QA SFOP0010239 2.pdf

NOFO SFOP0010239

Project to Support the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Race, Ethnicity, and Social Inclusion (RESI) Goals

Questions and Answers February 23, 2024

Question: Would a proposal focusing on one (or two) of the listed countries be allowable? Do proposals need to cover all 5 priority countries? Or can we submit project ideas for just some of them?

Response: Applications must include all of the countries required in the NOFO (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico).

Question: Would an analysis on the characteristics and distribution of benefits of existing programs and those that were closed down under the government of Lopez-Obrador in Mexico be of interest? The following are three examples of programs that were scrapped and replaced by other initiatives which leave some of the target population less covered. The government shut down Prospera-- the long-standing targeted cash transfers program—in 2019. This implied the dismantling of nutritional and health programs that focused on pregnant women and children under 5. A second program that was dismantled were the daycare centers for working mothers. It was replaced by a transfer in cash with the argument that parents could then choose where to send their children or maybe reduce the hours worked. The government also shut down the centers for indigenous women. Lastly, the government shut down a universal health program (Seguro Popular) and its attempts to replace it so far have not worked; and, temporary employment program was also closed. The government increased the benefits for the elderly (however, for everyone, rich and poor), a more comprehensive scholarship program, and other programs targeted to the young. The proposed analysis would include a qualitative assessment of social programs as well as a quantitative one to measure the progressivity of social spending and how it is financed.

Response: The NOFO does not require such an analysis, however, applicants may propose activities in addition to the required components as long as the activities address the goals and objectives listed in the NOFO.

Question: Could we invite one or more researchers who are in Mexico and Costa Rica (non-US citizens) to be part of the proposal?

Response: There are no restrictions related to the origin or citizenship of hired or contracted staff, nor does it impact eligibility for any proposed subawards or implementing partnerships.