Ensuring Accessibility to Quality HIV Services in Kazakhstan (SAPA) | 72011524RFA00008

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Ensuring Accessibility to Quality HIV Services in Kazakhstan (SAPA)

1) What is the SAPA funding opportunity?

The USAID opportunity titled "Ensuring Accessibility to Quality HIV Services in Kazakhstan (SAPA)" is a competitive grant opportunity for a health-focused project in Kazakhstan aimed at improving access to high-quality HIV services.

2) Who is issuing and administering this opportunity?

This opportunity is administered by USAID Kazakhstan (Almaty). The official posting is on Grants.gov, and applicants are expected to rely on that listing as the authoritative source of information.

3) What type of funding instrument will USAID use?

USAID is soliciting applications through a cooperative agreement.

4) What does "fixed amount award approach" mean for this opportunity?

The notice describes a fixed amount award approach, meaning funding is generally tied to completing clearly defined activities and deliverables, rather than reimbursing every incurred cost.

5) What sector and CFDA number are associated with this funding?

The opportunity is listed as a discretionary funding opportunity in the health sector under CFDA 98.001.

6) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to qualified local organizations. To apply, an organization must meet USAID's definition of local eligibility and the specific standards described in Section C of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

7) Does this opportunity allow applications from non-local organizations?

Based on the notice description provided, eligibility is restricted to qualified local organizations only, subject to the requirements in Section C of the NOFO.

8) How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID plans to make one award.

9) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The expected maximum funding amount (award ceiling) is up to $800,000.

10) Is the award amount guaranteed?

No. The notice states that posting the opportunity does not guarantee funding and does not commit the U.S. Government to make an award.

11) How will USAID choose the recipient?

Selection is based on how well the application aligns with the program objectives and performs against the merit review criteria described in the NOFO, and it is also subject to a risk assessment.

12) What is the purpose of the risk assessment, and why does it matter?

The notice indicates that even strong technical proposals can be affected by organizational capacity considerations identified through risk assessment, such as financial controls, compliance history, operational systems, and the overall ability to manage a U.S. Government award.

13) Where are the program description and application requirements described?

The detailed program description, application requirements, and step-by-step selection process are contained in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Applicants are expected to follow the NOFO closely.

14) Which document should applicants treat as the official source?

The notice emphasizes that the posting on Grants.gov is the official source. Applicants are responsible for monitoring the listing to ensure they are using the most current version of the NOFO and any amendments.

15) Can the NOFO be updated after it is posted?

Yes. The notice states the Grants.gov posting may be amended, and applicants should check for updates, including Amendment No. 01 and any future amendments.

16) What should applicants do to avoid using an outdated or incomplete NOFO package?

Applicants should monitor the Grants.gov listing and confirm they have received the full and accurate notice package, including any amendments. The notice also warns that USAID is not responsible for transmission or conversion errors when applicants download materials.

17) Is System for Award Management (SAM) registration required?

Yes. Applicants must have an active SAM registration to be eligible for an award.

18) How long can SAM registration take?

The notice warns that SAM registration can take many weeks, so organizations that are not already registered (or whose registration is expired or incomplete) are encouraged to begin early.

19) What happens if an applicant does not have an active SAM registration?

Based on the notice, an active SAM registration is required to be eligible for an award. If registration is not active, the applicant may not be eligible for award.

20) How can applicants ask questions about the opportunity?

The NOFO provides official points of contact for questions. Questions must be submitted by the deadline specified in the NOFO.

21) Will USAID share answers to applicant questions with everyone?

Yes. The notice states that USAID will share responses to timely questions with all prospective applicants by issuing an amendment on Grants.gov, supporting a fair and transparent competition.

22) What is the original closing date for submissions?

The original closing date listed is July 15, 2024.

23) Should applicants rely only on the original closing date?

No. Applicants should verify whether amendments have changed deadlines or requirements before submitting.

24) Will USAID pay for proposal preparation or submission costs?

No. The notice states that USAID will not pay for costs related to preparing or submitting an application. Applications are submitted at the applicant's own risk and expense.

25) Does submitting an application mean the U.S. Government must make an award?

No. The notice explicitly states that posting the opportunity does not commit the U.S. Government to make an award.

26) What should applicants focus on to be competitive, based on the notice?

Applicants should ensure their applications align with the program objectives and address the merit review criteria in the NOFO, while also demonstrating the organizational capacity needed to manage a U.S. Government award (including sound financial controls and operational systems), since a risk assessment is part of the process.