The Innovation Fund for Improving Food Security in Ethiopia (IFSE)

Issuance Date: August 1, 2014 Deadline for Receipt of Questions: August 15, 2014, 16:00 hours Addis Ababa time Closing Date for Submissions of September 15, 2014 First Round of Concept Papers: 16:00 hours Addis Ababa time Closing Date for Annual Program Statement: July 31, 2015 16:00 hours Addis Ababa time Subject: Annual Program Statement (APS) Number: 663-14-000003 The Innovation Fund for Improving Food Security in Ethiopia (IFSE) Ladies and Gentlemen: USAID would like to partner with the private sector, education and research institutions (and organizations working with them) towards improving food security in Ethiopia. This initiative will be used to identify and test innovations that produce cost effective and scalable solutions to addressing the problems Ethiopian households face with regards to food insecurity. The overall objective of this effort is to find ways to accelerate and reduce food insecurity and malnutrition across Ethiopia. For the purpose of this APS, the term Grant is synonymous with Cooperative Agreement ; Grantee is synonymous with Recipient ; and Grant Officer is synonymous with Agreement Office . This APS is authorized in accordance with Foreign Assistance Act of 1961as amended. This APS is USAID/Ethiopia s invitation to the private sector1 and research institutions, both internationally as well as locally, to work together towards finding solutions that improve the lives of chronically food insecure people. Any private sector or research institutions that are interested in collaborating with USAID in this area should read this APS in its entirety and submit a concept note to USAID/Ethiopia. Such nontraditional partners2 should also make contact with persons indicated at USAID/Ethiopia to discuss any questions they may have with regards to this APS or on how to partner with USAID. This APS is also USAID s invitation to other types of organizations, to engage and partner with private sector stakeholders in addressing innovative solutions to the problems of food insecurity in Ethiopia. USAID encourages such organizations to reach out to the privet sector (as defined in this APS) and explore ways to collaborate before applying to this fund. In line with USAID s global development model, by inviting the private sector to identify ways we can work together, and by encouraging other organizations to work with the private sector to do the same, the Agency seeks to foster a diverse array of results-focused, high impact alliances across a variety of development problems. This Annual Program Statement is not a Request for Applications (RFA) or a Request for Proposals (RFP). This APS requests Concept Paper which outlines the innovation ideas and proposed collaboration. Based on those Concept Papers, USAID will determine whether to request a full application from an appropriate partner to further develop the proposed collaboration. There is a two-stage application process consisting of the submission of an initial concept paper and then, upon invitation by USAID/Ethiopia, the submission of a full application. The evaluation of the concept papers will be made after receipt of the first round of concept papers by September 15, 2014. USAID/Ethiopia will accept second round of concept papers if all those submitted at the first round are not acceptable. Any clarification questions concerning this APS should be submitted in writing to caddis@usaid.gov with a copy to Ms. Hiwot Seyoum at hseyoum@usaid.gov and Ms. Tsegereda Gebremedhin at tgebremedhin@usaid.gov by the date listed above (August 15, 2014 16:00 hours Addis Ababa time). If it is determined that the answer to any questions(s) is of importance all prospective recipients will be notified via amendment to the APS. It is the responsibility of the applicants to check the website regularly for any updates. If there are problems in downloading the APS from the Internet, please contact the Grants.gov help desk at 1.800.518.4726 or support@grants.gov for technical assistance. For the purposes of this APS, the term "Grant" is synonymous with "Cooperative Agreement"; "Grantee" is synonymous with "Recipient"; and "Grant Officer" is synonymous with "Agreement Officer". Applicants under consideration for an award that have never received funding from USAID will be subject to a pre-award audit to determine fiscal responsibility, ensure adequacy of financial controls and establish an indirect cost rate. USAID will accept Concept Papers on a rolling basis over a one year period and will make decisions on a biannual basis based on the concept papers received. Award will be made to responsible applicants whose applications best meets the requirements of this APS and the criteria contained herein. Issuance of this APS does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the United States Government, nor does it commit the United States Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Subject to the availability of funds, the anticipated total federal funding amount USAID intends to set aside is approximately $2,000,000 over a three year period. The period of performance for awards made as a result of this APS is a minimum of two and maximum of three years. USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Sincerely, Anthony E. Amerson Director (Acting), Office of Acquisition and Assistance