Request for Application (RFA) · Request for Applications (RFA) 001 2016 – Improving...
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Request for Application (RFA)
Issuance Date: July 23, 2016
Deadline for Receipt of Questions: August 12, 2016
Closing Date/Time
for Submission of Applications: September 15, 2016, by 16:00 hours
SUBJECT: Request for Application (RFA) Number: RFA - 001- 2016
Improving Competitiveness and Market Access of Producer Organizations (POs)
from the Berry Sector.
USAID/Sweden Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (the Activity), a United States
Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Sweden-funded
activity, is seeking applications from qualified, legally registered BiH non-profit, for-profit, and
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for a grant award to implement activities on Improving
Competitiveness and Market Access of Producer Organizations (POs) from the Berry Sector.
The applications must be received no later than September 15, 2016. Applicants must meet the
requirements of eligibility for this Request for Applications (RFA). This RFA solicits grant
applications to support sustainable economic growth, employment expansion, increased sales and
exports, increased household incomes in Bosnia & Herzegovina and increased potential to meet
EU standard requirements.
The Project invites eligible producer organizations to submit applications for the Improving
Competitiveness and Market Access of Producer Organizations (POs) from the Berry Sector.
The Project invites eligible producer organizations to attend an information session for this RFA
which will be organized on August 16, 2016 at 11:00 in the Project Office, Sarajevo, Fra Andjela
Zvizdovica 1, Tower B, 18th floor. If interested to participate, please RSVP no later than 11:00
AM on August 10, 2016. Attendance at this session is strongly recommended.
You are invited to submit an application for the Improving Competitiveness and Market Access
of Producer Organizations (POs) from the Berry Sector. The grants will be awarded and
implemented in accordance with U.S. government regulations governing grants under contracts
and the Activity’s internal grant management policies.
The Successful Applicant will be responsible for ensuring achievement of specified grant
objectives. Please refer to Section 1 – Funding Opportunity Description for a complete statement
of goals and expected results.
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
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This RFA consists of the following sections:
1. Section 1 – Funding Opportunity Description
2. Section 2 – Award Information
3. Section 3 – Eligibility Information
4. Section 4 – Application and Submission Information
5. Section 5 – Application Review Information
6. Section 6 – Award and Administration Information
7. Section 7 – Authority/Governing Regulations
8. Section 8 – Annexes
Pursuant to 2 CFR 200 Subpart E and 2 CFR 700.13, it is USAID policy not to award profit
under assistance instruments. However, all reasonable, allocable and allowable expenses, both
direct and indirect, which are related to the grant activity and are in accordance with applicable
cost standards 2 CFR 200 Subpart E for non-profit organizations and educational institutions,
and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 for for-profit organizations), may be paid
under the Award.
The Activity reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Issuance of this
RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Activity, nor does it commit the
Activity to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Further,
the Activity reserves the right to reject any or all applications received if such action is
considered to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government. Applications are submitted at the
risk of the Applicant; should circumstances prevent making an award, all preparation and
submission costs are at the Applicant’s expense.
Applicants should submit any questions concerning this RFA in writing via email at
[email protected]. The deadline for receipt of requests for clarifications / explanations is
August 12, 2016. No questions will be accepted after this date.
Applicants should submit applications in writing to the one of following addresses:
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
71000 Sarajevo
Fra Andjela Zvizdovica 1B/18
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
78000 Banjaluka
Prvog Krajiskog korpusa bb
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
75000 Tuzla,
Marsala Tita 34A/III
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
88000 Mostar
Kneza M. Viševića Humskog 11
In addition applicants should submit applications electronically, via email at
[email protected]. The Closing Date for Submission of Applications is September 15, 2016
and the Closing Time for Submission of Applications is 04:00 PM local BiH Time. Late
applications will not be considered.
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
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Section 1 – Funding Opportunity Description
Background: The USAID/Sweden Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (FARMA II) in
BiH is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the
Government of Sweden. The purpose of the USAID/Sweden FARMA II is to create agricultural
and agribusiness opportunities by assisting producer organizations to adopt EU and international
standards to produce new products and expand market access and to assist BiH to implement
food and agricultural regulations that meet international requirements. The Activity will create
agricultural and agribusiness economic opportunities for BiH citizens by assisting agricultural
producer organizations in adopting the European Union (EU) and international food standards
and new production techniques, producing new high value products, and expanding market
access. USAID/Sweden FARMA II’s methodology of working with private and public sector
stakeholders to identify market failures will ensure that the Activity team remains focused on
addressing the root problems inhibiting competitiveness. The project team will collaborate with
numerous partners and business development service providers (BDSPs) to build their capacity
to introduce ownership and provide sustainability within an indigenous ecosystem of BiH
organizations.
Program Description:
I. Background on the specific grant activity
Considering small and fragmented landholdings in BiH, viable agricultural development in BiH
largely depends on the production of high value, labor-intensive crops (such as berries) using
modern production technologies that will maximize yields and produce crops of a high standard
demanded by the market. During the past several years, production of berries has significantly
increased, raspberries in particular. This was expected keeping in mind that previous USAID
funded projects LAMP, LAMP I, and later the USAID/Sida funded FARMA project, have
intensively supported the development of raspberry production in BiH. In addition to this, many
other donors in BiH such as CRS, Swiss Caritas, UNDP, JICA, GIZ, etc. provided intensive
support to this type of production. Besides the activities targeting expansion of primary
production such as trainings and education on proper growing technology, development of berry
technical manuals, introduction of new cultivars and varieties, there were also new investments
in sorting and grading equipment, cold storages and freezing capacities.
As a result of all of these interventions, primary production of raspberries has been increased
from 916 hectares (ha) in 2006 to 1,682 ha in 2015 and, with around 13 thousand tons and value
of 51 million KM’s, raspberries are the leading fruit exported from BiH. Other than raspberries, a
lot has been done in promoting and increasing productions of blackberries, American Highbush
Blueberries, ever bearing and wild strawberries and Aronia (chokeberries). Therefore, berry
production is a leading production in fruit and vegetable sector in BiH. Berry sector is
completely export oriented and it represents almost 50% of total BiH exports of fruit and
vegetables. Although the potential returns for berries are very attractive, the costs of establishing
plantations are relatively high and are estimated to be between 2,000 – 3,000 KM’s per dunum
(1,000 m2). Investments in primary production were followed by large private investments in
construction and/or expansion of cold storages, quick freezing capacities and accompanying
equipment as well as berry seedling nurseries.
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
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In order to continue and keep the existing development momentum, it is necessary to facilitate
additional investments in the berry value chain to make it more productive and profitable, both at
the farm and producer organization level. At the farm level, there is a great potential to increase
production quantities simply through the increased yield which with minimal investments and
interventions can be doubled. Production of plants, seedlings and improvements of plant material
also needs special attention since proper plant material is a key precondition for establishing
successful berry plantation.
Berries, if not sold as fresh, where limited quantities can be offered both at the local and
international markets, need to be immediately quick frozen and stored in cold storages under the
required temperature regime. Therefore, appropriate capacities need to be in place in order to
preserve fruits and provide enough storage capacities. In addition, fruits requires appropriate
sorting and grading later in the process in order to satisfy market and buyers requirements
demand. Hence, additional improvements and investments are necessary throughout the value
chain from primary production towards the cold storages and capacity improvements throughout
the BiH.
II. The purpose, goals and objectives of the activity
The purpose of this RFA is to solicit applications to support the Activity in the achievement of
its program objectives. Specifically, the purpose of this activity is to strengthen berry value chain
that is the most promising fruit and vegetable (F&V) subsector in BiH, and is mainly oriented for
export markets. Also, the purpose of this activity is to support interventions in berry sector which
will lead to improved production efficiency and profitability both for producer organizations and
farmers, implementation of good agricultural practices and EU food safety standards and
improved overall competitiveness of all participants of value chain. The objectives of this
activity are listed below:
Promotion of environmentally sustainable and more productive berry production in
compliance with the Code of Good Agricultural Practices in order to ensure safe product for
the human consumption;
Promotion of sustainable berry production to include new farmers creating new employment
opportunities and production;
Initiated activities to incorporate climate change adaptation and risk reduction strategies into
appropriate actions and promote environmental best practices;
Increased competitiveness of the berry sector in BiH by improving yields, production and
processing of good quality produce and in accordance to the EU standards;
Improvement of marketing, packaging and branding of final products;
Facilitation of export of fresh produce and value added products to the EU and other
international markets;
Introduction of new technologies to increase quality and improve productivity of existing and
new farmers and producer organizations;
Improvement of current berry production by introducing better and more productive varieties
of fruit that are required by the foreign markets and have more potential for export.
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
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III. Expected results
It is expected that applicants will increase productivity and profitability at the farm level and
further throughout the value chain. Therefore, further increase in production of berries in BiH is
expected and in parallel new market opportunities explored in order to secure safe placement of
produced goods. However, ultimate results will encompass:
New investment in the berry value chain in BiH;
Applied new technologies that improve quality of fruits;
Fulfillment of market requirements through the increased number of implemented
standards and obtained certificates that it proves;
Improved berry product qualities;
Involvement of large number of women and increased number of full time jobs created;
Enhanced agricultural infrastructure in the berry value chain;
IV. Illustrative activities
Target activities that will be supported with this RFA are described in the section below.
USAID/Sweden FARMA II will support funding of the activities that will strengthen the berry
sector in BiH by facilitating domestic production of high quality produce and in accordance to
good agricultural practices and EU food safety standards. Applicants may submit proposals that
address one or several of the target activities proposed below:
Using new, modern methods to improve berry production such as using of cover nettings
and foil in berry plantations to increase quality of fruit and to extend harvesting period
outside of current parameters;
Assisting producer organization to access clean water for irrigation and in acquiring and
installation of proper irrigation system to mitigate potential adverse impact of climate
change;
Increase of current level of production of berries for the fresh market and improvement
of post-harvest handling which is more demanding process than for industrial
raspberries;
Support to producer organization in introduction of new berry varieties which have
increased yields and extended harvesting period;
Support to new production and/or processing technologies which lead to import
substitution and/or increased exports;
Improved post-harvest handling at the farm level to improve product quality;
Improvement in quality of seedling/plant material;
Improvement in cold storage and processing facility management;
Strengthening of Business Development Service Providers to improve their knowledge
on technical aspects of berry production by enabling them to access training
opportunities thus improving access to continuous technical assistance for farmers in
orchards establishment and innovative production techniques to ensure strong yields and
quality products;
Application of innovative and new management practices both in the primary production
and processing facilities;
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
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Support farmers and producer organizations to implement international food safety
standards and obtain relevant certification as well as promote activities related to the
farm record keeping
Support activities that provide on-farm employment for large number of people
especially women and youth;
In addition, USAID/Sweden FARMA II encourages applicants to consider and address in the
application necessary measures that proposes mitigation against environment and climate related
risks, as well as to pay attention to gender aspects and that higher number of total direct and
indirect beneficiaries are women and youth where possible. Also, as a minimum of quality
standards implementation requirements, the farm record keeping at the level of potential
beneficiaries needs to be promoted and implemented.
V. Performance Monitoring Plan
To track achievements of these grant awards, the Activity will measure progress against total
number of jobs created in assisted producer organizations in berry value chain, annual percent
change in sales and exports, number of farmers and POs who have applied new technologies or
management practices as a result of this grant award. In addition, the Activity will measure
improvement in management practices, farmers’ holdings implementing at least one strategy to
mitigate against climate-related risks as a result of this grant award. It is expected that applicants
will include the same set of indicators in their project to measure achievements that will be result
of this grant award. The participation of woman in the proposed activities is strongly encouraged,
it will be evaluated and tracked separately.
Section 2 – Award Information
Subject to the availability of funds, the Activity intends to provide grant funds to support
Improving Competitiveness and Market Access of Producer Organizations (POs) from the Berry
Sector.
It is expected that grants for Improving Competitiveness and Market Access of Producer
Organizations (POs) from the Berry Sector will be allocated over a one-year period. The
anticipated period of performance of the grant is expected to be October 15, 2016 – October 15,
2017. The Activity anticipates awarding standard grants under this RFA. The Activity’s grants
shall not exceed 50,000 $ for a single award.
Section 3 – Eligibility Information
Eligible organizations shall be able to comply with and achieve the proposed Program
Description, Tasks, and Results and have a satisfactory performance record and record of
integrity and business ethics.
Legally registered Bosnia & Herzegovina Organizations;
Non-profit/NGO, regional development agencies, public educational institutions (agricultural
faculties, institutes, extension services)
Commercial and/or for-profit organizations that understand that no profit or fee will be
allowed under the grant agreement;
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
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Any legal entity which is registered in the Farm Registry established within the entity or
cantonal ministries of agriculture, either as a company or at a minimum as an agricultural
crafts organization;
In some cases, BiH public educational entities may be eligible for grants. Grants to
educational entities will be used to provide in-kind assistance only. Under any grants
awarded to public educational entities, USAID/Sweden FARMA II will conduct all
procurement on behalf of the grantee and transfer the equipment as an in-kind donation. The
government organizations eligible would include agricultural institutes and university
faculties.
Eligible organizations must also adhere to the following requirements:
Demonstrate an ability to contribute to the objectives of the USAID/Sweden FARMA II
project and perform the activities proposed in accordance with USAID policies and practices;
Display sound financial, administrative, and technical management in the form of a system
of controls that safeguards assets, protects against fraud and waste, and supports the
achievement of the award’s objectives;
Representatives of the organization must sign all mandatory certifications.
Prior to the award of grant under this RFA, successful Applicants will be required to sign a
Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing certifying that the Applicant’s organization does not
provide and has never provided assistance to terrorists for terrorist activities. Successful
Applicants may also be required to sign other Certifications as applicable to the award. The
Certifications are attached as Annex A of this RFA.
Ineligible organizations include:
Entities that have misused USAID or the Government of Sweden funds in the past;
Organizations that advocate, promote or espouse anti-democratic policies or illegal
activities;
Political parties or institutions;
Organizations that intend to use the grant for religious objectives;
Public International Organizations;
Government organizations and institutions;
Individuals.
Ineligible Expenses:
FARMA II grant funds may not be utilized for the following:
Profit
Military equipment
Surveillance equipment
Commodities and services for support of police and other law enforcement activities
Abortion equipment and services
Luxury goods and gambling equipment
Weather modification equipment
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
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Private ceremonies, parties, celebrations, or "representation" expenses (entertainment
costs)
Purchases of restricted goods, such as certain agricultural commodities, motor vehicles,
pharmaceuticals, contraceptive products, pesticides, used equipment and fertilizers
without USAID’s Contracting Officer advance approval.
Purchases of goods or services from countries or suppliers as may be identified by
USAID's consolidated list of debarred, suspended, or ineligible subcontractors, System
for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov / or the U.S. Department of
Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC)at
http://sdnsearch.ofac.treas.gov/Default.aspx
Prior obligations of and/or, debts, fines, and penalties imposed on the Grantee.
Alcoholic beverages
Purchases or activities unnecessary to accomplish grant purposes as determined by the
FARMA Project.
Second hand equipment
Section 4 – Application and Submission Information
Applicants should submit written applications in hard copy to one of the addresses listed above
and electronically via email at [email protected]. The Closing Date for Submission of
Applications is September 15, 2016 and the Closing Time for Submission of Applications is
04:00 PM Local BiH Time. Late applications will not be considered.
For each proposed activity, the applicant will also propose target indicators from the following
areas:
Increased sales and/or exports and potential for income generation;
Increased access to international and/or domestic markets;
Increased number of on-farm-employment and /or direct and seasonal employees as a
result of activity implementation;
Increased number of women participating in this program;
Introduction of new products and/or implementation of the new production technology;
Increased yields and profitability due to the introduction of new crop varieties;
Introduction of international food safety standards or management systems;
Introduction of new crop or equipment insurance schemes;
Import substitution and/or increased export potential;
Implementation of measures to mitigate risk of climate change.
For the project to be funded by USAID/Sida FARMA II it should include the following
elements, as relevant:
Readiness to introduce new production technologies and to demonstrate its advantages (if
any) to selected value chain participants;
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
Request for Applications (RFA) 001 2016 – Improving Competitiveness of Berry Sector Page 9
Readiness to provide assistance to young farmers and/or women (for example, in the
form of training) to increase the production of target produce. This activity will
contribute to mitigation of market distortion.
Openness to show others in the industry new practices that have been implemented as a
result of the project. This activity will contribute to mitigation of market distortion.
All applications in response to this RFA shall consist of a technical proposal and a budget
proposal. The technical proposal must be no longer than 25 pages in length. The applicant is
expected to demonstrate the following in the application:
Consistency with Project’s objectives: The applicant’s proposed results clearly feed into the
Activity’s performance management plan. The proposed indicators are objectively measurable,
clear and relevant to the Activity and the methodology for measuring results of the program is
appropriate and efficient. The proposed activities are consistent with and will contribute to
achieving the objectives stated in the RFA.
Feasibility of design. The proposed methodology reflects an understanding of the RFA’s
program description and scope of work. The designed interventions are appropriate and the
results/milestones are concrete and achievable. The implementation plan includes tasks/activities
that are clearly described and organized in a sequential and logical order; the proposed timelines
allow for the maximization of resources and time, and they are clearly assigned to personnel
Market Distortion. The proposed activity clearly defines how the potential market distortion will
be mitigated. The applicant is expected to demonstrate their readiness to mitigate the potential
market distortion which may occur because of financial assistance paid to the business giving the
business a competitive advantage over the similar businesses within the value chain. FARMA II
ensures clear, transparent and competitive procedures for grants and one of the key
considerations includes market distortion. Applications will be assessed and approved with a
goal to avoid market distortion or favoring one producer, business group or interest over another.
In improving the competitiveness of a berry producing and processing sector, grants will foster a
level playing field for competing and complementary producer organizations in the same value
chain.
Sustainability/financial self-reliance. Proposals will be evaluated regarding the extent to which
the funded activity will result in building and strengthening the capacity of the local
organizations, and whether the activity itself is sustainable or will stimulate the economic
sustainability of the organization. The required cost share is minimum 50% of the total
investment costs. The proposed cost share elements are relevant to the objectives of the program
and demonstrate the organization’s commitment in investing resources in the program. The
application includes a logical and feasible proposal describing how the cost share commitments
will be met. If program income is expected: The proposal for collecting program income is
efficient and realistic.
Gender Equality. Proposals will be evaluated regarding the extent to which the funded activity
will result in improving gender inequality within USAID/Sweden FARMA II supported sub
sectors and components. In line with USAID’s Gender Equality and Female Empowerment
Policy and the Swedish Government’s Policy for Gender Equality and the Rights and Role of
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
Request for Applications (RFA) 001 2016 – Improving Competitiveness of Berry Sector Page 10
Women in Sweden’s International Development Cooperation, FARMA II small grants will
support opportunities to empower, motivate and activate men and women to mitigate gender
inequalities within the USAID/Sweden FARMA II supported value chains. Given that the
situation differs in different value chains and local contexts, the small grants fund will serve as a
tool for substantial women’s empowerment and mitigation of gender inequality.
Environmental consideration. For assistance provided under this SOW sub-contractor will
comply with USAID environmental requirements in accordance with CFR 216, namely the
FARMA II-approved Initial Environmental Examination and the approved Programmatic
Environmental Assessment (PEA) and the Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action
Plan (PERSUAP), as directed by USAID/Sweden FARMA II. Specifically, any technical
assistance (TA) must comply with the following:
1. FARMA II Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA), Section 7.3.1. (b), where all
TA must promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP’s),
2. All pest management advices must comply with FARMA’s II approved Pesticide
Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP). Only pesticides approved in
the PERSUAP may be used and recommended during training events, including any
written material prepared by the implementer. It is USAID policy that all pest
management advices must follow the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
The approved pesticide list, in addition to the full PERSUAP, will be provided to the
selected implementer prior to the signing of the contract and shall be fully complied with.
Desired Results. Grants will be awarded for activities that will have the greatest contribution to
increased competitiveness of the berry sector through implementation of new technologies, Good
Agricultural Practices, introduction of new products to the market, increased sales and exports,
increased on-farm and direct employment, climate change adaptation and risk reduction and
promote environmental best practices. Grant applications will specify activity outputs and
explain how and to what degree they are expected to generate these overall business results
objectives.
Application Process
All interested parties can apply for possible support from USAID/Sweden FARMA II’s Grant
Fund for above mentioned activities. In addition to the above project specific criteria, all
applicants must meet the following conditions:
1. Maximum amount requested from Project should not exceed 50,000 $.
2. USAID/Sweden FARMA II participation should be 50% or less of the cost of the
entire project
3. Used equipment CANNOT be financed.
4. The PO must also submit balance sheets and income statements (or other relevant
financial data) for the last 2 years, with evidence of successful business operation
5. USAID/Sweden FARMA II funds will be reimbursed to the applicant only after the
purchase and installation of equipment and after the submission of all required
documentation such as invoices, receipts etc. For the fixed amount awards FARMA II
funds will be reimbursed only after specific deliverable/milestone has been achieved.
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
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The budget proposal shall be submitted as a separate file from the technical proposal. The
required format for applications is included as Annex B - Full Application Format and Budget
Format.
Section 5 – Application Review Information
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth below. The criteria have
been tailored to the requirements of this RFA. Applications should note that these criteria serve
to: (a) identify the significant matters which Applicants should address in their applications; and
(b) set the standard against which all applications will be evaluated.
To the extent necessary, the Activity may request clarification and supplemental materials from
Applicants whose applications have a reasonable chance of being selected for Award. The entry
into discussion is to be viewed as part of the evaluation process and shall not be deemed as
indicative of a decision or commitment upon the part of the Project to make an award to the
Applicants with whom discussions are being held.
The following evaluation criteria will be used in this RFA will:
1. Consistency with USAID/Sweden FARMA II objectives and overall project goals: especially
introducing new technologies to increase client sales and jobs.
2. Activity’s contribution to increased sales, exports, employment, and investment.
3. Sector-specific technical criteria
4. Results to be achieved: Are the results to be achieved linked to the grant objective
5. Compatibility with EU accession requirements. Compatibility with Section 613 of the US FY
08 Appropriations Act. USAID/Sweden FARMA II aims to increase exports in targeted
agriculture and food sub-sectors and facilitate partnerships with existing and new foreign
investors, it is not expected that investments and export promotion assistance under the
Project will adversely impact US companies or jobs since the majority of BiH agricultural
and food exporters and investors are regional and EU-based, a negligible share of their
products are exported to the US, and no US jobs loss is anticipated as a result of
USAID/Sweden FARMA II activities.
6. Feasibility of design and approach: the quality and feasibility of the application in terms of
the appropriateness of the proposed technology and innovativeness; proposed mechanisms
for monitoring and evaluation with objectively measurable indicators will also be appraised.
7. Management and programmatic capacity: evidence of the capability to undertake and
accomplish the proposed activities. The appraisal will be based on the background,
qualifications, reputation, appropriateness and skills of its key personnel, and the reputation,
and achievements of the organization in the past.
8. Potential for scaling up/replication
9. Potential for mitigation of possible market distortion: evidence of the applicant’s capability
to craft solutions that make the value of the activity higher than the cost of the activity.
Provides reasonable explanation on how the benefit received from the project contributes to
the broader farmers’ community.
USAID/Sweden FARMA II
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10. Budget: the degree to which budgeting is clear and reasonable and reflects best use of
organizational and grant resources; Provides reasonable cost share consistent with the nature
of the proposed activity and the applicant’s ability to contribute and leverage funds to the
greatest extent possible; All members of the TEC committee will review the budget in detail
making sure that the proposed costs make technical sense, are directly linked to an activity,
and are reasonable and necessary costs.
11. Gender and youth awareness: the extent to which the funded activity includes a gender and
youth component or represents a strong commitment to women and youth as beneficiaries.
12. Environmental Compliance: addressing climate change adaptation and risk reduction
strategies into appropriate activities and promotion environmental best practices
The selection of the Applicant for award will be made by the Activity’s Grant Selection
Committee (GSC). Prior to the award of any resultant grant agreement, the Project must obtain
prior approval from USAID.
Section 6 – Award and Administration Information
Successful applicant(s) will receive written notice from the DCOP/Grants Manager informing
the applicant(s) that the Activity either intends to award a grant to the applicant without
negotiation, or that the Activity intends to engage the applicant(s) in further negotiations with
respect to a potential grant award. Negotiations conducted after the receipt of an application do
not constitute an obligation on the part of the Project to award a grant. Unsuccessful applicants
will be notified in writing by the DCOP/Grants Manager.
Any resultant award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Prime Contract for the
USAID/Sweden Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (FARMA II), 2 CFR 200 Standard
Provisions for Non-U.S. Non-governmental Recipients.
Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Activity or the
U.S. Government, nor does it commit the Activity or the U.S. Government to pay for costs
incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.
Funding
All grants will be negotiated, denominated and funded in Bosnian Marks (BAM). Payments will
either be made on a reimbursement basis in tranches corresponding to achievement of agreed
upon milestones or directly to vendor’s account after the completion of services or upon delivery
of equipment. The decision will be made by USAID/Sweden FARMA II as part of an eventual
analysis of the Applicant’s organizational capability to manage grant funds.
All costs funded by the grant must be allowable, allocable and reasonable. A cost-sharing
element from the applicant and/or an approved third party must be contributed to the grant
activity.
Grant applications must be supported by a detailed and realistic budget as described in Annex B.
Section 7 – Authority/Governing Regulations
FARMA II grants to non-U.S. organizations adhere to guidance provided under USAID’s
Automated Directive System (ADS), Section 302.3.5.6, “Grants Under Contracts,” ADS Chapter
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303, “Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental Organizations,” and within the
terms of the USAID Standard Provisions applicable to Non-U.S. Non-Governmental Recipients.
These provisions can also be accessed through the USAID external website at
http://transition.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303.pdf.
ADS 303 references three additional regulatory documents:
A. 22 CFR 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations
B. OMB Circular A-122: Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations
C. FAR 31.2 Cost principles for Commercial Organizations
D. OMB Circular A-133: Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations
Full text of these circulars can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/.
USAID/Sweden FARMA II is required to ensure that all organizations receiving USAID grant
funds comply with the guidance found in these circulars, as applicable to the respective terms
and conditions of their grant awards.
Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of USAID/Sweden
FARMA II, nor does it commit the Project to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and
submission of an application. Further, the Project reserves the right to reject any or all
applications received. All application preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's
expense and risk. Awards are subject to availability of funds.
Section 8: Annexes
Annex A: Certifications
Annex B: Full Application Format and Budget Format
Annex C: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
Annex D: Environmental Self-Screening Form
Request for Applications (RFA) 001 2016 – Improving Competitiveness of Berry Sector Page 1