NOFO Q&A INL23GR0059-WHPCHIL-INVSTSCRNG-063023.pdf

Questions and Answers for

Chile Investment Screening Mechanism

INL23GR0059-WHPCHIL-INVSTSCRNG-063023

Date: August 31, 2023

Question 1:

p.9 of the NOFO "Institutional Capacity of Applicant": Could you please clarify if applicant organizations need to be registered in Chile at the time of proposal submission?

INL Response:

Applicants do not need to be registered in Chile but the proposal narrative should state whether or not the applicant organization(s) have an existing office and/or resident staff in the country. If not, the proposal should outline how the applicant(s) plans to hold the events in Chile.

Question 2:

p.9 of the NOFO "List of Key Personnel": In addition to listing Key Personnel, could this 3-page section include short biographies of other relevant staff and experts to be deployed for the proposed work?

Yes

Question 3:

p.15 of the NOFO "Illustrative Indicator Reference Sheet includes selected standard indicators;

provides three valid indicators for goals, objectives, or sub-objectives in the change map". Could you please clarify? Should the Illustrative Indicator Reference Sheet submitted as part of the proposal include all U.S. Government standard indicators selected for the application, and a minimum of at least three USG or custom indicators total?

INL will allow the applicant to determine which indicators to include in their proposal. INL does not require specific standard indicators for this application.

Question 4:

The NOFO asks applicants to submit a Change Map. In addition to the template, would INL be able to share an example of a filled out Change Map from prior projects?

INL will provide a sample Change Map as an attachment to this NOFO in grants.gov.

Question 5:

Are applicants expected to include all the counterparts outlined under Objective 1 in p.3 of the

NOFO in their proposals? For example, is the inclusion of security services or Congress required?

Yes, all potential counterparts should be listed to the best of the applicant's ability or the proposal should include what steps the applicant would take to develop counterparts.

Question 6:

P. 9 of the NOFO “Letters of Support”: are applicants expected to have secured buy -in from program beneficiaries at the time of proposal submission?

Applicants must provide letters indicating support for the project activity from proposed sub -grantees. It is also recommended that they provide letters of support from potential beneficiaries indicating that they support the program objectives.

Question 7:

Are applicants allowed to reach out to existing contacts within the Government of Chile to discuss specific activities, when developing this proposal?

Yes

Question 8:

P.3 of the NOFO “build active connections and relationships with similar stakeholders in other countries”. Do you have priority countries that should be included in this area?

Overall, we refer to other countries that already have established Investment Screening Mechanisms in place, which includes most other OECD countries. Spain is a strong example of a country Chile is interested in emulating.

Question 9:

Under the section organization, staff and partners and under the sub section, "institutional capacity of applicant" on page 9, the NOFO talks about offices or staff in Chile and asks to confirm if our organization is a registered business entity in Chile. We would like to know if presence in Chile is a requirement and if we have to have an office in Chile to be considered for this funding opportunity?

No, it is not required, but the proposal narrative should state whether or not the applicant organization(s) have an existing office and/or resident staff in the country. If not, the proposal should outline how the applicant(s) plans to hold the events in Chile.

Question 10:

The NOFO asks for seminars, workshops and engagements with working groups. Can few of these by virtual or based in Washington D.C. engaging the Chilean embassy and business chambers there or do all events have to be in-person and in Santiago or other parts of Chile? As an extension, are there any restrictions on local partners? Need to be registered nonprofit/academic? If the State Dept has any suggestions or preferences for local partners, can we please know.

Project activities should primarily be conducted in Chile and may include hybrid events with a virtual option for Chilean participants in-country and in Washington. Local partners, while not restricted, should have a proven track record of expertise in the area

Question 11:

Under the objectives section, in objective 1, the NOFO asks: "build active connections and relationships with similar stakeholders in other countries on effective laws/regulations/implementation" - are there any particular countries that the NOFO is referring to? As in, in the region or any nation that does not have an investment screening mechanism?

Overall, we refer to other countries that already have established Investment Screening Mechanisms in place, which includes most other OECD countries. Spain is a strong example of a country Chile is interested in emulating.