Questions and Answers-INL24GR0058-ROL-Uzbekistan-CiminalJustice-05152024.pdf

Questions and Answers for INL24GR0058-ROL-Uzbekistan-CiminalJustice-05152024

Date: 6/20/2024

Question 1:

Reviewing the NOFO, we understand that organizations may not submit more than one proposal for this opportunity, but that they may submit a singular proposal for a program that includes the activities from all three of the projects listed in the NOFO. Kindly confirm.

INL Response:

This is correct.

Question 2:

Following this same approach, may organizations submit a singular budget to accompany the one proposal, with separate budget tabs for each project or do you prefer one budget tab with line items differentiated by each of the three projects?

INL Response:

In case if an organization decides to submit one project proposal including all three projects, then receiving a singular budget with separate budget tabs for each project would be preferable.

Question 3:

We note that each of the three projects have several accompanying activities, along with their own objectives. Considering the timeline and budget, are all activities for each of the projects mandatory, or are they suggested activities from which organizations may choose to propose?

INL Response:

These are suggested activities. An organization can add other activities, as required, not listed in the NOFO, and subject to funds availability, in order to support achievement of the desired result of the project.

Question 4:

Our organization noted the project start date of November 1, 2024, and the timeline of 18-24 months, but would like clarity if all three projects must start and end at the same time, or may each project run 18-24 months and follow a staggered start/end date, so long as the first project begins by the start date listed?

INL Response:

The project start date specified in the NOFO is the best estimated start time.

However, due to uncertain time required for revision of proposals the start date may be different for each of the three projects and be the subject for change. In case if an organization submits one proposal comprising all three projects, the project cannot have separate start and end dates for its three components.

Applying organization should specify in the project proposal the timeline (between 18-24 months) within which the organization plans to complete the project/s.

Question 5:

The financial statement is not a substitute for a single audit report. The Single audit report is an additional requirement for domestic and foreign organizations that spend $750,000 or more in federal funds in the fiscal year. According to this clause, our organisation has spent zero federal funds for this and last fiscal year as majority of our projects funded in euros or sterling pounds. With this in mind, does it mean our organisation can be an exempt of organisational audit?

INL Response:

The additional audit requirement pertains to the audit conducted after the project has been launched and federal funds ($750,000 or more) have been expended to achieve the grant's objectives.

Question 6:

Our organization is not registered in Uzbekistan or Central Asia. However, we are submitting this bid in partnership with an organization based in Uzbekistan. In this context, could our organization be subject to any policy breaches, or would this situation impose any limitations on our application?

On your point about our local organization, unfortunately we still have to sign an agreement with them, so we are not at liberty to disclose who they are. Once we do so, can we still ask questions about managing the partnership with a local organization even if outside the agreed schedule?

INL Response:

Please provide as much information as possible on your partner’s organization based in Uzbekistan, per requested in the NOFO requirements; this will be evaluated during the merit review, if your application is recommended for one.

Question 7:

There is no mention of Parliament in the NOFO even though certain areas of work seem to correlate directly with Parliament's mandate. Is that on purpose or are we at liberty to suggest engaging with parliament or certain committees through some of the activities?

INL Response:

Yes, adding the Parliament as participant, audiences, or beneficiary, is possible as long as it meets the host government needs and goal/s of the project.

Question 8:

If the applying organization can provide justification for an increased Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, will the donor consider adjusting the ceiling?

INL Response:

If the applying organization can demonstrate the need for a higher indirect cost rate due to specific circumstances such as the nature of the project, its complexity, or other valid reasons, and provides a clear justification, the donor may be willing to consider adjusting the ceiling on indirect costs.