USAID/Haiti Education and Resilience Activity | 72052121R00009

FAQs: USAID/Haiti Education and Resilience Activity (RFI) - Funding Opportunity Number 72052121R00009

1) What is USAID/Haiti Education and Resilience Activity (72052121R00009)?

It is a USAID Haiti early-stage program concept focused on improving equitable access to quality education in Haiti and protecting continuity of learning when schools and communities face shocks and disruptions. The concept targets learners ages 5 to 18, with particular attention to "resilience focus zones" and urban youth considered at risk of gang recruitment.

2) Is this posting a grant competition or a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)?

No. This posting is a Request for Information (RFI) for consultation and planning purposes only. It is explicitly not a NOFO and not an application process for an award.

3) What is the purpose of this Request for Information (RFI)?

The purpose is to gather comments, suggestions, and practical ideas from a broad range of stakeholders to help USAID shape the final design of a future education activity. USAID indicates that responses will be used to draft a clearer design document, maximize development impact, improve coordination with existing and planned USAID and other donor programs, and align with Government of Haiti priorities.

4) Who is USAID asking to respond to the RFI?

USAID encourages responses from a broad range of stakeholders, including private sector actors, public institutions, development partners, non-governmental organizations, industry associations, think tanks, and academic institutions.

5) What types of ideas or input is USAID seeking?

USAID is looking for practical, innovative suggestions related to improving equitable access to quality education and strengthening resilience across multiple levels of the education system (including learners, schools, and relevant institutions), especially in areas and populations affected by shocks, disruptions, and risks such as gang recruitment.

6) What age group and populations are the focus of the activity concept?

The concept targets learners ages 5 to 18. It also highlights particular attention to "resilience focus zones" and to urban youth considered at risk of gang recruitment.

7) What does “resilience” mean in the way this activity is framed?

Based on the description provided, the activity frames resilience as the ability of the education system to withstand and respond to shocks and disruptions, maintaining continuity of learning. This includes strengthening resilience at multiple levels, such as the learner, the school, and relevant institutions.

8) What is the estimated value or ceiling amount associated with this concept?

The planned activity concept is valued at roughly $14,000,000, and the administrative fields reference an award ceiling of $14,000,000.

9) Does responding to the RFI guarantee there will be a future funding opportunity?

No. USAID states the RFI does not constitute a solicitation (such as an RFA, APS, or other procurement request) and does not promise that USAID will issue a future funding call or make an award.

10) Will responding to the RFI provide a competitive advantage later?

No. USAID states that responding to the RFI will not provide any competitive advantage in any later procurement.

11) Does submitting an RFI response create an organizational conflict of interest (OCI)?

USAID states that responding to the RFI will not create an organizational conflict of interest.

12) Are respondents reimbursed for the cost of preparing an RFI response?

No. Any costs incurred in preparing and submitting a response are the responsibility of the respondent.

13) Will USAID keep RFI responses confidential?

Yes. USAID indicates responses are expected to be kept confidential.

14) Is this RFI tied to a specific attachment or set of questions?

Yes. The notice references an attachment titled "Questions For Response," indicating that USAID is seeking structured feedback on specific design issues, approaches, or interventions.

15) Who is issuing this RFI?

The issuing entity is the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), USAID Haiti, based in Port-au-Prince.

16) How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized as "Other" rather than a standard grant competition.

17) Does the posting mention the expected number of awards?

Yes. The administrative data fields note an expected single award, associated with the planned activity concept.

18) When was the RFI posted and when were responses due?

The RFI was posted on January 21, 2021, and responses were due on February 22, 2021.

19) If someone wants to pursue future funding connected to this concept, what should they do?

Interested parties are directed to review the full announcement and related documents and to monitor official procurement and grants sites (referenced at the time as fbo.gov and grants.gov) for any subsequent official funding announcement that might emerge from this design process.

20) Can the program design change after the RFI?

Yes. USAID includes a disclaimer that ideas may change significantly during design and approval, and that the RFI is for information and planning only.