The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a Cooperative Agreement from qualified
entities to implement the Strengthening Civil Society System (Sawt) Activity.
The purpose of the Sawt activity is to discover new ways of
developing sustainable civic engagement through civil society and digital
media. Successful implementation will leverage new paradigms for civic
engagement, greater citizen participation, and more capable networks of
organizations that constructively engage in advocacy, while representing the
interests of citizens. Sawt also aims to enhance citizen knowledge by
developing the quality and professionalism of digital media communications
within private and public media outlets, while helping consumers discern
between misinformation/disinformation and quality reporting.
Objectives
The following objectives are organized based on
the conceptual framework described above:
- Online media provides ethical
and verifiable information that citizens can rely on for constructive
contribution to civic discourse.
- Citizens and civil society
organizations effectively participate in civic spaces and advocate for
policies through collective action.
- CSOs demonstrate measurable
improvements related to their networks, organizational development, and
advocacy.
- CSOs and media content creators
more effectively serve marginalized communities.
Funding Information
- USAID intends to award one
Cooperative Agreement as a result of this notice of funding opportunity.
Subject to availability of funds, and at the discretion of the Agency,
USAID intends to provide approximately $35 Million in funding over a five
(5) year period.
- The anticipated period of
performance is five years. USAID anticipates that the implementation of
this activity will begin in approximately November 2021.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility for this NOFO is
not restricted. All qualified U.S. and non-U.S. organizations (other than
those from foreign policy restricted countries) are eligible to apply.
USAID welcomes applications from organizations which have not previously
received financial assistance from USAID.
- Pursuant to Code of Federal
Regulations, it is USAID policy not to award profit under assistance
instruments such as Cooperative Agreements, and as such, for-profit
organizations must waive profits and/or fees to be eligible to submit an
application. Forgone profit does not qualify as cost-share or leverage.
- The Recipient must be a
responsible entity. Applicants must have established financial management,
monitoring and evaluation processes, internal control systems, and
policies and procedures that comply with established U.S. Government
standards, laws, and regulations. The successful Applicant will be subject
to a responsibility determination and pre-award risk assessment by the
Agreement Officer (AO).
- First time recipients of USG or
USAID funding may undergo a Pre-award Survey. The AO may determine a
pre-award survey is required to conduct an examination that will determine
whether the prospective recipient has the necessary organization,
experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills – or
ability to obtain them – in order to achieve the objectives of the program
and comply with the terms and conditions of the award.
- The applicant is reminded
thatU.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the
provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations
associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the Recipient
to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws.
Post Date - 18-May-2021