USAID/Lebanon NOFO: Quality Instruction Towards Access and Basic Education Improvement (QITABI) 3 | 72026823RFA00001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - USAID/Lebanon QITABI 3 (Quality Instruction Towards Access and Basic Education Improvement)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a USAID/Lebanon solicitation for applications for a large, education-focused cooperative agreement to implement the Quality Instruction Towards Access and Basic Education Improvement (QITABI) 3 program. The opportunity is issued by USAID-Beirut.

2) Who is issuing the opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by USAID-Beirut (USAID/Lebanon).

3) What type of funding instrument will be used?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

4) What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement (instead of a standard grant)?

A cooperative agreement generally indicates that USAID anticipates substantial involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant. The notice signals that USAID expects to be more actively engaged during the activity than it typically would under a standard grant.

5) What program or sector is this opportunity focused on?

The activity category is Education.

6) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 98.001.

7) Is this opportunity described as an earmark?

Yes. The opportunity is labeled as an earmark.

8) What is the maximum award amount?

The ceiling for the award is up to USD 97,000,000.

9) How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID indicates it expects to make one award.

10) Is the award guaranteed?

No. The notice states that, assuming funds are available, USAID expects to make a single award. This means the award is contingent on funds being available.

11) How will the selection be made?

The opportunity is framed as a competitive selection. USAID expects to make a single award to the applicant that best satisfies the program objectives and performs strongest against the stated merit review criteria. The final decision is also informed by a risk assessment.

12) What role does risk assessment play in award decisions?

In addition to merit review criteria and alignment with program objectives, the final decision is informed by a risk assessment, as stated in the notice.

13) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning the competition is open to any type of qualified entity, as long as the applicant meets the eligibility standards specified in the NOFO (particularly Section C) and submits all required information.

14) Does "unrestricted eligibility" mean anyone can apply without conditions?

No. While the notice describes eligibility as unrestricted, applicants must still meet the eligibility standards specified in the NOFO (especially Section C) and submit all required information.

15) Where do applicants find the detailed requirements for the application?

The short public notice contains headline details, but the substantive requirements, deliverables, and evaluation standards are contained in the full NOFO and its annexes. USAID emphasizes reading the full NOFO carefully.

16) What is the most important document to rely on when preparing an application?

The full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and its annexes. The notice emphasizes that applicants should read the full NOFO to understand the program design USAID is seeking, required application components, evaluation approach, and selection process.

17) Where is the full opportunity package posted?

The full opportunity package is posted on Grants.gov.

18) Can the opportunity documents change after posting?

Yes. USAID notes that the opportunity package may be amended. Applicants are expected to monitor the Grants.gov posting and ensure they are using the most current version.

19) What should applicants do to make sure they have the complete set of solicitation documents?

Applicants should download the complete set of documents from Grants.gov, including all annexes, and confirm they are working from the most current version because the posting may be amended.

20) What does USAID say about errors caused by transmission or file conversion?

USAID disclaims responsibility for errors introduced through transmission or file conversion. The notice underscores the importance of verifying document integrity after downloading and before using the files to prepare an application.

21) What registrations are required before USAID can make an award?

USAID may not make an award unless the applicant has completed required registrations, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), as detailed in the NOFO (referenced as Section D.6.e.).

22) Do applicants need a UEI and an active SAM registration at the time of application?

The notice states USAID may not make an award unless the applicant has completed required registrations, including UEI and active SAM, as detailed in the NOFO (Section D.6.e.). Applicants should review that NOFO section for the exact timing and compliance requirements.

23) How long can the required registrations take?

The notice warns that these registrations can take weeks, and applicants are advised to start early.

24) Where can applicants get help with Grants.gov registration or technical access issues?

For technical issues related to Grants.gov registration or access, the notice directs applicants to the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

25) What are the key dates mentioned in the notice?

The posting was created on February 7, 2023, and the original closing date was March 23, 2023.

26) What if someone is viewing this opportunity after March 23, 2023?

They should check Grants.gov for amendments, extensions, or updated closing dates. USAID notes the notice can change and applicants are responsible for tracking updates.

27) Who is responsible for monitoring amendments or updates to the opportunity?

Applicants are responsible for monitoring the Grants.gov posting for amendments and ensuring they use the most current version of the opportunity documents.

28) What does the notice suggest about the scale and structure of the program?

USAID indicates a ceiling of up to USD 97,000,000 and expects to make one award. The notice suggests this is likely intended as a flagship, multi-year national program rather than multiple smaller projects.

29) What should applicants focus on to be competitive?

Based on the notice, applicants should ensure their submission satisfies the program objectives and performs strongly against the stated merit review criteria described in the full NOFO, while also being mindful that USAID's final decision is informed by a risk assessment.

30) If the notice is brief, is it enough to prepare an application?

No. The notice explicitly indicates that the short public summary contains headline details only, while the full requirements, deliverables, evaluation standards, and selection process are in the NOFO and annexes.