RFA 306-09-545 CBSG.pdf

SECTION I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Background

2. Introduction

3. Strategic Linkages

4. USAID/Afghanistan’s Program Approach

5. Illustrative activities

6. Program design

7. Coordination with Counterparts

8. Gender/Vulnerable Populations

9. Other Considerations

10. Geographic Focus

11. Program Management

12. Reporting

13. Substantial Involvement

14. Third Party Monitoring and Evaluation

15. Level of Funding

16. Minimum Qualifications

B. AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION

C. PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT

D. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

E. APPLICABILITY OF 22 CFR PART 226 (MAY 2005)

SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

A. ESTIMATE OF FUNDS AVAILABLE

B. NUMBER OF AWARDS CONTEMPLATED

C. START DATE AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

D. TYPE OF AWARD

SECTION III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. APPLICANTS

B. COST SHARE

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. POINT OF CONTACT

B. REQUIRED FORMS

C. PRE-AWARD CERTIFICATIONS, ASSURANCES AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF THE RECIPIENT

D. APPLICATION PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

E. TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMAT

F. COST/BUSINESS APPLICATION FORMAT

SECTION V – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. EVALUATION CRITERIA

B. BRANDING STRATEGY AND MARKING PLAN

C. AWARD

SECTION VI – AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

B. ACTIVITY WORKPLAN AND REPORTING

1. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System

2. Reporting

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SECTION VII – AGENCY CONTACTS

SECTION VIII – OTHER

A. SPECIAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS, FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS ONLY

B. BRANDING STRATEGY - ASSISTANCE (DECEMBER 2005)

C. MARKING PLAN – ASSISTANCE (DECEMBER 2005)

D. MARKING UNDER USAID-FUNDED ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS (DECEMBER 2005)

E. ATTACHMENTS AND ANNEXES

• Certifications, Assurances, and Other Statements of the Recipient (May 2006)

• FORMS

• Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants

CERTIFICATIONS, ASSURANCES, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF THE RECIPIENT (MAY 2006)...39

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SECTION I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Community Based Stability Grants

A. Program Description

1. Background

Community Based Stability Grants (CBSGs) were first introduced under the USAID/Afghanistan’s Local Governance and Community Development (LGCD) program. The program proved to be the most successful mechanism of using community development principles in the most insecure, underserved and remote communities. This mechanism provided the opportunity for communities to undertake their own development. The program also provided greater linkages to local GIRoA offices and officials, where most of the technical guidance in implementing these grants was provided by local GIRoA counterparts and a greater partnership was formed between local GIRoA institutions and their constituents. Given the communities themselves identified and implemented their projects, community buy-in to the community development process at a minimum resulted in an in-kind community contribution and often actually resulted in community members pooling their own funds to actually contribute cash to the project. Bearing in mind the successes the CBSG program had under LGCD program and the increasing insecurity, USAID/Afghanistan decided to dedicate a program specifically implementing CBSGs in targeted provinces.

2. Introduction

CBSG is a mechanism to issue grants to community-based organizations (CBOs) that currently are not considered eligible for USAID/Afghanistan traditional grants programs. Before this, USAID/Afghanistan and its prime partners have required that all grantees (in all cases, non-governmental organizations) be either U.S. or Non-U.S. organizations registered with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IRoA), Ministry of the Economy. The CBSG mechanism permits USAID/Afghanistan and its prime partner to consider community-based groups which are not registered with the Ministry of the Economy—such as Community Development Councils (CDCs), District Development Assemblies (DDAs), Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) formed associations, farmer associations, women’s shuras, youth groups, etc.—as being eligible for grant award. While often the use of an intermediary NGO grantee facilitates the delivery of program description specified outputs, from time-to-time, there are situations in which a direct, rapid response program delivery link between USAID/Afghanistan’s prime partner and a CBO is the most efficient method for achieving project objectives. CBSGs are limited in size (up to $25,000 with a phased implementation approach), using the Fixed Obligation Grants (FOG) format with its requirement for clearly defined accomplishments (outputs or milestones), and require that there be a clearly established, viable link between the CBO grantee and an identified local GIRoA entity. While there will not be a set time limit on the duration of CBSGs, they are envisioned as being of three month or less duration, with many fully executed in 30 days or less.

While two years ago, the north, west and central regions were considered stable, this is not the case anymore. As increased security forces, both Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF/U.S., increase their presence in the south and east, the noose is tightening around the

- 4 -insurgency. This has resulted in increased security incidents in the west, north and central regions as insurgents move to areas that are easier to operate. Areas of that were once considered green have now turned orange and red. With the continued push in the south and east, it is anticipated that the north, west, and central regions will also see increases in insurgent activity as insurgents move into these areas to show their strength, to regroup and to be in areas that are easier to operate. As the last few years have taught us, if left unaddressed, then fissures of instability quickly spread and intensify. This program will target these unstable communities.

3. Strategic Linkages

The primary objective of the CBSG program is to “hold” communities after military operations and to insulate unstable communities from further insurgent intrusion.

Under the Foreign Assistance Framework, this program supports the following objectives:

Functional Objective 1: Peace and Security Program Area 1.6: Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation Program Element 1.6.2: Peace and Reconciliation Processes

The added benefit of this program results from added social and economic value from activities accomplished (improved infrastructure, improved community assets, improved link to GIRoA, etc).

4. USAID/Afghanistan’s Program Approach

Under a Cooperative Agreement, one implementing partners with up to four sub-partners would take on responsibilities for managing sub-awards to community-based organizations in the provinces covered by the geographic focus of this activity.

Through this implementing partner, USAID/Afghanistan will use available resources to apply community development and mobilization principles and peaceful community discussion to enable COIN-focused, unstable communities to directly implement small-scale community level projects. On a secondary level, CBSGs will also: 1) support military (PRT, U.S., and ISAF) efforts in communities by helping to “hold” areas after they are cleared; 2) support the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) National Solidarity Program (NSP) and National Area Based Development Program (NABDP) activities by linking GIRoA to communities; 3) provide timely support to stability initiatives improving security in the fissures of instability; and 4) ensure rapid response to felt community development needs.

While registration with the Ministry of the Economy will not be an eligibility criterion, to be considered an eligible grant recipient, a Community Based Organization (CBO) must have (i) an unambiguous public “group” identity and (ii) be represented by leadership that has the full support of the community. These CBOs may include, but is not be limited to:

• Community Development Councils

• UN-formed Community Based Groups

• Social associations comprised of parents, teachers, students, etc.

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• Youth groups

• Farmer associations

• PRT-formed associations

• Returnee groups

• Internally displaced people

The following groups are not eligible for CBSGs:

• Any GIRoA office or staff

• Local NGOs or International NGOs

• For Profit Companies (construction companies, internet cafes, etc.)

The implementing partner will be required to work on a province-by-province basis and be able to cover the entire geographic area of this program. The implementing partner will also be required to closely collaborate with USAID/Afghanistan’s Field Program Officers (American) and Deputy Field Program Officers (Afghan) based at the PRTs for identifying targeted districts and communities that will benefit from CBSGs and for identifying projects and bringing the grants to implementation. USAID FPOs and DFPOs will serve as the Activity Managers for this program will be coordinating location and project selection closely with military units operating in the area. All CBSGs will be approved by the respective USAID FPO.

CBSGs will be issued as Fixed Obligation Grants (FOG), in accordance with the guidance found in ADS 303.3.24: Simplified Grants (SiGs) and Fixed Obligation Grants (FOGs). Payment will be on a reimbursement basis, and normally there will only be two payments made. Payments will be predicated on the achievement of application specified outputs or milestones as outlined in the signed grant agreement. Because most CBOs have severe liquidity problems, normally the first payment will be made upon production of a low cost but high management value work plan containing such items as a finalized bill of quantities for materials, equipment and services; bar chart of activities/tasks with milestones; and a table of responsibility assignments. The second and final payment will be tied to the successful completion of the subproject as defined in the CBO’s application.

5. Illustrative activities

Following is an illustrative list of community-based subprojects that could be funded with CBSGs:

A) Small Infrastructure Construction (not vertical structures, big bridges or paved roads) – Culverts; erosion control; irrigation; potable water, pumps and aprons;

and repair/maintenance of schools, clinics, public meeting halls.

B) Procurement and/or Repair – Furniture, equipment and/or material for schools, clinics, meeting halls, etc; disability equipment production, repair, and maintenance; public infrastructure; and emergency response.

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6. Program design

The implementing partner will, in close consultation with the USAID/Afghanistan’s Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Office, and collaboration with the GIRoA and other partners design appropriate management structure to implement the CBSG program in the target provinces identified in this program description. The implementing partner will be expected to plan, fully manage, and be responsible for the following activities:

A) Create community/beneficiary selection criteria in collaboration with USAID/PRT Office and its representatives based in different PRTs (FPOs/DFPOs). The criteria should include, but not limited to, 1) selecting districts and communities that have strategic importance in terms of COIN; 2) complement Commander Emergency Response Program (CERP); 3) Ensure modest but rapid response to felt community development needs; 4) support the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) National Solidarity Program (NSP) and National Area Based Development Program (NABDP) activities; 5) provide timely support to stability initiatives; and 6) support PRT efforts in strategic and in need communities.

B) Create an appropriate community engagement criteria and mechanism that will include methods for assessing the needs of the communities, analyzing the feasibility of projects, and making sure the full buy-in and involvement of the communities and local GIRoA offices/officials.

C) Establish a practical and decentralized management structure to develop activities in collaboration and sometimes together with USAID/Afghanistan field staff based in the PRTs.

D) Identification and procurement and distribution of necessary supplies and inputs to ensure the project adds social/economic value. Provision of tools, protective gear, materials will be expected;

E) Mobilization, supervision, monitoring, end-use checking and evaluation of impact are essential responsibilities of implementing partner project staff.

In summary, the implementing partner will be expected to provide full management and administration services to implement the program including but not limited to targeting and establishing criteria for selection of beneficiary communities, developing agreements with appropriate GIRoA entities and communities, identification and selection of local partners (if deemed necessary by the main implementing partner), establishing reliable and safe systems for huge cash flow in many small transactions, recruitment of project staff, monitoring and evaluation systems, and last but the most important one, working closely with USAID/Afghanistan staff at the field level.

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7. Coordination with Counterparts

The most important counterparts for the implementing partner will be USAID/Afghanistan field representatives in the PRTs. All the CBSGs in a particular province should be targeted, developed and approved by the USAID’s Field Program Officer (FPO) or Deputy Field Program Officer (DFPO). The FPOs/DFPOs will have the responsibility of aligning the CBSGs with the strategic objectives of the different PRTs in different provinces and the bilateral relationships with local communities and local GIRoA offices. Additionally, the GIRoA ministry considered to be the main counterpart in this program is Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD). Most of these CBSGs will be issued to Community Development Councils (CDCs) and District Development Assemblies (DDAs), which are MRRD-established CBOs. Generally, MRRD showed a lot of interest in using CDCs and DDAs for implementing community development projects that are implemented by other actors. Therefore, this program will make the efforts to sustain those CBOs established by different MRRD national programs, such as National Solidarity Program (NSP), National Area-Based Development Program (NABDP), etc.

8. Gender/Vulnerable Populations

During the interaction with the CDCs or other CBOs, female CDCs/CBOs will be consulted separately, and where women’s CDCs/CBOs do not exist, female members of the main CDC will be asked to identify gender-sensitive and equitably appropriate activities for women beneficiaries. Full credit and decision making authority in the project design, planning and implementation for all projects that are targeted to women and implemented by women will be given to women themselves so they contribute equally in their communities’ development efforts. Additionally, the implementers will be required to ensure the collection of gender disaggregated data to assess the programmatic impact of the program and the overall participation of women. The implementer will be required to consider Nation Action Plan for Women of Afghanistan (NAPWA) as a guiding document for responding to gender issues.

To the extent possible an effort will be made to include vulnerable populations which includes but is not limited to the persons with disabilities.

9. Other Considerations

The implementing partner should be capable of scaling up this program, with requisite increase in management support, should additional funding be available from USAID and additional areas are assigned. Implementing partners must be willing to work in coordination with military led Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and the USAID/Afghanistan staff embedded in those PRTs.

It is also expected that the implementing partner will work in close collaboration with GIRoA officials, both at local and central levels. To the extent possible activities should be community directed, establishing priority needs identified by communities.

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10. Geographic Focus

The targeted geographic locations that must be covered by the prime implementer include:

A) North: Faryab, Jawzjan, Balkh, Kunduz, Takhar, Baghlan, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul, and Badakshan provinces.

B) West: Herat and Ghor provinces.

C) Central: Bamyan, Panjshir, and Kabul provinces.

The districts and communities will be identified by USAID/Afghanistan’s FPOs and DFPOs in the aforementioned provinces. The implementing partners in coordination with the AOTR needs to allocate the funding on province by province basis and track all the expenses, both program and admin, by province as well. Performance Measures will also need to be tracked by province.

11. Program Management

The Administrative Agreement Officer will officially designate one Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (AOTR) to manage this activity. The AOTR will nominate activity managers who will be based in the provinces on Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) to work with the implementing partner to identify and manage the activities on a province by province basis. The offerers must be willing to and need to submit a decentralized management structure that will be appropriate for managing the program at the provincial level in collaboration with USAID/Afghanistan’s FPOs and DFPOs.

12. Reporting

Reports shall include:

Monthly performance report by province and district:

a) progress towards stability objectives

b) status of activities

c) summary of target beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and when possible vulnerable populations

d) numbers of man days of work

e) amount of wages paid out

f) purchase and distribution of equipment/materials/supplies

g) Success Stories

h) financial information

i) Status of PMP Indicators

Note: All information will be disaggregated by sex. Implementers will undertake sound gender analysis to determine gender equitable strategies that can ensure women’s participation and

- 9 -benefit, and an ambitious but realistic target for women beneficiaries will be set upfront.

Appropriate indicators will measure the effectiveness of the gender equity strategies.

Periodic Impact Monitoring Reports and Data - To determine if objectives were achieved including a discussion of the selection of participants. Also, data on project status and indicators as needed by USAID/Afghanistan for reporting purposes. These reports and data will be requested by the AOTR as needed by USAID.

Final Report - To be submitted to USAID/Afghanistan within 90 days of the completion of the project, the Final Report will include:

a) Assessment of the project’s achievement of results

b) Data collected on project beneficiaries

c) An assessment and analysis of project indicators and an evaluation of the data

d) An assessment and analysis of the efficiency, effectiveness, viability and replicability of the activity and delivery mechanism

e) Lessons learned and recommendations for future programs/activities

13. Substantial Involvement

USAID/Afghanistan’s substantial involvement in CBSG Program will include, but not limited to, the following:

Prior approval by the AOTR for work plans, monitoring and evaluation/performance monitoring plans and marking and branding plans.

Prior approval by the AOTR for community/beneficiary selection and community engagement criteria.

Prior approval and any changes of Key Personnel.

AOTR Activity Manager approval of all CBSGs.

14. Third Party Monitoring and Evaluation

USAID/Afghanistan will have a separate contract with a monitoring and evaluation firm to ensure third party monitoring and evaluation of the program. This activity will be a separate contract managed directly by USAID to monitor the cash flow and results achieved under the CBSG program. The Third Party Monitoring and Evaluation will focus not only on technical aspects but also financial.

15. Level of Funding

USAID/Afghanistan envisions a total estimated cost for this award to be up to $43 million for the management and implementation of the CBSG program, with an estimated period of two years.

The period may be extended as deemed appropriate pending availability of funds, success of the program and need.

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16. Minimum Qualifications

The implementing partner, at a minimum, should be present in and thoroughly familiar with humanitarian and operating conditions in Afghanistan (specifically in the area of operations identified in the Geographic Focus section); be thoroughly familiar with all government, UN, and non-government actors in the operating environment; have prior experience implementing community development and mobilization programs (an institutional methodology) or can secure staff with prior experience in community development programs in Afghanistan; be able to operate rapidly and effectively, develop and oversee community/beneficiary selection and community engagement criteria, and monitor funded programs in the affected areas; have effective program management, monitoring, and accounting systems in place; and be in compliance with existing USAID and U.S. government laws, regulations, and policies governing foreign assistance. Special consideration will be given to offeror who maximize the participation of qualified local partners and personnel.

B. Authorizing Legislation

This award is authorized in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

C. Program Eligibility Requirement

To be eligible for assistance under the Private Voluntary Organization grant program and other programs listed in 22 CFR 203.1, both U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations and International Private Voluntary Organizations must be registered with USAID, as required by 22 CFR 203.

The registration requirement does not apply to local Private Voluntary Organizations. The organization must also be registered with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

D. Award Administration

22 CFR 226, OMB Circulars, and the Standard Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental Recipients will be applicable. For non-U.S. organizations, the Standard Provisions for Non-U.S., Nongovernmental Recipients will apply. While 22 CFR 226 does not directly apply to non-U.S.

applicants, the Agreement Officer will use the standards of 22 CFR 226 in the administration of the award. These documents may be accessed through the world-wide-web at:

http://www.usaid.gov/business/regulations/

E. Applicability of 22 CFR Part 226 (May 2005)

• The provisions of 22 CFR Part 226 and the Standard Provisions that will be attached to the agreement upon award are applicable to the recipient and to sub-recipients which meet the definition of "Recipient" in Part 226, unless a section specifically excludes a sub-recipient from coverage. The recipient shall assure that sub-recipients have copies of all the attached standard provisions.

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• For any awards or sub-awards made to Non-US organizations, the "Standard Provisions for Non-US Nongovernmental Grantees" shall apply. All recipients are required to ensure compliance with monitoring procedures in accordance with OMB Circular A-133.

[END OF SECTION I]

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SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

A. Estimate of Funds Available

Subject to the availability of funds, USAID intends to provide approximately $43,000,000.00 in total USAID funding for the life of the activity.

B. Number of Awards Contemplated

USAID intends to award one (1) cooperative agreement pursuant to this RFA. USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.

C. Start Date and Period of Performance

The period of performance of the resultant agreement anticipated herein is two years. The estimated start date is on or about November 05, 2009.

D. Type of Award

USAID plans to award an assistance instrument known as a Cooperative Agreement (CA). A Cooperative Agreement implies a level of “substantial involvement” by USAID through the Agreement Officer Technical Officer (AOTR). The intended purpose of the AOTR involvement during the award is to assist the recipient in achieving the supported objectives of the agreement.

[END OF SECTION II]

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SECTION III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. APPLICANTS

This is a full and open competition and all interested and qualified U.S Non-Governmental Organizations and Non-U.S Non-Governmental Organizations are encouraged to apply.

B. COST SHARE

Cost sharing is an important element of the USAID-recipient relationship. In addition to USAID funds, the applicant is encouraged to contribute resources from own, private or local sources for the implementation of this program. Contributions can be either cash or in kind and can include contributions from the NGO, local counterpart organizations, project clients, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA), or other donors (not other USG funding sources).

This may be from program generated funds such as client savings, interest and fees in accordance with USAID standard provisions on cost sharing.

[END OF SECTION III]

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SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. POINT OF CONTACT

The point of contact for this RFA is:

Mohammad Edris Acquisition and Assistance Specialist Office of Acquisition and Assistance USAID/Afghanistan U.S. Embassy (CAFÉ) Compound Great Massoud Road Kabul, Afganistán

Phone: 0093-700234234-36 Ex: 4843 VOIP: (202) 216-6288 Ex: 4843 Cell: 0093-700230904 Email: MEdris@usaid.gov

Any questions concerning this RFA must be submitted in writing to Mohammad Edris at MEdris@usaid.gov, with a cc to G. Michael Junge, Agreement Officer at GJunge@usaid.gov, no later than Sunday September 13, 2009.

B. REQUIRED FORMS

All Applicants must submit the application using the SF-424 series, which includes the:

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-construction Programs, and

• SF-424B, Assurances Non-construction Programs

Copies of these forms are attached to this RFA

C. PRE-AWARD CERTIFICATIONS, ASSURANCES AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

THE RECIPIENT

In addition to the certifications that are included in the SF 424, both U.S. and non-U.S.

organizations (except as specified below) must provide the following certifications, assurances and other statements. Complete copies of these Certifications, Assurances, and Other Statements may be found as an attachment to this RFA.

• For U.S. organizations, a signed copy of the mandatory reference, Assurance of Compliance with Laws and Regulations Governing Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs.

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• A signed copy of the certification and disclosure forms for “Restrictions on Lobbying” (see 22 CFR 227);

• A signed copy of the “Prohibition on Assistance to Drug Traffickers” for covered assistance in covered countries;

• A signed copy of the Certification Regarding Terrorist Funding required by the Internal

Mandatory Reference AAPD 04-14;

• A signed copy of “Key Individual Certification Narcotics Offenses and Drug Trafficking”

• Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants; and

• All applicants must provide a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number.

D. APPLICATION PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

USAID will accept applications from the qualified entities listed in Section III A of this RFA.

Applications may be submitted by institutions individually or in group. In the case of a group, the application must include only one prime applicant, which shall enter into sub-agreements or contracts with partnering institutions. In this case, the Prime Applicant(s) will be responsible for establishing and maintaining sub-agreement and/or contracting relationships with proposed partners. For the purposes of this RFA, the term “applicant” is used to refer to the prime and any proposed partners.

All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed for responsiveness to the specifications outlined in these guidelines and the application format. Section V addresses the technical evaluation procedures for the applications. Applications which are incomplete are not directly responsive to the terms, conditions; specifications and provisions of this RFA may be categorized as non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration.

Applications shall be submitted in two separate volumes: (a) technical and (b) cost or business application. All applicants shall submit electronic applications to Mohammad Edris at MEdris@usaid.gov with a cc to GJunge@usaid.gov. The solicitation number must be quoted in the subject line.

The application should be prepared according to the structural format set forth below.

Applications must be submitted no later than the date and time indicated on the cover page of this RFA. Applications shall be prepared in English. Applications in any other language shall be treated as non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration.

Applicants should retain for their records one copy of the application and all enclosures which accompany their application. Erasures or other changes must be initialed by the person signing the application. To facilitate the competitive review of the applications, USAID will consider only applications conforming to the format prescribed below.

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Applications that are submitted late, incomplete or are considered to be non-responsive to this RFA may be eliminated from further consideration.

E. TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMAT

The Technical Application shall contain the following sections: (1) a Cover Page; (1) an Application Executive Summary; (3) a Program Narrative; (4) an Implementation Plan; (5) Institutional Capability and Past Performance; and (6) the Annex (Resumes & Letters of Commitment). Page limitations are specified below for each section; applications must be on letter paper (8-1/2 by 11 inch), single spaced, 12 pitch type or larger, and have at least one inch margins on the top, bottom and both sides.

Applicants who include data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the U.S. Government except for evaluation purposes, should:

(a) Mark the title page with the following legend:

"This application includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the U.S. Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed - in whole or in part - for any purpose other than to evaluate this application. If, however, a grant is awarded to this applicant as a result of - or in connection with - the submission of this data, the U.S. Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting grant. This restriction does not limit the U.S. Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets _______;

and

(b) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

"Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this application."

1. Cover Page: A single page with the names of the organizations/institutions involved in the proposed application. In the case of a group, please indicate the lead or primary applicant clearly; followed by any proposed sub-grantees and/or contractors (hereafter referred to as “subs”), including a brief narrative describing the unique capacities/skills being brought to the program by each institutions. In addition, the Cover Page should include information about a contact person for the prime applicant, including this individual’s name (both typed and his/her signature), title or position with the organization/institution, address, e-mail address and telephone and fax numbers. Also state whether the contact person is the person with authority to contract for the applicant, and if not, that person should also be listed.

2. Application Executive Summary: A two page brief description of proposed activities, goals, and anticipated results (both quantitative and qualitative). Briefly describe technical and managerial resources of your organization. Describe how the overall program will be managed. State the bottom line funding request from USAID and the

- 17 -bottom line funding secured from other sources (state sources and amounts) for the proposed program.

3. Program Narrative: In twenty (25) pages or less, please describe your proposed strategy and approach and the experience and personnel capabilities of the Applicant, excluding bio-data and other attachments. The narrative should provide a clear description of what the Applicant proposes to do and application's structure should reflect the evaluation criteria listed in Section V. The following sections should be included:

a. Methodology and Plan

b. Management Capacity

c. Knowledge or Host Country Conditions; and,

d. Past Performance:

Include a description of all contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements which the applicant has implemented involving similar or related programs over the past four years with USAID or with other organizations (both commercial, governmental, and NGO). Include the following:

• Name and address of organization for which the work was performed;

• Current telephone number of responsible representative of the organization for which the work was performed;

• Agreement (or grant/contract) name and number (if any), annual amount received for each of the last four years, and beginning and ending dates;

and

• Brief description of the project/assistance activity and a summary of results achieved.

4. Annex:

a. Resumes and Letters of Commitment:

Applicants are to include in the Annex the resumes and letters of commitment for each individual who will work at least 75% of his/her time on the program. The resumes must be no more than two pages each, and the letters of commitment must not exceed a single page each.

F. COST/BUSINESS APPLICATION FORMAT

The Cost or Business Application is to be submitted under separate cover from the technical application. Certain documents are required to be submitted by an applicant in order for a Grant Officer to make a determination of responsibility. However, it is USAID policy not to burden applicants with undue reporting requirements if that information is readily available through other sources.

The following sections describe the documentation that applicants for Assistance award must submit to USAID prior to award. While there is no page limit for this portion, applicants are encouraged to be as concise as possible, but still provide the necessary details. One CD (excel

- 18 -version of the cost application) with the same contents as the Cost/Business Application hardcopy must also be included within the Original Application.

1. The Cost/Business application must be completely separate from the applicant's technical application. The application must be submitted using SF-424 and SF-424A “Application for Federal Assistance.”

2. The cost application should be for a period of up to 24 months using the budget format shown in the SF-424A. If there are any training costs to be charged to this Agreement, they must be clearly identified.

3. The budget to be presented under Cost/Business Application should relate to results while also showing the inputs (see item 10, below) for each result as well as overall. A matrix format will probably be most suitable.

4. Applicants should assume notification of an award approximately sixty (60) days after the date established as a deadline for receipt of applications.

5. In the case of a group application, the Cost/Business application must include a copy of the legal relationship between the prime applicant and its partners. The application document should include a full discussion of the relationship between the applicant and its partners, including identification of the applicant with which USAID will treat for purposes of Agreement administration, identity of the applicant which will have accounting responsibility, how Agreement effort will be allocated and the express Agreement of the principals thereto to be held jointly and severally liable for the acts or omissions of the other.

6. The required Certifications should be included with the cost proposal.

7. The proposed budget should provide cost estimates for the management of the program

(including program monitoring). Applicants should minimize their administrative and support costs for managing the project to maximize the funds available for project activities. Accordingly, those applications with minimal administrative costs may be deemed to offer a "greater value" than those with higher costs for program administration. Additionally, those applications with a greater proportion of cost share may be deemed to offer a “greater value.”

Include a chart containing the main activities of the program. List on the vertical axis the activities, and on the horizontal axis the following information: (a) name of implementers; and (b) time frame, noting estimated dates of completion; and (c) the respective cost. Note that this is a similar chart to the one requested under the Technical Application, but also including cost.

8. The cost/business portion of the application should describe headquarters and field procedures for financial reporting. Discuss the management information procedure you

- 19 -will employ to ensure accountability for the use of U.S. Government funds. Describe program budgeting, financial and related program reporting procedures.

9. To support the costs proposed, please provide detailed budget notes/narrative for all costs that explain how the costs were derived. The following section provides guidance on line items.

10. In addition to providing summary cost data in the SF424A format noted above, applicants are required to summarize cost data using development-focused budgeting (DFB) in cost applications submitted in response to this solicitation. DFB is a customer-based, performance-driven, results-oriented budget system underpinned by outcome management and tied to the approved Operational Plan Program Elements authorized for this activity. Outcome management is a management approach that focuses on the development results achieved by providing a service.

DFB involves summarizing cost data to corresponding development results/outcomes.

Cost data must be summarized in both the SF424A and DFB categories. If an input serves multiple development results, the applicant must allocate the input across the corresponding results and provide a rationale in the budget narrative for the method used for each allocated input.

Cost applications must also include all supporting input-based budgeting for both summary formats and comply with other instructions for cost applications (e.g., breakout of costs at the country versus headquarters level) contained elsewhere in this solicitation.

11. Budget Notes: an accompanying budget narrative by line item which provides in detail the total costs for implementation of the program and achieving results your organization is proposing per year. Please include the breakdown of all input costs according to each partner organization involved in the program and the breakdown of the financial and in-kind contributions of all organizations.

Salary and Wages - Direct salaries and wages should be proposed in accordance with the applicant's personnel policies.

Fringe Benefits - If the applicant has a fringe benefit rate that has been approved by an agency of the Government, such rate should be used and evidence of its approval should be provided. If a fringe benefit rate has not been so approved, the application should propose a rate and explain how the rate was determined. If the latter is used, the narrative should include a detailed breakdown comprised of all items of fringe benefits (e.g., unemployment insurance, workers compensation, health and life insurance, retirement, etc.) and the costs of each, expressed in dollars and as a percentage of salaries.

Travel and Transportation - The application should indicate the number of trips, domestic and international, and the estimated costs. Specify the origin and destination for each proposed trip, duration of travel, and number of individuals traveling. Per diem

- 20 -should be based on the applicant's normal travel policies (applicants may choose to refer to the Federal Standardized Travel Regulations for cost estimates).

Other Direct Costs - This includes communications, report preparation costs, passports and visas fees, medical exams and inoculations, insurance (other than insurance included in the applicant's fringe benefits), equipment (procurement plan for commodities), office rent abroad, etc. The narrative should provide a breakdown and support for all and each other direct costs.

Indirect Costs – The applicant should support the proposed indirect cost rate with a letter from a cognizant U.S. Government audit agency or with sufficient information for USAID to determine the reasonableness of the rates. (For example, a breakdown of labor bases and overhead pools, the method of determining the rate, etc.).

Local Institutions usually do not have a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) letter with the US Government. Therefore no indirect costs should be included in the cost/business application submitted by local NGOs. Local institutions submitting applications should treat all indirect costs as direct costs.

Seminars and Conferences - The applicant should indicate the subject, venue and duration of proposed conferences and seminars, and their relationship to the objectives of the program, along with estimates of costs.

Foreign Government Delegations to International Conferences: Funds in this agreement may not be used to finance the travel, per diem, hotel expenses, meals, conference fees or other conference costs for any member of a foreign government’s delegation to an international conference sponsored by a public international organization, except as provided in ADS Mandatory Reference “Guidance on Funding Foreign Government Delegations to International Conferences or as approved by the CTO [http://www.info.usaid.gov/pubs/ads/300/refindx3.htm].

Source and Origin Requirements - Goods and services provided by the Recipients under this USAID-financed award shall have their source and origin in the United States (935).

12. Please include information on the organization's financial status and management, including:

(a) Audited financial statements for the past three years,

(b) Organization chart, by-laws, constitution, and articles of incorporation, if applicable,

(c) If the applicant has made a certification to USAID that its personnel, procurement and travel policies are compliant with applicable OMB circular and other applicable USAID and Federal regulations, a copy of the certification should be included with the application. If the certification has not been made to USAID/Washington, the applicant should submit a copy of its personnel (especially regarding salary and wage scales, merit increases, promotions, leave, differentials, etc.), travel and

- 21 -procurement policies, and indicate whether personnel and travel policies and procedures have been reviewed and approved by any agency of the Federal Government. If so, provide the name, address, and phone number of the cognizant reviewing official.

(d) If applicable, approval of the organization’s accounting system by a U. S.

Government agency including the name, addresses, and telephone number of the cognizant auditor.

13. The application should include information that substantiates that the applicant:

(a) Has adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain such resources as required during the performance of the Agreement.

(b) Has the ability to comply with the Agreement conditions, taking into account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the applicant, non-governmental and governmental.

(c) Has a satisfactory record of performance. In the absence of evidence to the contrary or circumstances properly beyond the control of the applicant, applicants who are or have been deficient in current or recent performance (when the number of grants, contracts, and Cooperative agreements, and the extent of any deficiency of each, are considered) shall be presumed to be unable to meet this requirement. Past unsatisfactory performance will ordinarily be sufficient to justify a determination of non-responsibility, unless there is clear evidence of subsequent satisfactory performance. The Agreement Officer will collect and evaluate data on past performance of applicants using information from sources provided in accordance with Paragraph 10 above.

(d) Has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

(e) Is otherwise qualified and eligible to receive a Cooperative Agreement under applicable laws and regulations (e.g., EEO).

Applicants may submit any additional evidence of responsibility considered necessary in order for the Agreement Officer to make a determination of responsibility. Please note that a positive responsibility determination is a requirement for award, and all organization shall be subject to a pre-award survey to verify the information provided and substantiate the determination.

14. Cost Sharing: Cost sharing is an important element of the USAID’ recipient relationship. In addition to USAID funds, applicants are encouraged to contribute resources from own, private or local sources for the implementation of this program.

Contributions can be either cash or in kind and can include contributions from the NGO, local counterpart organizations, project clients, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA), and other donors (not other USG funding sources). This may

- 22 -be from program generated funds such as client savings, interest and fees in line with USAID standard provisions on cost sharing.

15. Unnecessarily elaborate applications: unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete and effective application in response to this RFA are not desired and may be construed as an indication of the applicant's lack of cost consciousness. Elaborate artwork, expensive paper and bindings, and expensive visual and other presentation aids are neither necessary nor wanted.

[END OF SECTION IV]

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SECTION V – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria. The relative importance of each criterion is indicated by the number of points assigned. A total of 100 points is possible.

Applicants should understand these criteria serve to: (a) identify the significant issues respondents should address in their proposals and (b) set the standard against which all proposals will be selected.

Methodology and Plan (40 points)

• Methodology for program design (10 points)

• Plan for program implementation and monitoring (10 points)

• Demonstrated capacity/willingness to coordinate with other donors, the military and

GOA partners (10 points)

• Demonstrated Capacity/willingness to coordinate and work with other donors, the military and GOA partners (10 points)

Management capacity (25 points)

• Personnel: strength of proposed country team (5 points)

• Relevant technical expertise (5 points)

• Organizational capacity (5 points)

• Partnerships with local organizations/sub-grantees (5 points)

• Strength of local staff (5 points)

Knowledge of Host Country Conditions (20 points)

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience operating development assistance programs in Afghanistan (10 points)

• Technically sound gender analysis and consideration of gender-sensitive programming.

(10 points)

Past Performance (15 points)

Price or Cost Evaluation:

• Costs and cost proposals will not be scored, but will play a part in the overall selection.

Cost factors which will be considered will include the total proposed amount, proposed individual costs, the propose fee (if any) and the extent that there will be cost-sharing.

• The results of the cost realism analysis will also be used as part of the selection process.

Technical evaluation rankings are significantly more important than cost.

B. BRANDING STRATEGY AND MARKING PLAN

It is a federal statutory and regulatory requirement that all USAID programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities that USAID partially or fully funds under a USAID

- 24 -grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award or sub-award, must be marked appropriately overseas with the USAID Identity. See Section 641, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended; 22 CFR 226.91.

Under the regulation, USAID requires the submission of a Branding Strategy and a Marking Plan, but only by the “apparent successful applicant,” as defined in the regulation. The apparent successful applicant’s proposed Marking Plan may include a request for approval of one or more exceptions to marking requirements established in 22 CFR 226.91. The Agreement Officer is responsible for evaluating and approving the Branding Strategy and a Marking Plan (including any request for exceptions) of the apparently successful applicant, consistent with the provisions “Branding Strategy,” “Marking Plan,” and “Marking of USAID-funded Assistance Awards” contained in AAPD 05-11 and in 22 CFR 226.91. Please note that in contrast to “exceptions” to marking requirements, waivers based on circumstances in the host country must be approved by Mission Directors or other USAID Principal Officers, see 22 CFR 226.91(j).

C. AWARD

Award will be made to the responsible applicant whose application offers the most sound technical approach taking into consideration cost. The final award decision will be made by the Agreement Officer, taking into consideration the recommendations of the TEC.

The Agreement Officer’s decision about the funding of an award is final and not subject to review. Any information that may impact the Agreement Officer’s decision shall be directed to the Agreement Officer.

Authority to obligate the Government: the Agreement Officer is the only individual who may legally commit the U.S. Government to the expenditure of public funds.