OpportunityTitle: Call for Partnership Concept Papers - Scaling Investment in Off-Grid Energy Solutions in Africa
CategoryExplanation: Through this Addendum to the FY2016-2018 Global Development Alliance (GDA) Annual Program Statement (APS) No. APS-OAA- 16-000001 (the GDA APS), the USAID Global Development Lab and Power Africa are making a special call for the submission of Concept Papers focused on increasing private investment in off-grid energy in Africa as part of the Scaling Off-Grid Energy Grand Challenge for Development.
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: USAID welcomes applications from U.S. and non-U.S. private businesses and social enterprises. All applicants must be legally recognized entities under applicable law. This funding opportunity criterion does not include business and trade associations, foundations, U.S. and non-U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations, international organizations, U.S. and non-U.S. colleges and universities, civic groups, or regional organizations. An individual cannot apply as an applicant. In accordance with 22 CFR 200.400 potential for-profit applicants should note that USAID policy prohibits the payment of fee/profit to the prime recipient under assistance instruments, and as 22 CFR 200.101 states that, unless specifically excluded, all requirements applying to recipients also apply to sub-recipients if they meet the definition of &#8220;recipients&#8221;; therefore, fee/profit under assistance type awards is also prohibited for sub-recipients. Forgone profit does not qualify as cost-sharing or leveraging. If a prime recipient has a (sub)-contract with a for-profit organization for the acquisition of goods or services (i.e., if a buyer-seller relationship is created), fee/profit for the (sub)-contractor is authorized.
Description: The Scaling Off-Grid Energy Grand Challenge for Development (SOGE) seeks to accelerate growth in the off-grid energy market to provide 20 million households in sub-Saharan Africa with access to modern, clean, and affordable electricity. However, access to capital and cost of capital remains a key market barrier, severely limiting enterprise growth and the household solar sector&#8217;s capacity to scale and mature as an industry. USAID has found that small infusions of grant funding can assist early-stage enterprises to achieve investment readiness on accelerated timelines, increasing opportunities for private sector investment. This call for Concept Papers is aimed at addressing this access to capital barrier.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: Questions regarding the substance and objectives of this Addendum should be directed to Molly Doyle
GrantorContactText: Molly Doyle
CloseDateExplanation: In order to be considered, Concept Papers must be received by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on April 30, 2017. USAID will provide a response to all Concept Papers by June 15, 2017.  Please do not seek updates on the status of the Concept Paper review until after June 15, 2017.