Q&A OFOP0001307 REVISED 4-23-24.pdf

Questions and Answers for Colombian National Police wounded and disabled officers – Assistance Project for Vocational

Development

OFOP0001307

Date: April 1, 2024 Updated: April, 23, 2024

Question 1:

I am part of a non-profit organization, where the main focus is on creating prostheses or attachments for individuals with upper limb disabilities using 3D printing technologies, along with other processes that promote the social inclusion and recognition of this population within a social and economic context that often restricts their access to these assistive devices.

Therefore, is it possible to apply with this approach? Or is it necessary to encompass all objectives of the opportunity?

INL Response:

INL encourages applicants to submit applications that addresses all project goals, objectives, and activities listed in the NOFO.

Question 2:

Taking into account that the project lasts two years, can the project fund education and vocational programs that last more than two years?

INL Response:

Per Section B. Federal Award Information, in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, the initial project implementation length is the amount of time applicants should plan to implement the project (24 months).

Project activities and related funding cannot go beyond the established period of performance end date.

Question 3:

Can we include as direct beneficiaries, officers who are already part of university programs that last more than two years as beneficiaries? Usually these programs last four years.

INL Response:

Yes, beneficiaries who have started a university program and/or have been part of university program going; can be included. The plan of this grant is vocational development and to offer opportunities for professionalization.

Question 4:

Can the project fund officers that already are part of university programs funded by our organization and have at least two years left to complete these programs?

INL Response:

Yes, beneficiaries who have started a university program and/or have been part of university program going; can be included. The plan of this grant is vocational development and to offer opportunities for professionalization.

Question 5:

Is it possible to include caregivers/family members of officers injured/killed in anti-narcotics operations as direct beneficiaries (partners, sons, parents)?

INL Response:

No, as per the NOFO: Target population must be determined in coordination with CNP and DIVRI and should include Colombian National Police, Army and Navy personnel wounded during counter-narcotics (CN) operations.

Question 6:

Can you please explain what are the career development programs?

INL Response:

Career development programs are those that promote the enhancement of existing skills;

development of new skills; navigation of organizational ladders; gaining personal insights into their strengths and development needs or any other activity that enhances their ability for career advancement.

While specific examples of career development programs are not provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, the chosen organization must work in coordination with the CNP and DIVRI to strengthen and expand these programs in accordance with the Project activities, beneficiaries needs and interest, and deliverables in Section A of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Question 7:

Can we include officers who already have a job in the career development and education programs (ex. those who work in private security companies who need to receive a course and certificate to annually maintain their jobs) as beneficiaries?

INL Response:

Yes, please see previous answer to (Q4).

Question 8:

What is the ideal number for direct and indirect project beneficiaries?

INL Response:

Minimum 100 new beneficiaries in university programs. Minimum 50 beneficiaries already in course and minimum 50 beneficiaries in other courses (security, technical, online, among others). Minimum 50 beneficiaries developing sustainable ventures.

Question 9:

What is the minimum number of beneficiaries required?

INL Response:

At the end of the implementation period, program hopes a minimum of 300 beneficiaries, taking in mind all activities proposed into the NOFO.

Question 10:

Although the project should be implemented in all regions of Colombia, are there any prioritized regions?

INL Response:

Per Section A, Participants and Audiences, of the Notice of Funding Opportunity:

Applicants should identify target audiences, specific demographics, and the region(s) in which the project will be implemented. It is particularly important to specify the approximate number of beneficiaries to be directly and indirectly impacted by project activities. Target population must be determined in coordination with CNP and DIVRI and should include Colombian National Police, Army and Navy personnel wounded during counter-narcotics (CN) operations.

Question 11:

Organizations based in Colombia can lead the project without any partners?

INL Response:

Partners and subrecipients are not required for an organization to carry out the project.

However, according to NOFO, “Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with stakeholders in order to successfully carry out the proposed program.”