REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)

Funding Opportunity For Climate Finance in Liberia 

Through this Request for Applications (RFA), the USAID Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) program, on behalf of USAID/Liberia, seeks to support the development of a pipeline for conservation finance and climate finance projects. This facility will provide both financing avenues and technical support.

Overarching Priorities for USAID/Liberia under ATI:

1. Identification and development of financially and environmentally sustainable community forestry initiatives: The initial focus will be on Liberia’s conservation and climate finance projects, aiming to develop inclusive projects that contribute to the preservation and sustainable use of this vital ecosystem, including biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, and restoration.
2. Increased Job Creation: Emphasis will be placed on creating employment opportunities, with particular attention to projects that benefit women, and youth, contributing to economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
3. Strengthening the private sector: By fostering trade and mobilizing finance, especially for women, and youth, this initiative aims to build a more robust and inclusive private sector in Liberia.

The Conservation and Climate Finance Activity Facility

The USAID Liberia Climate Finance Co-Investment Facility is inviting applications that align with and enhance USAID/Liberia’s trade and investment goals, promote sustainable economic growth, advance climate finance, and pave the way for increased trade and investment in Liberia and the region.

The Conservation and Climate Finance Co-Investment Facility will support financially and environmentally sustainable community forestry initiatives in Liberia. This Facility will provide technical support and financing to initiatives that align with these goals.

Illustrative Intervention for Climate Financing under ATI:

Illustrative activities include feasibility studies, capacity building/enhancement, research, and identification of potential investors, aimed at promoting financially and environmentally sustainable community forestry initiatives. For example, these initiatives may support private-sector activities by fostering the development of community enterprises, concessions for sustainable land use, sustainable supply chains, and the acquisition of sustainable forestry certifications and standards in sectors that have an incentive to support sustainable forestry such as climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, improved forest management practices, ecotourism, etc. Where necessary, proposed initiatives may also help develop and expand markets for ecosystem services such as carbon credits and other payment for ecosystem services (e.g., improved watershed protection) as well as innovative Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to encourage sustainable land use and sustainable land management. The proposed activities may involve tailored capacity building and enhancement to strengthen the enabling environment for sustainable forestry including support for key public sectors including various government agencies, and counterparts in Liberia.

Proposals should demonstrate the ability to contribute to the promotion of biodiversity, conservation, sustainable forest management, the development of sustainable livelihoods, and the enhancement of trade and investment opportunities in the region.

Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible applicants:

• Applicants must demonstrate that they fall into one of the grantee categories below:
  • Private sector companies – local (within Liberia) and international firms (outside of Liberia). International firms must demonstrate a clear understanding of Liberia’s local context and must demonstrate existing relationships with relevant local stakeholders.
  • Foreign organizations (referred to as non-U.S. NGOs (non-governmental organizations)): either non-profit or for-profit organizations that meet the definition in 2 CFR 200.47. (https://codes.findlaw.com/cfr/title-2-grants-and-agreements/cfr-sect-2-200-47/)
  • Non-profit organizations: organizations that meet the definition of 2 CFR 200.70. (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title2-vol1-sec200-75.pdf)

In addition, an applicant must be organized under the laws of the country in which it has its principal place of business or operations in.

Ineligible applicants:

• Any organization not legally organized under the laws of the country in which it has its principal place of business or operations in.
• Any entity listed in the U.S. government Excluded Parties List.
• Any entity unable to obtain a Unique Entity Identification number (UEI); **
• Any entity excluded in the US Government System for Award Management.
• Any government entity.
• Any Public International Organization (PIO).
• Any entity affiliated with DAI or ATI directors, officers, or employees.
• Any projects involving involuntary resettlement, child labor, or significant environmental impacts.
• Any military organization.
• Any political party organization.
• Any entity focused solely on religious activities.
• Any labor unions; and,
• Any individuals.

Application Submission Instructions & Deadline

Application  

• Application documents must include the following:

• Complete Annex B. Application Form. This annex asks for information on the project description, applicant leverage (as applicable), monitoring and results, and other activity information. Responses should be specific, complete, and presented concisely.

• Complete Annex C. Work Plan. The implementation plan should be detailed and include tasks, outputs, partners, and responsible persons. It may be no more than 18 months, nor extend past March 2026. Monitoring and evaluation efforts must also be included.

• Complete Annex D. Budget and Budget Notes. In the budget, request and explain the key cost items required for the support. Full instructions on budgeting are found in the annex to the first tab called Budget Instructions. You must submit cost verification documents for each budget line item to demonstrate that the amount you budgeted for is based on actual cost or market price.

• Complete Annex E. Milestone Table. The Activity recommends a fixed amount award (FAA) as the best grant mechanism per the anticipated program description. This means you will be paid an agreed-upon amount for completed milestones. This annex asks you to propose those milestones, means of verification, due dates, and amount per milestone.

• Application must be submitted in English. Translation into English is the responsibility of the applicant.

• Page Limitation: Applications should be specific, complete, presented concisely and shall not exceed 10 pages (exclusive of annexes B, C, and D).

• In accordance with USAID ADS 303.6, ATI is required to establish the applicant organization’s nationality to determine its eligibility to receive the requested grant. Complete Appendix D. Grantee Nationality Self Certification Form.

Submission Instructions:

To apply for funding interested applicants must submit all applications (including all annexes) via the Application Intake Form on or before October 30^th, 2024.  The application should be submitted using the templates provided in the link above labeled Annexes A, B, C, and D.

Late Applications 

All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed for responsiveness and programmatic merit according to the specifications outlined in these guidelines and the application format. Due to the number of applications, only applicants moving to the next stage will receive communication of the next steps.   Applications which are submitted late or are incomplete will not be considered in the review process.

Evaluation of applications and next steps:

The applications received will be screened to confirm their alignment with the RFA and compliant ones will be subjected to an evaluation process using the criteria enumerated in the section above titled “Evaluation criteria”. The evaluation committee may recommend one or more of the applications for consideration of next steps (or none).

The applicants recommended for the next steps will be contacted by the ATI team and guided on the next steps which may entail seeking further clarifications on the application, subject them to due diligence and if successful, proceed to negotiations and co-creation of the proposed award. This process may entail virtual or physical meetings between ATI, USAID and the applicant. It may also entail requesting additional documentation from the applicant all geared towards better understanding the applicant and proposed project.

Subject to successful completion of the pre-award process including getting approval of the grant from USAID, the successful applicant will be issued with a grant agreement enumerating the award, period of performance, reporting requirements plus other grant terms and conditions. A grant kick-off meeting will be held upon full execution of the grant agreement after which implementation will commence.

1. Award Determination

ATI reserves the right to reject any or all applications at any point during the co-design and pre-award risk assessment phase. USAID may also approve or reject applications submitted to them for review and approval.

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of ATI, nor does it commit ATI to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Applications are submitted at the risk and the cost of the applicant.

2. Award and Administration Information

Please note that while the Grants Team will explain rules and requirements to each awardee, the following award requirements will apply:

a) Administration of Award

Awards to U.S. organizations will be administered in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E, ADS 303 and USAID Standard Provisions for U.S. non-governmental organizations. For non-U.S. organizations, USAID Standard Provisions for non-U.S. non-governmental organizations apply. Applicants may obtain copies of the referenced material at the following websites:

• 2 CFR 200 - https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0a5b7fee6378930cce72564449dd8bb7&mc=true&node=sp2.1.200.d&rgn=div6
• Standard Provisions for US Nongovernmental Recipients - https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1864/303maa.pdf
• Standard Provisions for Non-US Nongovernmental Recipients - https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303mab.pdf

b) Important USAID Compliance Information

• Certifications, Assurances, Other Statements of the Recipient and Solicitation Standard Provisions - In accordance with ADS 303.3.8, DAI will require awarded grant partners to submit signed copies of required certifications and assurances. ADS 303 may be found at the following website: https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/303mav
• Unique Entity ID (SAM) - Effective April 4, 2022, entities doing business with the federal government will use the Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) created in (sam.gov). The Unique Entity ID (SAM) is a 12-character alphanumeric value managed, granted, and owned by the U.S. government. This allows the government to streamline the entity identification and validation process, making it easier and less burdensome for entities to do business with the federal government. All foreign organizations which receive a grant with a value of USD 25,000 and above and all U.S. organizations which receive a grant of any value are required to obtain a Unique Entity ID (SAM) and complete full www.sam.gov registration. Organizations are exempt from this requirement if the gross income received from all sources in the previous tax year was under USD 300,000. DAI requires that grant applicants sign the self-certification statement if the applicant claims exemption for this reason.
• Branding and Marking - All USAID-sponsored acquisition and assistance awards are required to adhere to branding and marking requirements in accordance with ADS 320. ADS 320 may be found at the following website: https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/320 ATI’s Branding and Marking Plan allows for co-branding with the grantee, Feed the Future, and USAID. The Activity must approve all communications materials produced under this grant before printing or publication. Grantees must follow the guidelines set forth in the Feed the Future Graphic Standards Manual and accompanying USAID Graphic Standards Manual: USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co-Branding Guide | Branding | U.S. Agency for International Development and Feed the Future Graphic Standards Manual | Feed the Future | U.S. Agency for International Development (usaid.gov) 
• Environmental Procedures - The impact of USAID’s activities on the environment and environmental sustainability must be a central consideration when designing and implementing an activity. Potential environmental impacts of the grant must be identified prior to a final decision to proceed and appropriate environmental safeguards must be adopted for all activities The grantee must comply with host country environmental regulations unless otherwise directed in writing by USAID. In case of conflict between the host country and USAID regulations, the latter will govern. No activity funded under this grant will be implemented unless an environmental threshold determination, as defined by 22 CFR 216, has been reached for the grant, is properly documented, and signed by the Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO). ADS 200 may be found at the following website: https://www.usaid.gov/environmental-procedures/laws-regulations-policies/22-cfr-216.
• Reporting Requirements - Project implementation reporting will be determined based on the planned activities and the delineation of roles and responsibilities. There will be milestone reporting, quarterly progress reports, environmental reporting, and a final grant report. A Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan with indicators and targets will also be agreed upon. Grant recipients will be expected to facilitate monitoring during and beyond the life of the grant through June 2026 by making relevant information available to DAI staff.
• Payments and Use of Funds - The Activity will make grant payments in local currency. The grant recipient must use the funds provided exclusively for activities specified in the Program Description. Diversion of grant funds to other uses will result in the cancellation of award and retrieval of funds disbursed to the grant recipient. ATI funds will not support construction. All construction activities will be resourced through grantee leverage.
• Permitted Uses of Program Income - The grantee will be expected to account for program income in accordance with 2 CFR 200.307. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.307 (e)(2), program income earned under this award will be added to funds committed by DAI and the recipient to the project or program and used to further eligible project or program objectives. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.307(e)(3), program income may be used to finance the non-Federal share of the project or objectives.
• Prohibited Countries - The US Government does not do business with, i.e., purchase goods or services from, prohibited source, nationality, and country of origin. The current list of countries under comprehensive sanctions include Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria.
• Ineligible Goods, Restrictions, and Unallowable Costs - The grant funds provided under the terms of this agreement must not be used to finance any of the following:
  • Goods or services which are to be used primarily to meet military requirements or to support police or other law enforcement activities,
  • Surveillance equipment,
  • Equipment, research, and/or services related to involuntary sterilization or the performance of abortion as a method of family planning,
  • Gambling equipment, supplies for gambling facilities or any hotels, casinos, or accommodations in which gambling facilities are or are planned to be located,
  • Activities which significantly degrade national parks or similar protected areas or introduce exotic plants or animals into such areas, or
  • Establishment or development of any export processing zone or designated area where the labor, environmental, tax, tariff, and/or safety laws of the country in which such activity takes place would not apply.
  • Pharmaceuticals or pesticides (may be allowable with written approval)
  • Logging equipment,
  • Luxury goods (including alcoholic beverages and jewelry),
  • Establishing or expanding any enterprise that will export raw materials that are likely to be in surplus in world markets at the time such production becomes effective and that are likely to cause substantial injury to U.S. producers,
  • Activities which would result in the loss of forest lands due to livestock rearing, road construction or maintenance, colonization of forest lands or construction of dams or other water control structures,
  • Activities which are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the environment, including any of the following (to the extent such activities are likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment):
  • Activities which may lead to degrading the quality or renewability of natural resources;
  • Activities which may lead to degrading the presence or health of threatened ecosystems or biodiversity;
  • Activities which may lead to degrading long-term viability of agricultural or forestry production (including through use of pesticides);
  • Activities which may lead to degrading community and social systems, including potable water supply, land administration, community health and well-being or social harmony.
  • Activities which are likely to involve the loss of jobs in the United States due to the relocation or expansion outside of the United States of an enterprise located in the United States, or
  • Activities which the Grantee is aware are reasonably likely to contribute to the violation of internationally or locally recognized rights of workers,
  • Bad debts
  • Contributions or donations
  • Deferred Research and Development Costs
  • Entertainment costs or lobbying costs
  • Fines or penalties
  • Goodwill
  • Interest (Interest on taxes, issuing stock rights, Cost of financing or refinancing capital)
  • Public Relations and Advertising Costs
  • Company holiday parties or picnics
  • Taxes (such as income/profit tax) and PROFIT
  • Bribes
  • Goods or services from vendors or individuals with active exclusions on SAM.gov
  • Goods or services with source, origin, transported through, or nationality from a Prohibited Country – currently Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba.
  • Costs that are being paid for by another donor or funding source, including other US government funding, (i.e., disproportion allocation of costs amongst multiple donors)
  • Costs purchased from vendors, employees, or other sources with Conflicts of Interest.
  • Payments to government officials.

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of ATI, nor does it commit ATI to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Further, ATI reserves the right to reject any or all applications received. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.

DAI and USAID reserve the right to fund any or none of the applications received.