Deadline: 21-Jun-21
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a Cooperative Agreement from qualified entities to implement the Strengthening Civil Society System (Sawt) Activity.
The purpose of the Sawt activity is to discover new ways of developing sustainable civic engagement through civil society and digital media. Successful implementation will leverage new paradigms for civic engagement, greater citizen participation, and more capable networks of organizations that constructively engage in advocacy, while representing the interests of citizens.
Sawt also aims to enhance citizen knowledge by developing the quality and professionalism of digital media communications within private and public media outlets, while helping consumers discern between misinformation/disinformation and quality reporting.
Objectives
The following objectives are organized based on the conceptual framework described above:
- Online media provides ethical and verifiable information that citizens can rely on for constructive contribution to civic discourse.
- Citizens and civil society organizations effectively participate in civic spaces and advocate for policies through collective action.
- CSOs demonstrate measurable improvements related to their networks, organizational development, and advocacy.
- CSOs and media content creators more effectively serve marginalized communities.
- USAID intends to award one Cooperative Agreement as a result of this notice of funding opportunity. Subject to availability of funds, and at the discretion of the Agency, USAID intends to provide approximately $35 Million in funding over a five (5) year period.
- The anticipated period of performance is five years. USAID anticipates that the implementation of this activity will begin in approximately November 2021.
- Eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted. All qualified U.S. and non-U.S. organizations (other than those from foreign policy restricted countries) are eligible to apply. USAID welcomes applications from organizations which have not previously received financial assistance from USAID.
- 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.
- The Recipient must be a responsible entity. 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 and pre-award risk assessment by the Agreement Officer (AO).
- First time recipients of USG or USAID funding may undergo a Pre-award Survey. 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 thatU.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.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333586