Opportunity Information: Apply for 72068524RFA00014
USAID has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the "USAID Protecting Rights and Lives in the Sahel Activity" under NOFO number 72068524RFA00014 (Assistance Listing/CFDA 98.001). The opportunity was issued on July 24, 2024, and it is managed out of USAID Senegal (USAID-Dakar). The program is being competed as a Leader with Associates Award (LWA), which is a USAID funding structure that makes one initial "Leader" award and then allows USAID to add future "Associate Awards" later on, if and when additional funding and programming needs arise. In practice, this means the initial awardee could later receive additional awards tied to the same overarching program framework, but only if USAID decides to issue those associate awards in the future.
The competition is open eligibility, meaning there are no restrictions on who can apply as long as the applicant meets the requirements laid out in the NOFO (especially the eligibility standards in Section C). USAID plans to make a single award to the applicant that best meets the objectives described in the NOFO, based on the stated merit review criteria and subject to a risk assessment. Even though only one organization will receive the Leader award, the overall ceiling is designed to cover a potentially larger platform of work over time if associate awards are later added.
Funding levels are substantial but staged. Subject to the availability of funds, USAID anticipates up to $50 million total across the entire LWA mechanism, including any future associate awards. The initial Leader Award is expected to be no more than $20 million. Any future Associate Awards, if they happen, may total up to $30 million combined. Importantly, USAID is not issuing any associate awards at the outset, and there is no promise that any associate awards will ever be made; the LWA structure simply keeps that option open.
Key dates are clearly defined. Questions are due by August 7, 2024, and USAID will respond to timely questions by issuing an amendment to the NOFO on Grants.gov so that all potential applicants have the same information. The application closing date is September 18, 2024, with a hard deadline of 17:30 GMT (Dakar local time). Since the NOFO can be amended, applicants are expected to monitor Grants.gov for updates and ensure they are working from the most current version of the solicitation package.
The announcement also highlights several standard federal compliance and submission expectations that can affect eligibility. Applications must include all information required by the NOFO, and applicants must comply with unique entity identifier requirements and System for Award Management (SAM) registration rules referenced in the NOFO (noted in Section D.6.g.). USAID emphasizes that SAM registration can take weeks, so organizations that are not already fully registered should start early to avoid missing the deadline. If applicants run into technical problems with Grants.gov itself, the notice directs them to the Grants.gov Helpdesk (1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov).
Finally, USAID includes the usual legal and process disclaimers: posting the NOFO does not commit the U.S. Government to make an award, does not guarantee any funding, and does not cover any costs applicants incur while preparing or submitting an application. Applications are submitted at the applicant's own risk and expense, and USAID reserves the right to cancel the process at any time without prior notice. For anyone planning to apply, the practical takeaway is to read the NOFO closely for the technical requirements, evaluation criteria, and required forms, track amendments on Grants.gov, complete UEI and SAM steps early, and submit before the September 18 deadline in Dakar time.Apply for 72068524RFA00014
- The Senegal USAID-Dakar in the regional development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "USAID Protecting Rights and Lives in the Sahel Activity_ Leader With Associates" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-07-24.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-09-18. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.
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FAQs: USAID Protecting Rights and Lives in the Sahel Activity (NOFO 72068524RFA00014)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a USAID Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the "USAID Protecting Rights and Lives in the Sahel Activity." The NOFO number is 72068524RFA00014, and the Assistance Listing/CFDA is 98.001.
Who is issuing and managing the NOFO?
The NOFO is issued by USAID and is managed out of USAID Senegal (USAID-Dakar).
When was the opportunity issued?
The opportunity was issued on July 24, 2024.
What funding structure is USAID using (LWA), and what does it mean?
The opportunity is competed as a Leader with Associates Award (LWA). Under an LWA, USAID makes one initial "Leader" award and may add future "Associate Awards" later, if additional funding and programming needs arise. The LWA structure keeps the option open for future awards, but does not promise that any associate awards will occur.
Will USAID make more than one award under this NOFO?
USAID plans to make a single award (the Leader award) to the applicant that best meets the objectives described in the NOFO, based on the stated merit review criteria and subject to a risk assessment.
Are Associate Awards being offered now?
No. USAID is not issuing any Associate Awards at the outset. Associate Awards may be added later, but there is no guarantee that any will be made.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is open, meaning there are no restrictions on who can apply as long as the applicant meets the requirements laid out in the NOFO. Applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility standards in Section C of the NOFO.
How much funding is available?
Subject to the availability of funds, USAID anticipates up to $50 million total across the entire LWA mechanism, including any future Associate Awards.
What is the maximum expected amount for the initial Leader Award?
The initial Leader Award is expected to be no more than $20 million.
How much funding may be available for future Associate Awards?
If Associate Awards are issued in the future, they may total up to $30 million combined. This is not guaranteed and depends on future USAID decisions and funding availability.
When are questions due, and how will answers be shared?
Questions are due by August 7, 2024. USAID will respond to timely questions by issuing an amendment to the NOFO on Grants.gov so all potential applicants receive the same information.
What is the application deadline?
The application closing date is September 18, 2024, with a hard deadline of 17:30 GMT (Dakar local time).
Is the deadline flexible?
The NOFO describes a hard deadline of 17:30 GMT (Dakar local time) on September 18, 2024. Applicants should plan to submit before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Where do applicants submit applications?
The information provided indicates that amendments and official updates will be posted on Grants.gov, and applicants are expected to monitor Grants.gov for the most current version of the solicitation package.
Can the NOFO change after it is posted?
Yes. The NOFO can be amended. Applicants are expected to monitor Grants.gov for updates and ensure they are working from the most current version of the solicitation package.
What registrations or identifiers are required to apply?
Applicants must comply with unique entity identifier (UEI) requirements and System for Award Management (SAM) registration rules referenced in the NOFO (noted in Section D.6.g.).
How long can SAM registration take?
USAID emphasizes that SAM registration can take weeks. Organizations that are not already fully registered should start early to avoid missing the application deadline.
What happens if an application is missing required information?
Applications must include all information required by the NOFO. Applicants should read the NOFO closely for technical requirements, required forms, and submission instructions.
How will USAID decide who gets the award?
USAID intends to award to the applicant that best meets the objectives described in the NOFO, based on the stated merit review criteria and subject to a risk assessment.
What should applicants do if they have technical problems with Grants.gov?
If applicants run into technical problems with Grants.gov, the notice directs them to the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.
Does posting the NOFO guarantee an award or funding?
No. USAID states that posting the NOFO does not commit the U.S. Government to make an award and does not guarantee any funding.
Will USAID reimburse application preparation or submission costs?
No. USAID indicates that the NOFO does not cover any costs applicants incur while preparing or submitting an application. Applications are submitted at the applicant's own risk and expense.
Can USAID cancel the solicitation?
Yes. USAID reserves the right to cancel the process at any time without prior notice.
What are the key practical steps applicants should take?
Based on the notice, applicants should read the NOFO closely for technical requirements, evaluation criteria, and required forms; track amendments on Grants.gov; complete UEI and SAM steps early; and submit before the September 18 deadline in Dakar time.
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