Notes on Changes to FY18 RFA.pdf

Overview of Changes to ASHA’s FY18 Request for Application

And Opportunity to Comment

We have made a number of changes to our grant application process.

Why:

To reduce transaction costs for applicants and for us and to streamline the application process

And

To focus more clearly on the strategic and programmatic goals of ASHA

What:

1) We will ask for a concept paper in stage 1, rather than a full proposal1.

2) The RFA makes clear the Public Diplomacy (PD) and development goals for the program as dictated by our legislation.

This will allow us to select the applications that best meet our PD goals and our legislative mandate and that demonstrate development best practices.

We will invite the best applicants to submit full proposals.

This will not affect the number, size or type of projects we fund.

Timing:

Issue Request for Application (RFA) for comment/questions – October 23, 2017

Deadline for RFA Questions – November 3, 2017

RFA release – November 21, 2017

Concept paper due – February 23, 2018

Concept paper review complete, and request for full proposals sent – on/about March 15, 2018

Full proposal due date: on/about May 15, 2018

Objectives:

The objectives are not new or different, just clearly articulated in the instructions for the concept paper.

They are:

Support activities that highlight or showcase core American values and enhance the favorability of the US in the eyes of local communities. These core values include but are not limited to inclusion, tolerance, diversity, democratic participation, gender equality, and meritocracy.

The use of a concept paper is becoming the norm at USAID. This change in process has led to the issuance of a

Request for Application, as opposed to an Annual Program Statement. There is no implication for applicants as a result of the change of solicitation type.

Support institutions that employ the latest American technologies, pedagogies, approaches and practices in ways that provide a public diplomacy benefit for the US. These include but are not limited to green and resilient construction techniques, climate risk reduction, accessible design, sustainable energy, entrepreneurialism, participatory learning, student government, and other innovations.

Support projects that engage strongly with and provide leadership to the local community and effectively communicate and disseminate the American values and practices used in their operations, such that there is a demonstrable public diplomacy impact achieved beyond the walls of the hospital or school that is the direct beneficiary of ASHA support.

Support projects that strengthen and contribute to the sustainability of the institutions such that they have a demonstrable development impact on the communities they serve, which will continue beyond the life of ASHA funding.

Support projects that meet a particular need for public diplomacy (i.e., Is there an anti-American or anti-western sentiment that requires a counter narrative, which the proposed project helps address?)

Evaluation criteria, eligibility criteria are unchanged.

We have eliminated some required attachments and clarified the requirements for others.

Comments and questions should be addressed to ASHAApplications@usaid.gov by November 3, 2017.

mailto:ASHAApplications@usaid.gov