Q&A AMENDMENT 4 SIGNED.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO APS NO. 72051921APS00001

Q.1. On page 27 the Mission describes four specific forms for engagement for new, underutilized, or established organizations. The fourth form is for ‘Direct Awards to Partners to Leverage Private/Non-US Government Funding’ for organizations of all types that propose additional leveraged funds worth a minimum of 50 percent of the total value of the USAID award. On page 25 the Mission describes the USAID leveraging expectation of 1:1 or greater matching ratio with USG resources. Can the Mission clarify if meeting the leverage requirement also meets the minimum 50 percent requirement under ‘Direct Awards to Partners to Leverage Private/Non-US Government Funding,’ and if not, what differentiates the two requirements.

A.1. Please note that the fourth form for “Direct Awards to Partners to Leverage Private/Non-US Government Funding” which requires a minimum of 50 percent of the total value of the USAID award is a requirement to qualify for the New Partnership Initiative (NPI). On the other hand, page 25 states the Mission’s expectations under any forthcoming addenda which may establish a desired 1:1 or higher match for leverage depending on the programmatic needs of the activity.

In essence, each addendum will specify the requirements for leverage and the Mission may opt to establish the requirements in accordance with the NPI approach of 50 percent of the total value of the USAID award or 1:1 or a greater leverage based on the nature of the activity.

Q.2. Clarify for grants if there has to be contribution by NGO/company, companies, or clients need to bring at least 20% of the requested budget?

A.2. Any forthcoming addenda will identify any required cost share contribution. There is no set percentage since each activity must assess its feasibility depending on the nature of the activity.

Q.3. If possible, clarify more specifics on “job creation” Are they using standard FTF indicators to set baselines, targets and track?

A.3. At the highest level, the El Salvador Mission seeks to drive activity outcomes that can make significant contributions to the following metric - Spur job creation of 85,000 new and better formal jobs, specifically targeting employment opportunities for those most likely to migrate. For additional specifics and definitions related to employment please refer to:

Getting Employment to Work for Self-Reliance: A USAID Framework for Programming.

(https://www.usaid.gov/documents/1865/getting-employment-work-self-reliance-usaid-framework-programming) If an applicant proposes under a regional activity, they should review the applicable Country or Regional Cooperation.

Q4. USAID defines a transition award as ‘an assistance award to a local entity or locally established partner (collectively referred to as local subrecipients) that is or has been a subrecipient under a USAID assistance award.’ Under this APS, does it mean that the partner entity needs to have been a subrecipient in El Salvador, or does this also apply to USAID assistance awards in other countries?

A.4. In order to qualify for a transition award, the organization must have been a subrecipient under an award in El Salvador and the prime award must have specific language to authorize the transition under a resulting award of this APS.

Q.5. We noticed from USAID’s implementation portfolio in El Salvador that some programs have strong representation from and participation of the Government of El Salvador. It is our position that the host government can play a positive role in the co-creation process. Does USAID have any plans to involve representatives from the host government to be part of the process? If so, can USAID share what host government agencies may be involved?

A.5. Each addendum will specify the involvement of the Government of El Salvador, as may be appropriate.

Q.6. What are USAID’s top priority indicators under this APS?

A.6. The APS does not have top priority indicators. The forthcoming addenda will identify priority indicators, as necessary, depending on the nature of the activity.

Q.7. We believe that matching grants should be considered part of the building partnerships with private companies in El Salvador. Does USAID look favorably upon a possibility to using matching grants for private companies to advance USAID’s objectives in El Salvador?

A.7. At the APS level, USAID/El Salvador cannot provide an opinion favorably or unfavorably because it is case specific and it would require further analyzes based on the proposed approach, the nature of the activity, and the specific requirements of an addendum.

Q.8. What is USAID’s attitude toward involving US-based Salvadoran communities and businesses as a method to advance USAID’s objectives under this APS?

A.8. It will depend on the nature of the activity proposed and the specific requirements of an addendum.

https://www.usaid.gov/documents/1865/getting-employment-work-self-reliance-usaid-framework-programming https://www.usaid.gov/documents/1865/getting-employment-work-self-reliance-usaid-framework-programming https://www.usaid.gov/documents/1865/getting-employment-work-self-reliance-usaid-framework-programming

Except as expressly herein stated, the APS terms and conditions remain the same. Additional questions may be made under each forthcoming addendum.

Sincerely, Albert Carrera Agreement Officer Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance USAID/El Salvador