Issuance Date: July 17, 2008

Closing Date: January 20, 2009

Last Date for Questions: July 31, 2008

1^st^ Deadline for submission of Application: August 19, 2008

2^nd^ Deadline for submission of Application: January 20, 2009

**Subject:** USAID/Bangladesh 2008 Annual Program Statement (APS)

> APS Number: USAID-BANGLADESH-388-08-004-APS
>
> Post-cyclone SIDR Livelihoods Reconstruction **\
> **

Pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, the United
States Government (USG) as represented by the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID/Bangladesh), is seeking applications
from qualified U.S. Non-Profit, for-profit Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs), and other qualified non-USG organizations,
including Public International and U.N Organizations to implement
activities as described in the following Annual Program Statement (APS).
Awards to U.S. organizations shall be administered in accordance with 22
CFR 226 and the Standard Provisions for U.S. Non-governmental Grantees
(see Mandatory Reference, 22 CFR 226, Standard Provisions for U.S.
Non-governmental Grantees, and Optional Standard Provisions for U.S.
Non-governmental Grantees). Awards to non-US organizations shall be
administered in accordance the Standard Provisions for Non-US
organizations. Please also refer to
[www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303.pdf](http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303.pdf)
for governing regulations, standard provisions, and required
certifications that will need to be submitted by applicants at the time
of award.

This APS will be in effect until January 20, 2009. Applications can be
submitted any time during the six month period and will be reviewed
periodically after the initial deadline.  The first submission deadline
is August 19, 2008 and the final submission deadline is January 20,
2009. It is USAID's intention to make awards and begin implementation as
quickly as possible. 

Under this 2008 APS, the term \"Grant\" is synonymous with \"Cooperative
Agreement\"; \"Grantee\" is synonymous with \"Recipient\"; and \"Grant
Officer\" is synonymous with \"Agreement Officer\".

Pursuant to 22 CFR 226.81, it is USAID policy not to award profit under
assistance instruments. However, all reasonable, allocable, and
allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the
grant program and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (22
CFR 226, OMB Circular A-122 for non-profit organization, OMB Circular
A-21 for universities, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part
31 for-profit organizations), may be paid under the grant.

The purpose of this APS is to disseminate information about this
activity to prospective applicants so they may develop and submit
innovative applications for USAID/Bangladesh funding. USAID/Bangladesh
anticipates one or more awards as a result of this APS. This APS: (1)
provides a brief background on post Sidr reconstruction activities in
Bangladesh; (2) describes the program objectives and types of activities
for which applications will be considered; (3) explains the criteria for
evaluating applications; (4) describes the level of funding available
and the process and requirements for submitting applications; and (5)
refers prospective applicants to related documentation available on the
Internet.

Subject to availability of funds and completion of USAID internal
procedures, USAID anticipates awarding one or more cooperative
agreement(s) (hereafter called Agreements) for a period of up to two
years, to fund successful applications submitted in response to this
APS. USAID expects approximately \$14 million will be available in FY 08
with the possibility of additional funding of approximately \$19 million
thereafter. Activity duration is anticipated to be from 12 to 24 months.
Priority will be given to applications that can be launched rapidly and
have greater and more sustainable impact on livelihoods and increased
food security. USAID reserves the right to make more or no awards as a
result of this APS.

USAID strongly encourages applicants to submit their applications as
soon as possible, as , asit is USAID's intent to make awards to the
extent possible in the first round of selections. Proposals received
during FY 2008 but unable to be negotiated and awarded prior to
September 30, 2008 may be considered for award in FY 2009, pending the
availability of funds.

USAID strongly encourages U.S. or international partners to: 1) find
ways to work directly with local NGOs and other local organizations and
that all planning and implementation be conducted with their active and
full involvement; and 2) to consider mechanisms, such as umbrella
grants, that will allow for substantial small grants to local
organizations and PVOs. NGOs and PVOs indigenous to Bangladesh are
encouraged to apply.

This Sidr Reconstruction 2008 APS consists of this cover letter and the
following:

1\. Section A - Program Description;

2\. Section B - Selection Criteria;

3\. Section C - Grant Application Format;

4\. Section D - Certifications, Assurances, and Other Statements of
Applicant/Grantee

5\. Section E - Annexes

Any questions regarding this APS should be submitted in writing to Mr.
Shafique Nazim, Senior A&A Specialist, and Samiul H. Khan, A&A
Specialist, via e-mail to <snazim@usaid.gov> and <sakhan@usaid.gov>
respectively, or via fax at (880-2) 881-5050. Questions regarding this
APS should be submitted no later than July 31 to provide sufficient time
to address the questions and incorporate the questions and answers as an
amendment to this solicitation.

The preferred method of distribution of USAID APS and of
submission/receipt of applications is electronically via
[**www.grants.gov**](http://www.grants.gov/), which provides a single
source for Federal government-wide competitive grant opportunities. This
APS and any future amendments (including the answers to questions asked
in response to this APS) can be downloaded from that Web Site. In order
to use this method an Applicant must first register on-line with
Grants.gov. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the
complete document has been received from the website in its entirety.
USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from
transmission or conversion processes. If you have any difficulty
accessing the APS, please contact Mr. Shafique Nazim, Senior A&A
Specialist, and Samiul H. Khan, A&A Specialist, via e-mail to
[**snazim@usaid.gov**](mailto:snazim@usaid.gov) and
[**sakhan@usaid.gov**](mailto:sakhan@usaid.gov) respectively.

Applicants shall submit their applications either in hard copy or
electronically via the [**www.grants.gov**](http://www.grants.gov/)
website. No additions or modifications will be accepted after the
submission date. Please see **Section C** of this APS for detailed
instructions regarding submission of applications. Applications and
modifications thereof shall be submitted with the name and address of
the applicant and the APS number (referenced above) inscribed thereon,
to Shafique Nazim, Senior A&A Specialist, and Samiul H. Khan, via e-mail
to [**snazim@usaid.gov**](mailto:snazim@usaid.gov) and
[**sakhan@usaid.gov**](mailto:sakhan@usaid.gov) respectively.

Applications may be sent by international air courier or delivered by
hand to the address below:

[Via U.S. Mail:]{.underline} [Hand or Air Courier Service:]{.underline}

Regional Agreement Officer Regional Agreement Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development Regional Acquisition and
Assistance Office

U.S. Diplomatic Post Office U.S. Agency for International Development

Unit 6120 Box 1000 C/O American Embassy

APO AP 96562-1000 Madani Avenue, Baridhara

Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Fax: (880 2) 881-5050

Telephone: (880 2) 885-5500

Please be advised that in the past some firms have experienced delays
with international air courier services. It is legitimate to declare the
CDs included in the proposals as "documents" for local customs purposes.
Applications received after the closing date and time will be processed
as late. Also, if you utilize the services of an independent agent in
Bangladesh to deliver your application, please be certain that he/she
understands additional time may be needed to allow for security review
of any packages and that the closing date and time are firm.

Please note that the U.S. mail given above is via a Diplomatic Post
Office and may take up to three weeks for delivery to USAID/Bangladesh
in Dhaka, Bangladesh. USAID and the State Department accept no liability
for late delivery, or non-delivery, attributable to the Diplomatic Post
Office. Applicants should plan accordingly.

**Note: Delivery to the U.S. mail, post office or air courier
representative does not constitute meeting the statutory requirement
that applications are received on time at the designated office. For
purposes of recording the official receipt of applications, the
date/time stamp of the Regional Acquisition & Assistance Office at
USAID/Bangladesh will govern.**

Applicants are requested to submit both technical and cost portions of
their applications in separate volumes. Award will be made to the
responsible applicant(s) whose application(s) offers the greatest value
to the U.S. Government as determined by the Agreement Officer.

This APS is issued as a public notice to ensure that all interested
parties have a fair opportunity to submit applications for funding.
Issuance of this APS does not constitute an award commitment on the part
of the Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for costs
incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Final
award of any resultant grant(s) cannot be made until funds have been
fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal USAID
procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be
successfully completed, potential Applicants are hereby notified of
these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are submitted
at the risk of the Applicant; should circumstances prevent award of any
cooperative agreement, all preparation and submission costs are at the
Applicant\'s expense.

In the event of an inconsistency between the documents comprising this
APS, it shall be resolved by the following descending order of
precedence:

\(a\) Section A - Program Description;

\(b\) Section B - Selection Criteria;

\(c\) Section C - Grant Application Format;

\(d\) Section D - Certifications, Assurances, and Other Statements of
Applicant/Grantee.

\(e\) Section E - Annexes

\(e\) This Cover Letter.

Applicants should retain for their records one copy of all enclosures
which accompany their application.

Thank you for your interest in USAID's programs and activities.

Sincerely,

A/S

Jamie Alissa Beck

Agreement Officer

USAID/Bangladesh

Table of Contents Page

**SECTION A: PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION............................................................
5**

A.1. Program
Purpose............................................................................
5

A.2. Program
Goal..............................................................................
6

A.3. Program Background and
Rationale................................................. 6

A.4 Illustrative Expected Outputs

**SECTION B: SELECTION
CRITERIA............................................................
16**

B.1
Overview..................................................................................
16

B.2 Cost Evaluation
Criteria...............................................................
16

B.3 Technical Evaluation
Criteria......................................................... 17

**SECTION C: GRANT APPLICATION
FORMAT................................................. 19**

C.1 Preparation
Guidelines........................................................................19

> C.2 Technical Application Format
> ............................................................... 20
>
> C.3 Cost Application Format
> .....................................................................
> 23

C.4 Submission of Applications
.................................................................. 26

C.6 Grant
Award....................................................................................
26

SECTION D: CERTIFICATIONS, ASSURANCES, & OTHER STATEMENTS OF
RECEIPTS................................................................................................
27

D.1 Part I -- Certifications and
Assurances.................................................... 27

D.2 Part II -- Other Statements of Recipient
....................................................28

> D.3 Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
> Applicants................................ 29

**SECTION E:
ANNEXES...............................................................................
30**

# SECTION A

# 

# PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

**A.1 Program Purpose**

The purpose of this Annual Program Statement (APS) is to request
innovative proposals to provide increased and sustainable livelihood
opportunities for the cyclone-affected population in certain areas of
Bangladesh, as described in Section A.4.

Pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, the United
States Government (USG) as represented by the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID/Bangladesh) is seeking applications
from any U.S. or Non-U.S. Profit or Non-Profit, Non-Governmental
Organizations to implement activities as described in the following
Annual Program Statement (APS). Awards to U.S. organizations shall be
administered in accordance with 22 CFR 226 and the Standard Provisions
for U.S. Non-governmental Grantees (see Mandatory Reference, 22 CFR 226,
Standard Provisions for U.S. Non-governmental Grantees, and Optional
Standard Provisions for U.S. Non-governmental Grantees). Awards to
non-US organizations shall be in accordance the Standard Provisions for
Non-US organizations. Please also refer to
[**www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303.pdf**](http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303.pdf)
for governing regulations, standard provisions, and required
certifications that will need to be submitted by applicants at the time
of award.

**A.2 Program Goal**

To restore livelihoods and provide increased and sustained livelihood
opportunities for the cyclone-affected population in southern
Bangladesh.

**A.3 Program Background and Rationale**

With a population exceeding 152.6 million in an area the size of the
state of Iowa, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries
in the world and one of the poorest. Sixty five out of every 1000
children die before the age of 1. Forty-one percent of the population
subsists on less than \$1/day and seventy percent subsists on less than
\$2/day. Malnutrition is high and stunted growth is common. There is a
high prevalence of respiratory and intestinal disease, in part due to
weakened immune systems as a result of extreme living conditions.

Cyclone Sidr struck the southwestern coast of Bangladesh on November 15,
2007 causing widespread damage and destruction to approximately 30 of
Bangladesh's 64 districts, mainly within the Barisal and Khulna
Divisions. In addition to damaging winds of 220-240 km/hr, an eight foot
wave traveled 60-70km up river and impacted the low lying coastal area.
According to the Government of Bangladesh, at least 8.9 million people
were directly affected by this disaster, with significant loss of life
and even greater loss of livelihoods and assets. More than 3,400 people
died, and many more were reported missing or injured. Historical
evidence shows that women and children are the most vulnerable during
and after this kind of natural disaster.

A World Bank (WB) assessment estimated the total damage and losses
caused by the cyclone to be US\$ 1.7 billion (2.2 percent of the GDP)
where the most affected individual sectors, in order of decreasing
magnitude of total effects, were housing (BDT 57.9 billion), agriculture
(BDT 30.2 billion), transport (BDT 9.7 billion), water resource
management and control (BDT 4.9 billion), and education (BDT 4.7
billion). (WB, 2008). In addition to economic damage from the cyclone,
Bangladesh already suffered \$1.4 billion loss in economic terms due to
two major floods earlier in the year. According to the World Bank
report, approximately 2 million people have lost income and employment
in the more affected districts. Women have been hit particularly hard.
Income this year has been reduced to about a third of the average.

After Cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh, USAID provided \$23.3 million in
immediate relief and reconstruction for the affected population. On June
30, 2008, PL 110-252 was enacted into law, authorizing an additional
\$25 million in funding for cyclone recovery and reconstruction for FY
2008 and \$50 million for FY 2009. Part of this funding, if available,
will be used to fund livelihood activities under this APS.

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a critical storm
buffer for the country, was severely hit by Cyclone Sidr. In addition to
being a Bangladeshi national treasure, this protected forest is declared
a World Heritage site and is the last remaining habitat of the Royal
Bengal Tiger. It also supports the livelihoods of numerous communities
(approximately 3.5 million people) who live in the forest boundary
zones. Almost a third of this area, or an estimated 110,000 hectares,
has been severely damaged by the storm. Loss to the environment
throughout the cyclone affected areas is initially estimated at \$12
million.

Even before Cyclone Sidr, the areas hit by the cyclone were among the
poorest parts of the country. The average population density in the
cyclone-hit areas is 1,500 persons per square mile---an extremely dense
population by any country's standards. Most of the population living
there are landless day laborers. During the rehabilitation phase, the
USG seeks to restore livelihoods of both men and women as quickly as
possible so that people affected by the cyclone do not migrate out of
rural areas and stress already overburdened urban and peri-urban social
services and available resources.

Livelihoods in the cyclone affected area primarily revolve around
agriculture and fishing (including shrimp farms). The agricultural
sector represents 22% of the GDP and employs 60% of the labor force.
Total exports amount to \$8.6 billion. Fish and seafood account for
\$421 million, jute products for \$402 million and leather products for
\$221 million. Shrimp exports alone are the second largest source of
foreign currency for the country, second only to ready- made garments.
Bangladesh was the fourth largest producer of rice in the world last
year, all of which was used for internal consumption.

This year, preliminary estimates show that more than 600,000 hectares of
ready-to-harvest crops (mainly rice) have been completely destroyed
while another 500,000 hectares of crops have suffered damage according
to the government of Bangladesh (GOB). Seedlings have been lost and seed
multiplication units heavily damaged. In addition, 95% of ponds used in
the shrimp and fish industry have been washed away or flooded with salt
water and debris. The Department of Fisheries estimates that there have
been over \$50 million in stock losses and damages. The loss of over
350,000 livestock (cattle, goats, poultry, etc.) further impacts income
generation in the affected area. Animals are a critical asset for wealth
storage and income generation, such as selling milk and leather
products. Their loss represents not only a loss of savings but also a
decline in income generating opportunities for both men and women.
Damage to jetties, docks, roads, bridges and other transport and
communication infrastructure has hindered secondary sector activities
affecting day laborers, public transport operators (cycle vans and
rickshaws pullers), and market traders. Income generation has been
severely affected and will continue to suffer in the months to come
given the massive loss of crops and destruction of fisheries. The GOB
estimated that over 8,075 kilometers (km) of road are damaged with
corresponding costs estimated at \$25 million, along with 1,687 bridges
and culverts.

**A.4 Illustrative Expected Outputs**

USAID/Bangladesh will measure the progress toward the targeted results
of its reconstruction program by monitoring selected indicators. Data
for these indicators will be gender disaggregated, whenever possible. 
Applicants for funding under this APS should state clearly how
activities they are proposing relate to these results and how data will
be disaggregated, tracked and reported.  USAID/Bangladesh is focusing on
the following results and their respective indicators:

-   Number of farmers, processors, and others who have adopted new
    technologies or management practices as a result of USG assistance
    (EG 5.2 Agricultural Sector Productivity);Number or rural households
    benefiting directly from USG interventions (EG 5.2 Agricultural
    Sector Productivity);

-   Number of productive assts (livestock, seeds, fertilizer,
    fingerlings, larvae, feed, etc.) distributed;

-   Number of contaminated ponds cleaned up and restored to
    fishing/shrimp production;

-   Number of beneficiaries of Cash for Work or Food for Work
    interventions;

-   Number of person days of employment generated;

-   Number of people with increased economic benefits derived from
    sustainable natural resources and management and conservation as a
    result of USG assistance (EG 8.1 Natural Resources and
    Biodiversity);

-   Number of people with increased economic benefits derived from
    sustainable natural resources management and conservation as a
    result of USG assistance (EG 8.1 Natural Resources and
    Biodiversity);

-   Number of people with increased adaptive capacity to cope with
    impacts of climate variability and change as a result of USG
    assistance (EG 8.2 Clean Productive Environment);

-   Percent increase in revenue;

-   Percent increase in agricultural yields.

**A.5 Priority Livelihood Activities**

For a background on existing USAID/Bangladesh Economic Growth and Food
Security programs, their location and implementers, refer to a brief
description of current USAID/Bangladesh activities in Annex 1 to this
APS.

In the past 8 months since the cyclone hit, some people have started
rebuilding; however, a large number of people haven't been able to
recover, particularly women. They need support to not only rebuild their
livelihoods, but to build back better.

USAID/Bangladesh is interested in funding proposals that support
economic recovery by assisting in livelihood development in any or all
of the following ways: (1) restoring productive assets (seeds,
technologies for composting and improved soil fertility, tools, nets,
boats, poultry, plant nurseries, homestead gardening, etc.) (2)
increasing the purchasing power of affected populations (cash for work
activities, small grants, etc); (3) providing alternate income
generating activities to communities; and, (4) supporting the resumption
of widespread market activity (rehabilitation of market access roads,
market infrastructure, small grants to small and medium enterprises,
etc.) USAID is particularly interested in supporting the development of
alternative income generating activities in the forest and wetland areas
in and around the Sundarbans, thereby helping protect the recovery and
conservation of the remaining natural resources. USAID is also
interested in funding activities targeted toward agriculture and
aquaculture/fisheries, since both these sectors are equally critical in
reestablishment of livelihoods in Sidr-affected areas.

**A.6 Geographic Code**

The geographic code for procurement of goods and services under the
resulting Cooperative Agreements is 935.

**A.7 Supporting Local Organizations**

USAID/Bangladesh encourages Profit and Non-Profit NGOs to support,
mentor, partner, and collaborate with Bangladeshi organizations.
International agencies working through local partners are encouraged to
ensure that partners have the capacity to carry out expanded programs,
and should consider a capacity-building component, which will leave a
lasting impact on local partner agencies. USAID/Bangladesh also
encourages Bangladeshi Profit and Non-Profit NGOs to submit proposals to
USAID.

**A.8 Partner Eligibility Criteria\
\
**Partners could include a wide array of organizations such as: U.S and
Bangladeshi non-government organizations (NGOs), international
organizations and civic groups. All prospective partners must be legally
established, must be organizations with a reputation for integrity and
the highest standard of conduct, and a proven track record in their
particular area of expertise. They should be able to provide evidence of
a strong commitment to the proposed objectives, have experience in
working in partnerships with others and have proven ability to handle
and account for funds. It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure
that local partners do not appear on the Excluded Parties List which
includes the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets
Control *Specially Designated and Blocked Persons List,* which can be
found at: [**http://epls.gov**](http://epls.gov/).

**A.9 Gender**

USAID is committed to mainstreaming gender across all its activities;
therefore, applicants should clearly demonstrate their commitment
towards addressing gender issues throughout their proposed activities.

**A.10 Other Donors**

Where possible, applications should demonstrate coordination with other
donor funding, including other USAID projects, other NGOs, PIOs and
other donors, such as the EU or DFID.

**A.11 Geographic Areas of Focus**

Applications should clearly list other organizations working in the same
geographic area and in what relevant sector(s) they are working.
Applicants should state how they will coordinate with these
organizations in order to prevent duplication or gaps and maximize
cost-effectiveness. Under this APS, funding for program implementation
will only be considered for the following targeted districts: Bagerhat,
Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Gopalgang, Jhalokathi, Khulna, Madaripur,
Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Satkhira, and Shariatpur.

**A.12 Cost Per Beneficiary**

Applicants are requested to state in their applications (1) the
estimated cost per beneficiary, and (2) the percentage of the affected
population (by district) to be served under any resulting award. Given
the nature of this activity, it is understood that beneficiary numbers
will be notional.

# SECTION B

# 

# SELECTION CRITERIA

**B.1. Overview**

The criteria presented below have been tailored to the requirements of
this particular APS. Applicants should note that these criteria serve to
(a) identify the significant matters which Applicants should address in
their applications, and (b) set the standard against which all
applications will be evaluated. To facilitate the review of
applications, Applicants shall organize the narrative sections of their
applications in the same order as the technical evaluation criteria
listed below (see Section C.II for a discussion of these items).

The technical applications will be evaluated in accordance with the
Technical Evaluation Criteria set forth below. Thereafter, the cost
application of all Applicants submitting a technically acceptable
application will be opened and costs will be evaluated for general
reasonableness, allowability, and allocability. Technical criteria are
significantly more important than cost factors.

USAID reserves the right to enter into negotiations or discussions with
one or more applicants based upon initial applications received.

The technical application will be the most important item of
consideration in selection for these assistance awards. It should be
specific, complete, and presented concisely. Applicants should review
all information in this APS in depth prior to preparing applications,
especially program description, eligibility, and evaluation criteria.
The technical application should be directly responsive to the terms,
conditions, guidelines and provisions of this APS to be assured of
consideration. Applications not conforming to this APS may be
categorized as not meeting the minimum requirements of the Government,
thereby eliminating them from further consideration.

The technical application must set forth in detail the conceptual
approach, methodology, and techniques for accomplishment of the stated
program objectives. The application must define results and benchmarks
for monitoring progress in achieving the results.

Applicants are reminded that the Government is not obligated to make an
award on the basis of lowest proposed cost or to the Applicant with the
highest technical evaluation score. Applications will be evaluated on a
rolling basis as they are received. The Agreement Officer will make
award(s) to the Applicant(s) whose application(s) is/are judged to be
the most advantageous in accomplishing the objectives of the program,
considering both technical and cost factors.

Applications received in response to this Annual Program Statement will
be evaluated against the following selection criteria:

**B.2. Technical Evaluation Criteria**

# a. Technical Approach 40

# b. Management Plan 20

> c\. Key Personnel and Professional Staff 20
>
> d\. Organizational Capacity and Past Performance [20]{.underline}
>
> Total Score 100

**B.3. Cost Evaluation Criteria**

Evaluation points will not be awarded for cost. Cost will primarily be
evaluated for realism, allowability and the applicant's understanding of
the requirements. The evaluation of the cost proposal shall deal with
cost realism analysis. This will consist of a review of the cost portion
of an application for the work to be performed, to determine whether the
costs reflect the Applicant\'s understanding of the requirements, and
whether the costs are consistent with the technical application.

The cost realism analysis is intended to meet the three goals outlined
below.

(1) Verify the Applicant\'s understanding of the requirement.

(2) Assess the degree to which the cost proposal reflects the approaches
    in the technical application.

(3) Assess the degree to which the costs included in the cost proposal
    accurately represent the work effort Included in the technical
    application.

Effective innovative cost saving measures, use of local resources to
maximize program benefits and improve cost efficiency of the program
will also be considered. While cost may be a determining factor in the
final decision of an awardee(s), especially between closely ranked
applicants, the technical merit of applications is substantially more
important under this APS.

**B.4. Cost Sharing**

Although there is no requirement that applicants propose a specific cost
share, USAID policy is that cost sharing is an important element of the
USAID-recipient relationship. USAID encourages applicants to demonstrate
their commitment to program success by addressing the issue of
cost-sharing, where funds are appropriate and available. Cost share may
be considered as part of the cost evaluation process.

All cost share contributions shall be reflected separately in the
budget.

**- END OF SECTION B -**

**[SECTION C]{.underline}**

# 

# GRANT APPLICATION FORMAT

## 

## I. PREPARATION GUIDELINES

All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed for
responsiveness to the specifications outlined in these guidelines and
the application format. Applications may be submitted at any time prior
to the deadline. Section B addresses technical and cost evaluation
criteria. Applications received after January 20, 2009 will not be
considered for award.

**[Points of Contact:]{.underline}**

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Shafique Nazim, Sr. A&A           | Samiul H. Khan, A&A Specialist    |
| Specialist                        |                                   |
|                                   | USAID/Bangladesh                  |
| USAID/Bangladesh                  |                                   |
|                                   | E-mail:                           |
| E-mail:                           | **[sakhan]{.underline}[\@usai     |
| **[snazim]{.underline}[\@usai     | d.gov](mailto:smunir@usaid.gov)** |
| d.gov](mailto:rislam@usaid.gov)** |                                   |
|                                   | Phone: (880-2) 885-5500,          |
| Phone: (880-2) 885-5500, Exten:   |                                   |
| 3553                              | Fax No. (880-2) 881-5050          |
|                                   |                                   |
| Fax No. (880-2) 881-5050          |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Technical applications should be specific, complete and presented
concisely. Applications should demonstrate the applicant\'s capabilities
and expertise with respect to achieving the goals of this program.
Applicant shall take into account the evaluation criteria found in
Section B.

Applicants should retain for their records one copy of the application
and all enclosures which accompany it. Erasures or other changes must be
initialed by the person signing the application.

## 

## TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMAT

The Technical Application in response to this APS should address how
Applicants intend to carry out the Program Objectives contained in
Section A. It should also contain a clear understanding of the work to
be undertaken and the responsibilities of all parties involved**. The
technical application should be organized in line with the technical
evaluation criteria listed in Section B.**

The suggested outline for the technical application is:

I. Table of Contents, listing all page numbers and attachments

II\. Executive Summary

III. Technical Approach

> IV\. Management Plan
>
> V. Key Personnel and Professional Staff
>
> VI\. Organizational Capacity and Past Performance

VII. Annexes:

     a.  Relevant Past Performance Information (Recipient and Key
         Partner Organizations, if applicable);

     b.  Curriculum Vitae for Key Personnel;

     c.  Program Implementation plan; Gantt charts etc

> d\. Performance Monitoring Plan.

Applicants are encouraged to review *Results-Oriented Assistance: a
USAID Sourcebook*, which may be found at:
[**http://www.usaid.gov/pubs/sourcebook/usgov/**.](http://www.usaid.gov/pubs/sourcebook/usgov/)
The program description section of the application will become the
program description of any resulting award.

The length of the Technical Application shall not **exceed 15
single-spaced typed pages**. The Technical Application shall be in
English and typed on standard 8 ½ x 11" paper in 12 point Times New
Roman or similar font. It shall include an Executive Summary, not to
exceed 2 pages. The Executive Summary shall provide a clear overview of
the results to be achieved, milestone or benchmark measures of progress
towards achievement and brief summary of applicant's experience in
initiating and administering activities like those described on the
program description.

Past performance references, the performance monitoring and evaluation
plan, and personnel resumes are excluded from the 15-page limitation and
may be included as annexes to the technical application.

There is no page limitation on the Cost Proposal. However, unnecessarily
elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to
present a complete and effective application in response to this APS are
not desired and may be construed as an indication of the prospective
recipient\'s lack of cost consciousness. Elaborate art work, expensive
paper and bindings, and expensive visual and other presentation aids are
neither necessary nor wanted.

**1. Technical Approach**

The technical approach should be methodologically sound and based on
clear analysis of the challenges to be tackled. Applicants are
encouraged to present creative and innovative approaches, with the
potential for replication, to deal with these complex issues. The
sequence and timing of activities to be undertaken should be realistic.
Applications should answer the following questions:

\- What will be the targeted outcomes of the proposed activities?

\- How will the proposed technical approach be reasonably expected to
produce the intended outcomes?

\- How will outcomes be measured?

\- How will issues of gender be addressed in the proposed activity?

The analysis should be informed, compelling, and clearly cite source(s)
of information used in the analysis, including relevant stakeholders
consulted and involved in the analytical process.

[As part of the Technical Approach, applicants must provide
implementation plans that provide the following
information:]{.underline}

> a.          Sequence of interventions, including Gantt Charts\
> b.          Timeframe for implementing each /intervention\
> c.          Outcome of each intervention

Applications must also provide a monitoring and evaluation plan that
includes proposed milestones and expected accomplishments, with
measurable output and performance indicators.  Plans should indicate
how:

a.  Outcomes will be measured;

b.  Outcomes will contribute to results (as measured by the indicators
    listed in Section A.4 of this APS);

c.  Baseline information will be collected; and

d.  Methods for end of project evaluations.

**2. Management Plan**

The applicants should propose a management plan and describe how the
proposed plan will contribute towards achieving the objectives and
results described in the program description. The proposed plan should
specifically state and justify the composition and organizational
structure of the entire project team. It should also describe how the
technical expertise and experience of all staff members will achieve the
expected results in the program description. The plan should specify the
roles and estimated amount of time each staff member will devote to the
project and/or specific components within the project.

If the applicant plans to collaborate with other organizations,
government agencies or indigenous organizations for the implementation
of the award, the services to be provided by each agency or organization
shall be described.  Applicants who intend to utilize sub-grantees
and/or subcontractors shall indicate the extent intended, the method of
identifying them and the tasks/functions they will be performing. 
Applicants shall state whether or not they have existing relationships
with these other organizations and the nature of the relationship (e.g.,
sub-grantee, subcontractor, partnership etc).  The applicant must
specify the technical resources and expertise of proposed
subcontract/sub-recipient organizations.

The management plan shall also include the mobilization plan. This
should provide a step-by-step outline of how the applicant will get the
activity underway and include a clear timeline.

**3. Key Personnel and Professional Staff**

Applicants must propose which positions should be designated as Key
Personnel and provide personnel qualifications for key and professional
staff that would be utilized on this program if an award is made and
provide references for the candidates proposed for such positions. 
Specify the qualifications and abilities of proposed key personnel that
are suited to successfully implementing the proposed technical
approach. The Chief of Party should have a proven track record of
managing such programs. The applicant shall also include, in an annex,
resumes for all key personnel candidates and personnel of significant
positions. Resumes may not exceed three pages in length and shall be in
chronological order starting with most recent experience.  Each resume
shall be accompanied by a ***Signed letter of commitment*** from each
candidate indicating his/her: (a) availability to serve in the stated
position, in terms of days after award; (b) intention to serve for a
stated term of the service; and (c) agreement to the compensation levels
which corresponds to the levels set forth in the cost application. As
references may be checked for all proposed long-term personnel, a
minimum of three references for each proposed long-term person is
required.  Applicants should provide current phone, fax and email
address for each reference contact.

**4. Organizational Capacity and Past Performance**

This criterion will be used to assess demonstrated ability of the
organization (or organizations in the case of joint applications) to
deliver livelihood interventions and results, including a record of past
and present performance in similar programs and activities. The
demonstrated effectiveness of an organization will be assessed through a
consideration of such factors as the organization\'s governance and
leadership, internal structure, strategic goals and objectives,
technical capacity, human and material resources, and operational
management. The organization\'s financial management capability is of
particular concern.  Specific factors to be considered include:

-   Demonstrated capacity of the Applicant to manage (technically,
    administratively and financially) a project of similar type and
    complexity and to deliver the required results within a given
    timeframe;

-   The Applicant's track record in developing and implementing
    activities; developing, tracking and analyzing performance
    indicators; and managing performance indicator data to ensure
    audit-worthiness;

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-   The Applicant's contacts and links with Bangladeshi organizations in
    order to facilitate immediate program implementation; and

-   Demonstrate capacity and experience on working on gender issues on
    livelihood interventions;

-   Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively with diverse
    stakeholders from the governmental and non-governmental sectors, and
    in bringing such groups into dialogue.

Applicants must submit contact information of at least three partners
and/or clients with whom they have worked in the past three years in the
implementation of similar programs.  The reference information shall
include the location, current telephone numbers, points of contact,
award number if available, and a brief description of work performed.

Information in this section should include (but is not limited to) the
following:

\(1\) Brief description of organizational history/expertise;

> \(2\) Past experience and examples of accomplishments in developing
> and implementing similar programs;

\(3\) Relevant experience with proposed approaches;

> \(4\) Institutional strength as represented by breadth and depth of
> experienced personnel in project relevant disciplines/areas;

\(5\) Sub-awardee or subcontractor capabilities and expertise; and

\(6\) Financial controls

Applicants must submit a list of the three most recent U.S. Government
and/or privately-funded contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, etc.,
and the name, address, email address and telephone number of the Project
Officer, activity manager or other contact person. Include the following
for each award:

-   Name of awarding organization or agency;

-   Address of awarding organization or agency;

-   Place of performance of services or program;

-   Award number;

-   Amount of award;

-   Term of award (begin and end dates of services/program);

-   Name, current telephone number, current fax number, and email
    address (if one is available) of a responsible technical
    representative of that organization or agency;

-   Brief description of the program.

**5. Marking under Assistance Instruments**

USAID's mandatory branding/marking requirements became effective on
January 2, 2006. The Applicant may review and download the regulations,
guidance, and graphics at
[**www.usaid.gov/branding**](http://www.usaid.gov/branding). Applicants
selected for award will be required to provide a "Branding Strategy" and
a "Marking Plan" for review and inclusion in the final award by the
Grant officer.

## III. COST APPLICATION FORMAT

The Cost or Business Application is to be submitted under separate cover
from the technical application. Certain documents are required to be
submitted by an applicant in order for a Grant Officer to make a
determination of responsibility. However, it is USAID policy not to
burden applicants with undue reporting requirements if that information
is readily available through other sources.

There is no page limitation on the Cost Proposal. However, unnecessarily
elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to
present a complete and effective application in response to this APS are
not desired and may be construed as an indication of the prospective
recipient\'s lack of cost consciousness. Elaborate art work, expensive
paper and bindings, and expensive visual and other presentation aids are
neither necessary nor wanted.

The following sections describe the documentation that applicants for an
assistance award must submit to USAID prior to award. While there is no
page limit for this portion, applicants are encouraged to be as concise
as possible, but still provide the necessary detail to address the
following:

1.  A budget with an accompanying budget narrative which provides in
    detail the total costs for implementation of the program your
    organization is proposing. In addition to the detailed budget, a
    summary of the budget must be submitted using Standard Form 424 and
    424A which can be downloaded from the following web site:

> [**http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp#1**](http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp#1)

2\. The cost/business application should contain the following budget
categories:

a.  [Direct Labor]{.underline} - Direct salaries and wages for each year
    of the Agreement shall be in accordance with the organization\'s
    established personnel policies. To be considered adequate, the
    policies must be in writing, applicable to all employees of the
    organization, is subject to review and approval at a high enough
    organizational level to assure its uniform enforcement, and result
    in costs which are reasonable and allowable in accordance with
    applicable cost principles. The narrative should include a level of
    effort analysis specifying personnel, rate of compensation, and
    amount of time proposed. Anticipated salary increases during the
    period of the Agreement should be included.

b.  [Fringe Benefits]{.underline} - If accounted for as a separate item
    of cost, fringe benefits should be based on the Applicant\'s audited
    fringe benefit rate, supported by a Negotiated indirect Cost Rate
    Agreement (NICRA) or historical cost data. If the latter is used,
    the narrative should include a detailed breakdown comprised of all
    items of fringe benefits (e.g. unemployment insurance, workers
    compensation, health and life insurance, retirement, FICA, etc.) and
    the costs of each, expressed in dollars and as a percentage of
    salaries.

c.  [Supplies and Equipment]{.underline} - Differentiate between
    expendable supplies and nonexpendable equipment (NOTE: Equipment is
    defined as tangible nonexpendable personal property including exempt
    property charged directly to the award having a useful life of more
    than one year and an acquisition cost of \$5,000 or more per unit,
    unless the Applicant\'s established policy establishes nonexpendable
    equipment anticipated to be required to implement the program,
    specifying quantities and unit cost.)

d.  [Allowances]{.underline} must be broken down by specific type and by
    person and must be in accordance with the Applicant's established
    policies.

e.  [Travel and Per Diem]{.underline} - The narrative should indicate
    number of trips, domestic and international, and the estimated unit
    cost of each. Proposed per diem rates must be in accordance with the
    Applicant's established policies and practices that are uniformly
    applied to federally-financed and other activities of the Applicant.

f.  [Other Direct Costs]{.underline} - This could include any
    miscellaneous costs such as communications, report preparation
    costs, passports, visas, medical exams and inoculations, insurance
    (other than the Applicant's normal coverage), etc. The narrative, or
    supporting schedule, should provide a complete breakdown and support
    for each item of other direct costs.

g.  [Proposed (Sub) contracts/agreements]{.underline} - Applicants who
    intend to utilize (sub) contractors or sub recipients should
    indicate the extent intended and a complete cost breakdown, as well
    as all the information required herein for the Applicant. Extensive
    (sub) contract/agreement financial plans should follow the same cost
    format as submitted by the Applicant.

h.  [Contractual:]{.underline} Any goods and services being procured
    through a contract mechanism.

3\. [Organizational Information]{.underline}: Applicants are also
required to provide the following organizational information:

-   Type of Organization;

-   The name and title of individuals authorized to sign the Cooperative
    Agreement;

-   Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

-   Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number;

-   Letter of Credit (LOC) Number, if applicable;

4\. A current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) if your
organization has such an agreement with an agency or department of the
U.S. Government.

5\. Required assurances, certifications and representations as indicated
in 424 B entitled Assurances-Non Construction Programs and the
certifications identified in Section D, Parts I and II of this APS.

6\. Applicants who do not currently have a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement (NICRA) from their cognizant agency shall also submit the
following information:

a.  copies of the applicant\'s financial reports for the previous 3-year
    period, which have been audited by a certified public accountant or
    other auditor satisfactory to USAID;

b.  projected budget, cash flow and an organizational chart for the
    applicant; and

c.  a copy of the organization\'s accounting manual.

7\. Applicants should submit any additional evidence of responsibility
deemed necessary for the Agreement Officer to make a determination of
responsibility. The information submitted should substantiate that the
Applicant:

> a\. has adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain such
> resources as required during the performance of the award;
>
> b\. has the ability to comply with the award conditions, taking into
> account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the
> applicant, nongovernmental and governmental;
>
> c\. has a satisfactory record of performance. Past relevant
> unsatisfactory performance is ordinarily sufficient to justify a
> finding of non-responsibility, unless there is clear evidence of
> subsequent satisfactory performance.
>
> d\. has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics; and
>
> e\. is otherwise qualified and eligible to receive a grant under
> applicable laws and regulations (e.g., EEO).

8\. Applicants that have never received a grant, cooperative agreement
or contract from the U.S. Government are required to submit a copy of
their accounting manual. If a copy has already been submitted to the
U.S. Government, the applicant should advise which Federal office has a
copy.

9\. Certificate of Compliance: Please submit a copy of your Certificate
of Compliance if your organization\'s systems have been certified by the
USAID/Washington\'s Office of Acquisition and Assistance (M/OAA,
formerly known as M/OP).

## 

## 

## IV. APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

In addition to the aforementioned guidelines, the applicant is requested
to take note of the following:

1\. Receipt of Applications:

**Applications must be received at the place designated and by the date
and time specified in the cover letter of this APS.** Applications which
are submitted late or are incomplete run the risk of not being
considered in the review process.

2\. Submission of Applications:

a\. Applications and modifications thereof shall be submitted with the
name and address of the applicant and the APS number (referenced above)
inscribed thereon, to Shafique Nazim, Senior A&A Specialist, and Samiul
H. Khan, via e-mail to [**snazim@usaid.gov**](mailto:snazim@usaid.gov)
and [**sakhan@usaid.gov**](mailto:sakhan@usaid.gov) respectively.

Applications may be sent by international air courier or delivered by
hand to the address below:

[Via U.S. Mail:]{.underline} [Hand or Air Courier Service:]{.underline}

Regional Agreement Officer Regional Agreement Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development Regional Acquisition and
Assistance Office

U.S. Diplomatic Post Office U.S. Agency for International Development

Unit 6120 Box 1000 C/O American Embassy

APO AP 96562-1000 Madani Avenue, Baridhara

Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Fax: (880 2) 881-5050

Telephone: (880 2) 885-5500

Please be advised that in the past some firms have experienced delays
with international air courier services. It is legitimate to declare the
CDs included in the proposals as "documents" for local customs purposes.
Applications received after the closing date and time will be processed
as late. Also, if you utilize the services of an independent agent in
Bangladesh to deliver your application, please be certain that he/she
understands additional time may be needed to allow for security review
of any packages and that the closing date and time are firm.

Please note that the U.S. mail given above is via a Diplomatic Post
Office and may take up to three weeks for delivery to USAID/Bangladesh
in Dhaka, Bangladesh. USAID and the State Department accept no liability
for late delivery, or non-delivery, attributable to the Diplomatic Post
Office. Applicants should plan accordingly.

**Note: Delivery to the U.S. mail, post office or air courier
representative does not constitute meeting the statutory requirement
that applications are received on time at the designated office. For
purposes of recording the official receipt of applications, the
date/time stamp of the Regional Acquisition & Assistance Office at
USAID/Bangladesh will govern.**

Applicants are requested to submit both technical and cost portions of
their applications in separate volumes.

Hard copy applications may also be submitted in hard copies via courier
services. The applicants shall submit an original and six (6) hard
copies of the technical application and an original and six (6) hard
copies of the cost application accompanied by a CD with the complete
application in acceptable Microsoft Word or Excel format as described
above.

Hard copies of applications and modifications thereof shall be submitted
in sealed envelopes or packages (1) addressed to the office specified in
the Cover Letter of this APS, and (2) showing the date and time
specified for receipt (i.e., the due date and time), the APS number, and
the name and address of the applicant.

b\. Faxed applications will not be considered.

3\. Preparation of Applications:

a\. Applicants are expected to review, understand, and comply with all
aspects of this APS. Failure to do so will be at the applicant\'s risk.

b\. Each applicant shall furnish the information required by this APS.
The applicant shall sign the application form (SF 424) and print or type
its name on the Cover Page of the technical and cost applications.
Erasures or other changes must be initialed by the person signing the
application. Applications signed by an agent shall be accompanied by
evidence of that agent\'s authority, unless that evidence has been
previously furnished to the issuing office.

c\. Applicants who include data that they do not want disclosed to the
public for any purpose or used by the U.S. Government except for
evaluation purposes, should:

> 1\. Mark the title page with the following legend:
>
> \"This application includes data that shall not be disclosed outside
> the U.S. Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed -
> in whole or in part - for any purpose other than to evaluate this
> application. If, however, a grant is awarded to this applicant as a
> result of - or in connection with - the submission of this data, the
> U.S. Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose
> the data to the extent provided in the resulting grant. This
> restriction does not limit the U.S. Government\'s right to use
> information contained in this data if it is obtained from another
> source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are
> contained in sheets\_\_\_\_". and,
>
> 2\. Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following
> legend:
>
> \"Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the
> restriction on the title page of this application.\"

***4. Submission of Questions:*** Questions may be submitted in response
to this APS in writing to Shafique Nazim via e-mail at
[snazim]{.underline}<@usaid.gov> and Samiul H. Khan at
<sakhan@usaid.gov> or by fax at (880-2)881-5050. The questions and
answers (Q&A) will be posted as amendment(s) to the APS on
[www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/). ***The deadline for receipt of
questions is July 31, 2008, 2:00 PM, Dhaka local time.***

5\. Award: The Government contemplates awarding one or more cooperative
agreements resulting from this APS to the responsible applicant(s) whose
application(s) conforming to this APS offers the greatest value (see
also Section B of this APS on evaluation criteria). The Government may
(a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest
cost application, (c) accept more than one application, (d) accept
alternate applications, and (e) waive informalities and minor
irregularities in applications received.

6\. Authority to Obligate the Government - The Agreement Officer is the
only individual who may legally commit the Government to the expenditure
of public funds. No costs chargeable to the proposed Cooperative
Agreement may be incurred before receipt of either a fully executed
Cooperative Agreement or a specific, written authorization from the
Agreement Officer.

7\. 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 contractor/recipient to ensure compliance
with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in
all subcontracts/sub-awards issued under this contract/agreement.

**- END OF SECTION C -**

**SECTION D -- CERTIFICATIONS & ASSURANCES**

## 

# PART I - CERTIFICATIONS

## 

**1. CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING**

The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and
belief, that:

\(1\) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by
or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or
attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member
of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a
Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal
contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal
loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension,
continuation, renewal, amendment or modification of any Federal
contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

\(2\) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid
or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence
an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer
or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative
agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL,
\"Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,\" in accordance with its
instructions.

\(3\) The undersigned shall require that the language of this
certification be included in the award documents for all sub-awards at
all tiers (including subcontracts, sub-grants, and contracts under
grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all sub-recipients
shall certify and disclose accordingly.

This certification is a material representation of fact upon which
reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into.
Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or
entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, United
States Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification
shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than \$10,000 and not
more than \$100,000 for each such failure.

Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance

The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief,
that: If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for
influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any
agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an
employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment
providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the
undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, \"Disclosure
Form to Report Lobbying,\" in accordance with its instructions.
Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering
into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any
person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a
civil penalty of not less than \$10,000 and not more than \$100,000 for
each such failure.

**Signed:**
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
**Date:**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**(Name in block letters and title)**

2\. CERTIFICATION REGARDING TERRORIST FINANCING IMPLEMENTING E.O. 13224

Certification

By signing and submitting this application, the prospective recipient
provides the certification set out below:

1\. The Recipient, to the best of its current knowledge, did not
provide, within the previous ten years, and will take all reasonable
steps to ensure that it does not and will not knowingly provide,
material support or resources to any individual or entity that commits,
attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist
acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated, or
participated in terrorist acts, as that term is defined in paragraph 3.

2\. The following steps may enable the Recipient to comply with its
obligations under paragraph 1:

> a\. Before providing any material support or resources to an
> individual or entity, the Recipient will verify that the individual or
> entity does not (i) appear on the master list of Specially Designated
> Nationals and Blocked Persons, which list is maintained by the U.S.
> Treasury\'s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and is available
> online at OFAC\'s website :
> http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/t11sdn.pdf, or (ii) is
> not included in any supplementary information concerning prohibited
> individuals or entities that may be provided by USAID to the
> Recipient.
>
> b\. Before providing any material support or resources to an
> individual or entity, the Recipient also will verify that the
> individual or entity has not been designated by the United Nations
> Security (UNSC) sanctions committee established under UNSC Resolution
> 1267 (1999) (the \"1267 Committee\") \[individuals and entities linked
> to the Taliban, Usama bin Laden, or the Al Qaida Organization\]. To
> determine whether there has been a published designation of an
> individual or entity by the 1267 Committee, the Recipient should refer
> to the consolidated list available online at the Committee\'s website:
> [**http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/committees/1267/1267ListEng.htm**](http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/committees/1267/1267ListEng.htm).
>
> c\. Before providing any material support or resources to an
> individual or entity, the Recipient will consider all information
> about that individual or entity of which it is aware and all public
> information that is reasonably available to it or of which it should
> be aware.
>
> d\. The Recipient also will implement reasonable monitoring and
> oversight procedures to safeguard against assistance being diverted to
> support terrorist activity.

3\. For purposes of this Certification-

> a\. \"Material support and resources\" means currency or monetary
> instruments or financial securities, financial services, lodging,
> training, expert advice or assistance, safe houses, false
> documentation or identification, communications equipment, facilities,
> weapons, lethal substances, explosives, personnel, transportation, and
> other physical assets, except medicine or religious materials.\"

b\. \"Terrorist act\" means-

> \(i\) an act prohibited pursuant to one of the 12 United Nations
> Conventions and Protocols related to terrorism (see UN terrorism
> conventions Internet site:
> [**http://untreaty.un.org/English/Terrorism.asp**](http://untreaty.un.org/English/Terrorism.asp));
> or
>
> \(ii\) an act of premeditated, politically motivated violence
> perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or
> clandestine agents; or
>
> \(iii\) any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury
> to a civilian, or to any other person not taking an active part in
> hostilities in a situation of armed conflict, when the purpose of such
> act, by its nature or context, is to intimidate a population, or to
> compel a government or an international organization to do or to
> abstain from doing any act.
>
> c\. \"Entity\" means a partnership, association, corporation, or other
> organization, group or subgroup.
>
> d\. References in this Certification to the provision of material
> support and resources shall not be deemed to include the furnishing of
> USAID funds or USAID-financed commodities to the ultimate
> beneficiaries of USAID assistance, such as recipients of food, medical
> care, micro-enterprise loans, shelter, etc., unless the Recipient has
> reason to believe that one or more of these beneficiaries commits,
> attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in
> terrorist acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated or
> participated in terrorist acts.
>
> e\. The Recipient\'s obligations under paragraph 1 are not applicable
> to the procurement of goods and/or services by the Recipient that are
> acquired in the ordinary course of business through contract or
> purchase, e.g., utilities, rents, office supplies, gasoline, etc.,
> unless the Recipient has reason to believe that a vendor or supplier
> of such goods and services commits, attempts to commit, advocates,
> facilitates, or participates in terrorist acts, or has committed,
> attempted to commit, facilitated or participated in terrorist acts.

This Certification is an express term and condition of any agreement
issued as a result of this application, and any violation of it shall be
grounds for unilateral termination of the agreement by USAID prior to
the end of its term.

Signed: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Typed Name and Title) Date

(Name of Organization)

**3. SURVEY ON ENSURING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR APPLICANTS**

![](media/image1.wmf){width="6.490277777777778in"
height="8.522916666666667in"}

![](media/image2.wmf){width="6.499305555555556in"
height="8.565277777777778in"}

## PARTII- ASSURANCES:

## 

## The SF 424B entitled Assurances -Non-Construction Programs must be reviewed in its entirety and signed by all applicants. This form can be downloaded from the following URL:

## 

> <http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp#1>

## SECTION E -- ANNEXES

**1. AWARD ADMINISTRATION AND RELEVANT WEBSITES FOR REFERENCE**

Resulting awards to **U.S. non-governmental organizations** will be
administered in accordance with Chapter 303 of USAID's Automated
Directives System (ADS-303), 22 CFR 226, applicable OMB Circulars (i.e.,
A-21 for universities or A-122 for non-profit organizations, and A-133
for both) or 48 CFR 31.2 (for for-profit organizations), and Standard
Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations.

ADS-303 is available at:\
<http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303.doc>

22 CFR 226 is available at:\
<http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/22cfr226_03.html>

Applicable OMB Circulars are available at:\
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html>

48 CFR 31.2 is available at:\
<http://www.arnet.gov/far/>

Standard Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations are available
at: <http://www.usaid.gov/pubs/ads/300/303maa.pdf>

<http://www.usaid.gov/pubs/ads/300/303maa.pdf>

Resulting awards to **non-U.S. nongovernmental organizations** will be
administered in accordance with ADS-303, 22 CFR 226, 22 CFR 220 for
universities (formerly OMB Circular A-21), 22 CFR 230 for non-profit
organizations (formerly OMB Circular A-122),) or 48 CFR 31.2 (for
for-profit organizations), and Standard Provisions for Non-U.S.
Nongovernmental Organizations.

Standard Provisions for Non-U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations are
available at:\
<http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303mab.doc>

Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants:
<http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/pdf/aapd04_08.pdf>

Standard Provisions for PIO recipients can be accessed through the
following URL:

<http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/308mab.pdf>

**2. REFERENCE MATERIALS**

-   Cyclone Sidr United Nations Rapid Initial Assessment Report

> [www.ochaonline.un.org/OchaLinkClick.aspx?link=ocha&docId=1082340](http://www.ochaonline.un.org/OchaLinkClick.aspx?link=ocha&docId=1082340)

-   Bangladesh Ministry of Food and Disaster Management's website: 

> [www.mofdm.gov.bd](http://www.mofdm.gov.bd/)

-   USAID report

> <http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/cyclone_sidr/>

-   Other selected reports relating to this APS can be accessed at
    <http://www.usaid.gov/bd/proposals.html>

These reports may be used as references in connection with the
preparation of the technical application.