Questions and Answers_ Education Resources &Students Engagement NOFO_Modified.pdf

Education Resources & Student Engagement (SCAKAB-23-GR-005-SCA-04282023)

Questions and Answer

Due Dates to Receive Questions was May 12, 2023

1) Questions: With reference to above mentioned NOFO, we would like to know if Pakistani organization is eligible to apply for this NOFO. if yes, is there any priority of geographical location or the organization may propose the area?

Answer: This funding opportunity is open to all non-profit organization including Pakistani based NGOs. Please refer to Section C of the NOFO for more details regarding the eligibility.

Our preference is that project activities support beneficiaries both within and outside of

Afghanistan. However, organization may propose specific geographic location, but it should include activities that support beneficiaries who are inside Afghanistan.

2) Question: It is noted in the NOFO that goal of the grant is to provide education resources inside Afghanistan and in third countries with large Afghan refugee population. Per grant requirements, does the intervention have to be implement in both Afghanistan and in a third country with Afghan refugees or can it be either inside Afghanistan or a third country?

Answer: The applicant may choose to implement project activities that may benefit audiences only inside Afghanistan. Project activities in support of Afghan refugee population in third country is recommended but not required.

3) Question: Our latest audited financials are for FY20. Are FY21 and FY22 audited financials required or will FY20 audited financials suffice?

Answer: At this time, applicants are not required/requested to submit financial audits along with their proposal, however, Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission to

Afghanistan may request for program and/ or financial audit before issuing an award. For more information, please check Section D of the NOFO.

4) Question: Also wondering if you allow for budget revisions. If so, are there limitations to reimbursements over two years versus three years?

Answer: The applicant should submit a final budget with exact period of performance for the award. Duration of the award is expected to be between 24 to 36 months, and we defer to the applicant to propose the exact timeframe. Please check section B of the NOFO, information under program performance period (page 5)

5) Question: I wondered about its requirements regarding the location of applicants as well as the locations where the grant will be executed. Is this funding open for applicants in the US, worldwide or somewhere?

Answer: The organization can be based in the U.S. or in Afghanistan or elsewhere, however, the project activities should support beneficiaries within Afghanistan and outside of Afghanistan. Organization may propose specific geographic location, but it should include activities that support beneficiaries inside Afghanistan. Project activities in support of Afghan refugee population in third country is recommended but not required.

6) Question: Is the implementer responsible for providing the laptops, tablets, and computer equipment to the participants?

Answer: We defer to the potential applicant to suggest project ideas and strategies that address best the program objectives outlined in this NOFO. Providing laptops, tablets and computer equipment for the participants is not required under this NOFO but if the

Applicant deemed this equipment necessary for the participants to succeeded, it is an allowable cost.

7) Question: Do you expect teaching and learning materials to be translated into local languages (Dari and Pashtu)?

Answer: Providing teaching and learning materials in local language is preferred but not required. The applicant’s proposal will be reviewed in the context of the project ideas and how best it addresses the program objectives.

8) Question: Can you clarify if the duration of programming the funding provided is intended to cover? The NOFO notes 24-36 months or less.

Answer: Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan anticipate supporting project activities with minimum of 24 months and maximum of 36 months.

9) Question: Could you complete this sentence on page 2 of the NOFO: “Increase the professional skills of young Afghans in various fields through training that opens new opportunities for them or improves their ability to do their…”

Answer: Increase the professional skills of young Afghans in various fields through training that opens new opportunities for them or improves their ability to do their higher education through bridge program activities, certification, attestation of their education credential that allow Afghanistan to sustain the pipeline of college-ready students particularly women and girls.