Ethiopia Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)

Background
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is soliciting applications for a cooperative agreement to implement the Ethiopia Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM). The overall goal of this activity is to rapidly respond to urgent humanitarian needs across Ethiopia for vulnerable and shock-affected populations, preserving human dignity and saving lives. This initiative aims to establish an effective RRM, meet urgent humanitarian needs through community engagement, and improve the adaptive and absorptive capacities of communities.

The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Ethiopia indicates a record number of over 20 million individuals requiring humanitarian assistance due to climate change, conflict, and disease outbreaks.

Grant Details
USAID intends to award one cooperative agreement with a total funding of $90 million over a three-year period. The RRM will focus on several key areas: Nutrition, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter and Settlements, Protection, and Multi-purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA).

Specific tasks include:
1. Establishing an effective RRM that ensures timely assistance;
2. Meeting urgent humanitarian needs through community engagement;
3. Improving coordination among humanitarian actors;
4. Enhancing responsiveness to shocks;
5. Ensuring oversight and engagement with implementing partners;
6. Providing multisectoral support that addresses various urgent needs.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted. USAID will not accept applications from individuals, parastatal organizations, or U.S. Government departments and agencies. Organizations may be proposed as sub-awardees under multiple applications. Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply on the same basis as any other organization.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance is three years, with an estimated start date around March 2025.

Grant Value
$90 million in total USAID funding over a three-year period.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed across various locations in Ethiopia affected by humanitarian crises.