USAID-ASHA Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Program Statement ref Amendment 1.pdf

SUBJECT: USAID/ASHA Annual Program Statement No. APS-ASHA-17-000001 for Fiscal

Year 2017 American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Program Worldwide

DATE: Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad, part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance of the U.S. Agency for International Development

(USAID/ASHA), seeks applications to support qualifying projects as described in this Annual

Program Statement (APS).

Section I: Program Description

A. Funding Priorities and Programmatic Focus

USAID/ASHA provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, and hospitals to highlight

American ideas and practices, to provide concrete illustrations of the generosity of the American people, to further U.S. public diplomacy, and to catalyze collaboration between U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries.

USAID/ASHA supports partnerships between organizations founded or sponsored by United

States citizens (“U.S. Organizations,” or “USOs”) and civil society institutions overseas

(“Overseas Institutions,” or “OSIs”). These partnerships enable OSIs to benefit from the expertise and experience of USOs while ensuring projects are locally owned and sustained.

These partnerships also help mitigate investment and construction risk and allow for all parties to leverage investments to maximize the potential benefits of a project.

USAID/ASHA’s approach to meeting these public diplomacy goals and objectives is discussed in-depth in the program’s FY14-FY18 Strategic Plan.

This is a worldwide program. USAID/ASHA may make awards for projects in any country other than the United States provided that USAID activities in that country are not otherwise restricted by statute, regulation, or Agency policy.

B. Authorizing Legislation

The USAID/ASHA program provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, and hospitals founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens as authorized in Section 214 of the Foreign Assistance Act

(FAA) of 1961, as amended. In fulfilling its legislative mandate, USAID/ASHA builds positive relationships abroad and supports progress in the fields of health and education worldwide.

USAID/ASHA builds bridges of cooperation between the people of foreign nations and the people of the United States by providing funds to schools, hospitals, and libraries overseas that demonstrate the ideas, innovations, and best practices of the United States in health and education. The USAID/ASHA program directly contributes to U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives by fostering partnerships and promoting the best in health and education.

http://www.usaid.gov/documents/1866/office-american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad-2014-2018-strategic-plan http://legcounsel.house.gov/Comps/Foreign%20Assistance%20Act%20Of%201961.pdf

USAID/ASHA awards are subject to requirements of 2 CFR 700 and 2 CFR 200 Uniform

Administrative Requirements (Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), and

USAID Environmental Procedures (22 CFR 216).

C. Program History

The American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Program began in 1947. Since its inception, USAID/ASHA has achieved a visible legacy by providing assistance to approximately 300 institutions globally and aiding in the development of innovative and state-of-the-art schools, hospitals, and libraries in more than 80 countries. USAID/ASHA’s record of contributing to and building bridges with vibrant networks of civil society institutions extends through 25 U.S.

Congresses and 17 presidential administrations. USAID/ASHA currently manages a worldwide portfolio of approximately 110 awards and is an invaluable complement to USAID’s wide-ranging development work.

D. Successful Projects

For summary project descriptions of successful USAID/ASHA awards, see previous annual reports and press releases on the USAID/ASHA website.

Section II: Federal Award Information

A. Anticipated Funding

In Fiscal Year 2017, USAID/ASHA expects approximately $23,000,000 will be available for award funding. The maximum for an individual award is $2,000,000, and there is no minimum award amount. Individual funding levels will depend on the content, substance (on American

Values) and quality of applications, the number of applications received, and availability of

USAID/ASHA funding.

In FY 2017, USAID/ASHA plans a single award cycle, resulting in multiple awards, subject to the availability of funds. USAID/ASHA generally makes between 30 and 40 awards each year.

USAID/ASHA reserves the right to make a single award, to fund parts of applications, or to not make any awards at all. Issuance of this APS does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government, nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

B. Award Timing and Performance Period

USAID/ASHA expects to fund selected applications and make awards around September 30, 2017. Awards for projects that include only durable commodities have a period of performance of two years from the date of award. Awards for projects that include construction or renovation have a period of performance of four years from the date of award.

C. Types of Awards and Substantial Involvement

USAID/ASHA awards both grants and cooperative agreements. A cooperative agreement allows for substantial involvement from USAID/ASHA in project implementation. “Substantial involvement” is further defined in ADS 303.3.11.

USAID/ASHA will issue grants for projects that include only commodity procurement activities and cooperative agreements for projects that include any construction or renovation activities.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/business-funding/grant-programs/american-schools-and-hospitals-abroad https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303.pdf

The nature of USAID/ASHA’s substantial involvement varies based on the nature of the project and spelled out for each award. In general, USAID/ASHA’s substantial involvement includes:

1. Annual review and approval of the recipient’s Implementation Plan, including construction documents, a construction or renovation schedule, cost estimate, signed drawings and specifications, timeline, and project milestones including those requiring mandatory ASHA approval;

2. Approval of Key Personnel for project implementation, such as the Project Manager and

Engineer of Record and/or Architect of Record if deemed necessary by ASHA; and

3. Agency authority to immediately halt a construction activity if specifications identified in the cooperative agreement are not met.

4. USAID/ASHA requires that partners doing construction request the timely review of final sub-contracts prior to issuing such award. Implementing partners should use an Architect and Engineering (A/E) firm for design and a construction firm that is qualified, duly registered in A/E services and in construction respectively and permitted by law to provide engineering and/or construction services in the country and location. Both sub-contractors for design and construction services shall sign off on final construction documents (assume responsibility/liability for product). Upon completion of construction, the construction subcontractor shall formally hand over construction along with an

Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manual as recommended by the ASHA Engineer.

The design and construction shall conform to all updated international standards, such as

Global Task Force on Building Codes (GTFBC), Uniform Building Code, International

Seismic Code, American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM), American Institute of

Steel Construction (AISC), and American Concrete Institute (ACI) in addition to the requirements of the local (i.e., British Standards in East Africa) and regional building codes such as the Caribbean Building code.

Section III: Eligibility Information

Applications that do not meet the following eligibility criteria will not be reviewed. Eligibility determinations will be made solely on the basis of the information provided in the Eligibility

Checklist (Annex 1) and Attachment Checklist (Annex 2).

A. Eligible Applications

USAID/ASHA welcomes applications from all potential partners whose applications meet the following eligibility criteria.

1. Applications must clearly identify one USO (the applicant) and one OSI partner (the applicant’s sub-awardee). The USO and OSI may be the same entity if the USO conducts activities in the proposed place of performance.

2. Per Section 214 of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961, as amended, OSIs must be founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens.

3. USOs must be active and have no active exclusions or delinquent federal debt in the U.S.

Government’s System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting an application.

USOs must continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times while an application is under consideration1.

4. USOs must have a continuing and successful supportive formal relationship with OSIs that has lasted at least two years prior to the date of application. A continuing relationship may include financial and technical support, joint ventures, exchange programs, volunteer placement programs, faculty exchanges, fundraising or other arrangements. This may include in-kind contributions as well as help with public private partnership, Development Credit Authority (DCA) and Global Development Alliance (GDA) mechanisms. USOs and OSIs must submit independently audited financial statements for a recent operating year from 2015 or later.

5. USOs and OSIs must be open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, and veteran’s status. However, targeting assistance to certain populations as defined in the Project Description will not be construed as discrimination for this APS.

6. OSIs must be located outside the United States.

7. OSIs must NOT be under the control or management of a foreign government or any of its agencies including local, regional, or national government. Control or management in this context indicates that a majority of the members of the Board of Directors are government employees or appointees or that the recipient government owns a majority interest in the organization. The receipt of financial or other assistance from a government or government agency or the observance of national educational or medical standards does not indicate the institution is under the control or management of a foreign government.

8. OSIs that are:

a. Schools must provide English language instruction or use English as the language of instruction in at least one course. Schools must also provide post-secondary education or secondary education that serve students at the equivalent of a U.S.

sixth grade level or higher. Libraries must demonstrate promotion of English language and literature.

b. Hospitals or medical centers must perform medical education or research in addition to being a treatment facility.

9. If the project involves construction or renovation activities, the USO or OSI must submit an official copy of a title, lease or similar official documentation recognized within the country where implementation will take place demonstrating a legal right to the land (to build, renovate, retrofit according to current building codes) ideally for a period of at least

20 years from the date of the application, as well as an English translation if the official copy is not in English. While applications involving a legal right to the land of 20 years

(or more) will be given a greater preference, USAID is willing to consider applications

Note: Please ensure that your SAM registration is accurate and up to date. Applications have been rejected as a result of inaccurate or outdated SAM registrations.

that include a title, lease or similar official documentation covering a shorter period of time, but such applications will be given a lower preference.

B. Cost Share

Cost share is strongly encouraged but is not required provided applicants meet the required sustainability and resilience criteria. Cost share includes any shared costs, matching funds, cash contributions, in-kind contributions, and third-party cash or leveraging and in-kind contributions.

If cost-share is included, it must be for costs directly related to the proposed project and not from another US Government source. All cost-share will become a condition of the award and can be audited. If the recipient does not meet total cost sharing requirement, the total cost of agreement will be affected (see 2 CFR 200.306 for U.S. organizations).

C. Limitations

One USO application may request funds that benefit multiple organizational units within a single

OSI. One USO may submit separate applications for multiple OSIs. Multiple USOs cannot submit separate applications for one OSI.

Applications to support efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in countries where USAID has a Mission or other office will not be considered eligible given the availability of other international, national, and U.S. Government resources available to combat these diseases.

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

A. Point of Contact

The point of contact for this APS is:

Mr. Jerry O’Brien, Deputy Director

U.S. Agency for International Development

Ronald Reagan Building, 5.10-051

1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20523

ASHAapplications@usaid.gov

(202) 712-0510

B. Format and Content of Application Submission

All information on how to apply for this funding opportunity is contained in this section. No separate application package should be requested.

Submission

Applications must be submitted via email to ASHAapplications@usaid.gov. Email is the required method of submission for this APS and applications submitted through www.grants.gov will not be accepted. The subject of the email should be “[Full Name of USO]

– [APS Number]”. Attachments to the email, including the Project Description, must be clearly labeled using the naming conventions specified in this section. Applicants should send the minimum number of emails necessary. If more than one email is necessary due to the size of attachments, include the sequence of emails and total number sent in the subject line (i.e. “1 of

3,” “2 of 3,” etc.).

mailto:ASHAapplications@usaid.gov

Project Description Format

All applications must include a Project Description that adheres to the guidelines below. The

Project Description and the supporting documentation will be the critical items of consideration in the selection of an award. Any information beyond what is necessary for a complete and effective response to this APS, including hyperlinks, will not be reviewed or evaluated.

Project Descriptions must:

1. Be in English, single-spaced, in Times New Roman font size 10 or larger, with each page numbered consecutively, and with one inch page margins;

2. Be submitted either as Microsoft Word or searchable Portable Document Format (PDF) documents; and

3. Use the file name “[Full name of USO] Project Description”.

Project Description Content

The Project Description must discuss all of the elements below. Applicants should follow this format in structuring their application, including adhering to the specified page limits for each section. There is no expectation or requirement that applicants use the full space allowed for each item. Rather, applicants should strive to be as concise as possible when providing the requested information. Detailed information on the required contents of each section is provided below this summary outline.

Project Description Outline (20 pages)

1. Cover Page (1 page)

2. Table of Contents (1 page)

3. Eligibility (1 page)

4. Executive Summary (1 page)

5. Project Technical Application (14 pages)

5.1 Project Goals and Objectives

5.2 Project Background

5.3 Project Operational Approach

5.4 Gender Capability

5.5 Construction/Renovation Information (if applicable)

5.6 Durable Commodities Information (if applicable)

5.7 Monitoring and Evaluation Capability

6. Organizational Capacity and History of Performance (1 pages)

7. Budget Narrative (1 pages)

1. Cover Page (1 page)

On one page, clearly indicate the following:

1. The date of submission or revised submission;

2. The solicitation number of this APS;

3. The name of the applicant USO and its city and state;

4. The USO’s Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number;

5. The USO’s Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN);

6. The name of the benefiting OSI, its city, state or province, and country;

7. The amount of federal funding requested;

8. The amount of cost share proposed, if any;

9. The total project cost; and

10. A photograph or sketch relative to the project or OSI and a Summary Project Description of no more than 100 words which includes a statement of whether the project is for construction/renovation, durable commodities, or both, and whether the OSI is a school, hospital, or library.

2. Table of Contents (1 page)

List all major sections of the application, including page numbers, and attachments. Provide the relevant file names for all attachments.

3. Eligibility (1 page)

Confirm compliance with all eligibility criteria identified in Section III: Eligibility Information.

Applicants must use Annex 1: Eligibility Checklist to complete this section.

4. Executive Summary (1 page)

Provide a concise summary of the OSI and the proposed project. At a minimum, this section should include brief descriptions of the USO and OSI’s goals and objectives, the USO and the

OSI partnership, the specific durable commodities to be procured or facilities to be renovated or constructed, and an explanation of how the project, and by extension the OSI, will help

USAID/ASHA achieve its legislative and public diplomacy mandate. If the proposed project is part of a larger project, the application must provide a description of the larger project, followed by a description of the precise component of that project that is proposed for ASHA funding.

5. Project Technical Application (14 pages)

Provide the following information:

5.1 Project Goals and Objectives

Identify the project’s goals and objectives, explain how the project supports the OSI’s broader institutional goals and objectives, and explain how the project aligns with

USAID/ASHA’s goals and objectives as outlined in Section I: Program Description. A clear articulation of how the project will promote a positive public image of the United States through the demonstration of American ideas and practices in health and education is critical.

Reference to USAID/ASHA’s Results Framework, as identified in USAID/ASHA’s FY14-

FY18 Strategic Plan is encouraged. Describe briefly the expected benefits from the project, including number of users, improvements to the provision of service and how this will impact the beneficiaries in the short and long term. These benefits could include influences on education and health policy.

5.2 Project Background

Provide a concise description of the strategic and public diplomacy needs for the proposed project and a description of the project beneficiaries and stakeholders and its public diplomacy benefits. Include an explanation of how the proposed project will promote

American ideas and practices and how the public diplomacy benefits will be achieved. Do not provide organizational history that is not directly related to the project, as this background information should be provided in Part 6: Organizational Capacity and History of

Performance.

5.3 Project Operational Approach

Describe in greater detail how the project will be accomplished within the award period, how the project will improve the OSI, and how the project will enable the OSI to achieve the goals and objectives of the project and USAID/ASHA. If relevant, include any innovative methods, new technologies, contributions to the advancement of women’s and girls’ education or leadership, and activities that promote stable and inclusive civil society.

The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of, and describe in detail, the specific management structure and staffing which will be established for implementation of the project to ensure strong and effective management, administration, and performance of the project and efficient use of resources. The nature of organization linkages between the recipient and other involved parties should be provided. If sub recipients/contractors will be used, the application should describe which organizations are anticipated to perform which tasks/functions. The application must describe the procurement process that will be used and identify the proposed project manager. If construction is contemplated, please provide construction contractor (if already selected), construction manager (if known) and A&E firm

(if known).

Discuss how the proposed project advances the public diplomacy goals of the United States in the benefitting country and/or region. Information about USAID Mission development goals can be found on the Agency’s website. For countries without a USAID Mission, information about the U.S. Embassy goals can be found at the Department of State website.

Applicants are encouraged to reach out to and engage with Missions, Embassies, or

Consulates to discuss the proposed project and familiarize them with the OSI. Please note this does not imply applicants should try to align their projects with existing U.S. Government programs.

5.4 Gender Issues

Discuss how gender issues have been integrated into the proposed project. While disaggregation of beneficiaries by sex is generally important to include, it does not by itself constitute a response. Include how the project will affect men and women differently such as how different gender practices affect project implementation and participation, access to resources and benefits, and leadership roles and decision-making. Applicants should review

ADS 205.3.1 for more information about the integration of gender issues into projects.

5.5 Project Construction/Renovation Information (if applicable)

If the proposed project includes construction or renovation, include the following:

Description

Provide a concise description of the facility to be constructed or renovated, including basic details such as the location, floors and rooms affected, ancillary structures affected, such as water, sanitation, or energy systems, and the projected end result of the construction. Provide Global Positioning Systems (GPS) coordinates if available.

Conceptual/Architectural Design Provide a conceptual/architectural design of the proposed project as an attachment. These drawings should be 30% conceptual design drawings, which generally would include architectural, plumbing, fire protection, mechanical, electrical, and structural drawings as appropriate. The conceptual design provides a workable site and building layout and a minimum level of building image. This is in addition to a basic picture of what the proposed project will look like, understandable by both engineers and non-engineers. See http://www.usaid.gov/results-and-data/planning/country-strategies-cdcs http://www.usembassy.gov/ http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/205

Section IV Part B: Attachments for details and instructions on how to name and submit attachments.

Issues and Compliance Identify any existing engineering, construction, and environmental issues at the site for the proposed construction/renovation due to natural or man-made events irrespective of the nature of ASHA award, i.e., for renovation, construction or commodity. The applicant must state if the OSI is in compliance with applicable local, provincial, and national laws and regulations concerning land use, building operations and maintenance, construction, and environmental management. If the OSI is not in compliance (for example, if this project is intended to support efforts towards larger overall facility compliance), the application must discuss the steps taken to address these gaps and provide a timeline for addressing these steps in the future.

Implementation Plan Provide a timeline for project completion which includes milestones such as ASHA approvals, the local permits required, the duration of the design phase, the duration of the construction phase, and the project completion date. The implementation plan should extend at least until the facilities supported by USAID/ASHA begin to serve intended beneficiaries. This information may be provided in an attachment. See Section IV Part B:

Attachments for instructions on how to name and submit attachments.

USAID requires appropriate quality control/quality assurance protocols for all construction projects. Please be sure to explain how Architect and Engineering Services and Construction Management Services will be procured. Please be advised USAID requires A&E firm to sign all technical studies and drawings and construction management firm to certify the final construction has been done according to ASHA approved plans and specifications and Operations and Maintenance Manual has been approved by ASHA when appropriate.

5.6 Durable Commodities Information (if applicable)

If the proposed project includes durable commodities, include the following information in an attachment as an Excel spreadsheet:

Description of

Commodity Units

Unit

Cost

Total

Cost

USAID

Request Cost Share

Total

Recipients of awards must comply with ADS 310, Source and Nationality Requirements for

Procurement of Commodities and Services Financed by USAID, and ADS 312, Eligibility of

Commodities. Only eligible durable commodities may be funded by USAID/ASHA. For awards resulting from this APS greater than or equal to $250,000, the authorized geographic code is Code 937. This code authorizes goods with source and nationality in the United

States, the recipient country, and developing countries other than advanced developing countries, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source. For awards resulting from this APS less than $250,000, the authorized geographic code is Code 935. This code http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/310 http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/312 authorizes goods with source and nationality in any area or country including the recipient country, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source. A list of prohibited sources is available in ADS 310. In certain situations, identified in ADS 310.3.4, recipients may obtain waivers from USAID’s Source and Nationality provisions.

5.7 Project Monitoring and Evaluation

Explain how you plan to monitor and evaluate project performance. This assessment should identify the indicators applicable to the OSI based on its function and how it intends to obtain, track and provide the data necessary to report on the requisite indicators to fulfill this requirement. Applicants should review the information in Annex 3, which provides

USAID/ASHA’s current monitoring and evaluation indicators to determine which indicators are applicable to the OSI. If there are indicators contained within the section appropriate to the OSI that you are unable to report on please identify which indicators you will not be able to report on and provide an explanation of why? Are the indicators not applicable? If not, explain why.

6. Organizational Capacity and History of Performance (1 pages)

Discuss whether or not the USO is a nonprofit organization or accredited university or college.

Summarize the ability of the OSI to remain financially and operationally sustainable independent of funding from USAID/ASHA. This may include a discussion of the organization’s history, if the discussion illustrates its ability to continue providing high quality services over the long term.

Include a discussion of the organization's ability to leverage financial, material, and human resources to sustain on-going operational activities and capital investments beyond a potential

USAID/ASHA award. “Leveraging” in this context should demonstrate the comprehensive financial, operational, and management capability of the OSI beyond the amount of funding that applicants plan to commit to the specific project via cost share. It includes the applicant’s ability to secure and sustain all the resources necessary for continued operation at a level of excellence, including but not limited to private sources of funding, program income, investments, volunteer arrangements, and in-kind partnerships.

Discuss the overall public diplomacy outcomes the OSI continues to achieve or hopes to achieve in the long term. Include how the OSI advances the public diplomacy goals of the United States in the benefitting country. Include how the OSI will have a greater impact on citizens and civil society beyond USAID/ASHA’s direct contribution to the proposed project.

7. Budget Narrative (1 pages)

Applicants must submit a detailed budget narrative that is strategically tied to the Project

Description and USAID/ASHA goals and objectives as well as a summary of the projected range of beneficiaries that will be positively impacted by the project. The budget narrative must identify all project costs, including amounts and quantities, and clearly outline those to be funded by USAID/ASHA and those to be funded by cost share. It must also provide a description of each budget line item requested and justification for these items. Cost share is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Cost share includes any shared costs, matching funds, cash contributions, in-kind contributions, and third-party cash and in-kind contributions. Applicants are advised to review the Funding Restrictions when preparing the budget narrative. See 2 CFR § 200.29 for guidance on what can be claimed as a cost share.

The budget narrative is in addition to completed copies of the relevant forms from the SF-424 series. The budget narrative may refer to the SF-424 forms but should provide additional detail not included in the standard forms. USAID/ASHA collects the SF-424 primarily to document basic identifying information about the applicant and project.

At a minimum, the applicant should provide the following information as part of the budget narrative.

Type of Project (Commodities, Construction, Renovation)

Total Project Cost in US$

Amount Raised to Date

Balance of Funds Needed

USO Provided Cost Share

OSI Provided Cost Share

Third Party Provided Cost Share

Amount Requested from ASHA

Host Country Approvals Needed (y/n and how many)

Host Country Approvals Received (y/n and how many)

Basis of Cost (Firm or Estimate)

A&E Firm (for construction/renovation projects, enter name, if known, at time of application)

Attachments

In addition to the Project Description, applicants must submit the following documents as separate email attachments to ASHAapplications@usaid.gov. Attachments should not be embedded into the SF-424. All attachments must follow the naming conventions specified.

Attachments that are embedded into the SF-424 or incorrectly named may not be reviewed. An attachment checklist is provided in Annex 2.

Mandatory Attachments

1. Application Forms SF-424, SF-424A and SF-424B (required for non-construction projects) or SF-424C and SF-424D (required for projects that include construction).

mailto:ASHAapplications@usaid.gov

Please note that for applications that include both construction and durable commodities, it is necessary to complete all of the above SF-424 forms. These forms are available on the solicitation page for this opportunity on www.grants.gov on the “Forms” tab and select SF-424 Family (link). Submit these forms as a single PDF file, named “M1 - SF-

424 Series”. Please do not embed other attachments into the SF-424, but submit them as separate attachments in an email. Please note that financial data you provide on forms SF-

424A and SF-424C should only reflect funds requested for the proposed project and not provide a financial summary of your entire organization.

2. The most recent independently audited financial statements of the USO. ASHA will not accept a financial review or compilation in lieu of independently audited financial statements. This document should be named “M2 - USO Audited Financial

Statements”.

3. The most recent independently audited financial statements of the OSI. If originally completed in a language other than English, applicants must provide the English translation of the audited financial statements. If originally completed using a currency other than the U.S. dollar, applicants must provide a version that converts local currency to U.S. dollars. Unaudited financial statements, OSI financial statements in a language other than English, and financial statements in a currency other than the U.S. dollar will not be considered responsive. The attachment should be named “M3 - OSI Audited

Financial Statements”. If the USO and the OSI are the same entity, M3 can simply make note of that fact.

4. Resumes or CVs of Project Managers. This information should be submitted as separate attachments, named “M4 - USO Project Manager” and “M5 - OSI Project Manager”.

If the USO and OSI are the same entity, M5 can simply make note of that fact.

5. A table showing the members of the USO and OSI’s Boards of Directors, with columns for names, titles, employers, and, in the case of the OSI, an indication of whether they are appointed by the host country government. This information should be submitted as separate attachments, named “M6 - USO Boards of Directors” and “M7 - OSI Board of

Directors”. If the USO and OSI are the same entity, M7 can simply make note of that fact.

6. A maximum two-page Environmental Capability Statement. See Annex 4 for more information. This document should be named “M8 - Environmental Capability

Statement”.

Mandatory as Applicable Attachments

1. Commodities information for applications that include commodities. All commodities requested must be in compliance with ADS 312 (eligibility of commodities

(http://transition.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/312.pdf). This attachment should be in an

Excel document and be named “MA1 - Commodities Information”. Please provide commodities information using the table/format in Section 5.6.

2. Construction drawings, required only for applications that include construction or renovation projects. These drawings should be submitted using as few attachments as possible. Construction drawings should include survey drawings describing property http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 http://transition.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/312.pdf lines, utility locations, easements and/or other land use restrictions, existing buildings or structures and any wetlands or other environmentally protected areas. If demolition is required, Conceptual site demolition sheet should show major structures and improvements to be demolished. The Conceptual site layout plan should include major site elements such as sidewalks, parking, roads, etc. The conceptual site drainage plan should show the general flow of drainage and possible major drainage feature locations.

The utility location plan should identify required or suggested connection points. The conceptual landscape plan should establish a minimum level of landscaping for the project. Conceptual floor plans must be provided for each building and floor level and demonstrate compliance with major life safety code requirements. The furniture plans should include default space furniture and representations of unit common or other workstation layouts. Conceptual structural drawings should show foundation and gross loads. Conceptual fire protection must indicate fire water tanks and whether sprinklers are pressurized or gravity fed. Conceptual electrical drawings should show large features, distribution nodes, generators, etc. Conceptual mechanical drawings should show preliminary heating ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system description, locations of plumbing fixtures and gas, water and/or sewer service points. Mechanical rooms and vertical shafts or risers should be sized and shown on the conceptual floor plans. (Note that conceptual mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings may be combined if the situation warrants). The file name of each attachment related to this requirement should begin with“MA2 - Construction Drawings,” followed by an indication of each attachment’s order within all construction drawings. For example, an application with three construction drawings attached would name these attachments “MA2 -

Construction Drawings 1 of 3”, “MA2 - Construction Drawings 2 of 3,” and “MA2 -

Construction Drawings 3 of 3.” The required conceptual construction drawing and additional optional construction drawings should utilize the same file-naming convention.

ASHA recognizes that some of these elements may not be required for some types of construction. Please consult with ASHA if you have any questions.

3. For applications that include construction or renovation, evidence of land ownership or lease and translation in English, as described in detail in Section III: Eligibility

Information. The attachment should be named “MA3 - Land Ownership or Lease” and a translation, if needed, should be included.

4. An implementation plan for applications that include construction or renovation. This document should be named “MA4 - Implementation Plan”. The implementation should include major project milestones and the planned schedule for achieving them. The implementation plan should describe the activities planned to be conducted, the site(s) where they will be conducted, who will be responsible for conducting them, the milestones and schedule for achievement, the outputs/outcomes which the applicant expects to achieve, the inputs the applicant will provide, and how the implementation plan will contribute to the expected overall project goals, including how these activities will achieve these overall diplomacy goals.

5. Per 2 CFR 200.501 U.S. nonprofit organizations that expend $750,000 or more in federal awards within their fiscal year must have an organization-wide or program-specific financial audit conducted for that year. This document should be named “MA5 - Single or Program-Specific Audit.”

6. If applicable, a financial audit of the OSI conforming to the requirements of 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 700, should be submitted both in its original language and translated into

English, if the original language was not English. Foreign nonprofit organizations that expend $300,000 or more in USAID awards during their fiscal year must have an annual audit conducted of those funds in accordance with the Guidelines for Financial Audits

Contracted by Foreign Recipients and ADS 303mab, USAID Standard Provisions for

U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations This document should be named “MA6 - ADS 591

Audit” and a translation, if needed, should be included.

C. Additional Information Required Subsequent to Application

The following information will be required of apparently successful applicants upon notification of the intent of USAID/ASHA to make an award.

1. Branding Strategy and Marking Plan (BSMP) Apparently successful applicants will be required to submit for approval prior to award a

Branding Strategy and Marking Plan (BSMP) that complies with USAID’s branding and marking requirements set forth in ADS 303.

2. Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (AMEP)

Successful applicants will be required to complete and submit an Activity Monitoring and

Evaluation Plan (AMEP) within 30 days after award, including performance indicators that measure the objectives set forth in their grant agreement. A list of mandatory indicators will be provided by ASHA M&E team.

3. Project Implementation Plan Successful applicants will be required to schedule a pre-performance meeting with the

AOR and Key Personnel within 45 days after award to finalize the Project

Implementation Plan, including timeline and milestones.

4. Awardee Initial Environmental Examination (A-IEE) Successful applicants may be required to submit for approval an Awardee Initial

Environmental Examination (A-IEE) within 60 days after award. An A-IEE is a document that captures applicable project-specific information and analyses for USAID to determine the level of potential environmental risk and impact; and consequent mitigation and monitoring. An A-IEE must be approved prior to construction or procurement of hazardous commodities or any commodities used as part of the project building and utility infrastructure. See Annex 4 for more information.

5. Pre-Award Survey Certain apparently successful applicants may be required to undergo a Pre-Award Survey prior to award, to include a desk review of financial statements and legal structure as well as a site visit to review accounting and procurement operations. See ADS 303.3.9.1 for more information on pre-award survey requirements.

D. Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and System for Award

Management (SAM)

Except those with an exception under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or with an exception approved by

USAID under 2 CFR 25.110(d), all applicants must be active, have no active exclusions, and http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303maa http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303maa http://inside.usaid.gov/ADS/300/303.pdf http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDACR736.pdf have no delinquent federal debt in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting an application. Applicants must continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have an application under consideration by

USAID/ASHA or an active federal award. Applicants must also provide a valid DUNS number in the application.

USAID/ASHA will not make an award to an applicant that does not comply with all applicable

DUNS and SAM requirements.

E. Application Submission Dates and Times

This APS is open for six months from the date of issuance. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, May 29, 2017. Late submissions will not be accepted.

USAID/ASHA will use a system-generated email timestamp to determine whether or not application materials have been submitted by the deadline. The timestamp generated by USAID’s own email system will be the relevant criterion for this determination. All applications received before the deadline will receive an email confirmation of receipt. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their application well before the deadline to ensure receipt. Incomplete applications and applications that are not received before the deadline will not be reviewed.

For applications submitted at least 14 business days before the closing date, USAID/ASHA will conduct a preliminary review to determine whether the application is complete and will notify applicants of any deficiencies. The content of the application will not be evaluated at this time.

The deadline for submission of applications for this completeness review is 5:00 p.m. Eastern

Time on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Applicants who wish to remedy deficiencies may resubmit a complete application prior to the closing date of this APS.

Questions about this APS should be sent via email to ASHAapplications@usaid.gov. Questions that pertain to issues that may be relevant to all applicants will be answered publicly via amendments to this solicitation’s posting on www.grants.gov. Applicants may register to receive automatic notifications of such amendments by selecting “send me change notification emails” on this opportunity’s posting on www.grants.gov. The last day to ask questions is 60 days before the close of this APS.

USAID/ASHA will not provide guidance on specific applications while this announcement is open.

F. Funding Restrictions

USAID/ASHA funds must be used to finance: (a) the procurement of durable commodities

(equipment, furnishings, and other non-expendable items) and/or (b) construction/renovation.

Eligible costs for durable commodities are limited to procurement, shipping, installation, training, and warranty of the commodity. Procurement of commodities may include such items as library materials, specialized medical and research technology, and education equipment and furnishings. Certain items, including but not limited to vehicles or pharmaceuticals, are generally not eligible commodities for USAID/ASHA funds. See ADS 312 for a full description of restricted commodities. Construction/renovation activities are broadly expressed as the construction of a permanent structure, permanent system, structural improvement, or the renovation or rehabilitation of existing permanent structures or systems. Eligible costs for mailto:ASHAapplications@usaid.gov http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/312 construction/renovation include architect and engineering fees so long as these fees are reasonable and project related. Applications may request funds to support commodities only, construction/renovation only, or both commodities and construction/renovation.

USAID/ASHA funds can be used to support reasonable costs of USO’s and OSI’s related to the cost of audits and branding/marking materials associated with USAID/ASHA awards. However, these costs must be related and proportional to the USAID/ASHA award.

USAID/ASHA will generally not fund other general operating costs or overhead expenses of

USO’s or OSI’s. Applicants are expected to fully fund these direct and indirect costs from other sources and must demonstrate they have the capacity to continue to support the planned project, including any annual maintenance costs associated with the project, without ongoing

USAID/ASHA support. Applicants may include costs that USAID/ASHA will generally not fund, such as USO and OSI salaries, travel costs, research costs, technical assistance, and administrative overhead, within the overall project budget as cost share. See 2 CFR § 200.29 for guidance on what can be claimed as cost share. Please note that while cost-share is not required by ASHA, if included as part of proposal, cost share will be included in the award. Per 22 CFR

200, all cost share proposed by partner is subject to audit, so implementing partners should think carefully about what they include in this category.

G. Certifications, Assurances and Standard Provisions

Copies of signed certifications, assurances, and other statements are required prior to receipt of an award. The certifications, assurances, and other statements are located in ADS 303.3.8.

Section V: Application Review Criteria

Applications will be evaluated according to the criteria outlined below. The selection criteria will be rated adjectivally and given equal importance. Proposals will be ranked based on merit and public diplomacy priorities. Awards will be made subject to availability of funds.

A. Technical Evaluation

USAID will conduct a merit review of all applications received that complies with the instructions in this APS. The technical merit of the application will be evaluated based on the extent to which the application sets forth (in Section 5 of the Project Description) in sufficient detail a valid conceptual methodology that will successfully achieve USAID/ASHA’s legislative mandate for public diplomacy. The overall application will be screened through three different lens as reflected in the evaluation criteria laid out below. Each proposal will receive an overall adjectival rating of exceptional, very good, satisfactory, marginal or unsatisfactory (see table below) based on the review of the following criteria which will be given equal weight:

1. Public Diplomacy Approach The extent to which the proposed technical approach and Project Monitoring Plan (PMP) demonstrate a clear understanding of the objectives of the program and a convincing approach to achieve them. (a) ASHA Alignment. The proposed project goals and objectives align with USAID/ASHA’s goals and objectives as outlined in Section I:

Program Description and will promote a positive public image of the United States through the demonstration of American ideas and practices in health and education.

(b) Public Diplomacy. The proposed project background provides a clear explanation of the strategic and public diplomacy needs for the project, the project beneficiaries and http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303mav stakeholders and its public diplomacy benefits, and how the proposed project will promote American ideas and practices and how the public diplomacy benefits will be achieved. (c) Local/Regional Appropriateness. The project demonstrates an awareness of U.S. Government public diplomacy goals and objectives in the country. Extent to which USAID/ASHA-funded activities enhance mutual understanding between the people of the United States and host country/target region. (d) Gender. Extent to which

USAID/ASHA-funded activities contributing to reducing gender disparities or gender-based violence and its effects. Extent to which ASHA funds contribute to increasing the capabilities of women and girls to realize their rights, determine their life outcomes, and influence decision-making. The application adequately explains how gender issues have been integrated into the project and how the project will affect men and women differently such as how different gender practices affect project implementation and participation, access to resources and benefits, and leadership roles and decision-making.

(e) Innovation and American Values. Degree to which ASHA funds allow for the creation and implementation of new or innovative tools or technologies and the demonstration of American values that contribute to improvements in the OSI’s operations.

2. Management Approach

Extent to which the institutional capability demonstrates the ability to effectively implement the program. (a) The proposed project operational approach is thorough and will likely be accomplished within the award period in addition to operating facilities in a sustainable manner during the Operation and Maintenance phase following the project completion date by the OSI (b) OSI Strengthening.