Funding Opportunity Title: Malawi Local Capacity Development Initiative
Announcement Type: Annual Program Statement
Funding Opportunity Number: APS-612-12-000001
APS Issuance Date: May11, 2012
APS Closing Date:May 10, 2013
Pre-Proposal Conference Date:May 15, 2012
Deadline for submission of Questions:May 24, 2012
under Round I
Deadline for Submission of Concept Papers:June 14, 2012 at 4:00 pm, local time, Lilongwe,
under Round IMalawi.
Eligibility:Local and Regional Organizations/Firms/NGOs
Submit Concept Papers to: (for electronic copies)
USAID/Malawi, Nico House, P.O Box 30455, Lilongwe (for hard copies)
The purpose of this Annual Purpose Statement (APS) is to disseminate information toprospective applicants so that they may develop and submit applications for USAID funding.This APS: (A) describes the types of activity for which applications will be considered; (B)describes the funding available and the process and requirements for submitting applications; (C)explains the criteria for evaluating applications; and (D) refers prospective applicants to relevantdocumentation available on the internet. USAID/Malawi anticipates awarding multiple grantsand/or cooperative agreements as a result of this APS.
Pursuant to 22 CFR 226.81, it is USAID policy not to award profit under assistance instruments.
However, all reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which arerelated to the program and are in accordance with applicable cost standards may be paid under the award.
In accordance with ADS 304.3.1 (b), the principal purpose of the relationship with the Applicantunder the subject program is to transfer funds to accomplish a public purpose of support orstimulation, which is authorized by Federal statute.
The APS provides prospective applicants with a fair opportunity to submit applications toUSAID for a range of programs and services. The application process will occur in two stages: (1)concept papers will be submitted by prospective Applicants; and (2) Applicants with the mosthighly evaluated concept papers will be invited to submit full applications.
The Mission will hold a Pre-Proposal Conference on May 15, 2012 at Crossroad Hotel, Lilongweunder Round I. The Conference will have two sessions, onefor each program areaoutlined under Round I. The Health, Population and Nutrition program area will be under Round II. Interested Applicants will need to register in advance and indicate which session they will attend by sending an e-mail to .
The deadline for submission of Concept papers is specified above.Facsimile submissions are not authorized and will not be accepted.
Issuance of this APS doesnot constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government, nor does it commit theU.S. Government to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of anyapplication.
In addition, final award of any resultant Agreement cannot be made until funds are fullyappropriated, allocated, committed, and obligated through internal USAID procedures, on whichcondition this APS is issued. The USG anticipates that these procedures will be successfullycompleted, potential Applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions foraward and applicants will not becompensated for any proposal preparation and submission costs. The USG reserves the right to reject any or all applications received.
The preferred method of distribution of USAID procurement information is via the World Wide Web (www). This APS and any future amendments can be downloaded fromthe Agency website. To access the Agency website from Grants.gov: Click “Find GrantOpportunities,” then click “Browse by Agency” and choose “Agency for InternationalDevelopment.” If you have difficulty registering or accessing the Grants.gov website, pleasecontact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or via e-mail at for technical assistance. Receipt of this APS through Grants.gov is to be confirmed by writtennotification to the contact person noted below. It is the responsibility of the recipient of theapplication document to ensure receipt of all documentation from Grants.gov in its entirety andUSAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversionprocesses.
POINT OF CONTACT
For any questions regarding this APS, please submit to Patrick Kollars, Regional Agreement Officer, ith a copy to Joseph Chisoni Tembo, Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, and Gideon Suya, Acquisition Specialist at .
ACRONYMS
ACE--the Agriculture Commodity Exchange
AfDB--African Development Bank
AISM--The Association of Input Suppliers of Malawi
CAMAL--The Coffee Association of Malawi
CCR -- Central Contractor Registration
CIDA--Canadian International Development Agency
CISANET--Civil Society and Agriculture Network
CONGOMA--Council for Non-Governmental Organizations of Malawi
DUNS - Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number
DfID--The Department for International Development of the United Kingdom
EDSA--Education Decentralization Support Activity
FUM--Farmers’ Union of Malawi
GDC--German Development Cooperation (Includes GIZ and KfW)
GOM - Government of Malawi
JICA--Japanese International Cooperation Agency
MCCCI--The Malawi Confederated Chambers of Commerce Incorporated
MoEST--Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
MTPDS--Malawi Teacher Professional Development Support
MUSCCO--The Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives
NASFAM--The National Association of Smallholder Farmers of Malawi
RTOA--The Road Transporters’ Association of Malawi
STAM--The Seed Traders’ Association of Malawi
TAMAL--The Tea Association of Malawi
TEAM--The Exporters’ Association of Malawi
UNICEF--United Nations Children’s Education Fund
VSO--Volunteer Service Organization
WB--World Bank
WFP--World Food Program
DEFINITIONS
Annual Program Statement (APS): When USAID intends to support a variety of creative approaches towards developing methodologies to assess and implement development objective activities, the Agency may use an Annual Program Statement (APS) to generate competition for these awards.
Central Contractor Registration (CCR): The Federal repository into which an entity must provide information required for the conduct of business as a recipient. Additional information about registration procedures may be found at the CCR Internet site (currently at
Construction: under USAID policy means: construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging and excavation) of buildings, structures, or other real property and includes, without limitation, improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment. The term includes, without limitation, roads, power plants, buildings, bridges, water treatment facilities, and vertical structures.
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number: The nine-digit number established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business entities. A DUNS number may be obtained from D&B by telephone (currently 866-705-5711) or the Internet (currently at fedgov.dnb.com/webform).
Entity/Implementing Partner:Any for- or not-for-profit organization that receives USG funding to deliver foreign development assistance. Examples: NGOs, universities and development contractors.
Local/Regional Organization: To be considered a “local” or “Regional” organization, an entity must meet all of the following criteria:
• Be organized under the laws of the recipient country or a country within that region;
• Have its principal place of business in the recipient country*;
• Be majority owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the recipient country or be managed by a governing body, the majority of whom are citizens or lawful permanent residents of a recipient country; and
• Not be controlled by a foreign entity or by an individual or individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of the recipient country.
Subaward:This term means a legal instrument to provide support for the performance of any portion of the substantive project or program for which an organization received a direct award and that recipient, makes award to an eligible subrecipient.The term does not include procurement of property and services needed to carry out the project or program.
USAID Mission: Missions are USAID’s field offices outside of the United States based in developing countries. Example, USAID/Malawi is a field office through which USAID development assistance is provided.
*For purposes of this definition recipient countries also includes countries within the same region.
ACRONYMS
DEFINITIONS
SECTION I: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
A.BACKGROUND – LOCAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
B.TYPES OF ACTIVITIES ELIGIBILE FOR FUNDING
C.PROGRAM AREAS
D. ADMINISTRATION OF AWARD
SECTION II: AWARD INFORMATION
SECTION III: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
SECTION IV: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION OF CONCEPT PAPERS
SECTION V: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION FOR FULL APPLICATIONS
SECTION VI: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
SECTION VII: EVALUATION CRITERIA
SECTION VIII: AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
SECTION IX: AGENCY CONTACTS
SECTION X : REFERENCE MATERIALS
CERTIFICATIONS, ASSURANCES, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF THE RECIPIENT (MAY 2006)
SECTION I: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
Pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961, as amended, the United States Government (USG), as represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), invites applications for funding from qualified registered local (Malawian) and Regional non-profit or profit organizations that have experience in; A) advocacy and organizational capacity building related to the agriculture sector; B) Education sector and C) Health sector.
The purpose of this Annual Program Statement (APS) is to disseminate information to prospective applicants so that they may develop and submit applications for USAID funding. Specifically, this APS;
1)describes the types of activity for which applications will be considered;
2)describes the funding available and the process and requirements for submitting applications;
3)explains the criteria for evaluating applications; and
4)provides guidance on the types of entities that are eligible to apply for funding.
USAID anticipates awarding multiple grants and/or cooperative agreements as a result of this APS.
A.BACKGROUND – LOCAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Many local nonprofit organizations receive indirect funding from USAID through large umbrella grants or under contracts given to U.S. based non-government organizations (NGOs). In response, USAID has embarked on an ambitious reform effort called “USAID FORWARD” to change the way we do business, by forming and strengthening new partnerships that emphasize direct awards to local entities - organizations/NGOs.
USAID/Malawi is implementing a local capacity initiative that provides opportunities for local entities that have limited or no experience managing direct USAID grants. This APS is designed to expand the number of direct partnerships USAID has with local entities and to build the capacity of these organizations to better meet the needs of their constituents.
B.TYPES OF ACTIVITIES ELIGIBILE FOR FUNDING
This APS may provide funding opportunities in the following four(4) program areas:
- Sustainable Economic Growth – Malawi Agriculture Policy Strengthening (MAPS) Program
- Education - Strengthening Early Grade Reading for Malawi Children Program
- Health, Nutrition and Population – Further details will be provided via an amendment to this APS.
- Mainstreaming Activities involving the Disabled.– Further details will be provided via an amendment to this APS.
Each key area provides the details of the program description, activities and expected results as outlined below.
C.PROGRAM AREAS
Applicants are invited to submit one concept paper for each program area for which they are requesting funding. Applicants may apply for either or both program areas. Each concept paper should be a stand-alone application specific to a program area.
PROGRAM AREA #1: MALAWI AGRICULTURE POLICY STRENGTHENING (MAPS)
1.Value of Award(s):The total funding available will be $2 million peryear for 3 years. The minimum award is $250,000 and maximum is $2 million per year over 3 years. USAID may issue more than one award under this Program Area.Funds awarded under the APS may come in the form of Cooperative Agreements as well as Fixed Obligation Grants (FOGs).
2.Program Description:
I.Introduction
The Malawi Agriculture Policy Strengthening (MAPS) project has the overall goal of contributing to sustainable food security in Malawi by increasing the participation of Non-State Actors (NSAs) in agriculture policy dialogue in Malawi. Through MAPS, USAID will work with NSAs, the GoM, other development partners and the ASWAp Secretariat to increase the profile, capacity and engagement of NSAs in agriculture policy development and implementation.
As stated in the Mission’s Feed the Future (FtF) Multi-Year Strategy, long-term development of agricultural markets will require evolution of Malawi’s current policy environment, which favors government intervention over market forces. While technical-level engagement between Government and the Donor Committee on Agriculture and Food Security (DCAFS) in the absence of an Agriculture Sector Working Group has been extensive, it will not suffice to bring about the types of reforms essential to moving smallholders beyond mere subsistence. MAPS focuses on building a broad and inclusive policy dialogue, with an emphasis on empowering the largest group of food producers in the country, women, to play leadership roles across the sector. MAPS is a critical part of USAID/Malawi’s FtF Core Investment Area 3[1], Improved Enabling Policy Environment and Strategic Objective 6: Sustainable Increase in Rural Incomes.
II.Description/Activity/Beneficiaries
Primary beneficiaries will be NGO entities engaged in the agriculture sector (relevant to the Mission’s Feed the Future strategy) that already have a level of advocacy and internal organizational capacity. Such NGOs can, within a short period, acquire the skills necessary to effectively engage government in policy dialogue. These NGOs will also be paired with smaller organizations to enhance their advocacy and organizational capacity. It is critical that these pairings result in mentoring that builds the overall strength and voice of NSA participation in government. Secondary beneficiaries will be the agriculture sector as a whole which will benefit from creation of a more conducive policy environment for agricultural growth.
III.Overview of Sector
Malawi is a landlocked, overwhelmingly agricultural country with over half its population chronically living below the poverty line. By far the smallest but most densely populated nation in the region – at 141 people per square kilometer, Malawi is eight times more crowded than neighboring Zambia and nearly four times as crowded as Tanzania. At 14.2 million people, Malawi has a higher population than Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan and many other African countries.
The economy of Malawi is dependent on the productivity of its agriculture sector. Currently, 80 percent of the total workforce is actively engaged in agriculture. This output comprises more than 80 percent of Malawi’s foreign exchange earnings, and accounts for 39 per cent of GDP. Since Malawi’s independence, development resources, strategies and policies have been heavily biased towards agriculturaldevelopment. In fact the country’s agriculture sector underwent a nearly complete shift from pre-independence state control to post-independence liberalization and the development of a private sector.
Most recently the GoM, under the direction of former President BinguwaMutharika, made increasing food security its highest strategic priority in response to severe food security crises of the early 2000s. The GoM has demonstrated a strong commitment to agriculture-led economic growth, food security and nutrition through a series of key initiatives and policies, including the
1.The Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP);
2.The Green Belt Initiative (GBI); and
3.The ASWAp which has accomplished two major milestones: signing of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) compact in April 2010 and completion of a Post-CAADP Roadmap and CAADP Business Meeting in September 2011.
Nevertheless, attaining Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 1, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, will be a challenge for Malawi. A significant portion of the population is malnourished and continues to be food insecure during the “hungry season” (typically December to February). Malawians are dependent on rain-fed agricultural practices, and remain only one or two bad rainy seasons away from a drought-related humanitarian crisis. In 2010/2011 Malawi saw significant decreases in tobacco prices and sales, with far reaching impacts on the terms of trade throughout the Malawian economy.
GoM agriculture plans, and most specifically the CAADP/ASWAp, contain language stating the importance of NSA involvement in design and implementation of plans and interventions. However, there has been low engagement of these stakeholders in both planning of the ASWAp and other agriculture policy issues. Despite these challenges, the GoM has made efforts including the organization of a pre-CAADP Business Meeting to solicit feedback and participation from NSAs who perhaps previously were not consulted. Nonetheless, many of the stakeholders in the agriculture sector are still not aware of major ASWAp focus areas and initiatives.
There are several constraints that have emerged over the decades which have and continue to weaken Malawian NSAs’ participation in national policy dialogue. These include:
•Decreased efforts/motivation by government to include NSAs in processes and discussions, especially related to agriculture and food security.
•Limited number of NSAs in Malawi and complex relations between those that exist and the Malawian Government.
•Insufficient capacity within NSAs to effectively engage in advocacy activities around policy discussions.
•In some cases, a lack of solid constituency support grounded in Malawian society.
•Weak financial bases, with heavy dependence on donors, and therefore, their agendas.
As it stands, the ASWAp and other plans like the GBI are government-owned in Malawi, but not country-owned. Without the full participation of NSAs:
•The identification of productivity constraints and potential solutions is limited. The creativity and experience of NSAs is a critical component of the success of all development efforts in Malawi. Such participation has been a hallmark of Sector Wide Approaches (SWAps) in education and health in Malawi.
•NSA ownership over the ASWAp and therefore their dedication to its momentum and success is compromised. It is another GoM program, rather than a comprehensive, country-wide effort at poverty reduction and food security growth.