Deadline: 17-May-22
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications from qualified U.S. and Non-U.S. organizations for a cooperative agreement to fund a program entitled Libya Economic Acceleration Project (LEAP/Aqfuz).
The Libya Economic Acceleration Project, LEAP or Aqfuz (“Aqfuz” means “jump” or “leap” in Arabic) will promote an inclusive, private sector led economic growth and increase employment opportunities and economic diversification for vulnerable and historically marginalized populations in different centers in Libya’s south and specifically the Fezzan Region.
The project will also enhance resilience among vulnerable and historically marginalized populations, including, but not limited to, women, youth, minorities, indigenous groups (such as Tebus, Amazigh, and Tuaregs), people with disabilities, and internally displaced populations (IDPs).
LEAP will address some of the root causes of conflict in Libya’s south, especially those that are economic in nature. Poverty, unemployment, and inequality in economic opportunities within the vulnerable and historically marginalized populations played a role in Libya’s current conflict and fragility. The activity aims at building economic resilience in Libya’s south, specifically the Fezzan Region.
Objectives
By supporting LEAP’s four main objectives below, the activity will help promote peace, conflict prevention, and stability in Libya’s south:
- to strengthen entrepreneurship skills and opportunities for vulnerable and historically marginalized populations;
- improve productivity of Micro-, Small- and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs) among the target populations;
- increase vocational and technical training with a focus on market demands, and
- increase assistance to businesses in all phases of their life cycle.
The program will create economic opportunities to improve livelihoods among the target group to enhance their integration with the rest of Libya and contribute to collective efforts in stabilization and peaceful local reconciliation.
Funding Information
USAID reserves the right to fund any one or none of the applications submitted. Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the Agency, USAID intends to provide up to $15,000,000 in total USAID funding over a four (4) year period. The figure of $15,000,000 is inclusive of the $3,000,000 Opportunity Response Mechanism (ORM).
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. and non-US organizations may participate under this NOFO.
- For the purposes of this NOFO, NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) include any incorporated entity, either non-profit or for-profit, other than a governmental organization.
- All applicants must be physically able to operate in Libya including successfully obtaining needed registrations, permits and access to work in Libya.
- To be eligible for award of a cooperative agreement, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must be politically neutral and have 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.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=339627