(NOFO) Combatting Forced Labor in Cuban Medical Missions

Deadline: 12-Aug-23

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement(s) from qualified entities to implement the Combatting Forced Labor in Cuban Medical Missions program.

Objectives

• This program would contribute to the U.S. Government’s overall goal for Cuba, which is to empower the Cuban people to help them create a future free from repression and economic suffering, and LAC/Cuba’s Development Objective “a more informed citizenry and international community.” The proposed program should focus specifically on information related to human rights abuses committed against Cuban medical personnel in overseas missions, and the effects of these practices on Cubans on the island.
• Applicants are encouraged to develop intermediate results, indicators and targets that would help measure progress toward achievement of the stated program objective of combatting forced labor of Cuban medical workers. The following are illustrative activities that may be proposed. Priority should be given to activities in the Western Hemisphere, particularly those with active medical missions or countries where the local government is considering new agreements with the Cuban government:
  • Provide new documentation on specific human rights violations against Cuban medical workers in overseas missions and their effects on Cubans on the island that can be used for messaging and advocacy.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive communications plans to inform Cuban citizens on the island, those in overseas missions, and the international community about human rights violations against medical workers.
  • Develop and distribute educational materials to Cubans on the island, and in medical missions, on indicators of human trafficking and their rights based on internationally-recognized standards.
  • Develop advocacy plans and recommendations to inform policymakers in national governments and international bodies about rights abuses being committed against Cuban workers so that they can develop policies that help protect the human rights and labor conditions of these workers.

Key Personnel

• USAID envisions there will be two (2) Key Personnel for this activity, including a Chief of Party. The applicant must propose one (1) additional key personnel position. Key personnel are essential to achieving strategic and program objectives. The key personnel positions must have an appropriate configuration of skills, experience and expertise that gives USAID confidence in the achievement of results. following skills and expertise should be largely found, collectively, within the Key Personnel positions:
  • Key Personnel 1: Chief of Party (COP)
    • The COP, who should devote no less than 30 percent of their time to the proposed project, oversees all activities and provides technical and strategic leadership for the program. The COP serves as the designated person for overall management of the relationship with USAID. The COP is responsible for management, oversight, program implementation, and reporting. The COP also oversees the performance of program staff, and any sub-recipients. The COP supervises overall program operations, including administration, logistics, procurement, budgeting, and financial accounting (expenditures and reporting).
    • Preferred Requirements:
      • At least ten years of experience managing and implementing similar development programs, with preferred experience working on Cuba democracy programs;
      • Experience serving in management and leadership roles, including management of complex portfolios and diverse teams;
      • Strong interpersonal skills with experience working in cross-cultural settings; and
      • Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) in English.
  • Key Personnel 2: TBD
    • The Key Personnel 2 position is critical in addressing continuity in the absence of the COP. Key Personnel 2 will support the COP in overseeing the day-to-day aspects of program implementation, including procurement, logistics, and activity planning. They are responsible for duties delegated by the COP, which may include monitoring, evaluation and learning of the program, and communicating with USAID on upcoming planned activities and any associated program travel.
    • Preferred Requirements:
      • At least five years of experience implementing similar development programs, with preferred experience working on Cuba democracy programs.
      • Experience in monitoring and evaluation and experience working with sub-partners and beneficiaries are highly desired.
      • Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) in English.

Funding Information

• Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the Agency, LAC/Cuba intends to provide up to $2,000,000 each for a 24-month period of performance. Each organization may submit only one application. Organizations that have not previously received funding from USAID are encouraged to apply. USAID will not fund academic research or feasibility studies intended to strengthen an organization’s understanding of the Cuban context.
• The estimated start date will be upon signature of the award, on or about October 1, 2023.

Eligibility Criteria

• U.S. and non-U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are eligible to apply. Eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted. USAID encourages applications from potential new partners with experience in Cuba or similarly closed societies.
• An NGO means any nongovernmental organization or entity, whether nonprofit or profit-making. If profit-making organizations apply for funding under this NOFO, no profit or fee will be authorized under the activity. USAID will not accept applications from individuals. All Applicants must be legally recognized organizational entities under applicable U.S. law.
• Applicants must have established financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal control systems, and policies and procedures that comply with established USG standards, laws, and regulations. The successful applicant(s) may be subject to a pre-award risk assessment (Pre-award Survey) by the AO.
• Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for federal financial assistance on the same basis as any other organization and are subject to the protections and requirements of Federal law.
• This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) invites all qualified organizations and entities to identify and suggest ways they can work together to address key challenges in Cuba that are aligned with the United States Government’s foreign assistance objectives.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.