Request for Concept Papers for Disability-Inclusive Climate Action Activity | 3092023

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a USAID Tajikistan (Dushanbe) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Request for Concept Papers for Disability-Inclusive Climate Action Activity." It requests concept papers for an activity focused on climate action that is intentionally disability-inclusive.

2) Who is issuing the NOFO?

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Tajikistan mission in Dushanbe, is issuing the opportunity.

3) What is the focus of the proposed activity?

The stated focus is climate action work that is designed and implemented in a way that meaningfully includes people with disabilities and their representative organizations. The notice emphasizes that disability inclusion is not intended to be an add-on.

4) What does "disability-inclusive" mean in this NOFO context?

Based on the notice text provided, applicants are expected to show (even at the concept stage) how people with disabilities and their representative organizations will be involved across the project cycle, including project design, implementation, and learning. The NOFO also highlights participation in monitoring and evaluation as part of meaningful engagement.

5) Is USAID using a concept paper or full application process?

USAID is using a two-step process. Applicants first submit a concept paper, and only the strongest concept papers may be invited to submit a full application later.

6) What are the key dates listed in the notice?

The opportunity was issued on March 9, 2023, and concept papers were due by March 29, 2023.

7) Where is this opportunity posted and where will updates appear?

The posting is managed through Grants.gov. Amendments and updates may be posted there, and applicants are reminded to regularly check Grants.gov for updates.

8) What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The listed award ceiling is up to $1,000,000.

9) What CFDA number or program area is referenced?

The activity falls under community development, referenced as CFDA 98.001.

10) What type of funding instrument is expected?

The funding instrument type is identified as "Other" in the information provided.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broad. Both U.S. and non-U.S. entities may submit concept papers. Examples of typical eligible applicants listed include private nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies (if they are willing to forego profits), faith-based organizations, local community-based organizations, private voluntary organizations, universities, research organizations, and professional associations.

12) Are for-profit companies allowed to apply?

Yes, for-profit companies are listed among typical eligible applicants, as long as they are willing to forego profits.

13) Are Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) encouraged to apply?

Yes. Local Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) are strongly encouraged to apply directly.

14) Will USAID give preference to DPOs?

Yes. USAID states that preference will be given either to qualified DPOs or to other eligible organizations that directly collaborate with DPOs and/or provide subgrants to DPOs while meeting USAID funding requirements.

15) If an applicant is not a DPO, is partnership with a DPO required?

Yes, the NOFO sets a clear partnership expectation for mainstream (non-DPO) applicants: they must include signed letters of support from the local DPOs they plan to work with.

16) What should the DPO letters of support demonstrate?

The letters are not meant to be symbolic. They should demonstrate meaningful DPO participation across the project cycle, including design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

17) Are there any entities that are explicitly not allowed to apply?

Yes. The notice explicitly excludes PIOs from applying under this program.

18) Is there a required format for submitting the concept paper?

Yes. Applicants are instructed to use a required application format: Attachment A, labeled as the FY 2022 USAID Disability Funding Program Application format.

19) Why does USAID require a standardized concept paper format?

The notice indicates USAID wants standardized concept submissions that are easier to compare during review, as reflected by the requirement to use Attachment A.

20) How will USAID decide which concept papers move forward?

USAID indicates it will use review criteria described in the full NOFO to decide which concept paper applicants, if any, will be asked to submit a complete application.

21) Where can applicants find the submission requirements and detailed eligibility rules?

Applicants are directed to read the full NOFO carefully for submission requirements, selection procedures, and the specific eligibility standards referenced, including those in Section C of the NOFO.

22) How can applicants ask questions about the opportunity?

Questions are to be sent to the points of contact listed in Section D of the NOFO.

23) Will USAID share answers to questions with all potential applicants?

Yes. USAID indicates that timely questions may be answered through a formal amendment posted on Grants.gov so all potential applicants receive the same information.

24) Does posting the NOFO guarantee that an award will be made?

No. The notice includes standard federal grant caveats stating that posting the NOFO does not guarantee an award.

25) Will USAID reimburse the costs of preparing a concept paper?

No. The notice states that the U.S. Government does not commit to reimburse any proposal development expenses, and all costs to prepare and submit a concept paper are borne by the applicant.

26) What should applicants do to avoid missing changes or corrections to the opportunity?

Applicants are reminded to regularly check Grants.gov for amendments, updates, and any formal responses to questions.

27) Is USAID responsible for technical issues related to submitted files?

The notice includes a disclaimer that USAID is not responsible for data errors caused by transmission or file conversion issues.

28) Does the notice describe the full program design or technical approach?

No. The text provided does not include program design details, but it clearly communicates that disability inclusion must be integral and demonstrated in the concept paper through real involvement of people with disabilities and their representative organizations.