Subject:Request for Applications (RFA) Number RFA-RADP-E-17-004

Issuance Date: May /21/2017

Deadline for Question:May /31/2017

Closing Date: June/25/2017- 3PM Afghanistan Local Time

Subject:Request for Applications (RFA) Number RFA-RADP-E-17-004

RADP-E Access to Finance Borrower Guide

Reference:Issued Under Regional Agriculture Development Program-East

(RADP-E) USAID Contract No. AID-306-C-16-00011

The Regional Agricultural Development Program – East (RADP-E) is a five year USAID-funded program to expand sustainable agriculture-led economic growth in the eight target provinces of Ghazni, Kapisa, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Parwan, Wardak, and Kabul. Program activities will support the apricot, tomato, poultry and dairy value chains through the provision of training, technical assistance, and small grants targeting small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agricultural producers, input suppliers and agro-processors. RADP-E will identify private sector actors on either end of the farmer in each value chain—the commercial vendors of the goods and services that farmers need to grow higher volumes of quality produce, and the processors and traders who purchase farmers’ harvests.

A major objective of the USAID-funded RADP-E program is to link businesses with financial institutions and allow agriculture businesses within the geographic areas of RADP-E to access affordable and reliable finance.

RADP-E is seeking a service provider with specific skills and knowledge in conducting market research, competition analysis in the banking and financial sectors. In addition, applicant will demonstrate production and publication skills in order to achieve the objectives of this RFA. The service provider will assist RADP-E in developing and presenting information about different financial institutions offering regarding agriculture finance in the eastern region of Afghanistan targeting agriculture businesses. The RADP-E Access to Finance Borrower Guide aims to educate Agribusinesses about agriculture finance, and provide them with information about available financing in RADP-E target value chains and provinces. RADP-E expects to make one Fixed Amount Award (FAA) grant to a qualified service provider for this activity. The service provider will be responsible for specific deliverables (milestones) as described in this Request for Applications. The activity is divided into three stages:

• Phase I: Design, approve and print the first edition of the borrower guide.
• Phase II: Update, approve and print the second edition of the borrower guide.
• Phase III: Update, approve and print the third edition of the borrower guide

For the purposes of this program, this RFA is being issued and consists of this cover letter and the following:

Section A – Grant Application Instructions

Section B – Special Grant Requirements

Section C – Selection Process

Section D –Program Description

Annexes

Applications must be received at the RADP-Eoffices in Kabul indicated at the top of this cover letter at the place designated below for receipt of applications. Applications and modifications thereof shall be submitted in PDF,word or other electronic format to the RADP-E Grants Department at r hard copy to the following address:

RADP-E Office, Darya Village Hotel and Business Park

Hawa Shinasee Road Khwaja Rawash

Kabul Afghanistan

Mob: 0789753227

Award will be made to the responsible applicant(s) whose application(s) offers the best value.

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of DAI, nor does it commit DAI to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Further, DAI reserves the right to reject any or all applications received. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.

Any questions concerning this RFA should be submitted in writing not later than the date and time specified for questions submissions to RADP-EGrants office by email to icants should retain for their records one copy of all enclosures, which accompany their application.

Thank you for your interest in USAID RADP-E grantactivities.

Sincerely,

Robert Jacobi

Chief of Party

USAID RADP-East

RADP-E Access to Finance Borrower Guide

Table of Contents

Section A – Grant Application Instructions

1. Application Procedure

A. Completion and submission of applications

B. Preparation Instructions – Technical

C. Preparation Instructions – Financial and Administrative Documentation

B. Special Grant Requirements

C. Selection Process

D. Program Description

Annex 1: Mandatory Standard Provisions

Annex 2: Budget

Annex 3: CV Form and BioData Form

Annex 4: Financial Capability Questionnaire

Annex 5: Instructions for Obtaining a DUNS Number - DAI’S Vendors, Subcontractors and Grantees

Annex 6:Self-Certification for Exemption from DUNS Requirement

Section A – Grant Application Instructions

1. Application Procedure

A. Completion and submission of applications

Eligibility Requirements

Successful awardees/applicants would be an Afghan organization/service provider with specific skills and knowledge in Afghanistan Banking & Finance sector with proven track record in market research, publications and capacity building expertise. The applicant would be financial associations, financial training institutions, consulting firms, universities, market research firms with significant experience and knowledge about Afghanistan’s financial and banking sector.All prospective awardees must be legally established in Afghanistan, must be organizations with a reputation for integrity and the highest standard of conduct, and a proven track record in providing similar services outlined in this RFA. They should be able to provide evidence registration and experience working in Afghanistan, ability for a rapid start-up, and have proven ability to handle and account for US Government funds.

Application Submission Requirements

RADP-E review committee will be responsible for reviewing all applications submitted under this RFA and management of the award and monitoring process. Applicants are required to submit a proposal of no more than fifteen (15) pages as outlined below.

• Executive summary that explains the eligibility and key summary of the applicant’s unique ability to fulfill this scope of work. (1 page)
• Program Description that details how the applicant will meet the Program Objective and each of the Key Activities. This should include a narrative program description about the methodology and approach with clear performance milestones/deliverables at which progress can be evaluated at each phase during the period of implementation. (7 pages)
• Management and Staffing Plan that details how the applicant proposes to organize and conduct the development, design of the guide and field activities. This will include a brief statement on the qualifications of key staff/researchers/ designers (CVs to be attached but not counted towards the page limit). (5 pages)
• Work-plan/chart that shows the key activities and outputs occurring during each phase over the period of implementation. (2 pages)
• Supporting documents can include key staff CVs, training curriculum samples, documentation of registration, and other pre-existing materials that will be used as a basis for the training work.

Deadlines

Applications must be received at USAID/RADP-EOffice, as indicated in the cover letter. Applications and modifications thereof shall be submitted in word or pdf (preferred) at and all submissions must be submitted in English and budgets must be in the local currency (Afghani). Please hand delivers your application to the following address:

RADP-E Office, Darya Village Hotel and Business Park

Hawa Shinasee Road Khwaja Rawash

Kabul Afghanistan

Mob: 0789753227

Late Applications

All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed for responsiveness and programmatic merit according to the specifications outlined in these guidelines and the application format. Section C addresses the evaluation procedures for the applications. Applications, which are submitted late or are incomplete, run the risk of not being considered in the review process.

B.Preparation Instructions – Technical

See application submission requirements above.

C. Preparation Instructions – Financial and Administrative Documentation

1.Completed Budget. A sample budget is attached (see Annex 2)

2.Completed Financial Capability Questionnaire, (Annex 4)which includes:

1. Audited Financial Reports: Copy of the applicant’s most recent financial report, which has been audited by a certified public accountant or other auditor satisfactory to DAI. If no recent audit, a “Balance Sheet” and “Income Statement” for the most current and previous fiscal year.
2. Incorporation Papers or Certificate of Registration and Statute
3. Organizational chart

3.Documentation that the applicant has the ability to comply with the award conditions, taking into account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the applicant. The applicant must demonstrate its ability to segregate funds obtained from the award of a capital grant from other activities of the organization. A separate bank account is required should a grant award be made. (Documentation may include certification from the applicant’s bank or a summary of previous awards, including type of funding, value, client, etc.)

4.Documentation that the applicant has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics. (Documentation may include references from other donors or clients and a summary of previous awards, including type of funding, value, client, etc.)

5.Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) There is a mandatory requirement for the applicant to provide a DUNS number to DAI. The Data Universal Numbering System is a system developed and regulated by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) that assigns a unique numeric identifier, referred to as a "DUNS number" to a single business entity. Without a DUNS number, DAI cannot deem an applicant to be “responsible” to conduct business with and therefore, DAI will not enter into an agreement with any such organization. The award of a grant resulting from this RFA is contingent upon the winner providing a DUNS number to DAI. Organizations who fail to provide a DUNS number will not receive an agreement and DAI will select an alternate awardee.

All U.S. and foreign organizations, which receive a grant with a value of $25,000 and above,are required to obtain a DUNS number prior to signing of the agreement. Organizations are exempt from this requirement if the gross income received from all sources in the previous tax year was under $300,000. DAI requires that grant applicants sign the self-certification statement if the applicant claims exemption for this reason.

For those required to obtain a DUNS number, see Annex 5- Instructions for Obtaining a DUNS Number - DAI’S Vendors, Subcontractors and Grantees.

For those not required to obtain a DUNS number, see Annex 6- Self Certification for Exemption from DUNS Requirement

B. Special Grant Requirements

The applicant shall bear in mind the following special requirements for any grants awarded in response to this RFA:

Separate Account: A separate account must be established to house all funds provided under the grant, as well as all interest income.

Permitted Uses of Program Income: The Grantee will inform DAI of any program income generated under the grant and agrees to follow USAID’s disposition requirements for such program income, which is in accordance with 22 CFR 226.24. Program income earned under this agreement shall be applied and used in the following descending order:

1. Added to funds committed by USAID and the recipient to the project or program, and used to further eligible project or program objectives;

2. Used to finance the non-Federal share of the project or program; and

3. Deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.

If the terms and conditions of the award do not specify how program income is to be used, then number 2) shall apply automatically. Grantees who are commercial organizations may not apply Option 1) to their program income.

Use of Funds: Funds provided under any grant awarded shall be used exclusively to achieve USAID RADP-E objectives and goals. Diversion of grant funds to other uses will result in cancellation of award and retrieval of funds disbursed to the grant recipient.

Reporting Procedures: A description of reporting requirements will be included in the Grant Agreements. The types of reporting required, along with the schedule of reporting, will depend on the grant type and project duration. Reporting forms will be provided to grant recipients. Types of reporting will include the following:

• Program report to be submitted during project implementation according to a schedule determined by DAI. This report will include a description of project activities and progress towards meeting the project goal; problems in project implementation; actions taken to overcome them; and plans on how the next phase of the project will be implemented.

• Final program report will describe how the project objectives and goals were reached, results of the project, and problems and solutions during implementation. This information should be presented in a manner suitable for presentation to the public.

• Financial reports will be submitted to DAI according to a schedule described in the grant agreements. Types of financial reports, as well as the schedule of reporting, will depend on the type of grant, length of project, and amount of grant funding. Financial reports will be required in order to receive grant installments. These reports will describe the amount of grant funds spent during the previous period, total amount spent to date, and amount remaining in each budget line item. In addition, all grant recipients are required to submit a detailed Final Financial Report.

Issuance of the final installment of grant funds is contingent upon DAI’s receipt and acceptance of Final Financial and Final Program Reports.

Project Monitoring:DAI staff will monitor projects in terms of both programmatic and financial aspects. Grant recipients will be expected to facilitate monitoring by making relevant information available to DAI staff.

Restrictions: The Grant Funds provided under the terms of this Agreement shall not be used to finance any of the following:

1.Goods or services, which are to be used primarily to meet military requirements or to support police or other law enforcement activities,

2.Surveillance equipment,

3.Equipment, research and/or services related to involuntary sterilization or the performance of abortion as a method of family planning,

4. Gambling equipment, supplies for gambling facilities or any hotels, casinos or accommodations in which gambling facilities are or are planned to be located,

5.Activities which significantly degrade national parks or similar protected areas or introduce exotic plants or animals into such areas, or

6.Establishment or development of any export processing zone or designated area where the labor, environmental, tax, tariff, and/or safety laws of the country in which such activity takes place would not apply.

7.Pharmaceuticals,

8.Pesticides,

9.Logging equipment,

10.Luxury goods (including alcoholic beverages and jewelry),

11. Establishing or expanding any enterprise that will export raw materials that are likely to be in surplus in world markets at the time such production becomes effective and that are likely to cause substantial injury to U.S. producers,

12.Activities which would result in the loss of forest lands due to livestock rearing, road construction or maintenance, colonization of forest lands or construction of dams or other water control structures,

13.Activities, which are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the environment, including any of the following (to the extent, such activities are likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment):

i.)Activities which may lead to degrading the quality or renewability of natural resources;

ii.)Activities which may lead to degrading the presence or health of threatened ecosystems or biodiversity;

iii.)Activities which may lead to degrading long-term viability of agricultural or forestry production (including through use of pesticides);

iv.)Activities, which may lead to degrading community and social systems, including potable water supply, land administration, community health and well-being or social harmony.

14.Activities which are likely to involve the loss of jobs in the United States due to the relocation or expansion outside of the United States of an enterprise located in the United States, or

15.Activities, which the Grantee is aware, are reasonably likely to contribute to the violation of internationally or locally recognized rights of workers,

16. Activities to support the production of agricultural commodities for export from Malawi when such commodities would directly compete with exports of similar United States agricultural commodities to third countries and have a significant impact on United States exporters.

C. Selection Process

Within 7 working days of the deadline for submitting applications, a review panel will convene. The review panel will include team members from technical, finance and M&E departments. Throughout the evaluation process, DAI shall take steps to ensure that members of the review panel do not have any conflicts of interest or the appearance of such with regard to the organizations whose applicants are under review. An individual shall be considered to have the appearance of a conflict of interest if that person, or that person’s spouse, partner, child, close friend or relative works for or is negotiating to work for, or has a financial interest (including being an unpaid member of a Board of Directors) in any organization that submitted an application currently under the panel’s review. Members of the panel shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from parties to the awards.

All applications that meet the application requirements will be reviewed by the review panel. Verification of the applicationsubmission requirements will be conducted at the USAID/RADP- E Office by RADP-E staff. If suitable applications are received, one or more awards will be made within 30 working days of the review panel meeting provided that the awardee (s) furnishes USAID/RADP-E with all the required documentation as itemized in Section A of this RFA.

The applications will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria set forth below. To the extent necessary (if award is not made based on initial applications), negotiations may be conducted with each applicant whose application, after discussion and negotiation, has a reasonable chance of being selected for award. Award will be made to responsible applicants whose applications offer the best value.