Deadline: 8 June 2020
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Regional Contracting Office in Kyiv, Ukraine is seeking applications from qualified U.S. or Non-U.S. non-profit or for-profit Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other qualified non-USG organizations for funding of an activity entitled “Innovation-Based Economic Development and Private Sector Growth in Belarus (INNOVATE) Activity.”
In line with USAID’s New Partnerships Initiative, at least 50% of the activity budget should be spent on partnering through sub-awards or other formats with committed local NGOs and the private sector to help them build their capacity and implement their ecosystem development initiatives. In line with the Private Sector Engagement Policy, USAID also aims to extensively engage the local and international private sector as partners or sub-implementers of the INNOVATE activity, as they are most capable of bringing the advanced expertise, networks, and resources needed to sustain innovative economic development. The activity should also support international partnerships and bring international best practices to the country.
The purpose of the INNOVATE activity is to help Belarus grow a sustainable ecosystem for innovation-based entrepreneurship with engagement of local partners and systems in order to advance the diversification, independence, and self-reliance of the Belarus economy.
Objectives
- Build the framework for innovation-based entrepreneurship development.
- Strengthen innovative business support institutions and help build competencies for the new economy
- Enhance financing for innovative businesses
Funding Information
USAID anticipates awarding one (1) Cooperative Agreement with a total estimated amount up to $10,000,000 over a 5-year period. The actual funding amount is subject to availability of funds.
Duration
The estimated start date will be on or about October 1, 2020. The anticipated period of performance will be five (5) years from the effective date of the award.
Eligibility Criteria
The following types of entities are eligible to apply for funding under this NOFO:
- U.S. and Non-U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
- U.S. and Non-U.S. Non-Profit Organizations
- U.S. and non-U.S. private non-profit organizations may apply for funding under this NOFO.
- U.S. and Non-U.S. For-Profit Organizations:
- U.S. and non-U.S. private for-profit organizations may apply for funding under this NOFO. Potential for-profit applicants should note that, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.400(g), profit, which is any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs, is not an allowable cost for recipients of USAID assistance awards, and cannot be part of the project budget. However, the prohibition against profit does not apply to procurement contracts made under the assistance instrument when the recipient procures goods and services in accordance with the Procurement Standards found in 2 CFR 200.317 to 326. c).
- U.S. and Non-U.S. Colleges and Universities:
- U.S. and non-U.S. colleges and universities may apply for funding under this NOFO. USAID generally treats colleges and universities as NGOs, rather than governmental organizations; hence, both public and private colleges and universities are eligible, except public colleges and universities in countries that are ineligible for assistance under the FAA or related appropriations acts. Please note, however, that this NOFO is focused on people-to-people programming that addresses divisions within a community and is not intended to fund academic research.
- Public International Organizations (PIOs):
- PIOs may apply for funding under this NOFO.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=326594