Localization of Disaster Risk Reduction in the Pacific | 720FDA20APS00001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Localization of Disaster Risk Reduction in the Pacific."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this opportunity?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 720FDA20APS00001.

Which U.S. government agency is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by USAID, specifically the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).

What is the main purpose of the opportunity?

The purpose is to strengthen disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts in small Pacific Island countries by directly supporting local organizations and locally led implementation. The opportunity is designed to shift more resources, responsibility, and decision-making to in-country and community-level actors.

What does "localization" mean in the context of this funding call?

In this context, localization refers to directing support toward local organizations and emphasizing locally led implementation. It signals an intent to place leadership, ownership, and decision-making closer to the communities and institutions in Pacific Island countries rather than relying primarily on external actors.

What types of activities does the opportunity focus on?

The focus is on disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs in small Pacific Island countries. The intention is to help countries anticipate, reduce, and manage disaster risks over time using their own institutions and systems.

How does this opportunity relate to USAID's "journey to self-reliance" concept?

The opportunity is framed as supporting Pacific Island countries on a broader "journey to self-reliance" by strengthening their ability to address disaster risks using domestic institutions and community-level systems, with sustainability and long-term capacity in mind.

What kind of funding mechanism is being used (APS vs. other formats)?

This opportunity is offered under an Annual Program Statement (APS).

Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?

Yes. It is categorized as discretionary funding in the Disaster Prevention and Relief area.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 98.001.

How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID expects to make approximately three to four awards, assuming funds are available.

Can USAID make more (or fewer) awards than the expected range?

Yes. USAID notes it may fund more, fewer, or none depending on application quality, alignment with objectives, and funding constraints.

What is the maximum funding amount per award?

The award ceiling is up to $1,600,000 per award.

What type of award instrument will USAID use?

The planned instruments are assistance awards, primarily Cooperative Agreements, with a possibility of "Other" assistance types.

What does it mean that the award is expected to be a Cooperative Agreement?

A Cooperative Agreement generally implies a more collaborative relationship between USAID and the recipient during implementation compared to less involved assistance mechanisms. The description indicates USAID expects to work more closely with recipients as programs are carried out.

Who is eligible to apply?

The competition is listed as "unrestricted," meaning it is broadly open to many entity types. However, eligibility still depends on the detailed rules in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO), particularly Section III, and any additional clarifications in the full text.

If the competition is "unrestricted," are there still eligibility requirements?

Yes. Even with an unrestricted competition label, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements described in the NFO (especially Section III). Those requirements typically address organizational responsibility, legal status, capacity, compliance, and any restrictions tied to geography or the program focus.

Where are the eligibility rules described?

The detailed eligibility rules are described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO), specifically Section III, along with any additional eligibility clarifications provided in the full opportunity text.

What is the geographic focus of the program?

The opportunity focuses on small Pacific Island countries.

What is the application process timeline mentioned in the published information?

The published timeline included (1) a question deadline of February 21, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time and (2) a first-round deadline for concept papers of April 14, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Is there a deadline for submitting questions?

Yes. The question deadline listed is February 21, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

What is the deadline for concept papers?

The first-round deadline for concept papers is April 14, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Does this opportunity use a concept paper stage before a full application?

Yes. The structure described indicates a staged process where applicants submit a concept paper first, and may then be invited to submit a full application.

Why does USAID use a concept paper stage for opportunities like this?

Based on the description, a staged approach is used to reduce burden on applicants and to allow early alignment with USAID priorities before applicants invest in full proposal development.

What criteria will USAID use to select awards?

USAID will select proposals based on how well they meet the stated objectives and the selection criteria described in the NFO.

What kinds of proposals appear most aligned with this APS?

Proposals that demonstrate local leadership, local ownership, and practical approaches to disaster risk reduction that can be sustained by Pacific institutions and communities appear most aligned with the emphasis on localization and locally led implementation described for this APS.

Does USAID guarantee that any awards will be made?

No. USAID indicates it may fund more, fewer, or none, depending on the quality of applications, alignment with objectives, and availability of funds.

What should applicants pay close attention to when preparing to apply?

Applicants should pay close attention to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO), especially Section III for eligibility, and the selection criteria and objectives described in the NFO, since awards depend on alignment, quality, and funding availability.