Savings Groups for Vulnerable Youth

Technical Guidance

Savings Groups for Vulnerable Youth

Request for Applications

RFA No: 3569-023-104-2016-01Attachments:

RFA Release Date: Nov 21, 2016A. Certifications

Questions Due: Nov 29, 2016 at 5:00 pm ESTB. FHI 360 Biodata Form

Response to Questions:Dec 1, 2016C. Budget Template

Application Deadline:Dec 20, 2016 at 5:00pm EST

1. PURPOSE

The Accelerating Strategies for Practical Innovation and Research in Economic Strengthening (ASPIRES) project is managed by FHI 360 and funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Displaced Children and Orphans Fund (DCOF), and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Under Award No. AID-OAA-LA-13-00001, ASPIRES supports evidence-based, gender-sensitive programming to improve the economic security and health outcomes of vulnerable families and children, including those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and others at high risk of acquiring HIV.

ASPIRES, in consultation with the PEPFAR Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Technical Working Group (TWG) and USAID/OHA’s OVC and economic strengthening experts, is developing technical guidance products to employ globally in advancing project aims relevant to children and other vulnerable populations, particularly promoting the implementation of activities with an established base of evidence and best practices. The intent of this work is to explore topics deeply and thoroughly, examine all reliable evidence, and produce polished, accessible, and actionable materials from that process. The materials will be for project use and/or external dissemination to partners, stakeholders, and the broader development community, to influence practice in significant ways.

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to solicit applications for funding from USAID/PEPFAR to develop a series of technical guidance materials. One grant of up to $100,000 (One hundred thousand US dollars) and 10 months’ duration will be sub-awarded to an organization to produce a Technical Guidance Series on implementing savings groups (SGs) with highly vulnerable youth. The target population for this activity is comprised of children and youth, from approximately 15 years old through 24 years old, who are living with or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. The guidance will pay special attention to two critical populations -- orphans and vulnerable children (OVC; defined as children under 18 years of age who have lost a parent to HIV/AIDS, who are otherwise directly affected by the disease, or who live in areas of high HIV prevalence and may be vulnerable to the disease or the negative socioeconomic effects associated with it), and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The guidance also will distinguish between approaches appropriate for 15 to 17 year olds and for 18 to 24 year olds. The guidance should note approaches appropriate to male and female youth within these age groups.

2. OBJECTIVE

This subaward under ASPIRES seeks to support the technical guidance needs of USAID, PEPFAR, and practitioners in the area of youth savings group (YSG) interventions, especially for OVC populations. This technical guidance project will produce and validate a manual for youth savings groups, and disseminate the manual through a webinar.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

This activity will produce and validate a manual for YSGs for the specified populations.

Upon award, the subawardee shall:

1. Prepare a manual on Youth Savings Groups for OVC.
2. Validate the manual through a 3-month field test and process evaluation to confirm that the manual works effectively for the target population.
3. Deliver a webinar on the manual

The expected period of performance for this activity is February 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.

4. FUNDING AND SUBAWARD MECHANISM

The ceiling for this award is $100,000.

The applicant must propose a minimum of 5% cost share from non US Government funding sources and following applicable USAID regulations.

The mechanism for funding will be a cost-reimbursable subaward based on receipt of invoices, which should be submitted at least quarterly.

5. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

This competition is open to US, international or national non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and universities. Interested organizations should develop and submit technical and cost applications for the activity described above, in accordance with the guidance in this and the following sections.

Technical applications should discuss relevant organizational capabilities, proposed staff, approach and methods for obtaining relevant technical information and capacity to complete the work within the period of performance.

The personnel section should clearly identify the individual expected to play the lead role in this project. If the lead is named in the application, please include a summary of relevant qualifications (200 words max) and an explanation of their relationship with your organization (permanent staff member, short-term consultant, etc.), along with a recent CV and signed FHI 360 biodata form in the annexes. If the individual will be identified through a later search, please explain the search plan and summarize preferred qualifications (200 words max). Other individuals expected to take part in the project should be identified in the personnel section, along with a brief description of their role, and their CVs and biodata forms should be included in the annexes, as well.

ASPIRES will work with a review committee to short-list finalists, provide feedback, and finalize awards. The award will be issued by January 31, 2017 in accordance with the USAID Standard Provisions & Regulations and will require programmatic, financial, and contractual reporting during the course of implementation. ASPIRES reserves the right not to fund applications if the applications do not meet expected standards or exceed time or budget guidelines.

6. SUBMISSION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Applications should be submitted in English; 3,500 word maximum, excluding cost application and annexes (sections IV and V below); 12 point Times New Roman font; 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins.

1. Overview and Framing of the Problem
2. Description of Technical Approach
3. Outline of manual development strategy
4. Outline of process evaluation approach
5. Discussion of general dissemination objectives, target audiences and strategies
6. Capabilities Statement
7. Organizational capabilities
8. Proposed staff
9. Cost Application:
10. A detailed line item budget, budget narrative, and supporting documentation that clearly describe how the budgeted amounts are calculated must support the applicant’s budget. Budget estimates must remain valid for a period of at least 90 days. A brief narrative explanation and justification for each line item must be included in a separate section entitled “budget narrative” and include data to support actual costs and/or methodologies to support cost estimates. The budget narrative serves as justification for each cost included in a budget; should be presented in such a way as to be easily referenced from the budget; and should provide sufficient information so that FHI 360 may review a proposed budget for reasonableness. All projected costs must be in accordance with the organization’s standard practices and policies.
11. The applicant must propose a minimum of 5% cost share from non US Government funding sources. Cost share activities and their value should be included and clearly identified in the budget and budget narrative. Cost share includes the costs of activities that are performed in support of the project but not covered by USG funding.
12. Budgets must be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate reasonableness and completeness. Applications including budget information determined to be unreasonable, incomplete, unnecessary for the completion of the proposed project, or based on a methodology that is not adequately supported may be deemed unacceptable.
13. Budgets should be submitted in applicant’s local currency. Please note that FHI 360 cannot honor exchange rates included in a budget. Payments will be made according to the exchange rate at the time of payment.
14. Please indicate the inclusion/exclusion of any applicable taxes such as VAT.
15. Annexes

1. Certifications: Certifications provided in Attachment A (see below) are required by FHI 360 and USAID and must be signed by the authorized official, dated, and included in the application. Recipients will be required to comply with the content of the certifications as a part of the contractual agreement when/if funding is approved.
2. Recent CVs and Signed FHI 360 Biodata Forms (see Attachment B) for Key Personnel and/or Other Named Personnel in the Application.

7. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applications received under this Request will be evaluated and ranked by committee, in accordance with the following criteria:

1. Overview and Framing of Problem
2. Demonstrated general knowledge of key issues related to youth savings groups generally, and clarity about how to explore these in relation to vulnerable youth in contexts of high HIV prevalence
3. Technical Approach
4. Description of strategy to identify and access relevant information to inform the development of the manual.
5. Capabilities and Past Performance/Experience:
6. Experience conducting desk research.
7. Experience developing guidance manuals.
8. Experience delivering training on economic or financial topics to youth. Experience integrating or complementing such trainings with HIV awareness and prevention education training is a plus.
9. Personnel:
10. Relevance of staff skills and experience to the proposed task.
11. Budget:
12. Cost Reasonableness: Proposed price costs reflect a clear understanding of the requirements stated in this RFA, and are consistent with the various elements of the application. Proposed price is reasonable in comparison with proposed prices received in response to the solicitation.
13. Cost share: Cost share includes the costs of activities that are performed in support of the project but not covered by USG funding. Under its agreement with USAID, ASPIRES seeks to reach cost share requirements throughout project activities, including subagreements. Any in-kind contributions the subawardee makes to the budget, including volunteer labor and donated venue space, should be calculated in the budget as cost share.

• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant YSG evidence bases and practice

• Description of strategy to access information

• Experience conducting desk research

• Experience developing and disseminating technical guidance products

• Experience delivering training on economic or financial topics to youth.

• Relevance of staff skills and experience

• Cost reasonableness

• Cost share

8. RFA ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A:Certifications

Attachment B: FHI 360 Biodata Form

Attachment C:Budget Template

9. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

RFA Release Date: November 21, 2016

Questions Due: Monday, November 29, 2016 at 5:00 pm EST (UTC/GMT – 5:00)

Response to Questions:Thursday, December 1, 2016 by 5:00pm EST (UTC/GMT – 5:00)

Application Deadline:Monday, December 20, 2016 at 5:00pm EST (UTC/GMT – 5:00)

Submit Questions and Applications via email to the individuals below. All questions and the corresponding answers will be shared by 5:00pm EST (UTC/GMT – 5:00) on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

10. Source of Funding and Geographic Code

Any subaward issued under this RFP will be financed by USAID funding and will be subject to U.S. Government and USAID regulations. The authorized USAID geographic code for this RFA and any resulting subaward is Code 935. All commodities and services supplied under any subaward resulting from this RFA must meet this geographic code in accordance with the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 22 CFR §228.

11. Branding and Marking Requirements

The final subaward deliverables shall comply with USAID Branding and Marking guidelines.

General Terms and Conditions

Subawardees are responsible for review of the terms and conditions described below and in the award budget template attached. If relevant, particular attention should be paid to clauses regarding USAID geographic code, marking and branding requirements and equipment and commodity purchases.

WITHDRAWALS OF APPLICATION

Applicants may withdraw applications by written notice via email received at any time before award. Applications may be withdrawn in person by a Subawardee or his/her authorized representative, if the representative’s identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the application before award.

RIGHT TO SELECT/REJECT

FHI 360 reserves the right to select and negotiate with those firms/individuals it determines, in its sole discretion, to be qualified for competitive applications and to terminate negotiations without incurring any liability. FHI 360 also reserves the right to reject any or all applications received without explanation.

DISCLAIMER

This RFA represents only a definition of requirements. It is merely an invitation for submission of applications and does not legally obligate FHI 360 to accept any of the submitted applications in whole or in part, nor is FHI 360 obligated to select the lowest priced application. FHI 360 reserves the right to negotiate with any or all firms, both with respect to price, cost and/or scope of services. FHI 360 has no subaward obligations with any firms based upon issuance of this RFA. It is not an offer to subaward. Only the execution of a written subaward shall obligate FHI 360 in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in such subaward.

OFFER VERIFICATION

FHI 360 may contact Subawardees to confirm contact person, address, bid amount and to confirm that the bid was submitted for this solicitation. Failure to submit correct, complete and accurate information shall lead to automatic disqualification.

FALSE STATEMENTS IN OFFER

Subawardees must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation and its attachments.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Applicants must provide disclosure of any past, present or future relationships with any parties associated with the issuance, review or management of this solicitation and anticipated award. Failure to provide full and open disclosure may result in FHI 360 having to re-evaluate selection of a potential Subawardee.

RESERVED RIGHTS

All RFA responses become the property of FHI 360 and FHI 360 reserves the right in its sole

discretion to:

• Disqualify any offer based on Subawardee failure to follow solicitation instructions;
• Waive any deviations by Subawardees from the requirements of this solicitation that in FHI 360's opinion are considered not to be material defects requiring rejection or disqualification; or where such a waiver will promote increased competition;
• Extend the time for submission of all RFA responses after notification to all Subawardees;
• Terminate or modify the RFA process at any time and re-issue the RFA to whomever FHI 360 deems appropriate;
• Issue an award based on the initial evaluation of offers without discussion;
• Award only part of the activities in the solicitation or issue multiple awards based on solicitation activities.

Governing Law and Language

This solicitation and any resulting subaward shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the U.S. Government. The English language version of this solicitation and any resulting subaward shall govern, and all notices pursuant to the provisions of this solicitation and any resulting subaward shall be in English.

CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION

(a) The Subawardee certifies that--

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other Subawardee, including but not limited to subsidiaries or other entities in which Subawardee has any ownership or other interests, or any competitor relating to (i) those prices, (ii) the intention to submit an offer, or (iii) the methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered;

(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the Subawardee, directly or indirectly, to any other Subawardee, including but not limited to subsidiaries or other entities in which Subawardee has any ownership or other interests, or any competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or subaward award (in the case of a negotiated or competitive solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the Subawardee to induce any other concern or individual to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition or influencing the competitive environment.

(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory--

(1) Is the person in the Subawardee's organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or application, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above; or

(2) (i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the principals of the Subawardee in certifying that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above;

(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals of the Subawardee have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through

(a)(3) above; and

(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above.

(c) Subawardee understands and agrees that --

(1) Violation of this certification will result in immediate disqualification from this solicitation without recourse and may result in disqualification from future solicitations; and

(2) Discovery of any violation after award to the Subawardee will result in the termination of the award for default.

DISCLAIMER

1. Applicants will not be reimbursed for the cost incurred in preparation and submission of an application. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense
2. FHI 360 may cancel this solicitation and not award.
3. FHI 360 may reject any or all responses received.
4. Issuance of solicitation does not constitute award commitment by FHI 360.
5. FHI 360 reserves the right to independently negotiate with any applicant, or to make an award without conducting discussion based solely on the written applications if it decides it is in its best interest to do so. FHI 360 reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications received.
6. FHI 360 reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on offeror failure to follow solicitation instructions.
7. FHI 360 may choose to award only part of the activities in the solicitation, or issue multiple award based on the solicitation activities.
8. FHI 360 reserves the right to waive minor application deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition
9. FHI 360 will be contacting all offerors to confirm contact person, address and that bid was submitted for this solicitation

Award and Notification of Selected Applications