OpportunityTitle: Development Grants Programs
CategoryExplanation: The purpose of the DGP is to create new partnerships between USAID and NGOs that have had limited or no prior funding from and experience working directly with USAID. A key goal of the DGP is to expand USAID&#239;&#191;&#189;s NGO network of development partners and provide capacity building support to the new partners. In doing so, USAID will enable a wider range of partners to better meet their constituents&#239;&#191;&#189; needs and contribute to development outcomes. Increased U.S.PVO and LNGO capacity will expand the number of organizations that make enduring contributions to the evolving needs of those they serve.    The objectives of the DGP as presented in this Request for Applications are:    1. Broadened participation in USAID programs of LNGOs and U.S. PVOs with experience and expertise relevant to priority USAID and partner country development objectives;    2. Expanded numbers of LNGOs and U.S. PVOs with planning, management and service delivery systems adequate to implement USAID-funded activities; and   3. Measurable contributions by LNGOs and U.S. PVOs to the achievement of the development objectives for participating USAID Missions&#239;&#191;&#189; country programs, in particular as they pertain to Agency priorities and initiatives.
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) established the Development Grants Program (DGP) under the Office of Development Partners, Private and Voluntary Cooperation Division (ODP/PVC), as a small grants program which would increase the number and quality of NGO (both local and U.S.-based) implementing partners who can meet the needs of the communities they serve and contribute to the accomplishment of the Agency&#239;&#191;&#189;s goals and objectives.      The DGP offers USAID a unique opportunity to foster partnerships with organizations and communities that have not been direct USG development partners and to collaborate with grant recipients to make contributions to country development objectives, and the U.S. Government (USG)&#239;&#191;&#189;s priorities and initiatives.  The DGP is closely aligned with Agency Initiatives addressing today&#239;&#191;&#189;s pressing problems of hunger and food security, health impacts of insufficient water resources, and challenges that accompany global climate change, local capacity development, and women and peace-building as well as post-conflict resolution.      This RFA encourages applicants to propose effective, innovative approaches that contribute to the achievement of development objectives in the sectors specified for this third cycle of DGP funding.  Funds for the DGP are available for activities in the following three sectors: water (especially water and sanitation), microenterprise and climate change adaptation.  Concept papers should only request support for activities that fall under the Agency&#239;&#191;&#189;s definitions for the three sectors and in particular should comply with the country-specific guidance provided in Attachment 01.        USAID strongly encourages cost sharing with non-USG partners and the creation of innovative alliances, particularly public-private partnerships.  An &quot;alliance,&quot; 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. Both U.S. PVOs and LNGOs are strongly encouraged to consider alliances with private partners and foundations as a means of leveraging the DGP program funding for greater impact and sustainability. For more information about USAID and alliance building, please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_partnerships/gda/tab.html.     USAID may decide to provide awards through either: 1) a Cooperative Agreement (CA) designed to enable USAID to partner with organizations having limited or no experience working directly with USAID or 2) a Fixed Obligation Grant (FOG)   which quantifies project milestones and ties disbursements of funds to achievement of those milestones.   A Cooperative Agreement provides for substantial USAID involvement during the award to assist the grantee in achieving the supported objectives of the agreement.  An explanation of this &#239;&#191;&#189;substantial involvement&#239;&#191;&#189; can be found in subsection F below. A Fixed Obligation Grant does not include substantial involvement.
Description: USAID anticipates that this RFA will provide up to $54 million for successful Applicants. Based on data regarding average grant size from the FY10 program, USAID estimates this RFA will result in approximately 50 grants of $2,000,000 or less. All awards will be made on a competitive basis by participating USAID Missions. Awards funded under this RFA will support activities for a period of performance of up to five (5) years unless otherwise specified in the Mission-Specific Information listed in Attachment 01.Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a concept paper or an application. In addition, final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal USAID procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified that all potential awards are subject to the availability of funds. Concept papers and applications are submitted at the risk of the Applicant. All preparation and submission costs incurred are at the Applicant&apos;s expense. This RFA may be amended by USAID as necessary, e.g., to revise deadlines, expand Mission participation or update sector information.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: USAID Contact
GrantorContactText: Roderick Watson &lt;br/&gt;Contract Specialist &lt;br/&gt;Phone 202 712 0442