Request for Applications for Grants Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector

Transcription

1 Request for Applications for Grants Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Basic data Reference Code: RFA Title: Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Launch Date: Clarification requests deadline: Application Submission deadline: Application evaluation process: From to USAID/Sweden Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (the Activity), a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Sweden-funded project, is seeking applications from qualified, legally registered BiH non-profit, for-profit, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for a grant award to implement activities to Improve the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector in Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH). The applications must be received no later than June 5, Applicants must meet the requirements of eligibility for this Request for Applications (RFA). This RFA solicits grant applications to support improvements in quality standards and productivity, sustainable economic growth, employment expansion, increased sales and exports, increased household incomes in BiH. The Project invites eligible organizations to submit applications Information sessions for this RFA will be organized as follows: Date Time Location :00 Tuzla :00 Banjaluka :00 Bihać :00 Sarajevo :00 Trebinje :00 Mostar Any change of the times/locations and address details will be communicated via the project website, and directly via to registered participants. If interested to participate, please RSVP no later than 11:00 AM on May 5, 2017 via at grants@farmabih.ba. Attendance at one of these session is strongly recommended. Grants will be awarded and implemented in accordance with U.S. government regulations governing grants under contracts and the FARMA II internal grant management policies.

2 Successful Applicants will be responsible for ensuring achievement of specified grant objectives. Please refer to Section 1 Funding Opportunity Description for a complete statement of goals and expected results. This RFA consists of the following sections: 1. Section 1 Funding Opportunity Description 2. Section 2 Award Information 3. Section 3 Eligibility Information 4. Section 4 Application and Submission Information 5. Section 5 Application Review Information 6. Section 6 Award and Administration Information 7. Section 7 Authority/Governing Regulations 8. Section 8 Annexes Pursuant to 2 CFR 200 Subpart E and 2 CFR , it is USAID policy not to award profit under assistance instruments. However, all reasonable and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the grant activity and are in accordance with applicable cost standards 2 CFR 200 Subpart E for non-profit organizations and educational institutions, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 for for-profit organizations), may be paid under the Award. FARMA II reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Activity, nor does it commit the Activity to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Further, the Activity reserves the right to reject any or all applications received if such action is considered to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government. Applications are submitted at the risk of the Applicant. Should circumstances prevent making an award, all preparation and submission costs are at the Applicant s expense. Applicants should submit any questions concerning this RFA in writing via at grants@farmabih.ba. The deadline for receipt of requests for clarifications / explanations is April 28, No questions will be accepted after this date. Applicants should submit applications in writing to one of following addresses: USAID/Sweden FARMA II Sarajevo Fra Anđela Zvizdovića 1B/18 USAID/Sweden FARMA II Banjaluka Prvog Krajiškog korpusa bb USAID/Sweden FARMA II Tuzla, Maršala Tita 34A/III In addition to printed applications, applicants should submit applications electronically, via at grants@farmabih.ba. The Closing Date for Submission of Applications is June 5, 2017 and the Closing Time for Submission of Applications is 04:00 PM local BiH Time. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 2

3 Section 1 Funding Opportunity Description Background: The USAID/Sweden Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (FARMA II) in BiH is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Sweden. The purpose of FARMA II is to create agricultural and agribusiness opportunities by assisting producer organizations to adopt EU and international standards to produce new products and expand market access and to assist BiH to implement food and agricultural regulations that meet international requirements. The project supports agricultural and agribusiness economic opportunities for BiH citizens by assisting agricultural producer organizations in adopting the European Union (EU) and international food standards and new production techniques, producing new high value products, and expanding market access. USAID/Sweden FARMA II s methodology of working with private and public sector stakeholders to identify market failures ensures that the project team remains focused on addressing the root problems inhibiting competitiveness. Program Description: I. Background on the specific grant activity Beekeeping in BiH current represents only 1% of the total agricultural production 1. There are between 6,500 to 9,800 beekeepers, who manage approximately 393,000 colonies of honey bees, producing 4,926 tons of high quality honey annually 2. They derive income from their bees in a variety of ways. Some move their colonies several times during the season to produce a variety of honey. Some beekeepers have apiaries in good honey-producing locations and make honey without moving their bees. A small number of beekeepers move their colonies to pollinate various fruit crops for a fee (apples, peaches, blueberries, etc.). Other beekeepers sell equipment, nucleus colonies, and/ or package bees or rear and sell queens as a source of income. However, the majority of individuals keeping bees in BiH maintain a small number of hives as a hobby and/or the production of honey for home use and pollination of home gardens and orchards. BiH imports approximately 210 tons of honey (in 2016) 3 valued at approximately 1.4 million BAM. Most of the honey produced in BiH is sold locally, with very few sporadic cases of export of insignificant values and quantities (6.8 tons of honey exported in 2015 valued at approximately 131,000 BAM). During 2016 there was no record of export of BiH honey to the EU, while exports to the Middle East were 2.3 tons, valued at 72,186 BAM. Apart from insufficient quantity, low competitiveness resulting in high export prices is another limiting factor that prevents beekeepers to export. Beekeeping is considered a low-investment and low-input business that directly generates economic benefits for rural and sub-urban population. Considering the abundance of bee pastures, coupled with high levels of unmet market demand and high unemployment rates, beekeeping could provide a significant employment opportunity, especially for younger people and vulnerable 1 BiH Agency for Statistics 2 BiH Agency for Statistics Foreign Trade Chamber Data for 2016 RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 3

4 groups. Historically, the beekeeping sector has had a slow rate of growth as it tends to be considered as a supplementary source of income. There are currently no public incentive policies or other services in place that would promote the growth of professional beekeeping. Limited government supervision, combined with this hobbyist mindset has led to the creation of many forms of spontaneous organization at the local level, in particular small associations which are trying to advocate for changes and modernization of the beekeeping sector in BiH. But they lack scale and organization and in consequence, the value chain remains fragmented, with relatively weak links between producers and the government and between producers, buyers and access to new markets. The beekeeping sector in BiH is characterized by low productivity and very limited value-added activities which means that the sector is only partially capitalizing on existing market opportunities both on the domestic market and internationally. Low productivity is mainly the result of the predominance of traditional beekeeping practices. Limited access to capital for the modernization of beekeeping practices constitutes a major reason for the low adoption of more advanced techniques. Limited value added activities is mainly due to the fact that most beekeepers prefer to sell honey, because it sells quickly and offers immediate cash. Hence, sales points are fragmented and difficult to access for buyers, the quality of bee products is sometimes inconsistent and reliable market information is lacking. The professionalization rate in beekeeping sector is generally low all over the Europe and the situation is similar in BiH. According to the EU definition, professional beekeepers manage 150 hives or more. There is no information about the percentage of professional beekeepers in BiH, although the estimate is that the situation is similar to one in the EU where, of the total number of beekeepers, only 5% are professional beekeepers. BiH does have an active beekeeping industry, however, there are few major players who live exclusively from beekeeping, managing 100 or more beehives (some even up to 700). The majority are amateur beekeepers, over 55 years of age, who keep beehives as an additional hobbyist activity and/or income generating source. The BiH beekeeping sector needs to be encouraged to promote a new and more professional dynamism, expand production and increase the level of technical competency of new professional beekeepers and attract young people who are willing to enter into the beekeeping sector as a potentially lucrative business in order to accelerate its growth. Beekeeping is usually seen as a business of old men and this needs to be changed. The attractiveness of beekeeping for younger people may increase due to two factors: (1) if it is increasingly understood as a profitable business and (2) the promotion of more modern production techniques that can create a more positive and attractive image of beekeeping as an alternative agri-business opportunity. II. Objectives of this RFA The main objectives of this RFA are as follows: To improve the competitiveness of the BiH beekeeping sector through the promotion of improved agricultural and environmental practices, enhanced productivity and value-chain cohesiveness, effectiveness and efficiency; RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 4

5 To promote the expansion of BiH professional and commercially-oriented beekeeping which will focus upon the attraction and support of younger people to develop beekeeping as a new business opportunity; To promote increased innovation and diversification in the production of honey and other high value beekeeping products; To promote increased trade in BiH honey and honey-based products in domestic, regional and international markets. III. Expected results It is expected that the following results will be achieved through the support provided by this RFA: Expansion in the number of professional, commercially-oriented beekeepers active in BiH; New start-up opportunities created in the beekeeping sector for young people from rural and sub-urban areas of BiH. Increased knowledge and use of modern production methods and application of new, innovative technologies in beekeeping. Increased volume and range of products, sales and traded volumes of honey and honey-based products IV. Illustrative activities Illustrative activities that may be supported through this RFA include the following (NOTE: examples only list is not intended to be exhaustive and is included for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to submit any proposals for which initiative can be justified that will contribute to the defined objectives and results of this RFA): Apprenticeship schemes and/or mentoring programs in partnership with other producer organizations, local government and/or advisory services targeted at year-olds that will aim to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and opportunity to make a successful career in the beekeeping industry. This may include support for targeted training, provision of start-up packages linked to existing supply chains (beehives, swarms, tools, etc.) and other support services, as deemed appropriate. Ideally, the applicant will ensure a buy up of honey and/or other products. Wherever possible, young beekeepers will be supported in registering as self-employed; Initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, overall volumes and/or value of production of honey and other beekeeping products;; Increase in sales and export potential of honey processors by supporting them to introduce food safety standards, improve packaging, branding and marketing of their produce; Initiatives which promote innovation in Beekeeping and value-added production such as the application of modern, ICT solutions to assist primary producers and others in the value chain; Activities that enhance the image and presentation of BiH honey and honey products in international markets, trade fairs and/or B2B missions; Application of new innovative solutions in new products development; Increasing awareness and demonstrating the benefits of pollination for both beekeepers and fruit and vegetable growers; RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 5

6 Strengthening of advisory services to improve their capacities to enable them to provide quality technical assistance for beekeepers and honey processors to ensure maximum yields and quality of products; Implementation of international standards including organic and halal for beekeepers and honey processors. In addition, FARMA II encourages applicants to consider and address in the application necessary measures that proposes mitigation against environment and climate related risks, as well as to pay attention to gender aspects and that a higher number of total direct and indirect beneficiaries are women, where possible. V. Performance Monitoring Plan To track achievements of these grant awards, FARMA II will measure progress in the following areas: total number of jobs created in assisted producer organizations in the beekeeping value chain; annual percent change in sales and exports; number of farmers and POs who have applied new technologies and/or improved management practices as a result of this grant award. It is expected that applicants will include the same set of indicators in their project to measure achievements that will be result from this grant award. The participation of woman in the proposed activities is strongly encouraged and will be evaluated and tracked separately. Section 2 Award Information Subject to the availability of funds, FARMA II intends to provide grant funds to support Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector in BiH. It is expected that grants will be allocated over a one-year period. The anticipated period of performance of the grant is expected to be August 2017 August FARMA II anticipates awarding standard grants under this RFA. FARMA II grants shall not exceed 50,000 $ for a single award for profit and non-profit organizations, while for crafts it will not exceed 6,000 $. This amount has been determined based upon the estimated financial potential of the prospective craft organizations in FBiH and equivalent registration types in the RS (samostalni preduzetnik) and Brcko District to cost share in financing of the proposed activity 4. Section 3 Eligibility Information Eligible organizations shall be able to comply with and achieve the proposed Program Description, Tasks, and Results and have a satisfactory performance record and record of integrity and business ethics. Organizations that are legally registered in Bosnia & Herzegovina; Non-profit organizations (NGOs) and associations; 4 Craft organizations in FBiH and equivalent registration type in the RS samostalni preduzetnik and Brcko District that has more than 50,000 BAM of annual turnover falls under this category. Organizations that are obliged to submit SPR 1053 form to the tax office RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 6

7 Commercial and/or for-profit organizations that understand that actions which are exclusively focused upon initiatives that aim to generate profit or fees will not be allowed under the grant agreement; Any legal entity which is registered either as a company or, as a minimum, as an agricultural crafts organization (in FBiH) or equivalent type of registration in the RS (samostalni preduzetnik) and Brcko District. 5 Public educational entities (universities, vocational schools) may be eligible for grants. Grants to educational entities will be used to provide in-kind assistance only. Under any grants awarded to public educational entities, FARMA II will conduct all procurement on behalf of the grantee and transfer the equipment as an in-kind donation. Public institutions eligible include agricultural secondary schools and university faculties. Eligible organizations must also adhere to the following requirements: Demonstrate an ability to contribute to the objectives of the USAID/Sweden FARMA II project and perform the activities proposed in accordance with USAID policies and practices; Display sound financial, administrative, and technical management in the form of a system of controls that safeguards assets, protects against fraud and waste, and supports the achievement of the award s objectives; Have a current and active bank account, or commit to open and responsibly manage one as a condition of award; Provide goods/services within normal business operations; Operate in a competitive environment and verify the fair market value of goods or services; Representatives of the organization must sign all mandatory certifications. Prior to the award of any grant under this RFA, successful Applicants will be required to sign a Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing, certifying that the Applicant s organization does not provide and has never provided assistance to terrorists for terrorist activities. Successful Applicants may also be required to sign other Certifications as applicable to the award. The Certifications are attached as Annex A of this RFA. Ineligible organizations include: Entities that have misused USAID or the Government of Sweden funds in the past; Organizations that advocate, promote or espouse anti-democratic policies or illegal activities; Political parties or institutions; Organizations that intend to use the grant for religious objectives; 5 Craft organizations in FBiH and equivalent registration type in the RS samostalni preduzetnik and Brcko District that has more than 50,000 BAM of annual turnover falls under this category. Organizations that are obliged to submit SPR 1053 form to the tax office RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 7

8 Public International Organizations; Government organizations and institutions; Individual beekeepers that are not registered as an legal entity are not eligible to apply Ineligible Expenses: FARMA grant funds may not be utilized for the following: Exclusively for profit making activities where no other benefits will accrue from the grant Military equipment Surveillance equipment Commodities and services for support of police and other law enforcement activities Abortion equipment and services Luxury goods and gambling equipment Weather modification equipment Private ceremonies, parties, celebrations, or "representation" expenses (entertainment costs) Purchases of restricted goods, such as certain agricultural commodities, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, contraceptive products, pesticides, used equipment and fertilizers without USAID s Contracting Officer advance approval. Purchases of goods or services from countries or suppliers as may be identified by USAID's consolidated list of debarred, suspended, or ineligible subcontractors, System for Award Management (SAM) at / or the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC)at Prior obligations of and/or, debts, fines, and penalties imposed on the Grantee. Alcoholic beverages Purchases or activities unnecessary to accomplish grant purposes as determined by the USAID/Sweden FARMA II Project. Second hand equipment Section 4 Application and Submission Information Applicants should submit written applications to one of USAID/Sweden FARMA II offices, and electronically via at grants@farmabih.ba. The Closing Date for Submission of Applications is June 5, 2017 and the Closing Time for Submission of Applications is 04:00 PM Local BiH Time. Late applications will not be considered. For each proposed activity, the applicant will also propose target indicators from the following areas: Increased sales and/or exports and potential for income generation; Increased access to international and/or domestic markets; Increased number of on-farm-employment and /or direct and seasonal employees as a result of activity implementation; Increased number of youth and women participating in this program; Introduction of new products and/or implementation of the new production technology; RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 8

9 Introduction of quality and trade standards, international food safety standards and/or management practices or systems; Implementation of measures to mitigate against risks associated with climate change. For the project to be funded by USAID/Sweden FARMA II it should include the following elements, as relevant: Readiness to introduce new production technologies and to demonstrate its advantages (if any) to selected value chain participants; Readiness to provide assistance to young beekeepers and/or women (for example, in the form of training) to increase the production of target produce. This activity will contribute to mitigation of market distortion. Openness to show others in the industry new practices that have been implemented as a result of the project. This activity will contribute to mitigation of market distortion. All applications in response to this RFA shall consist of a technical proposal and a budget proposal. The technical proposal must be no longer than 25 pages in length. The applicant is expected to demonstrate the following in the application: a) Consistency with RFA and FARMA II project objectives: The proposed activities are consistent with and will contribute to achieving the objectives stated in the RFA and of FARMA II. The proposed indicators are objectively measurable, clear and relevant and the methodology for measuring results of the project are appropriate and efficient. b) Feasibility of design: The proposed methodology reflects an understanding of the RFA description and scope. The designed interventions are appropriate and the results/milestones are concrete and achievable. The implementation plan includes tasks/activities that are clearly described and organized in a sequential and logical order; the proposed timelines allow for the maximization of resources and time, and are clearly assigned to personnel c) Market Distortion: The proposed activity clearly defines how any potential market distortion caused by the award of the grant will be mitigated by the applicant. The applicant is required to demonstrate their readiness to mitigate any potential market distortion which may occur due to the financial assistance provided to the business which may give the business a competitive advantage over similar businesses within the value chain. This should include (but is not limited to) proposed actions to be undertaken that will ensure that the actual cost of the investment result in greater increased direct and indirect value and benefits both for the organization and other beneficiary groups and/or the wider agricultural or rural community within which the investments will take place e.g. such as any linked community social infrastructure, training or similar public goods (i.e. socio-economic, non-commercial benefits). d) Sustainability/financial self-reliance: Proposals will be evaluated regarding the extent to which the funded activity will result in building and strengthening the capacity of the local organizations, and whether the activity itself is sustainable or will stimulate the economic RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 9

10 sustainability of the organization. The required cost share is minimum 50% of the total investment costs. The proposed cost share elements are relevant to the objectives of the program and demonstrate the organization s commitment in investing resources in the program. The application includes a logical and feasible proposal describing how the cost share commitments will be met. If program income is expected, then the proposals for collecting program income should be efficient and realistic. e) Gender Equality: Proposals will be evaluated regarding the extent to which the funded activity will result in improving gender equality. In line with USAID s Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy and the Swedish Government s Policy for Gender Equality and the Rights and Role of Women in Sweden s International Development Cooperation, FARMA II small grants will support opportunities to empower, motivate and activate men and women to mitigate against any gender inequalities. f) Environmental considerations: Applicants will comply with USAID environmental requirements in accordance with CFR 216, namely the FARMA II approved Initial Environmental Examination and the FARMA II approved Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and the Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP). Specifically, this must comply with the following: 1. FARMA II Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA), Section (b), where all TA must promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP s), 2. All pest management advices must comply with FARMA s II approved Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP). Only pesticides approved in the PERSUAP may be used and recommended during training events, including any written material prepared by the implementer. It is USAID policy that all pest management advices must follow the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 3. The approved pesticide list, in addition to the full PERSUAP, will be provided to the selected implementer prior to the signing of the contract and shall be fully complied with. g) Desired Results: Grants will be awarded for activities that will have the greatest contribution to increased competitiveness of the beekeeping sector through implementation of new technologies, Good Agricultural Practices, increased sales and exports, increased on-farm and direct employment, climate change adaptation and risk reduction and promote environmental best practices. Grant applications will specify activity outputs and explain how and to what degree they are expected to generate all defined results. Application Process All interested parties can apply for possible support from USAID/Sweden FARMA II s Grant Fund for above mentioned activities. In addition to the above project specific criteria, all applicants must meet the following conditions: 1. Maximum amount requested from USAID/Sweden FARMA II should not exceed 50,000 $ (for profit organizations), while for agricultural crafts organization (and the RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 10

11 equivalent registration type in the RS samostalni preduzetnik and Brcko District) the maximum amount should not exceed 6,000 $ 6 2. USAID/Sweden FARMA II participation should be 50% or less of the cost of the entire project. 3. Used equipment CANNOT be financed. 4. Construction and real estate purchase cannot be financed 5. The applicant must submit balance sheets and income statements (or other relevant financial data) for the last 1 year, with evidence of successful business operation. Agricultural crafts organizations and the equivalent registration type in the RS (samostalni preduzetnik) and Brcko District must submit financial report and/or any other record on their business performance, as a proof of a successful business operation. 6. USAID/Sweden FARMA II funds will be reimbursed to the applicant only after the purchase and installation of equipment and after the submission of all required documentation such as invoices, receipts etc. 7. For the fixed amount awards USAID/Sweden FARMA II funds will be reimbursed only after specific deliverable/milestone has been achieved. The budget proposal shall be submitted as a separate file from the technical proposal. The required format for applications is included as Annex B - Full Application Format and Budget Format. Section 5 Application Review Information Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth below. The criteria have been tailored to the requirements of this RFA. Applications should note that these criteria serve to: (a) identify the significant matters which Applicants should address in their applications; and (b) set the standard against which all applications will be evaluated. To the extent necessary, the Activity may request clarification and supplemental materials from Applicants whose applications have a reasonable chance of being selected for Award. The entry into discussion is to be viewed as part of the evaluation process and shall not be deemed as indicative of a decision or commitment upon the part of the Project to make an award to the Applicants with whom discussions are being held. The following evaluation criteria will be used in this RFA will: 1. Consistency with FARMA II objectives, results and performance indicators: This should ensure a particular focus upon increases in sales, exports, employment (particularly of young people and women) and investment attraction. 2. Complies with beekeeping sector-specific technical criteria 3. Results to be achieved: Are the results to be achieved linked to the grant objective and how these will be measured and reported 6 Craft organizations in FBiH and equivalent registration type in the RS samostalni preduzetnik and Brcko District that has more than 50,000 BAM of annual turnover falls under this category RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 11

12 4. Compatibility with EU accession requirements. 5. Compatibility with Section 613 of the US FY 08 Appropriations Act: FARMA II aims to increase exports in targeted agriculture and food sub-sectors and facilitate partnerships with existing and new foreign investors, it is not expected that investments and export promotion assistance under FARMA II will adversely impact US companies or jobs since the majority of BiH agricultural and food exporters and investors are regional and EU-based, a negligible share of their products are exported to the US, and no US jobs loss is anticipated as a result of FARMA activities. 6. Feasibility of design and approach: the quality and feasibility of the application in terms of the appropriateness of the proposed technology and innovativeness; proposed mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation with objectively measurable indicators will also be appraised. 7. Management and programmatic capacity: evidence of the capability to undertake and accomplish the proposed activities. The appraisal will be based on the background, qualifications, reputation, appropriateness and skills of its key personnel. 8. Potential for scaling up/replication 9. Potential for mitigation of possible market distortion: evidence of the applicant s capability to offer practical solutions that ensure the added value achieved by the activity is higher than the actual cost of the activity/investment. Provides reasonable explanation on how the benefit received from the project contributes to the broader agriculture and rural community. 10. Budget: the degree to which budgeting is clear and reasonable and reflects best use of organizational and grant resources; Provides reasonable cost share consistent with the nature of the proposed activity and the applicant s ability to contribute and leverage funds to the greatest extent possible; All members of the TEC committee will review the budget in detail making sure that the proposed costs make technical sense, are directly linked to an activity, and are reasonable and necessary costs. 11. Gender and youth awareness: the extent to which the funded activity includes a gender and youth component or represents a strong commitment to women and youth as beneficiaries. 12. Environmental Compliance: addressing climate change adaptation and risk reduction strategies into appropriate activities and promotion environmental best practices The selection of the Applicant for award will be made by the Activity s Grant Selection Committee (GSC). Prior to the award of any resultant grant agreement, the Project must obtain prior approval from USAID. Section 6 Award and Administration Information Successful applicant(s) will receive written notice from the DCOP/Grants Manager informing the applicant(s) that FARMA II either intends to award a grant to the applicant without negotiation, or that FARMA II intends to engage the applicant(s) in further negotiations with respect to a potential grant award. Negotiations conducted after the receipt of an application do not constitute an obligation on the part of the Project to award a grant. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing by the DCOP/Grants Manager. RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 12

13 Any resultant award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Prime Contract for the USAID/Sweden Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (FARMA II), 2 CFR 200 Standard Provisions for Non-U.S. Non-governmental Recipients. Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of FARMA II or the U.S. Government. Nor does it commit FARMA II or the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Funding All grants will be negotiated, denominated and funded in Bosnian Marks (BAM). Payments will either be made on a reimbursement basis in tranches corresponding to achievement of agreed upon milestones or directly to vendor s account after the completion of services or upon delivery of equipment. The decision will be made by USAID/Sweden FARMA II as part of an eventual analysis of the Applicant s organizational capability to manage grant funds. All costs funded by the grant must be allowable, allocable and reasonable. A cost-sharing element from the applicant and/or an approved third party must be contributed to the grant activity. Grant applications must be supported by a detailed and realistic budget as described in Annex B. Section 7 Authority/Governing Regulations USAID/Sweden FARMA II grants to non-u.s. organizations adhere to guidance provided under USAID s Automated Directive System (ADS), Section , Grants Under Contracts, ADS Chapter 303, Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental Organizations, and within the terms of the USAID Standard Provisions applicable to Non-U.S. Non-Governmental Recipients. These provisions can also be accessed through the USAID external website at ADS 303 references three additional regulatory documents: A. 22 CFR 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations B. OMB Circular A-122: Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations C. FAR 31.2 Cost principles for Commercial Organizations D. OMB Circular A-133: Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations Full text of these circulars can be found at USAID/Sweden FARMA II is required to ensure that all organizations receiving USAID grant funds comply with the guidance found in these circulars, as applicable to the respective terms and conditions of their grant awards. Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of USAID/Sweden FARMA II, nor does it commit USAID/Sweden FARMA II to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Further, USAID/Sweden FARMA II reserves the right to reject any or all applications received. All application preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense and risk. Awards are subject to availability of funds. Section 8: Annexes Annex A: Certifications Annex B: Full Application Format (includes the budget) Annex C: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants Annex D: Environmental Self-Screening Form RFA Improving the Competitiveness of the Beekeeping Sector Page 13