Funding Opportunity Title:                                           Institutional Capacity Building and Policy Program (SMART-BEE)

Announcement Type:                                                    Annual Program Statement

Funding Opportunity Number:                                     APS-001

Issuance Date:                                                               September 11, 2022

Deadline for Submission of Concept Papers:            August 31, 2023

Final Closing Date:                                                       September 30, 2023

Submit Concept Papers to:                                         Small and Medium Enterprise Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Project

 

To Interested Applicants:

The purpose of this Annual Program Statement (APS) is to solicit applications for funding.  DAI through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking concept papers first and then full applications from prospective partners to implement activities that enhance the competitiveness of the private sector through capacity building of private sector institutions; to both improve service provision to member businesses and to enable them to lead policy reform initiatives.  These activities will contribute to achieve SMART Objective 2: policy and institutional constraints to competitiveness and trade are eliminated.  The geographic focus under consideration is West Bank and Gaza.

DAI on behalf of USAID anticipates awarding approximately ten grants to fund successful applications submitted in response to this APS. Competition for this APS will be open for one year. All concept papers for review evaluations are due by August 31, 2023. It is likely that all of the available funds for this APS may be allocated to awards resulting from the evaluations. At the discretion of DAI, applications received may be considered on a rolling basis or as part of another round of evaluations.

The length of the grant implementation period is up to six-nine months. The total amount of funding currently available for this APS is approximately $900,000 for a period of up to one year. DAI may choose to fully fund or incrementally fund the selected application(s).  The number of awards and amount of available funding is subject to change and DAI reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this APS.

This APS is seeking applicants to propose creative and effective approaches to better coordinate the efforts of private sector institutions, produce and advocate for policy reforms, and improve the business enabling environment (BEE) in the country as outlined in the Overview section. Applicants may choose among a range of initiatives or scale up small projects that have demonstrated success.  Awardees will be expected to share evaluation results and key lessons and disseminate periodic activities and outcomes with the broader community.

Applications outside the geographic focus will not be considered. Applicants must demonstrate success in managing cultural and political considerations in the proposed focus country or region as well as success in addressing DAI’s development objectives.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SECTION I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

SECTION III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

SECTION V – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

SECTION VI – AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

SECTION VII – DAI PROJECT CONTACTS

SECTION VIII – OTHER INFORMATION

SECTION I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

 

(1) Description of the Proposed Program
 

Background

The Small and Medium Enterprise Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Project is a Four-Year USAID-funded activity implemented by DAI Global. SMART provides rapid recovery and sustainable revitalization of the Palestinian private sector following the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis and other economic shocks. The Project aims to rapidly respond to severe losses of the Palestinian private sector and help jumpstart the competitiveness of firms with potential to increase market share and employment opportunities. SMART will help the Palestinian private sector regain economic productivity and build a future of sustainable growth and expansion. Ultimately, SMART will promote economic growth and self-reliance in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza (WBG). 

Institutional Capacity Building and Policy Program Objectives (SMART-BEE)

As component of SMART’s wider private sector growth agenda, Institutional Capacity Building and Policy Program aims to implement systemic interventions to improve the business enabling environment (BEE) by addressing the specific policy and institutional impediments to recovery and revitalization. The Program seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the private sector through capacity building of private sector institutions; to both improve service provision to member businesses and other stakeholders and to enable them to lead policy reform initiatives.

(2) Administration of Award

Awards to U.S. organizations will be administered in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E, ADS 303 and USAID Standard Provisions for U.S. nongovernmental organizations. For non-U.S. organizations, USAID Standard Provisions for non-U.S. non-governmental organizations would apply.

Applicants may obtain copies of the referenced material at the following websites:

2 CFR 200: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0a5b7fee6378930cce72564449dd8bb7&mc=true&node=sp2.1.200.d&rgn=div6

Standard Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental Recipients: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/defaulthttps://www.smartproject.pshttps://www.smartproject.ps/public/files/documents/1864/303maa.pdf

Standard Provisions for Non-U.S., Nongovernmental Recipients: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/defaulthttps://www.smartproject.pshttps://www.smartproject.ps/public/files/documents/1868/303mab.pdf

 

SECTION II- AWARD INFORMATION

(1) Estimated Funding Level

The total amount of funding currently available for this APS is approximately $900,000 for a period of up to one year. DAI may choose to fully fund or incrementally fund the chosen Application(s). DAI expects to award 10 -15 agreements. The number of awards and amount of available funding is subject to change.

(2) Anticipated Start Date of this Award and Performance Period

DAI anticipates the start date upon award with a performance period of up to six-nine months.

(3) Award Type

DAI anticipates awarding approximately 10 -15 grants (hereafter called Agreements) to fund successful applications submitted in response to this APS.

 

SECTION III- ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

(1) Types of Entities that May Apply

Registered non-U.S. non-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations and for-profit organizations willing to forego profit may apply.
Private Sector institutions representing segment(s) of SMEs and/or Startups (individual companies are ineligible)

This APS is issued as a public notice to ensure that all interested and qualified organizations have a fair opportunity to submit applications for funding. Eligible organizations could include, Private sector Institutions, Sector Associations, Research Centers, Universities etc. DAI encourages an approach that establishes partnerships with several partner organizations and builds them into legacy institutions capable of sustaining development projects in the future.

(2) Potential New Partners

DAI strongly encourages applications from potential new partners.

(3) Cost Share

Cost share is not required, but applicants are encouraged to contribute resources from their own private or local sources for the implementation of this program where feasible.

 

SECTION IV- APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

(1) Application Process

DAI will review proposals using a two-stage process. Applicants must first submit a concept paper of no more than five pages directly to DAI before submitting a full proposal. Concept papers must meet the identified needs of this solicitation.  If your proposed project meets the needs of this APS, prepare a five-page concept paper ensuring that the concept meets all APS criteria.

Do not submit a full proposal unless requested by USAID SMART project. Only upon receipt of positive SMART feedback on the concept paper is the applicant requested to put together a full proposal for SMART consideration, using the criteria below.

The concept paper and Full Application must be submitted in accordance with the instructions in SECTIONS IV (2), (3) and (4) below.

(2) Concept Paper

In the first stage, all applicants are required to submit a short technical concept paper no longer than 5 pages that is specific, complete and concise. The concept paper should demonstrate the applicant’s capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the goals of this program (See Program Objective in Section I). The format and content of the concept paper should take into account the instructions listed in the next section.

Concept papers will be reviewed in terms of responsiveness to the APS, appropriateness of subject matter, and creativity. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed work will contribute to (objective of program), especially within the West Bank and Gaza.

Concept Paper Instructions

The concept paper must be submitted in (Time New Roman and 12 font size), and must include page numbers. Each page must be marked with the APS title and number.

Prepare the application for the concept paper according to the structural format set forth below:

1-Cover Page (no more than one (1) page).  The cover page must include:

the APS number Name
Address of organization
Type of organization (e.g., for-profit, non-profit, industry group, business association, research institute, non-governmental organization, university, etc);
Contact point (lead contact name; relevant telephone, fax, e-mail information);
Names of other organizations (federal and non-federal as well as any other USAID offices) to whom you are submitting and/or have submitted the application and/or who are funding the proposed activity; and
Signature of authorized representative of the applicant.

2-Technical approach (no more than three (3) pages): This section should address the program summary and selected objectives in Section I of this document and should include:

Concise title and objectives of proposed activity;
Discussion of the objectives, the method of approach, the amount of effort to be employed, the anticipated results, and how the work will help accomplish DAI’s goal of enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector through capacity building of private sector institutions; to both improve service provision to member businesses and other stakeholders and to enable policy reform initiatives; and
Type of support the applicant requests from USAID (e.g., funds, facilities, equipment, materials, personnel resources, etc.).

3-Supporting information (no more than (1) page):

Proposed total estimated cost; Brief cost breakdown (e.g., salaries, travel, etc.); Proposed optional amount of the applicant’s financial as well as in-kind participation if applicable; Proposed amount of prospective or existing partner(s) financial as well as in-kind participation if applicable; Proposed duration of the activity; and Brief description of applicant’s, as well as prospective or existing partner(s’) previous work or experience.

DAI will contact selected applicants to request a full proposal based on the information provided in the concept paper.

(3) Full Application

A. General Requirements

Applicants that have satisfied the requirements will be asked to submit a full technical and cost application. The Full Application must be submitted in (Times New Roman and 12 font size), and must include page numbers. Each page must be marked with the APS title and number.

The applications must be prepared in accordance with the instructions below. Selection for award will be made in accordance with the evaluation criteria in Section V.

Applicants should retain for their records one copy of all parts of the application and all enclosures that accompany their application. Erasures or other changes must be initialed by the person signing the application.

Note that all applicants may be subject to a pre-award financial and management review and must demonstrate that they have a rigorous financial and monitoring system in place that will ensure auditable systems and records.

B. Format of Application Submission

The chart below lists each element required for submission of a complete application.

What to Submit	Required Content	Required Format
1. Technical Application	Narrative as described in Section IV.C.1	Word
2. Cost Application Budget Information Cost Summary Cost spreadsheets Budget narrative Supporting Documentation	Per required form, as described in Section IV.C.2.i. As described in Section IV.C2.ii As described in Section IV.C.2.iii As described in Section IV.C.2.iv. As described in Section IV.C.2.v.	Excel Excel Excel Word Word or PDF
3. Certifications, Assurances, Other Statements of the Recipient and Solicitation Standard Provisions	Per required form, as described in Section IV.C.3.i. Per required format, as described in Section IV.C.3.ii.

 

. Content of Application Submission

1. Technical Application

To facilitate the competitive review of the applications, proposals should include the following content, which adhere to the designated page limits (instructions for major categories are found under section headings).

1. Cover Page: 1 page
2. Executive Summary: 1 page
3. Technical Narrative (see section V for evaluation content): 22 pages
   1. Program Description
   2. Goal and Objectives
   3. Background/Problem Statement (incorporating any existing baseline data)
   4. Explanation of partners and their expected roles including partner and other resources brought to bear if applicable
   5. Proposed Interventions/Technical Approach
   6. Expected Impact: Applicants are required to reflect the proposed results in their responses.
   7.  Implementation Plan: Implementation Plan (up to three years) outlines timeline for phasing of interventions. Proposed implementation plan, inputs, outputs, and outcomes are realistic and achievable within the proposed budget and timeframe and reflect a grasp of necessary steps to ensure rapid, effective execution of program activities. A plan for monitoring and evaluation must also be included. Include adequate emphasis on scaling-up and achieving broad-based impact where possible and appropriate. Feasible strategies for sustaining activities beyond DAI’s funding for this activity, and documenting and sharing key lessons.
   8. Duration of Activity
   9. Role of DAI (e.g., facilities, equipment, material, or personnel resources)
   10. Relevant organizational experiences of recipient and any key partner organizations
   11. Implementation Schedule: Proposed work plan presented in matrix format, includes proposed activities for the time frame indicated, and identifies partners for activities where appropriate. Work plan, inputs, outputs, and outcomes are realistic and achievable within the proposed budget and timeframe and reflect a grasp of necessary steps to ensure rapid, effective execution of program activities. Include adequate emphasis on scaling-up and achieving broad-based impact where possible and appropriate.
   12. Information on key personnel, including name, short description of experience and capacity relevant to proposed position (includes proposed job descriptions and complete CVs of all key personnel).
   13. Attachments: no page limit
       1. Baseline Data (if applicable)
       2. Curriculum Vitae for the proposed Project Director
       3. Past Performance Information: Applicants must provide a list of all its contracts or grants involving similar or related programs during the past three years. The reference information for these awards must include the performance location, a brief description of the work performed, and a point of contact with current telephone numbers and/or email address.

The overall page limit and the individual section page limit for the application must be adhered to. Pages in excess of the stated limitation may not be considered.

There are no page limits for:

• Table of Contents
• Dividers

2. Cost Application

If a full technical proposal is requested, a cost application will be required as well. The cost application as an attachment should detail all direct costs associated with the implementation and completion of activities, as well as any indirect costs and program costs such as those related to any sub-agreements and/or contracts as detailed below. Applicants may request awards of up to a total of $100,000 per year. This amount is subject to revision depending on availability of funds. Further, apparently successful applicants may be asked to scale back portions of their programs to accommodate funding constraints.

The cost application includes specific cost information for this project and additional required information from the applicant. Certain documents are required to be submitted by an applicant in order for DAI Staff to make a determination of responsibility.

The application must also provide evidence that the funds requested are reasonable and would be used in a cost-effective manner. DAI will assess whether the overall costs are realistic for the work to be performed, whether the costs reflect that the Applicant understands the requirements, and whether the costs are consistent with the technical application. The application also will be assessed for cost effectiveness, and applications that minimize administrative costs in order to maximize program, outreach, and capacity building activities will generally be considered a better value.

Cost Summary

Applicants should include an overall summary budget and a detailed annual budget defined by general program activities.

Cost Spreadsheets

A detailed breakdown of the budget in spreadsheet format. The spreadsheet(s) must be submitted electronically in MS Excel format and text accessible.

These spreadsheet breakdowns must include:

The breakdown of all costs and supporting justification (justification such as policy, payroll documents, vendor quotes, or specific historical program costs and award number) according to each partner organization (if more than one organization is proposed in a consortium/network approach) involved in the program;

The breakdown of the financial and in-kind contributions of all organizations involved in implementing this Agreement;

Potential contributions of cost share invested by the awardee or other donor funding.

The procurement plan for commodities, if any.

Breakdown of Management Costs: The proposed budget should provide estimates of the program based upon the total estimated costs for the agreement. Applicants should minimize their administrative and support costs for managing the project to maximize the funds available for project activities.

Budget Narrative

The budget must have an accompanying detailed budget narrative and justification that provides in detail the total costs for implementation of the program your organization is proposing. The budget narrative must be written in the third person. The combination of the cost data and breakdowns specified above and the cost notes must be sufficient to allow a determination of whether the costs estimated are reasonable. If the information described below is provided in the cost matrices described above, then the information need not be included in the Budget Notes. The following is provided as guidance on issues involving specific types of costs:

1. Salary and Wages: Direct salaries and wages should be proposed in accordance with the Applicant's personnel policies.
2. Fringe Benefits: If the Applicant has a fringe benefit rate that has been approved by an agency of the U.S. Government, such rate should be used and evidence of its approval should be provided. If a fringe benefit rate has not been so approved, the application may propose a rate and explain how the rate was determined. If the latter is used, the narrative should include a detailed breakdown comprised of all items of fringe benefits (e.g., unemployment insurance, workers compensation, health and life insurance, retirement, FICA, etc.) and the costs of each, expressed in dollars and as a percentage of salaries. Alternatively, if the applicant has no approved rate, it may elect to directly charge all project expenses.
3. Travel and Transportation: The application should indicate the number of trips, domestic and international, and the estimated costs per trip. Specify the origin and destination for each proposed trip, duration of travel, and number of individuals traveling.
4. Equipment: Specify all equipment to be purchased, including the type of equipment, the manufacturer, the unit cost, the number of units to be purchased and the expected geographic source.
5. Source and Origin Requirements: Goods and services provided by the Recipients under this award must have their source and origin in Country. Procurement source and origin requirements under the agreement will be dependent upon the source of funding.
6. Materials and Supplies: Specify all materials and supplies expected to be purchased, including type, unit cost, and number of units.
7. Communications: Specific information regarding the type of communication cost (e.g., mail, telephone, cellular phones, internet, etc.) must be included in order to allow an assessment of the realism and reasonableness of these costs.
8. Training: Provide budgetary information on all training, including the number of people to be trained, the number and cost of each session, and the cost of materials.
9. Subcontracts/Consultants: Information sufficient to determine the reasonableness of the cost of each specific subcontract and consultant expected to be hired must be included. Similar information should be provided for all consultants who are provided under the category for personnel.
10. Allowances: Allowances should be broken down by specific type and by person. Any allowances should be in accordance with the Applicant’s policies and the applicable regulations and policies.
11. Direct Facilities Costs: Specific information regarding the cost of any facilities needed to perform program activities. The information provided should include the unit cost (rent), the time period the facilities are needed and the number of facilities. Only facilities that directly benefit the program activities should be included in this category; all other facility costs should be included in the indirect cost category.
12. Other Direct Costs: This may include report preparation costs, passports and visas fees, training, medical exams and inoculations, insurance (other than insurance included in the Applicant's fringe benefits), as well as any other miscellaneous costs that directly benefit the program proposed by the Applicant. The narrative should provide a breakdown and support for all other direct costs. If seminars and conferences are included, the Applicant should indicate the subject, venue, and duration of proposed conferences and seminars, and their relationship to the objectives of the program, along with estimates of costs.
13. Indirect Costs: The Applicant should support the proposed indirect cost rate, if any, with a letter from a cognizant U.S. Government audit agency (i.e. its current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement) or with sufficient information for DAI to determine the reasonableness of the rates. For the latter, DAI would need:
    1. Copies of the Applicant's financial reports for the previous 3-year period, which have been audited by a certified public accountant or other auditor satisfactory to USAID;
    2. projected budget, cash flow and organizational chart; and
    3. a copy of the organization's accounting manual.
14. Cost Share: In addition to USAID funds, Applicants are encouraged to contribute resources from their own private or local sources for the implementation of this program where feasible. Contributions can be either cash or in-kind and can include contributions from Applicant, local counterpart organizations, project clients, the relevant Government(s), and other donors (but not other USG funding sources). The budget must provide a breakdown of the financial and in-kind cost share contributions, if any, converted to dollar value, of all organizations involved in implementing this Cooperative Agreement. This information should be included in the Cost Summary as indicated on those documents. The cost-share should be discussed in the Budget Notes to the extent necessary to realistically access these sources and funds and the feasibility of the cost-sharing plan.
15. Alliance Opportunities: DAI encourages, where appropriate and possible given the subject matter, the creation of alliances. An "alliance," in this sense, is a formal agreement between two or more parties created to jointly define and address a development problem. Alliance partners combine resources, risks and rewards in pursuit of common objectives. Alliance partners make financial and/or in-kind contributions to increase the impact and sustainability of development efforts. Their support may take many forms. Mechanisms for collaboration include parallel financing (with common objectives, clear understanding of roles and separate funding tracks) or pooled resources (with agreed upon and legally binding governance structures and common funding tracks).
16. Program Income (if applicable): The Recipient will account for program income in accordance with 2 CFR 200.307. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.307 (e)(2), program income earned under this award will be added to funds committed by DAI and the recipient to the project or program and used to further eligible project or program objectives. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.307(e)(3), program income may be used to finance the non-Federal share of the project or objectives.
17. Potential for-profit applicants should note that DAI policy prohibits the payment of fee/profit to the recipient under grants. Forgone profit does not qualify as cost-sharing or leveraging.

 

Supporting Documentation

1. Teaming: If the applicant is a consortium, the Cost application must include documents reflecting the legal relationship between the parties. The document/s should include a full discussion of the relationship between the applicants including identity of the applicant which USAID will treat for purposes of Agreement administration, identity of the Applicant which will have accounting responsibility, how Agreement effort will be allocated, and the express agreement of the principals thereto to be held jointly and individually liable for the acts or omissions of the other.   If no consortium is involved, the Cost Application should include a complete discussion, if applicable, of the relationship between the Applicant and its partner organizations, how work under the program will be allocated, how work will be organized and managed, and provide copies of any agreements between the partner organizations. In all cases of teaming, the cost information provided in part 2.b of this subsection should indicate the amounts committed to each member of the team. The Budget notes should discuss which team member is bearing a particular cost where appropriate to justify and explain the cost in question.
2. NICRA: A current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with USAID, an Indirect Rate Agreement with another federal agency, or financial statements as described below for the primary recipient and proposed partner organizations must be submitted. Applicants that do not currently have a NICRA from their cognizant agency must also submit the following information:
   1. Copies of the applicant's financial reports for the previous 3-year period, which have been audited by a certified public accountant or other auditor satisfactory to DAI;
   2. Projected budget, cash flow and organizational chart; and
   3. Breakdown justification and indirect rate and its base of application.
3. Applicants that have never received a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract are required to submit a copy of their accounting manual and personnel and policy manual.
4. Applicants must submit any additional evidence of responsibility for DAI Staff to make a determination of responsibility. The information submitted must substantiate that the Applicant:
   1. has adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain such resources as required during the performance of the award;
   2. has the ability to comply with the award conditions, taking into account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the applicant - nongovernmental and governmental;
   3. has a satisfactory record of performance. Past relevant unsatisfactory performance is ordinarily sufficient to justify a finding of non-responsibility, unless there is clear evidence of subsequent satisfactory performance;
   4. has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics;
   5. is otherwise qualified and eligible to receive a grant under applicable laws and regulations (e.g., EEO); and
   6. Presents evidence of a Unique Entity ID (SAM) Requirements or a Self-Certification for Exemption from Unique Entity ID (SAM) Requirements .

The Applicant is reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the Applicant/Recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in all subcontracts/sub-awards issued under this contract/agreement.

 

(4) Submission Instructions

All materials must be in English.

Concept Paper: The concept paper must be submitted by email to: [email protected] no later than the deadline on the cover page of this APS or subsequently announced deadlines if additional reviews are announced. All correspondence must include the relevant APS number and title.

Full Application: Applications must be submitted both electronically and hard copy. For electronic submission use: may be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All correspondence must include the relevant APS number and title.

(5) Other Important Information

A. Branding

All USAID-sponsored assistance awards are required to adhere to branding policies and revised marking requirements for grants and cooperative agreements in accordance with ADS 320. This includes visibly displaying the USAID Standard Graphic Identity that clearly communicates assistance is, “From the American people” on all programs, projects, activities, publications, public communications, and commodities provided or supported through USAID assistance awards. ADS 320 requires that, after the evaluation of the applications, DAI Staff will request the Apparently Successful Applicant to submit a Branding Strategy that describes how the program, project, or activity is named and positioned, how it is promoted and communicated to beneficiaries and cooperating country citizens, and identifies all donors and explains how they will be acknowledged. DAI will not competitively evaluate the proposed Branding Strategy. ADS 320 may be found at the following website: www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/320.pdf.

B. Environmental Procedures

1. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, Section 117 requires that the impact of USAID’s activities on the environment be considered and that USAID include environmental sustainability as a central consideration in designing and carrying out its development programs. This mandate is codified in Federal Regulations (22 CFR 216) and in USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS) Parts 201.5.10g and 204 (http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/200/), which, in part, require that the potential environmental impacts of USAID-financed activities are identified prior to a final decision to proceed and that appropriate environmental safeguards are adopted for all activities.  i.e.: environmental compliance obligations under these regulations and procedures are specified in the following paragraphs of this APS.
2. In addition, the contractor/recipient must comply with host country environmental regulations unless otherwise directed in writing by USAID. In case of conflict between host country and USAID regulations, the latter will govern.
3. No activity funded under this grant will be implemented unless an environmental threshold determination, as defined by 22 CFR 216, has been reached for that activity, as documented in a Request for Categorical Exclusion (RCE), Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), or Environmental Assessment (EA) duly signed by the Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO). (Hereinafter, such documents are described as “approved Regulation 216 environmental documentation.”)

C. UNIQUE ENTITY ID (SAM)

There is a mandatory requirement for the applicant to provide a Unique Entity ID (SAM)  to DAI.  DAI/SMART needs to collect UEI (SAM) from grantees and subcontractors that meet the specified thresholds and update its records with these new UEI (SAM). SMART Purchase Order/Subcontractor/Grant (number) to your organization meets the specified threshold, and therefore you are requested to obtain and provide us with your organization’s UEI (SAM). This is a mandatory requirement for any future payments or awards.

Getting a Unique Entity ID (SAM) is easy and FREE to all organizations. Review this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uv1YNAsINk) from the US Government for more information about how to get a UEI (SAM). Any future US Government procurements or grants that exceed the thresholds will require organizations to have a 12-digit UEI (SAM).

3. Certifications, Assurances, Other Statements of the Recipient and Solicitation Standard Provisions

In accordance with ADS 303.3.8, DAI will require successful grant applicants to submit a signed copy of the following certifications and assurances, as applicable:

1. Assurance of Compliance with Laws and Regulations Governing Non-Discrimination in Federally Assisted Programs (Note: This certification applies to Non-U.S. organizations if any part of the program will be undertaken in the United States.)
2. Certification Regarding Lobbying (This certification applies to grants greater than $100,000.)
3. Prohibition on Assistance to Drug Traffickers for Covered Countries and Individuals (ADS 206)
4. Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing, Implementing Executive Order 13224
5. Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons, Implementing Title XVII of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Note:  This certification applies if grant for services required to be performed outside of the United States is greater than $500,000. This certification must be submitted annually to the USAID Agreement Officer during the term of the grant.)
6. Representation by Organization Regarding a Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Criminal Conviction
7. Prohibition on Providing Federal Assistance to Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements – Representation (May 2017)
8. Certification of Recipient

In addition, the following two certifications will be included only as required per ADS 206 for Key Individuals or Covered Participants in covered countries:

Part II – Key Individual Certification Narcotics Offenses and Drug Trafficking

      Part III – Participant Certification Narcotics Offenses and Drug Trafficking

2. Evaluation Criteria for Concept Paper

Concept papers will be reviewed in terms of responsiveness to the APS, appropriateness of subject matter, and creativeness. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed work will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector through capacity building of private sector institutions; to both improve service provision to member businesses and to enable them to lead policy reform initiatives, especially within the developing country context.

3. Evaluation Criteria for Full Application.

The technical applications will be evaluated in accordance with the technical evaluation criteria set forth below. An award will be made to the responsible Applicant whose application offers the best value to the U.S. Government, considering both technical and cost factors. Applicants should note that these criteria: (1) serve as the standard against which all applications will be evaluated, and (2) serve to identify the significant matters that Recipients should address in their applications.

All evaluation factors other than cost, when combined, are significantly more important than cost. The criteria set forth below are of equal importance and the sub-criteria within each criterion are of equal importance.

1- Technical Approach

• Demonstrated understanding of the subject content as indicated in the Background and Overview sections; applicant must also demonstrate how the proposed activities will address the emphasized outcomes using prescribed and illustrative indicators.
• Degree to which program approach and proposed strategies to address the issues of policy reform, enhancing competitiveness, advocacy and coordination of the private sector are creative, innovative, collaborative, and feasible.
• Clear implementation plan as listed in this APS.
• Collaboration, inclusion, and strengthening of local partners. Applications that include local implementing partners will be considered favorably.

2- Project Management & Institutional Capacity

• Demonstrated capacity to recognize and adjust to shifting political and social environments over the life of a project.
• Demonstrated institutional capacity to manage (technically, administratively and financially) a project relevant to policy reform, increased competitiveness, advocacy and coordination, especially in addressing sensitive social norms in a culturally appropriate fashion.
• Clear demonstration of how progress and impact will be tracked, measured and reported, with clear and appropriate milestones , expected accomplishments, with measurable output, and performance indicators based on global standards, along with a plan to document and share good practices and lessons learned.
• Demonstrated long-term experience by key staff in capabilities where appropriate.
• Established and successful institutional presence in at least one geographic region identified in this APS.

2. Evaluation Criteria for Concept Paper

Concept papers will be reviewed in terms of responsiveness to the APS, appropriateness of subject matter, and creativeness. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed work will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector through capacity building of private sector institutions; to both improve service provision to member businesses and to enable them to lead policy reform initiatives, especially within the developing country context.

3. Evaluation Criteria for Full Application.

The technical applications will be evaluated in accordance with the technical evaluation criteria set forth below. An award will be made to the responsible Applicant whose application offers the best value to the U.S. Government, considering both technical and cost factors. Applicants should note that these criteria: (1) serve as the standard against which all applications will be evaluated, and (2) serve to identify the significant matters that Recipients should address in their applications.

All evaluation factors other than cost, when combined, are significantly more important than cost. The criteria set forth below are of equal importance and the sub-criteria within each criterion are of equal importance.

1- Technical Approach

• Demonstrated understanding of the subject content as indicated in the Background and Overview sections; applicant must also demonstrate how the proposed activities will address the emphasized outcomes using prescribed and illustrative indicators.
• Degree to which program approach and proposed strategies to address the issues of policy reform, enhancing competitiveness, advocacy and coordination of the private sector are creative, innovative, collaborative, and feasible.
• Clear implementation plan as listed in this APS.
• Collaboration, inclusion, and strengthening of local partners. Applications that include local implementing partners will be considered favorably.

2- Project Management & Institutional Capacity

• Demonstrated capacity to recognize and adjust to shifting political and social environments over the life of a project.
• Demonstrated institutional capacity to manage (technically, administratively and financially) a project relevant to policy reform, increased competitiveness, advocacy and coordination, especially in addressing sensitive social norms in a culturally appropriate fashion.
• Clear demonstration of how progress and impact will be tracked, measured and reported, with clear and appropriate milestones , expected accomplishments, with measurable output, and performance indicators based on global standards, along with a plan to document and share good practices and lessons learned.
• Demonstrated long-term experience by key staff in capabilities where appropriate.
• Established and successful institutional presence in at least one geographic region identified in this APS.