2020-DRAFT-IFRP-PRODUCT-RFA-DRAFT | 2020 DRAFT IFRP PRODUCT RFA DRAFT

FAQs: 2020-DRAFT-IFRP-PRODUCT-RFA-DRAFT (USAID International Food Assistance)

What is the 2020-DRAFT-IFRP-PRODUCT-RFA-DRAFT funding opportunity?

It is a discretionary USAID grant solicitation for international food assistance. The focus is on funding partners to produce, package, and stockpile shelf-stable, prepackaged food commodities that can later be distributed for overseas humanitarian needs through the International Food Relief Partnership (IFRP) under the Title II grant program.

Which agency is offering this grant?

The opportunity is issued by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), listed as the Agency for International Development.

What type of funding instrument is this?

This is a grant. Applicants are expected to propose a program approach, implementation plan, and a supporting budget describing how they will manufacture and prepare eligible food products and maintain them in ready-to-deploy inventory.

What is the purpose of the funded work?

The funded work is intended to strengthen USAID's ability to deliver standardized food aid quickly by supporting the production, packaging, and pre-positioning (stockpiling) of shelf-stable commodities for later international relief distribution.

What kinds of food products is USAID seeking?

USAID is seeking shelf-stable, prepackaged food commodities. The emphasis on shelf-stable and prepackaged items indicates they should be suitable for extended storage, efficient handling, and rapid shipment when emergencies or food insecurity situations arise.

How will the commodities be used after they are produced?

The commodities are intended for later distribution through the International Food Relief Partnership (IFRP) under the Title II grant program, which is designed to deliver food aid for humanitarian needs overseas.

What is IFRP in this context?

IFRP refers to the International Food Relief Partnership, the mechanism described here for distributing the commodities overseas for humanitarian purposes under Title II.

What is the CFDA listing and program category?

The opportunity is categorized under Food and Nutrition with CFDA 98.008.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. nonprofit organizations that hold IRS 501(c)(3) status. Institutions of higher education are excluded.

Are universities or colleges allowed to apply?

No. The eligibility description explicitly excludes institutions of higher education, even if they are otherwise nonprofit.

Do applicants have to be U.S.-based organizations?

Yes. The solicitation limits eligibility to qualified U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status.

What capabilities should an applicant be able to demonstrate?

Based on the description, applicants would generally be expected to show technical capability in food commodity production and packaging, along with robust supply chain and warehousing plans, strong financial and compliance systems, and a strategy for maintaining ready inventory for international relief operations.

Does the opportunity require stockpiling or warehousing?

Yes. The solicitation specifically focuses on production, packaging, and stockpiling of commodities, with an emphasis on maintaining a ready-to-deploy inventory.

Is the grant meant for direct overseas distribution activities?

The described purpose centers on producing, packaging, and pre-positioning commodities for later distribution through IFRP Title II. The summary does not describe funding for conducting the distribution overseas; it describes preparing commodities intended for later distribution.

How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID anticipates making up to three awards.

What is the maximum award amount (ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is $40,000,000.

Does the summary specify the exact award amount per recipient?

No. The summary provides an overall ceiling and an expected number of awards, but it does not state specific award amounts per recipient.

Why might USAID fund multiple awards under this solicitation?

The summary suggests that multiple awards could help ensure diversified supply, surge capacity, or coverage of different commodity types and operational approaches.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on October 24, 2019.

What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date was November 25, 2019.

What does "discretionary" mean in the context of this solicitation?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary USAID grant solicitation, meaning it is a competitive grant process where applicants submit proposals and USAID selects recipients based on its program objectives and requirements, as reflected in the solicitation.

What should a proposal generally include for this grant?

The description indicates applicants are expected to provide a proposed program approach, an implementation plan, and a supporting budget explaining how they will manufacture and prepare eligible food products and maintain them in ready-to-deploy inventory.

What is the overall goal of focusing on shelf-stable, prepackaged commodities?

The stated emphasis implies the commodities should be able to be stored for extended periods, handled efficiently, and shipped quickly to respond to emergencies and food insecurity situations.

Is this opportunity specifically tied to Title II food aid?

Yes. The commodities are intended for distribution under the Title II grant program via the IFRP mechanism, as described in the opportunity summary.

What kind of organizations is USAID targeting with this solicitation?

The solicitation targets established 501(c)(3) U.S. nonprofits (excluding higher education institutions) with the operational capacity to manage food production directly or oversee production through qualified partners, and the ability to meet quality, safety, packaging, logistics, warehousing, and compliance expectations typical of U.S. government-funded food assistance programs.