The USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity (ATI) is designed to bolster the U.S. Government’s ability to boost trade and investment to, from, and within the African continent. The continent-wide program is USAID’s flagship effort in support of the Prosper Africa initiative and will expand and accelerate two-way trade and investment between African nations and the United States.

 

Driven by market demand, ATI embraces innovative approaches to achieve its goals. ATI is designed as a small, core set of centrally coordinated technical and institutional support activities, and a large, flexible performance-based subcontracting and grants-under-contract facility designed to support the needs and opportunities that USAID Missions and the private sector identify.

 

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ATI is implementing the Reinforcing Resilient Markets activity by leveraging existing investments and relationships with the private sector and producer organizations that will intensify nutrition-focused agricultural interventions and agricultural market facilitation focused- programming. ATI will expand these efforts into Feed the Future geographic zones of influence to reach more beneficiaries and target indigenous people and other marginalized populations.

USAID DRC and ATI are seeking applications that use private-sector mechanisms, solutions, and partnerships to address food insecurity and strengthen the resilience of food systems in the DRC across the following overarching objectives:

Objective 1: Increased production, sales, and profitability of locally produced and processed agricultural products on local, national, regional, and international markets.  

• This objective will focus on co-investment in market-based interventions that strengthen supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses and trading within the key food value chains of the DRC.

Objective 2: Strengthened capacity of agribusinesses, Micro, Small Medium Enterprises (MSME), small holder farmers (SHFs) and producer organizations operating within agriculture markets and food systems.

• This objective will focus on co-investment in market-based interventions that increase the productive capacity and strengthen resilience of SMEs and SHFs production systems in the DRC’s key food value chains.

Objective 3: Improved producer-buyer linkages reinforcing the development of inclusive and resilient market and food systems.

• This objective will focus on co-investment in buyer-driven supply chain management market-based interventions that create sustainable linkages between producers (farmers), traders and buyers.

Objective 4: Increased availability of and access to diversified, fortified and biofortified food which is safe and nutritious.

• This objective will focus on co-investment in market-based interventions that increase production and distribution of biofortified food for increased access among vulnerable segments of the country’s population."

The primary target participants for this activity are private sector entities engaged in the agriculture and trade sector. This includes various stakeholders involved in different aspects of the agricultural value chain such as producers, processors and traders. Eligible participants must be legally registered to operate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Additionally, participation from other geographies is allowed, as long as the deals involved are intra-Africa and involve trade between Africa and the United States.

ATI will evaluate the applications based on the following criteria:

Technical Approach: Private sector-led approaches that can bring innovative approaches to address current agriculture and trade sectors challenges. The approach must be anchored on the principles of adaptability, and institutional strength. Applicants must provide robust and consistent approaches that would sustain momentum throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery without compromising on quality or organizational integrity.

Scalability: Interventions with expansion potential to new markets and regions, as well as with greater potential for inclusivity and sustainability. Emphasis will be placed on resource optimization, examining how well operations can be scaled without compromising inclusion of vulnerable populations. Applications will also be assessed based on their ability to reach a wider audience and engage with various stakeholders, along with strategies for building and maintaining partnerships.

Impact: Interventions with the greater potential for job creation and economic empowerment within the agriculture and trade sectors. Additionally, the improvement of market access for smallholder farmers and other stakeholders, along with efforts towards responsible business practices contributing to environmental and social sustainability.

Inclusiveness: Interventions should deliberately include women and youth as participants in this activity given their potential and critical role in growth of the agricultural and trade sector. 

USAID additionality: Successful applicants should illustrate how USAID's support adds value by enabling a market-based approach that effectively achieves the intended outcomes including, but not limited to, increased fertilizer production capacity, distribution systems and practices, enhanced farmers' access to affordable products and services, inclusive economic growth and resilient farming systems. 

Illustrative activities include, but are not limited to:

• Promoting efficient farming practices and technologies to minimize post-harvest losses and training farmers on effective post-harvest handling management practices.
• Implement and promote the adoption of advanced or modern cultivation and landscape management techniques: intercropping, crop rotation, conservation/climate-smart agriculture. 
• Build capacity for integrated weed, pests, disease and nutrient management techniques
• Support and facilitate the capacity development of rural agricultural input dealers and strengthen retailers’ associations and expand their services to target beneficiaries. 
• Facilitate commercial credit services for farmers and entrepreneurs, with a prioritization of women’s increased access and utilization of finance and financial services. 
• Support and promote innovative private sector market and demand-oriented models for smallholder farmers and agro-enterprises for capacity development to strengthen their business models, improve operational efficiency, and develop strategies for scaling up production and distribution.

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:

1. 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.globalhealthlearning.org/sites/default/files/page-files/french-PLGHA-Standard-Provisions-US-Nongovernment-Organizations.pdf
• Standard Provisions for Non-US Nongovernmental Recipients -

           https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/303mab.pdf

1. Important USAID Compliance Information

• Certifications, Assurances, Other Statements of the Recipient and Solicitation Standard Provisions - In accordance with ADS 303.3.8, ATI 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 ATI 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. Grant funds cannot be used to pay for construction. Under Chapter 12, Section 5.3g of USAID’s Automatic Directives System (ADS) on Eligibility of Commodities 2010, “With the exception of local procurement of fertilizer in the cooperating country: 1) Procurement of fertilizer is restricted to U.S. sources, unless there are, or are expected to be, significant U.S./offshore price differentials or any adverse impact on domestic availability or price; and 2) All contract awards for fertilizer and the related transportation must be approved by the Office of Procurement (M/OP), in consultation with GC/CCM and the appropriate geographic bureau”.
• 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 ATI 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

Restricted commodities: In line with USAID regulations (ADS Chapter 312: “Eligibility of Commodities”), Special restrictions apply to USAID-financed purchases of agricultural commodities, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, contraceptive products, pesticides, used equipment and fertilizer. 

• As far as this RFA is concerned, the intended awards will not support direct procurement of fertilizers but rather facilitative activities such as logistics and machinery support. Grant activities in relation to fertilizers will be reviewed on case-by-case basis from environment compliance perspective and ATI will seek approvals from USAID as may be applicable prior to awards. 
• This RFA does not also anticipate awarding grants that will do construction works thus construction activities will be considered ineligible under the grants. However, the project may have construction activities but be catered for by the applicant’s leverage budget.  

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.