Guidelines for Submitting Unsolicited Concept Papers
and Proposals
Unsolicited Concept Paper Requirements:
To be considered, a concept paper shall be no more than five pages and must contain the following minimum information: 1) cover letter that contains the principal contact information, signature, type of organization, and submission date; 2) program description including title and outline of program objectives, concept paper's objective, proposed activities, countries, duration of proposed work, and how the anticipated results support the accomplishments of USAID global, regional or country specific objectives; and 3) estimated budget (including host country counterpart as appropriate) and required matching of 25%. We suggest that you use the criteria (see below) for full proposals, in developing your concept paper.
Unsolicited Proposal Requirements:
To be considered, full proposals shall be no more that 15 pages and must contain minimum institutional, technical and financial information as indicated below:
School
Girls in Africa
|
Institutional: Proposal cover letter contains the authorized CEO or equivalent official's name and signature, the name and contact information of the principal investigator, the type of organization, and proposal submission date. A cover letter must also be submitted (fax copies are acceptable) from the counterpart institution(s) in those instances in which such arrangements are part of the proposal.
Technical: PProgram description includes title and abstract; organization's "capability statement" the proposal's objectives; location of activities; implementation methodology; anticipated measurable results; monitoring, evaluation and sustainability plans; and duration. The proposal must explain how the anticipated results support the accomplishment of USAID global, regional or country-specific objectives and to what extent host country collaborators have participated in the design process. Proposals that are explicit regarding how the proposed program supports USAID's sector and country development strategies will be considered more competitive.
Financial: The proposal explains the planned sources of financial support. A minimum 25% match is required which can be cash or in kind. A letter from the responsible financial officer committing to the match and supporting the proposed budget is required. In instances in which collaboration with a host country partner institution is planned, include any host country and institutional matching contributions - including funding from added partners (private and public firms, NGOS., PVOs, foundations and civil society organizations) designed to promote the sustainability of the partnership.
 |
|
Astro
Dome on College Campus
|
To manage the review of unsolicited proposals in an orderly manner, USAID recommends the following target dates for submitting proposals: October 1st, January 1st, April 1st, July 1st. Please submit full proposals in a Microsoft WORD file and send it to the following e-mail address:
Hliaison@USAID.GOV
Criteria for the Review Process
If the requirements for concept papers or full proposals are complete, then USAID will conduct a review. Concept papers, meeting the minimum requirements stated above, will be reviewed for consideration of full proposal development. Full proposal reviews will consider the following:
- The extent to which the proposal supports USAID's mandate and objectives
- The overall technical merits of the proposal
- The proposed management structure
- A monitoring and evaluation plan
- The proposed financial plan, including the 25% matching requirement and counterpart and other partner contributions, as appropriate
- The requested amount of USAID funding
- The anticipated long-term impact of the project and the nature of the on-going relationship between institutions
- The qualifications, capabilities, and experiences of the organization and personnel
- The nature and proportion of activities to be delivered in the host country(ies)
Upon receipt of concept papers, the review is expected to take 20 calendar days. Upon receipt of full proposals, the review is expected to take up to 45 calendar days due to the USAID's decentralized operations, particularly the overseas missions. If you have any questions or concerns about your concept paper or full proposal, please contact Gary Bittner by phone at 202-712-1556, or by e-mail at Hliaison@USAID.GOV
Back to Top ^
| 
