request for applications for grants improving the ... · website, and directly via email to...

Request for Applications for Grants

Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector

Basic data

Reference Code: RFA 006-2017

Title: Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector

Launch Date: 04-21-2017

Clarification requests deadline: 04-28-2017

Application Submission deadline: 06-05-2017

Application evaluation process: From 06-05-2017 to 07-10-2017

USAID/Sweden Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (the Activity), a United States Agency

for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Sweden-funded project, is seeking

applications from qualified, legally registered BiH non-profit, for-profit, and non-governmental

organizations (NGOs) for a grant award to implement activities to Improve the Competitiveness

of the Beekeeping Sector in Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH).

The applications must be received no later than June 5, 2017. Applicants must meet the

requirements of eligibility for this Request for Applications (RFA). This RFA solicits grant

applications to support improvements in quality standards and productivity, sustainable economic

growth, employment expansion, increased sales and exports, increased household incomes in BiH.

The Project invites eligible organizations to submit applications Information sessions for this RFA

will be organized as follows:

Date Time Location

09.05.2017. 11:00 Tuzla

10.05.2017. 13:00 Banjaluka

11.05.2017. 10:00 Bihać

17.05.2017. 11:00 Sarajevo

18.05.2017. 10:00 Trebinje

18.05.2017. 14:00 Mostar

Any change of the times/locations and address details will be communicated via the project

website, www.farmabih.ba and directly via email to registered participants. If interested to

participate, please RSVP no later than 11:00 AM on May 5, 2017 via email at [email protected].

Attendance at one of these session is strongly recommended.

Grants will be awarded and implemented in accordance with U.S. government regulations

governing grants under contracts and the FARMA II internal grant management policies.

http://www.farmabih.ba/

USAID/Sweden FARMA II

RFA-006-2017 Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector

Successful Applicants 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.

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 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.

FARMA II 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 April

28, 2017. No questions will be accepted after this date.

Applicants should submit applications in writing to one of following addresses: USAID/Sweden FARMA II

71000 Sarajevo

Fra Anđela Zvizdovića 1B/18


78000 Banjaluka

Prvog Krajiškog korpusa bb


75000 Tuzla,

Maršala Tita 34A/III

In addition to printed applications, applicants should submit applications electronically, via

email at [email protected]. The Closing Date for Submission of Applications is June 5,

2017 and the Closing Time for Submission of Applications is 04:00 PM local BiH Time. Late

or incomplete applications will not be considered.



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 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 project supports 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 ensures that the project team remains focused on addressing the root

problems inhibiting competitiveness.

Program Description:

I. Background on the specific grant activity

Beekeeping in BiH current represents only 1% of the total agricultural production1. There are

between 6,500 to 9,800 beekeepers, who manage approximately 393,000 colonies of honey bees,

producing 4,926 tons of high quality honey annually2. They derive income from their bees in a

variety of ways. Some move their colonies several times during the season to produce a variety of

honey. Some beekeepers have apiaries in good honey-producing locations and make honey without

moving their bees. A small number of beekeepers move their colonies to pollinate various fruit

crops for a fee (apples, peaches, blueberries, etc.).

Other beekeepers sell equipment, nucleus colonies, and/ or package bees or rear and sell queens

as a source of income. However, the majority of individuals keeping bees in BiH maintain a small

number of hives as a hobby and/or the production of honey for home use and pollination of home

gardens and orchards.

BiH imports approximately 210 tons of honey (in 2016)3 valued at approximately 1.4 million

BAM. Most of the honey produced in BiH is sold locally, with very few sporadic cases of export

of insignificant values and quantities (6.8 tons of honey exported in 2015 valued at approximately

131,000 BAM). During 2016 there was no record of export of BiH honey to the EU, while exports

to the Middle East were 2.3 tons, valued at 72,186 BAM. Apart from insufficient quantity, low

competitiveness resulting in high export prices is another limiting factor that prevents beekeepers

to export.

Beekeeping is considered a low-investment and low-input business that directly generates

economic benefits for rural and sub-urban population. Considering the abundance of bee pastures,

coupled with high levels of unmet market demand and high unemployment rates, beekeeping could

provide a significant employment opportunity, especially for younger people and vulnerable

1 BiH Agency for Statistics 2 BiH Agency for Statistics 2015 3 Foreign Trade Chamber Data for 2016



groups. Historically, the beekeeping sector has had a slow rate of growth as it tends to be

considered as a supplementary source of income. There are currently no public incentive policies

or other services in place that would promote the growth of professional beekeeping. Limited

government supervision, combined with this ‘hobbyist’ mindset has led to the creation of many

forms of spontaneous organization at the local level, in particular small associations which are

trying to advocate for changes and modernization of the beekeeping sector in BiH. But they lack

scale and organization and in consequence, the value chain remains fragmented, with relatively

weak links between producers and the government and between producers, buyers and access to

new markets.

The beekeeping sector in BiH is characterized by low productivity and very limited value-added

activities which means that the sector is only partially capitalizing on existing market opportunities

both on the domestic market and internationally. Low productivity is mainly the result of the

predominance of traditional beekeeping practices. Limited access to capital for the modernization

of beekeeping practices constitutes a major reason for the low adoption of more advanced

techniques. Limited value added activities is mainly due to the fact that most beekeepers prefer to

sell honey, because it sells quickly and offers immediate cash. Hence, sales points are fragmented

and difficult to access for buyers, the quality of bee products is sometimes inconsistent and reliable

market information is lacking.

The professionalization rate in beekeeping sector is generally low all over the Europe and the

situation is similar in BiH. According to the EU definition, professional beekeepers manage 150

hives or more. There is no information about the percentage of professional beekeepers in BiH,

although the estimate is that the situation is similar to one in the EU where, of the total number of

beekeepers, only 5% are professional beekeepers. BiH does have an active beekeeping industry,

however, there are few major players who live exclusively from beekeeping, managing 100 or

more beehives (some even up to 700). The majority are amateur beekeepers, over 55 years of age,

who keep beehives as an additional hobbyist activity and/or income generating source.

The BiH beekeeping sector needs to be encouraged to promote a new and more ‘professional’

dynamism, expand production and increase the level of technical competency of new professional

beekeepers and attract young people who are willing to enter into the beekeeping sector as a

potentially lucrative business in order to accelerate its growth. Beekeeping is usually seen as a

“business of old men” and this needs to be changed. The attractiveness of beekeeping for younger

people may increase due to two factors: (1) if it is increasingly understood as a profitable business

and (2) the promotion of more modern production techniques that can create a more positive and

attractive image of beekeeping as an alternative agri-business opportunity.

II. Objectives of this RFA

The main objectives of this RFA are as follows:

To improve the competitiveness of the BiH beekeeping sector through the promotion of

improved agricultural and environmental practices, enhanced productivity and value-chain

cohesiveness, effectiveness and efficiency;



To promote the expansion of BiH professional and commercially-oriented beekeeping which

will focus upon the attraction and support of younger people to develop beekeeping as a new

business opportunity;

To promote increased innovation and diversification in the production of honey and other high

value beekeeping products;

To promote increased trade in BiH honey and honey-based products in domestic, regional and

international markets.

III. Expected results

It is expected that the following results will be achieved through the support provided by this RFA:

Expansion in the number of professional, commercially-oriented beekeepers active in BiH;

New start-up opportunities created in the beekeeping sector for young people from rural and

sub-urban areas of BiH.

Increased knowledge and use of modern production methods and application of new,

innovative technologies in beekeeping.

Increased volume and range of products, sales and traded volumes of honey and honey-based

products

IV. Illustrative activities

Illustrative activities that may be supported through this RFA include the following (NOTE:

examples only – list is not intended to be exhaustive and is included for illustrative purposes only.

Applicants are encouraged to submit any proposals for which initiative can be justified that will

contribute to the defined objectives and results of this RFA):

Apprenticeship schemes and/or mentoring programs in partnership with other producer

organizations, local government and/or advisory services targeted at 18-35 year-olds that will

aim to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and opportunity to make a successful

career in the beekeeping industry. This may include support for targeted training, provision of

start-up packages linked to existing supply chains (beehives, swarms, tools, etc.) and other

support services, as deemed appropriate. Ideally, the applicant will ensure a buy up of honey

and/or other products. Wherever possible, young beekeepers will be supported in registering

as self-employed;

Initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, overall volumes and/or value of production of

honey and other beekeeping products;;

Increase in sales and export potential of honey processors by supporting them to introduce food

safety standards, improve packaging, branding and marketing of their produce;

Initiatives which promote innovation in Beekeeping and value-added production such as the

application of modern, ICT solutions to assist primary producers and others in the value chain;

Activities that enhance the image and presentation of BiH honey and honey products in

international markets, trade fairs and/or B2B missions;

Application of new innovative solutions in new products development;

Increasing awareness and demonstrating the benefits of pollination for both beekeepers and

fruit and vegetable growers;



Strengthening of advisory services to improve their capacities to enable them to provide quality

technical assistance for beekeepers and honey processors to ensure maximum yields and

quality of products;

Implementation of international standards including organic and halal for beekeepers and

honey processors.

In addition, 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 a higher number of total direct and indirect beneficiaries are

women, where possible.

V. Performance Monitoring Plan

To track achievements of these grant awards, FARMA II will measure progress in the following

areas: total number of jobs created in assisted producer organizations in the beekeeping value

chain; annual percent change in sales and exports; number of farmers and POs who have applied

new technologies and/or improved management practices 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 from this grant award. The participation of woman in the proposed

activities is strongly encouraged and will be evaluated and tracked separately.

Section 2 – Award Information

Subject to the availability of funds, FARMA II intends to provide grant funds to support Improving

the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector in BiH. It is expected that grants will be allocated

over a one-year period. The anticipated period of performance of the grant is expected to be August

2017 – August 2018. FARMA II anticipates awarding standard grants under this RFA. FARMA

II grants shall not exceed 50,000 $ for a single award for profit and non-profit organizations, while

for crafts it will not exceed 6,000 $. This amount has been determined based upon the estimated

financial potential of the prospective craft organizations in FBiH and equivalent registration types

in the RS (samostalni preduzetnik) and Brcko District to cost share in financing of the proposed

activity4.

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.

Organizations that are legally registered in Bosnia & Herzegovina;

Non-profit organizations (NGOs) and associations;

4 Craft organizations in FBiH and equivalent registration type in the RS – samostalni preduzetnik and Brcko District

that has more than 50,000 BAM of annual turnover falls under this category. Organizations that are obliged to submit

SPR 1053 form to the tax office



Commercial and/or for-profit organizations that understand that actions which are exclusively

focused upon initiatives that aim to generate profit or fees will not be allowed under the grant

agreement;

Any legal entity which is registered either as a company or, as a minimum, as an agricultural

crafts organization (in FBiH) or equivalent type of registration in the RS (samostalni

preduzetnik) and Brcko District.5

Public educational entities (universities, vocational schools) 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, FARMA II will conduct all procurement on behalf of

the grantee and transfer the equipment as an in-kind donation. Public institutions eligible

include agricultural secondary schools 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;

Have a current and active bank account, or commit to open and responsibly manage one as a

condition of award;

Provide goods/services within normal business operations;

Operate in a competitive environment and verify the fair market value of goods or services;

Representatives of the organization must sign all mandatory certifications.

Prior to the award of any 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;


that has more than 50,000 BAM of annual turnover falls under this category. Organizations that are obliged to submit

SPR 1053 form to the tax office



Public International Organizations;

Government organizations and institutions;

Individual beekeepers that are not registered as an legal entity are not eligible to apply

Ineligible Expenses:

FARMA grant funds may not be utilized for the following:

Exclusively for profit making activities where no other benefits will accrue from the grant

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

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

USAID/Sweden FARMA II Project.

Second hand equipment

Section 4 – Application and Submission Information

Applicants should submit written applications to one of USAID/Sweden FARMA II offices, and

electronically via email at [email protected]. The Closing Date for Submission of Applications

is June 5, 2017 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 youth and women participating in this program;

Introduction of new products and/or implementation of the new production technology;

http://sdnsearch.ofac.treas.gov/Default.aspx



Introduction of quality and trade standards, international food safety standards and/or

management practices or systems;

Implementation of measures to mitigate against risks associated with climate change.

For the project to be funded by USAID/Sweden 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;

Readiness to provide assistance to young beekeepers 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:

a) Consistency with RFA and FARMA II project objectives: The proposed activities are

consistent with and will contribute to achieving the objectives stated in the RFA and of

FARMA II. The proposed indicators are objectively measurable, clear and relevant and the

methodology for measuring results of the project are appropriate and efficient.

b) Feasibility of design: The proposed methodology reflects an understanding of the RFA

description and scope. 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 are clearly assigned to personnel

c) Market Distortion: The proposed activity clearly defines how any potential market distortion

caused by the award of the grant will be mitigated by the applicant. The applicant is required

to demonstrate their readiness to mitigate any potential market distortion which may occur due

to the financial assistance provided to the business which may give the business a competitive

advantage over similar businesses within the value chain. This should include (but is not

limited to) proposed actions to be undertaken that will ensure that the actual cost of the

investment result in greater increased direct and indirect value and benefits both for the

organization and other beneficiary groups and/or the wider agricultural or rural community

within which the investments will take place e.g. such as any linked community social

infrastructure, training or similar ‘public goods’ (i.e. socio-economic, non-commercial

benefits).

d) 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, then the proposals for collecting

program income should be efficient and realistic.

e) Gender Equality: Proposals will be evaluated regarding the extent to which the funded activity

will result in improving gender equality. 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 Women in Sweden’s International Development Cooperation, FARMA II

small grants will support opportunities to empower, motivate and activate men and women to

mitigate against any gender inequalities.

f) Environmental considerations: Applicants will comply with USAID environmental

requirements in accordance with CFR 216, namely the FARMA II approved Initial

Environmental Examination and the FARMA II approved Programmatic Environmental

Assessment (PEA) and the Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan

(PERSUAP). Specifically, this 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).

3. 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.

g) Desired Results: Grants will be awarded for activities that will have the greatest contribution

to increased competitiveness of the beekeeping sector through implementation of new

technologies, Good Agricultural Practices, 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 all defined results.

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 USAID/Sweden FARMA II should not exceed

50,000 $ (for profit organizations), while for agricultural crafts organization (and the



equivalent registration type in the RS “samostalni preduzetnik” and Brcko District)

the maximum amount should not exceed 6,000 $6

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. Construction and real estate purchase cannot be financed

5. The applicant must submit balance sheets and income statements (or other relevant

financial data) for the last 1 year, with evidence of successful business operation.

Agricultural crafts organizations and the equivalent registration type in the RS

(samostalni preduzetnik) and Brcko District must submit financial report and/or any

other record on their business performance, as a proof of a successful business

operation.

6. 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.

7. For the fixed amount awards USAID/Sweden FARMA II funds will be reimbursed

only after specific deliverable/milestone has been achieved.

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 FARMA II objectives, results and performance indicators: This should

ensure a particular focus upon increases in sales, exports, employment (particularly of young

people and women) and investment attraction.

2. Complies with beekeeping sector-specific technical criteria

3. Results to be achieved: Are the results to be achieved linked to the grant objective and how

these will be measured and reported


that has more than 50,000 BAM of annual turnover falls under this category



4. Compatibility with EU accession requirements.

5. Compatibility with Section 613 of the US FY 08 Appropriations Act: 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 FARMA II 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

FARMA 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.

8. Potential for scaling up/replication

9. Potential for mitigation of possible market distortion: evidence of the applicant’s capability to

offer practical solutions that ensure the added value achieved by the activity is higher than the

actual cost of the activity/investment. Provides reasonable explanation on how the benefit

received from the project contributes to the broader agriculture and rural community.

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 FARMA II either intends to award a grant to the applicant without negotiation,

or that FARMA II 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 FARMA II or the

U.S. Government. Nor does it commit FARMA II 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

USAID/Sweden 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 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 USAID/Sweden FARMA II to pay for costs incurred in the

preparation and submission of an application. Further, USAID/Sweden FARMA II 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 (includes the budget)

Annex C: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants

Annex D: Environmental Self-Screening Form

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/

request for applications for grants improving the ... · website, and directly via email to...

Documents