Deadline: 02-Sep-21
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Informal Livelihoods Advancement Activity (Iqlaa).
USAID/Jordan anticipates awarding a five-year Cooperative Agreement through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), subject to availability of funding. The Informal Livelihoods Advancement Activity (Iqlaa) aims to place Jordanian micro and small enterprises (MSEs), in both the formal and the informal sectors, on a path to recovery following the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. Iqlaa will help MSEs in the informal sector to formalize, access Jordan’s safety net systems, and regain productivity and growth. Iqlaa not only promotes economic growth and self-reliance, but most importantly, it supports a vulnerable group within the Jordanian economy whose wellbeing and productivity is critical to the country’s overall stability.
The Economic Development and Energy Office (EDE) supports the Government of Jordan in achieving its macroeconomic reform objectives, developing private sector capacity to compete, harnessing the economic potential of women and youth, and enabling inclusive private sector-led growth. In turn, inclusive private sector-led growth will enhance the capacity of Jordan to grow its economy, create opportunities for women and youth, reduce reliance on the public sector to create jobs, and increase its commitment and capacity to mobilize more of its own resources to finance its development.
Goal: The Informal Livelihoods Advancement Activity (Iqlaa) aims to place Jordanian micro and small Enterprises (MSEs), in both the formal and the informal sectors. on a path to recovery following the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.
Components
- Research and analysis to inform evidence-based decision making in solving the informality of businesses in Jordan.
- Technical assistance to firms to achieve productivity, expansion, and growth.
- Expanded access to finance to allow firms to survive, grow, and reach new levels of productivity.
- Scale up effective legacy pilots from previous USAID investments and propose innovative solutions to MSE formalization and growth
Funding Information
- USAID intends to award one Cooperative Agreement pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity. Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the Agency, USAID intends to provide $75 million in total USAID funding over a five (5) year period.
- The anticipated period of performance is five (5) years
Eligibility Criteria
- All qualified U.S. and non-U.S. organizations (other than those from foreign policy restricted countries) are eligible to apply. Pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations, it is USAID policy not to award profit under assistance instruments such as Cooperative Agreements, and as such, for-profit organizations must waive profits and/or fees to be eligible to submit an application. Forgone profit does not qualify as cost-share or leverage.
- USAID welcomes applications from organizations which have not previously received financial assistance from USAID.
- To be eligible for award of a Cooperative Agreement, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a politically neutral humanitarian mandate, a commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.
- Applicants must have established financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal control systems, and policies and procedures that comply with established U.S. Government standards, laws, and regulations. The successful Applicant will be subject to a responsibility determination assessment (Pre-award Survey) by the Agreement Officer (AO).
- The Recipient must be a responsible entity. The AO may determine a pre-award survey is required to conduct an examination that will determine whether the prospective recipient has the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills – or ability to obtain them – in order to achieve the objectives of the program and comply with the terms and conditions of the award.
- The Applicant is reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism.
- It is the legal responsibility of the Recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in all sub-awards issued under this Cooperative Agreement.
- Applications will not be accepted from individuals.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=334790