USAID_Paraguay LOCAL WORKS APS 2022-2023.pdf

REGIONAL OFFICE OF ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE

Issue Date: May 2, 2022 Closing Date: May 1, 2023

Subject: Annual Program Statement No. 72052622APS00001

Program Title: Paraguay Local Works Initiative

To whom it may concern:

The United States Agency for International Development in Paraguay (USAID/Paraguay) seeks applications from non-profit and for-profit organizations to participate in USAID/Paraguay’s Local Works Initiative Annual Program Statement (APS). Please note that this is a separate APS specifically targeting Local Works activities.

The Paraguay Local Works Initiative seeks to engage local actors that collectively identify their own development needs, agree on a common agenda and form networks and alliances to achieve that agenda. Grassroots organizations will identify and act on their own needs and take leadership in development processes at the community level as outlined in SECTION H: OTHER INFORMATION. USAID/Paraguay is interested in providing both financial and non-financial support in these areas.

This APS requires submission of a 3-page concept paper that answers the questions provided in SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION and follows the template provided in ATTACHMENT 1: CONCEPT PAPER TEMPLATE. Interested organizations must read this document in its entirety and follow the instructions to become involved in this APS. Depending on the response, USAID/Paraguay may make multiple awards or, if there are not sufficiently suitable awards, none.

USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION. The registration process may take many weeks to complete.

Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process.

Issuance of this notice of funding opportunity does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or an application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference and I sincerely thank you for your interest in the Paraguay Local Works Initiative. We look forward to working with you!

Sincerely, G. Michael Junge Regional Agreement Officer Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance

USAID/PERU

Paraguay Local Works Initiative

72052622APS00001

Issue Date: May 2, 2022 Closing Date: May 1, 2023

Contents

Contents 3

SECTION A: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 4

SECTION B: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 8

SECTION C: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 9

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 10

SECTION E: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 14

SECTION F: FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 14

SECTION G: FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS 16

SECTION H: OTHER INFORMATION 17

SECTION A: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This Annual Program Statement (APS) is authorized in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. The resulting award will be subject to 2 CFR 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and USAID’s supplement, 2 CFR 700, as well as the additional requirements found in SECTION F:

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION.

This APS is intended to increase the sustainability and impact of USAID/Paraguay’s development assistance through civil society, including grassroots organizations, and the private sector, as well as related partnerships. Details are further elaborated in SECTION H: OTHER

INFORMATION.

A. Background

USAID/Paraguay is committed to supporting Paraguayan leadership by prioritizing programs that incentivize reforms, strengthen country capacity, and mobilize domestic resources. “External development aid is more likely to catalyze sustained development processes when they reinforce a country’s internally determined development priorities (country ownership) and arrangements (local systems)1. This frames the need for Local Ownership. Furthermore, for results to sustain, one needs to engage the local system as a whole - government, civil society, including grassroots organizations, and the private sector - focusing on local actors, their interrelationship, and the incentives that guide them (Ibid., p. 4). Local ownership and local systems are the foundation for sustainable development and hence, self-reliance.

To advance strategic transition and new models of bilateral engagement, spur innovation, and align with the private sector’s and civil society sector’s, including grassroots organization’s, interests and opportunities, USAID/Paraguay has launched the Paraguay Local Works Initiative.

Experience has shown that engaging the private and civil society sectors can be a force multiplier for transformational change. These sectors bring expertise, markets, assets, and innovation. It is not just about dollars, though; local actors can help solve critical development problems and promote effective, sustainable development through market-led solutions or public pathways. The desired goal is that the Paraguay Local Works Initiative will create links between development stakeholders that will continue once USAID funding ends. Recognizing and capitalizing on these opportunities, the Paraguay Local Works Initiative will catalyze, facilitate, and support such collaboration.

The Paraguay Local Works Initiative provides a non-traditional approach for achieving these objectives. Within this context, USAID/Paraguay will prioritize private and civil society sector-driven solutions, multi-stakeholder partnerships for shared value, and innovation.

USAID/Paraguay encourages forging partnerships that promote collaboration with the private sector and civil society in the joint definition of development challenges; identification of the most promising, impactful solutions; and mutual contribution of resources. Focus is placed on local solutions that bring multiple stakeholders to the table to collaborate and systemically change how assistance is transacted, and results are achieved to build a sustainable model that will hopefully

1 Source: https://www.usaid.gov/policy/local-systems-framework https://www.usaid.gov/policy/local-systems-framework continue well into the future. This multistakeholder, systemic and holistic approach should be inclusive of vulnerable populations and capitalize on Paraguay’s demographic bond by garnering the power of youth. USAID defines innovations as those interventions that introduce novel business or organizational models, operational or production processes; financing; or products or services that lead to dramatic improvements (not incremental) in addressing development challenges. Innovation may incorporate science and technology, but this integration is not required. Innovation should help produce significant development outcomes more effectively and sustainably to reach more beneficiaries in a shorter period. As relevant, the Paraguay Local Works Initiative may focus on identifying, testing, sharing, and scaling such game-changing interventions.

B. An Invitation for Co-Design and Impact

The Paraguay Local Works Initiative is USAID/Paraguay’s invitation to local civil society and private sector partners to work with USAID as an Implementing Partner to determine how our respective interests and objectives align and jointly identify and define problems, challenges, and opportunities that can most effectively be addressed by working together. The Paraguay Local Works Initiative also provides a process through which USAID, local communities, grassroots organizations and other prospective partners can jointly examine and leverage expertise, resources, and capabilities to scope, develop and implement effective solutions to the problems and challenges identified. Mobilizing domestic public and private resources, especially from the civil society and private sectors, is a priority of the Paraguay Local Works Initiative. These partnerships help achieve core objectives in ways that could not be done alone. By engaging with these sectors, USAID hopes to increase the reach, efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainable impact of development investments and, as relevant, advance market-based solutions, as well as public pathways for scale.

To foster sustainable and transformational development impact, the award process will entail extensive partnering and collaboration between USAID/Paraguay and the Applicant from design to implementation. Awards will be co-created. This means that USAID/Paraguay will work hand-in-hand with applicants who have submitted promising concept papers to explore the best possible strategy for addressing identified problems. To learn more about the co-creation process, please visit the following page:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/how-to-work-with-usaid/co-creation-usaid.

C. Getting Started

What is the Paraguay Local Works Initiative?

Under Local Works, local actors can collectively identify their own development needs, agree on a common agenda and form networks and alliances to achieve that agenda. More established local organizations, with greater institutional capacity, will serve as mentors during this process. More seasoned local civil society organization (CSO) partners will be Allies in Development, providing https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/how-to-work-with-usaid/co-creation-usaid training and capacity building, as determined by beneficiaries, who will actually become key stakeholders. USAID’s role will be that of a facilitator, catalyzer and convener, not a leader.

Treating beneficiaries as stakeholders is at the core of the Local Works approach.

Local Works prioritizes Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) approaches, systems, and tools that align with local communities’ needs and what will be most useful for them, rather than on the donor’s needs. Applicants should financially plan accordingly, including not only specific MEL personnel, but also sufficient resources for systematic data collection, internal evaluations, and regular learning exercises throughout the life of the program. Throughout the program, the Mission will facilitate interventions based on feedback from local stakeholders.

Under Local Works, USAID seeks to support local and non-traditional partners for innovative, adaptive, and locally led development approaches in areas related to health, education, economic opportunities, and community infrastructure. The prioritization of these areas is generally a result of a listening tour commissioned by USAID in the first semester of 2021, in Paraguay’s eight poorest departments. The full report of the listening tour with areas prioritized by consulted communities is available on USAID/Paraguay’s website. Illustrative examples of interventions include:

● Activities in the health sector that help families have access to low-cost but high quality health services, supplies and medicines. Examples could include access to insurance, social pharmacies, equipment and supplies for local health centers, attracting professional health care workers to marginal communities, and ambulances. Preventive health, healthy environment, including activities that respond to wildfires and droughts, and solid waste disposal would also be considered.

● Activities that improve economic opportunities for families such as support to value-chains and identification of markets, technical training in trades and skills, particularly for youth, leading to formal employment identified per employment market requirements, increased access to financial information and training and technical assistance in business planning, access to business loans and other low-cost financial help. Other activities could include improving child care services allowing mothers to dedicate time for income producing activities.

● Activities in the education sector that: a) support improved virtual education such as access to smartphones, computers or internet; b) help make technical and university level education accessible economically as well as geographically; and c) support students wishing to complete high school and post-high school studies.

● Activities that demonstrate support for improved small-scale infrastructure including, but not limited to minor construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, access to electricity, access to housing programs, housing refurbishment and access to clean water.

USAID/Paraguay proposes the following theory of change, however, we are open to innovation and different strategies. Applicants may propose a theory of change that is in line with their specific approach.

For more information about priorities and challenges, please refer to the following link:

https://www.usaid.gov/paraguay/reporte-final-listening-tour

Awards under the Paraguay Local Works Initiative may be structured in various ways. Resulting awards may include Cooperative Agreements, Fixed Amount Awards, Renewal Awards, or Simplified Grants. More information on these award types can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303.pdf.

What types of partnerships is USAID/Paraguay seeking?

The most promising partnerships emerge from a solid understanding of the Government of Paraguay’s priorities, private sector interests, civil society considerations, and USAID’s development objectives.

USAID/Paraguay is particularly interested in working with new Local Implementing Partners. Please see SECTION C: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION for definitions and details on qualifying Implementing Partners.

If your organization would like to work with USAID/Paraguay to solve development challenges start with these steps:

● Follow the guidance in this APS.

● Review USAID/Paraguay’s development objectives and priorities outlined in SECTION

H: OTHER INFORMATION.

● Review the Application and Submission Information in SECTION D: APPLICATION

AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION of this APS.

● Submit a concept paper for consideration using the template attached at ATTACHMENT

1: CONCEPT PAPER TEMPLATE, making sure to answer each of the questions provided in SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION.

D. Funding Priorities

Please see SECTION H: OTHER INFORMATION.

E. Evaluation Process

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION of this Paraguay Local Works Initiative APS outlines the process for submission, evaluation, development, and selection of concept papers.

[END OF SECTION A]

https://www.usaid.gov/paraguay/reporte-final-listening-tour https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303.pdf

SECTION B: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

A. Estimate of Funds Available and Number of Awards Contemplated

The total amount of funding to be awarded under this APS will depend on the variety and quality of the concepts USAID/Paraguay receives but is estimated at approximately $8 million US Dollars.

USAID intends to award five to ten Fixed Amount Awards, Cooperative Agreements, Renewal Awards, and/or Simplified Grants pursuant to this APS. The amount awarded is expected to be between $500,000 and $2,000,000 per award. USAID/Paraguay reserves the right to fund any, or none, of the concept papers submitted, based on the availability of funds. While not required, it is desirable that the Implementing Partner contribute additional resources to achieve the expected results and/or promote sustainability.

Concept papers should have a request of at least USD $250,000. However, it is not always true that more funding achieves better results; therefore, USAID reserves the right to fund concept papers that fall below this amount.

B. Start Date and Period of Performance for Federal Awards

Applications must state a period of performance. The period of performance must be 60 months or less. The period of performance is subject to negotiation during co-design.

C. Type of Award

Subject to the availability of funds, USAID/Paraguay may make multiple awards. Awards under the Paraguay Local Works Initiative may be structured in various ways. Resulting awards may include Cooperative Agreements, Fixed Amount Awards, Renewal Awards, or Simplified Grants.

More information on these award types can be found in USAID’s Automated Directive System (ADS) Chapter 303 (https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303.pdf). Award type will be discussed once the concept paper is accepted. The actual award type or engagement will depend upon the most appropriate mechanism or approach for the intended results.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants

USAID welcomes applications from organizations that have not previously received financial assistance from USAID.

USAID/Paraguay, in particular, is interested in working with Local Implementing Partners. This includes non-traditional development partners such as private businesses, business and trade associations, foundations, financial institutions, non-profit NGOs and for-profit development firms. These targets are reflected in the evaluation criteria so submissions from Local, New or Nontraditional partners will have a much greater possibility of success as 50% of the rating criteria will be in meeting that criteria.

Please consider the following definitions:

Implementing Partner: USAID/Paraguay is seeking Local Entities and Locally Established Entities as Implementing Partners. USAID/Paraguay is particularly interested in working with New Partners as prime Implementing Partners and/or as subawardees.

A Local Entity is an individual or organization that: (1) Is legally organized under the laws of Paraguay;

(2) Has as its principal place of business or operations in Paraguay; (3) is majority-owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of Paraguay; and, (4) is managed by a governing body, the majority of whom are citizens or lawful permanent residents of Paraguay.

A Locally Established Partner is an organization (indigenous, regional, U.S., or international) that (1) provides private development assistance in Paraguay with funding from sources other than the U.S.

Government; and (2) works through Paraguayan led operations to enhance the capabilities and commitments of organizations in partner countries.

A New Partner is an individual or organization that has not received any funding from USAID as a prime partner over the last five years.

An Nontraditional Partner is an organization that has received less than $25 million in direct awards from USAID over the past five years.

Concept papers must follow all instructions in this APS and should address the Merit Review Criteria in SECTION E: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION.

Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for federal financial assistance on the same basis as any other organization and are subject to the protections and requirements of Federal law.

[END OF SECTION C]

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Agency Point of Contact

Regional Acquisition and Assistance Office (ROAA) USAID/Peru La Encalada Avenue, Block 17 Monterrico, Lima 33 Peru Paraguayoaa@usaid.gov

B. Questions and Answers

Submit any questions regarding the Paraguay Local Works Initiative via email to Paraguayoaa@usaid.gov. The subject line must state “Questions Paraguay Local Works Initiative - APS number 72052622APS00001.” Questions can be submitted at any time during which the Paraguay Local Works Initiative is active, but responses will be provided as an amendment to this APS only when there are a sufficient number of questions, or a question is particularly important to understanding the APS. Any questions in regards to the APS should only be submitted to Paraguayoaa@usaid.gov. Questions asked through other channels and methods should not expect to be addressed.

C. Application Process For Implementers Seeking Funding

USAID/Paraguay will use the following process:

Phase 1: Concept Paper Submission.

Concept papers must be submitted via email to Paraguayoaa@usaid.gov. A concept paper is a short (3 page maximum) document wherein the Applicant provides an overview of their idea.

USAID/Paraguay has provided a template as ATTACHMENT 1: CONCEPT PAPER TEMPLATE to this APS. Applicants must utilize this template when submitting a concept paper.

As seen in the template, applicants must answer each of the following questions in their concept paper submission:

1. Please provide the Applicant Entity’s name, address and phone. Please also provide the name and contact information for one person who can be the primary point of contact for

USAID.

2. Please indicate whether your Entity is a Local Entity, Locally Established Partner, New Partner or Nontraditional Partner.

3. Please provide your Entity’s SAM Registration Number.

mailto:Paraguayoaa@usaid.gov mailto:Paraguayroaa@usaid.gov mailto:Paraguayoaa@usaid.gov

4. What is the problem that your Entity is trying to directly address? (please limit response to one sentence)

5. Please provide a brief description of why this problem continues to exist and what attempts at solving it have been made. (please limit response to 2 paragraphs)

6. Who else is working to solve this problem? (please limit response to two sentences)

7. Why can this problem not be solved directly by the Government of Paraguay? Why should

USAID be involved? (please limit response to one paragraph)

8. How will your Entity solve this problem? (please limit response to one paragraph)

9. What will you accomplish using the funding you are requesting? Provide concrete results you hope to achieve and what will happen if you solve the identified problem. (please limit response to one paragraph)

10. How much funding are you requesting from USAID?

11. What is the estimated duration of your proposed project? (note that awards cannot exceed

60 months in duration)

12. List 5 ways that you will measure success.

13. How will gender be considered in your project? (please limit response to one paragraph)

14. How might your project impact the environment (positive or negative)? (please limit response to two sentences)

15. How might climate change impact your project? (please limit response to two sentences)

16. Please list any partners who will contribute in-kind or cash support for this project and attach letters of commitment from each partner.

17. Please attach your entity’s organizational structure.

Concept papers can be in English or Spanish. Concept papers must not exceed three (3) pages, and applicants must utilize the template in ATTACHMENT 1: CONCEPT PAPER TEMPLATE to this APS to submit their concept paper. Clarity and specificity are important, as is ensuring that the concept paper narrative addresses the points USAID/Paraguay will use to review the concept paper (see SECTION E: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION).

NOTE ON THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

NOTE: Registration for the System for Award Management (SAM) https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ is always free - do not use websites that charge a fee to register.

Applicants are required to:

● Be registered in SAM before submitting its application.

● Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

The applicant must be registered in SAM before submitting an application to this APS.

Applications cannot be reviewed without verification of registration in SAM. There will be no exceptions.

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

Phase 2: Concept Paper Review

Concept papers will be reviewed on a rolling basis if funds are made available. USAID/Paraguay will review concept papers as they are received. USAID/Paraguay will review concept papers against the merit review criteria as they are received.

USAID/Paraguay anticipates two possible results from the concept paper merit review process:

1. Conditional Acceptance whereby competition requirements have been met - Invitation for Co-Design: If the concept paper meets Paraguay Local Works Initiative objectives and receives sufficient ratings against the merit review criteria.

USAID/Paraguay will invite the Applicant to engage in Co-Design to address any uncertainties identified by USAID/Paraguay in its review. Applicants will receive an Invitation to Co-Design letter. More detailed instructions on how to proceed will be provided in the letter.

2. Concept paper receives a low rating or does not meet the Paraguay Local Works Initiative objectives: If it is determined that an Applicant does not meet USAID/Paraguay’s objectives or if an Applicant receives a low rating against the merit review criteria, the Applicant will receive a Decision to Not Proceed letter and the process will end.

Phase 3: Co-Design of Activity

Upon receipt of the Invitation for Co-Design letter, competition has been met, and the Applicant will continue the design process working with USAID/Paraguay’s guidance. USAID/Paraguay will provide additional information on this process to successful applicants. During this phase, applicants will work with USAID design teams to develop a clearer understanding of the activity.

During this co-design process, USAID staff will also help ensure that USAID activity requirements, such as environmental compliance and gender integration, are considered.

If an Applicant at any point in the Co-Design phase does not meet expectations, the process will end for that Applicant. Reasons why an Applicant may be unsuccessful at the co-design/full application phase could include, among other reasons:

● After discussions, the design team determines that the detailed program does not satisfy the criteria of Paraguay Local Works Initiative or the Development Objectives of USAID/Paraguay;

● The Applicant cannot provide evidence that it is a legal entity capable of operating in Paraguay; or

● USAID/Paraguay has other concerns after conducting due diligence or pre-award reviews of the applicant.

USAID/Paraguay reserves the right not to make an award at any stage of the process.

D. Leveraging

The US Government wishes to be in a true partnership with the implementer with whom we select.

In order to achieve success, we must each share in the solution to the development problem. It is our hope that in addition to the funds that we provide, the implementer will also provide resources in the form of cash or in-kind contributions.

Under the evaluation criteria, “Multi-Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainability”, your offer will be evaluated to determine what additional resources you will bring to help solve the problem.

We do not have a minimum or a maximum amount but the more outside resources that you can bring to help solve the problem, the more favorable your concept note will be.

Leverage is defined as resources, in cash or in-kind, that are added to the funds that USAID provides. While cash contributions are preferred, you can use funds that are already in your account, but you must demonstrate that prior to receiving USAID funds, you would not have used those funds to try to solve the problem. You can also use in-kind leverage. These are things such as volunteers who will contribute their time, the use of office space that normally would not have been used to try to solve this problem, the use of vehicles, photo-copy machines, utilities, etc.

See ADS 303.3.27 for more information about leverage

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Merit Review Criteria

USAID/Paraguay will review all concept paper applications that comply with the instructions in this APS. USAID/Paraguay will use the following merit review elements, which are of equal importance (with each sub-review element in the third column of equal sub-importance).

Merit Review Element Definition

USAID/Paraguay will review each concept paper and evaluate it to the degree it meets the criteria on the right:

Development Approach How relevant the Development Problem is focusing on the strengths of the proposed intervention.

Multi-Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainability

The makeup of the partnerships with the possibility of long term sustainability.

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F: FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

USAID/Paraguay cannot make awards under this APS until it has appropriated, allocated, and committed funds through internal USAID procedures. While USAID/Paraguay anticipates successfully completing these procedures, potential applicants are notified of these requirements and conditions. The Agreement Officer (AO) is the only individual who can legally commit USAID to the expenditure of public funds. Applicants are prohibited from charging or incurring costs to the proposed award prior to receiving either a fully executed award or a specific, written authorization from the AO.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Due to the nature of the collaboration implicit in the Paraguay Local Works Initiative awards, USAID/Paraguay believes that Fixed Amount Awards (whereby USAID provides a specific level of support for which the Agency does not base payment upon the actual costs incurred by the recipient, but rather performance and results) and/or Cooperative Agreements (in which substantial involvement will include approval of implementation plans, key personnel, and Agency and Recipient collaboration or joint participation) will likely be the primary vehicle for this initiative. Still, the actual award type or engagement will depend upon the most appropriate mechanism or approach for the intended results.

Each award will be individually negotiated.

The resulting award from this APS will be administered in accordance with the following policies and regulations.

For Cooperative Agreements:

For US organizations: ADS 303, 2 CFR 700, 2 CFR 200, and Standard Provisions for U.S.

Non-governmental organizations.

For Non US organizations: Standard Provisions for Non-U.S. Non-governmental Organizations.

For Fixed Amount Awards:

For all organizations: ADS 303 and Standard Provisions for Fixed Amount Awards to Nongovernmental Organizations

Awards will include all USG regulatory requirements, including Mandatory and any As Applicable provisions (https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303mab.pdf).

New applicants will require a Non-U.S. Organization Pre-Award Survey and results may require Specific Conditions placed on the award https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303Peru Alliances.pdf.

Each award will be individually negotiated.

[END OF SECTION F]

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303.pdf http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a5489109509be4f2b9bd6335059465b2&node=pt2.1.700&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1b472774f0a1e84d725c7ca14618e8ac&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303maa https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303maa https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303mab https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303mab http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303mat.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303mat.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303mab.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303sam.pdf

SECTION G: FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

1. The Agreement Officer for this APS is:

Regional Acquisition and Assistance Office (ROAA) USAID/Peru La Encalada Avenue, Block 17 Monterrico, Lima 33 Peru Paraguayoaa@usaid.gov

2. Acquisition and Assistance Ombudsman

The A&A Ombudsman helps ensure equitable treatment of all parties who participate in USAID’s acquisition and assistance process. The A&A Ombudsman serves as a resource for all organizations who are doing or wish to do business with USAID. Please visit this page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/acquisition-assistance-ombudsman

The A&A Ombudsman may be contacted via: Ombudsman@usaid.gov

[END OF SECTION G]

mailto:Paraguayoaa@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/acquisition-assistance-ombudsman

SECTION H: OTHER INFORMATION

USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. The Agreement Officer is the only individual who may legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds. Any award and subsequent incremental funding will be subject to the availability of funds and continued relevance to Agency programming.

A. PROGRAM FUNDING AREA

Problem Statement

In Paraguay, disadvantaged groups are excluded and deprived from access to quality public services, including health, education, economic opportunities, and infrastructure.

Background

Paraguay’s Country Roadmap helped visualize one of Paraguay’s greatest development hurdles:

“social group equality” as it is one of the lowest in the region. Paraguay continues to be the fifth most unequal country in Latin America. However, the foundations for development exist. There are a number of advanced grassroots platforms, cooperatives perhaps being the best examples.

They are built around the principles of common good, mutual respect, self-determination, and have been the drivers of Paraguay’s recent economic development. In addition, there is a culture of solidarity or “minga”, a traditional form of collaboration that helps communities work together to solve problems, especially when the government is absent. Notably, women play a key role in mingas, - and their voice is growing. Thanks to a culture of solidarity and association, Paraguayans seem to have a unique ability to overcome difficulties, and they are ready to take on the responsibility to design, fund and become accountable for their own development, rather than limiting themselves to being mere beneficiaries of foreign assistance.

Theory of Change

If: Communities are enabled to self-identify their needs and priorities, and plan their own development solutions, and they receive support from resource partners and more advanced organizations, using a holistic systems approach, Then Communities will overcome their barriers to development and thrive.

Purpose Statement

USAID will work with grassroots organizations, with a special focus on women and youth, and other vulnerable populations, to help them self-identify their needs and lead their own development solutions, fostering ownership and empowerment, and building accountability and resiliency within the community and at the national level.

B. Frequently Asked Questions Question: Can an organization submit more than one concept paper in response to this solicitation?

Answer: No, applicants should only submit one application where they see the most significant potential for an impactful alliance.

Question: The APS mentions that a total of 5 to 10 awards will be made. Can USAID clarify if it envisions a maximum dollar threshold for grants?

Answer: USAID/Paraguay envisions that 5-10 awards will be made. Individual awards are expected to range from approximately $500,000 to $2,000,000.

Question: What is the difference between a concept note, concept paper, proposal and application?

Answer: They are the same.

Question: What if my organization does not have a SAM registration at the time of application?

Answer: Unfortunately we cannot review applications without a SAM registration. USAID is unable to assist organizations with SAM registration. Please see the following references:

https://www.usaid.gov/paraguay/tools-partners

Question: Can public sector institutions and/or offices be considered a resource partner?

Answer: Yes, but they will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

[END OF SECTION H]

https://www.usaid.gov/paraguay/tools-partners

ATTACHMENT 1: CONCEPT PAPER TEMPLATE

Paraguay Local Works Initiative Concept Paper

NAME OF ENTITY:

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

POINT OF CONTACT NAME:

EMAIL:

CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:

Local Entity Locally Established Parter New Partner Nontraditional Partner

SAM REGISTRATION NUMBER:

UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFICATION (UEI):

What is the problem that your Entity is trying to directly address? (Please limit response to one sentence)

Please provide a brief description of why this problem continues to exist and what attempts at solving it have been made. (Please limit response to 2 paragraphs)

Who else is working to solve this problem? (Please limit response to two sentences)

Why can this problem not be solved directly by the Government of Paraguay? Why should USAID be involved?

(Please limit response to one paragraph)

How will your Entity solve this problem? (Please limit response to one paragraph)

What will you accomplish using the funding you are requesting? Provide concrete results you hope to achieve and what will happen if you solve the identified problem. (Please limit response to one paragraph)

How much funding are you requesting from USAID?

What is the estimated duration of your proposed project? (Note that awards cannot exceed 60 months in duration).

List 5 ways that you will measure success.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

How will gender be considered in your project? (Please limit response to one paragraph)

How might your project impact the environment (positive or negative)? (Please limit response to two sentences)

How might climate change impact your project? (Please limit response to two sentences)

Please list any partners who will contribute in-kind or cash support for this project and attach letters of commitment from each partner. (Does not apply to 3 page limit)

Please attach your entity’s organizational structure (Does not apply to 3 page limit

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