Questions and Answers SES NOFO Number 72011221RFA00001.pdf

USAID AZERBAIJAN SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT ACTIVITY

NOFO NUMBER: 72011221RFA00001

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: We have reviewed the notice of funding opportunity for the Social Engagement Support Activity published today on grants.gov, and would like to note that the sub-section 5, Technical Application Format, only outlines the requirement for a) Cover Page, b) Table of Contents, c) Executive Summary (one page), and d) Key Personnel. Would you be able to clarify if applicants should be aware of any other requirements for the Technical Application, including the total page limitation and any annexes?

Answer 1: The corrected NOFO number: 72011221RFA00001 was posted at grants.gov with corrections highlighted in yellow.

Question 2. Page 5 of the NOFO, under Section A: Program Description, states that “Select documents prepared by ECSOFT can be shared upon request”. We would like to kindly request copies of the ECSOFT documents, as available.

Answer 2. The documents are included in the Q&A folder.

Question 3. Page 5 of the NOFO, under Section A: Program Description, also states that “A list of those and other documents the Mission has found useful in designing this Project Description, including an evaluation of SEDA, is available in the annex.” However, both the original and the corrected versions of the NOFO do not contain any annexes. Would USAID be able to provide copies of the referenced documents?

Answer 3. The document is included in the Q&A folder.

Question 4. Section D, Application and Submission Information, requests that applicants submit History of Performance as part of both the Technical Application (as listed under Section D.5) and the Business (Cost) Application (as listed under Section 6.h). Would USAID be able to clarify whether applicants are required to submit two sets of the same History of Performance? If not, please clarify which part of the application it should be included Under.

Answer 4. Past Performance Information must be submitted as an Annex to the Business (Cost) Application.

http://grants.gov/

Question 5. Does USAID see engaging the LGBTI community and ethnic minorities, in addition to youth, women, and persons with disabilities, as a strategic priority for this program?

Answer 5. There are no specific, targeted sub-groups for this program. However, USAID values opportunities to reinforce inclusion and diversity in its work. Applicants are welcome to consider a variety of groups with whom to engage to ensure the comprehensive and meaningful success of the stated goals and objectives.

Question 6. Could USAID please clarify to what extent they expect a successful applicant to engage with the Government of Azerbaijan at the regional or national level?

Answer 6. USAID expects a successful applicant to engage with the Government of Azerbaijan mostly at the regional level. That said, given the quite centralized government structure, this also implies significant engagement (where necessary) at the national level.

Question 7. Does USAID envision the use of subawards under this program, similar to the previous Socio-Economic Development Activity?

Answer 7. USAID welcomes partnerships of the successful applicant with local civil society organizations (CSOs), including potential sub-award arrangements. However, the current grant registration regulations and challenges meeting those requirements fully may require the Applicant to consider alternative engagement strategies in order to stay compliant with local laws. It is recommended that applicants assess the current operational environment for CSOs and grant registration regulations to inform their approach..

Question 8. Does USAID envision this program operating in all territory governed by Azerbaijan following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Answer 8. USAID would welcome the largest possible geographical coverage by the activity. Should opportunities become available to safely and securely operate in some or all of the returned territories, USAID would welcome it.

Question 9. Does USAID have any specific suggestions for how project resources should be allocated between the project objectives? What percentage of project resources does USAID envision being allocated to Objective 3?

Answer 9. USAID envisages 30% of the resources to be allocated for Objective 3.

Question 10. Does USAID require that an implementer is registered to work and currently operates an office in Azerbaijan? If so, would USAID support the likely successful applicant in obtaining legal registration? Would USAID consider supporting a program that is based outside of Azerbaijan?

Answer 10. The mission is open to differing approaches to the opening and maintaining of an office in Azerbaijan as long as the overall program can meet the proposed objectives, including adequate monitoring and oversight. The implementer should consult with local legal counsel on the appropriate requirements to establish a legal presence.

Question 11. Is all budget allocated for one proposal from the whole country?

Answer 11: USAID intends to award one (1) Cooperative Agreement pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity.

Question 12. Can we apply for the project as a local NGO or apply with our US partners?

Answer 12: Eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted.

Question 13. Could we include our Georgian partners in the proposal?

Answer 13: Please see Answer # 12.