Bridge to Middle School Activity

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Mission in Morocco (USAID/Morocco) seeks concept papers from eligible applicants to implement the Bridge to Middle School Activity.

USAID intends to make a single award to the responsible applicant whose application best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in applying are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements and selection process. While one award is anticipated as a result of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the concept paper applications submitted. Subject to funds availability, the anticipated funding for the USAID/Morocco Bridge to Middle School Activity is $25 million over a five-year period. Final authority for assistance awards resides with the USAID/Morocco Agreement Officer.

The USAID/Morocco Bridge to Middle School Activity will follow a “Three-Phase Merit Review” process of application selection:

●      Phase 1 is the submission, review and evaluation of a written concept paper. Applicants will be evaluated based on the Phase 1 (Concept Paper). The Apparently Successful Applicant (ASA) will be invited to Phase 2, Co-creation, and all other applicants will be notified that were not selected.

●      Only the ASA will be invited to participate in Phase 2, Co-creation. For Phase 2, USAID will convene a co-creation event with USAID, the Applicant and other stakeholders.

●      If the Co-creation is successful, the Apparently Successful Applicant (ASA) will be invited to Phase 3 and requested to submit a Full Application. The ASA will develop and submit a Final Application, including a cost application, for final consideration. The Final Application will then be evaluated for determination of the award.

Details regarding the requirements for Phase 1 are described in this document. The requirements for Phases 2 and 3 will be provided to the ASA at the completion of Phase 1. Additional details regarding the concept paper evaluation are provided in Section D - Concept Paper Submission Information.

To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO. This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, and may be amended. Potential applicants should regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this notice of funding opportunity. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the entire NOFO has been received from the internet in its entirety and USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifiers and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process, if not registered.

Please send any questions to the point(s) of contact identified in Section D. The deadline for questions is shown above. Responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential applicants through an amendment to this notice posted on www.grants.gov. Eligible parties interested in submitting a concept paper are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, concept paper submission requirements, and selection process.

Issuance of this notice of funding opportunity does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or a concept paper. Concept papers are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.