Questions & Answers - Strengthening Transit Security and Economic Protection in Mozambique.docx

Questions and Responses Strengthening Transit Security and Economic Protection in Mozambique (DFOP0018106)

1. Does the USG have an indication how many personnel are within each PRM unit and whether there is a standard foundation for training already in place that can be synchronized with this initiative?

There are several hundred PRM units in Cabo Delgado and the surrounding areas. This initiative will specifically target the PRM units stationed closest to the N1 and N380 highways leading into Cabo Delgado and the LNG projects. A comprehensive assessment of the exact number of personnel within each targeted unit and any existing training foundations will be completed following the award approval and selection of the implementer.

1. Has the scope of the NOFO been briefed and communicated to relevant authorities within the government of Mozambique?

The U.S. Government maintains ongoing coordination with the Government of Mozambique on strengthening law enforcement training and collaboration in Cabo Delgado. Detailed discussions regarding the specific scope and implementation approach of this initiative will take place following the award selection.

1. What is the distance "cut-off" regarding the N1, which stretches the length of the country from Maputo to Pemba? Is the focus area only the portions of the N1 inside Cabo Delgado province where it links to the N380?

Yes, the focus area is specifically the portions of the N1 highway leading into Cabo Delgado province where it links to the N380. The selected implementer will conduct a detailed geographic and operational assessment following award selection to determine the precise boundaries and priority areas for training in coordination with relevant authorities.

1. Page 8, section D.3 outlines required items to be included in proposal submissions limited to 12 pages. Could you please confirm that the logic model and the preliminary performance monitoring plan are excluded from the page limit and are to be provided as attachments?

Yes, the logic model and preliminary performance monitoring plan are not included in the 12-page limit and should be provided as attachments.

1. Could you please confirm that any text provided in tables or graphics can be in 10-point font?

Yes, text provided in tables or graphics can be in 10-point font, provided it remains legible and professional. The 12-point font requirement applies to the main body text of the proposal.

1. What level of formal Government of Mozambique engagement or endorsement does CT consider appropriate at the proposal stage, given the sensitive nature of counterterrorism programming and the importance of national ownership?

CT strongly does not recommend engagement with Government of Mozambique during the proposal stage. Given the sensitive nature of counterterrorism programming, formal engagement and coordination will be conducted following the award selection.

1. How does CT expect successful applicants to align with any previous and existing U.S. Government–supported security, stabilization, and economic initiatives in northern Mozambique to ensure complementarity?

Applicants should address in their proposals how they would align this program with ongoing U.S. Government-supported security, stabilization, and economic initiatives in northern Mozambique. The selected implementer will then be expected to coordinate closely with relevant U.S. Government agencies and stakeholders during the assessment and program design phase to identify opportunities for complementary work, avoid duplication of efforts, and leverage existing relationships and infrastructure.

1. Does CT envision support under this NOFO as primarily capacity‑building and mentoring for PRM units, or is there scope for strengthening operational coordination platforms and referral mechanisms along the N1 and N380 corridors?

This program is designed to strengthen security along the critical N1 and N380 transit corridors leading to the LNG projects in Cabo Delgado. CT welcomes proposals that address this objective through various approaches while meeting the main requirements outlined in the NOFO. Applicants should propose the most effective strategies and methodologies to accomplish this goal based on their expertise and assessment of needs.

1. Could CT clarify the categories of non‑lethal equipment considered appropriate under this NOFO and whether there are specific limitations applicants should be aware of when designing budgets?

CT encourages applicants to consider equipment that they determine necessary to support the objectives of the program. Non-lethal equipment under this NOFO could include communications devices, vehicles, protective gear, and other mission-essential tools to enhance the ability of PRM units to secure transit routes critical to the energy sector in the Cabo Delgado region. A needs assessment will be conducted following implementer selection to determine the most critical equipment needs.

1. To what extent does CT encourage engagement with private sector actors—such as transport operators, logistics stakeholders or U.S. commercial actors —as part of a broader approach to protecting transit routes and economic activity, while remaining within CT programming parameters?

Some engagement with private sector actors may be necessary to support this program's objective of strengthening security along the transit corridors. The full extent and nature of that coordination, however, will need to be determined during the program assessment phase. Any private sector engagement must remain within CT programming parameters and support the core security objectives outlined in the NOFO.