Questions and Answers-INL24GR0052.pdf

Questions and Answers for Enhancing National Assets Recovery in Moldova

INL24GR0052-EAMOLDOVA-NAR-05012024

Date: May 31, 2024

Question 1:

Are proposals expected to achieve all of the objectives and actions set out in the Notice of Funding Opportunity or can proposals be directed to specific objectives and actions?

INL Response:

Proposals are expected to address all of the objectives outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. While the specific actions taken to achieve these objectives may vary, it is essential that each proposal comprehensively tackles every objective mentioned. Applicants are welcome to include additional objectives in their proposals; however, it is important to note that the call for grant was crafted based on the needs identified by the beneficiary and the experts collaborating with them. This ensures that the primary focus remains aligned with the expressed needs and priorities of those who will benefit from the project.

Question 2:

Is working with local municipalities and municipality enterprises on increasing their transparency, as well as strengthening their capacities in participatory planning and budgeting. Is this topic suitable for this specific call for projects?

INL Response:

Although the project might indirectly involve local authorities and municipal enterprises, it should not aim to strengthen their capacities in participatory planning and budgeting.

Question 3:

P.8 of the NOFO: "Furthermore, the project envisions the procurement of essential equipment and the provisioning of relevant software and IT solutions". Could you please clarify if there are specific equipment, software and IT solutions that the implementing partner must purchase, and the estimated budget for these items?

INL Response:

The current IT infrastructure needs to be evaluated to identify the gaps, limitations, and pain points. The beneficiary input should also be requested during the assessment. It is known at this point that CARA needs a centralized data warehouse to store and manage large volumes of data from various sources. They would also like to use more advanced analytical tools such as SQL, IBM i2 and Sayari.

To use the aforementioned solutions, they need appropriate hardware (computers and servers).

Question 4:

Could you please clarify if the required length of performance period is 24 months (as noted on p.9 of the NOFO) or "up to 24 months" (as noted on p.1 of the NOFO)?

Not to surpass 24 months

Question 5:

P.11-12 of the NOFO: For the Project Proposal Documents, can applicants submit in one document 1) the Proposal Narrative, 2) Change Map, 3) Project Risk Analysis and 4) Timeline, and then keep the Illustrative PIRS separate (as it is an Excel)?

INL Response:

Yes, that is permitted. Please submit all excel file formats individually and not in PDF format.

Question 6:

P.13 of the NOFO: Could you please clarify if applicant organizations need to be registered in Moldova at the time of proposal submission?

INL Response:

In SAM.gov, yes, all applicant’s must be registered, per NOFO requirements

Question 7:

P.13 of the NOFO "List of Key Personnel": In addition to listing Key Personnel, could this 3-page section include short biographies of other relevant staff and experts to be deployed for the proposed work?

INL Response:

Yes, it can. Any information that will allow us to get a better understanding of the applicant’s potential is welcomed.

Question 8:

Can additional counterparts (beyond CARA and the indirect beneficiaries listed on p.8 of the NOFO) be trained? (e.g., private sector entities)

INL Response:

Yes, it can, though CARA, National Anticorruption Center, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance and the General Prosecutor’s Office are the main beneficiaries.

Question 9:

Should sub-grantee information also be included in the Biographical Information of Applicant Organization and List of Key Personnel?

No, it shouldn’t.

Question 10:

Are UK-based, have any eligibility issues bidding as a prime or sub-contractor for this opportunity?

No, the applicant is not expected to be registered in Moldova at the time of application, but if selected they are supposed to be registered when the performance period starts.