QA_SFOP0010258_4_031424.pdf

NOFO SFOP0010258

Strengthening Inclusive Small Business Growth in Central America

Questions and Answers March 18, 2024

Question: Can you please clarify the definition of SBDCs for this NOFO? For example, are start-up incubators/accelerators, sectoral associations or women business associations included in the definition?

Response: Small Business Development Centers provide counseling and training to small businesses including working with SBA to develop and provide informational tools to support business start-ups and existing business expansion. SBDC Programs deliver professional, high quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. SBDCs provide problem-solving assistance to help small businesses access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and other areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity and innovation. WHA/PPC will work with the successful applicant by reviewing proposed SBDCs and approving which organizations can be project beneficiaries.

Question: Is a Central American nonprofit association whose headquarters are in a Central American country and does not have offices in the United States eligible for the selection process for SFOP0010258 funds?

Response: Organizations outside of the United States are eligible to apply as long as they fit the eligibility criteria on the cover sheet and Section C of the NOFO.

Question: Can a nonprofit association headquartered outside the United States participate in the funding selection process SFOP0010258 if it partners with a U.S.-based NGO, SBDC, educational institution, or private institution?

Response: Please refer to the cover sheet and Section C for the organizational eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria applies to partner organizations as well.

Question: Is the selection process for SFOP0010258 funds exclusive to U.S. NGOs based abroad?

Response: This notice of funding opportunity is open to all organizations which fit the eligibility criteria on the cover sheet and Section C of the NOFO.

Question: If the nonprofit association chooses to charge the minimum rate of 10% of the modified total indirect costs, should they be included in the total budget, or is it negotiable in relation to the budget itself?

Response: All costs associated with conducting the proposed project need to be reflected in the budget.

As stated in Section D6 of the NOFO, “Applicants with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) must include the latest NICRA as a .pdf file if including NICRA charges in the budget. (…) If the applicant’s proposal involves sub-grants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file (…). Applicants must specify if their organization instead elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs.” Please refer to this section for more information on indirect cost rates.

Question: I’m inquiring about the Grant that is posted on the website under Strengthening Inclusive Small Business Growth in Central America. We very interested in applying and look forward to hearing back from you on how to proceed.

Response: To apply for this grant, please follow the instructions in grants.gov under this NOFO’s posting and as contained in the NOFO package.