Basic Education Quality and Transitions | 72052021RFA00006

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - USAID Guatemala Basic Education Quality and Transitions (72052021RFA00006)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a USAID Guatemala discretionary funding opportunity on Grants.gov for a "Basic Education Quality and Transitions" project. It is soliciting applications under Funding Opportunity Number (FON) 72052021RFA00006 in the education category (CFDA 98.001).

2) What type of award is expected?

USAID intends to fund this activity through a Cooperative Agreement. Under a Cooperative Agreement, the awardee should expect close collaboration with USAID during implementation rather than operating with complete independence.

3) How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID plans to make a single award (Expected Awards: 1).

4) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is up to $30,000,000.

5) What will USAID base its selection decision on?

USAID intends to select the applicant that best aligns with the stated objectives and performs strongest against the merit review criteria in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), subject to a formal risk assessment.

6) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open and not restricted by applicant type, as long as the applicant meets the standards described in Section C of the NOFO and submits all required information.

7) Does "broad eligibility" mean anyone can apply?

In practical terms, any qualified organization can compete, but the application must still satisfy USAID compliance requirements and demonstrate the technical and organizational capacity to deliver an education-focused program consistent with the activity described by the project title.

8) What does the project title suggest about the program focus?

Based on the title, the activity is centered on improving basic education quality and supporting student transitions.

9) What does it mean that this is a Cooperative Agreement (for implementation)?

Applicants should anticipate USAID involvement in key aspects of the activity, such as approvals, coordination, and ongoing oversight, consistent with how USAID typically manages assistance awards.

10) What is the application process structure?

The competition uses a multi-tier, two-phase Request for Applications process consistent with USAID policy (ADS 303.3.6.1(c)).

11) What happens in Phase 1?

Phase 1 is a Concept Paper stage that is open to all eligible applicants. USAID screens these submissions and identifies the strongest concepts.

12) What happens in Phase 2?

Phase 2 is by invitation only for those selected from Phase 1. It requires a full application plus an oral presentation.

13) Why does USAID use a two-phase process?

This structure is designed to reduce burden on applicants initially while allowing USAID to focus full proposal development on the most competitive approaches.

14) Where is the opportunity posted?

The opportunity is posted on Grants.gov as a discretionary funding notice under Funding Opportunity Number 72052021RFA00006.

15) What registrations or identifiers are required to apply?

Applicants must comply with unique entity identifier requirements and maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), as detailed in Section D.6.f of the NOFO.

16) How long do SAM and related registrations take?

USAID notes that these registrations can take weeks, so starting early is essential.

17) What if the NOFO is updated after I download it?

The NOFO may be amended. Applicants are responsible for regularly checking Grants.gov to ensure they are working from the most current version and have received the full posting.

18) Is USAID responsible for download or formatting problems with the posted documents?

No. USAID explicitly states it is not responsible for transmission or conversion errors that could occur when downloading or viewing the documents.

19) How do I submit questions about the opportunity?

Questions must be submitted to the points of contact listed in Section D by the deadline stated in the NOFO.

20) Will answers to questions be shared with everyone?

Yes. USAID will distribute responses to timely questions to all potential applicants through a formal amendment posted on Grants.gov to keep the competition fair and ensure all applicants receive the same clarifications.

21) Who do I contact if I have technical issues with Grants.gov?

Technical problems with Grants.gov registration or access should be directed to the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

22) Should platform issues and program questions go to the same place?

No. Platform and registration issues are directed to the Grants.gov Helpdesk, while programmatic and competition questions must go to the USAID points of contact listed in Section D of the NOFO.

23) What are the key dates mentioned for this opportunity?

The source information indicates the opportunity was created on July 13, 2021, with an original closing date of August 16, 2021.

24) Are the listed dates final?

Not necessarily. Applicants are cautioned that amendments can change details, so the official posting on Grants.gov should be treated as the controlling reference.

25) Does publishing the NOFO guarantee an award?

No. USAID emphasizes that publishing the NOFO does not guarantee an award.

26) Will the government reimburse proposal development or submission costs?

No. USAID states it does not commit the government to reimburse proposal or preparation costs. All application development and submission costs are borne by the applicant.

27) Is an award automatic if my concept paper is strong?

No. USAID screens Phase 1 concept papers and invites selected applicants to Phase 2, but selection for Phase 2 is not the same as receiving an award. Final selection is based on alignment with objectives, performance against merit review criteria, and a formal risk assessment.

28) What should applicants pay special attention to before submitting?

Based on the information provided, applicants should (1) read the NOFO carefully (especially Sections C and D), (2) complete unique entity identifier and SAM registration early, (3) monitor Grants.gov for amendments, and (4) submit questions by the NOFO deadline to the listed points of contact.