USAID/Ghana Feed the Future Agricultural Policy Support Project Annual Program Statement (APS) No. APSP-APS-001 Strengthening Mutual Accountability in the Agriculture Policy Process Issuance Date: December 4, 2014 Dear Applicant: The USAID/Ghana Feed the Future (FtF) Agriculture Policy Support Project (APSP), implemented by Chemonics International is seeking concept papers for implementation of activities designed to address key agricultural policy constraints, including research, policy advocacy and capacity building to inform and influence policy formulation and implementation to support the growth of the agriculture sector in Ghana. The grants will be awarded and implemented in accordance with USAID and US Government regulations governing grants under contracts and APSP internal grant management policies. The project will hold a pre-application workshop on Tuesday, December 16 th from 2:00 4:00 pm (location of workshop will be sent with the registration confirmation). This workshop will allow eligible and interested applicants the chance to ask questions about the APS and receive guidance on how to complete the application form. Interested applicants that meet the eligibility requirements defined in Section III below and would like to attend this workshop must confirm their attendance by sending the participants name(s) and the organization s name to APSPgrant@agripolicyghana.org by Wednesday, December 10 th, 2014. Organizations can nominate a maximum number of two representatives to attend the workshop. While the workshop is recommended to all interested applicants, it is not a requirement for submission. APSP and Chemonics employees may not ask for, and applicants are prohibited from offering, any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, thing of value, or compensation to obtain or reward improper favorable treatment regarding this solicitation. Any improper request from a project employee should be reported to Project s Chief of Party or BusinessConduct@chemonics.com. The following Annexes are included with this APS: - Annex A Grant Concept Paper Application Template - Annex B Required Certifications SECTION I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION I-A. OBJECTIVE The objectives of the APSP APS is to award grants to eligible organizations to enhance agriculture and food security policy development by: a. Contributing to the development of rigorous policy analysis and research for evidence-based policy-making; and b. Enhancing the capacity of private stakeholders (FBOs, CSO, agribusiness associations, other nonstate Actors, media associations) to amplify their voice in the public policy process through institutional strengthening and policy advocacy initiatives.
As with the overall objectives of the APSP, the grants to be awarded to eligible organization will ultimately contribute to strengthening mutual accountability in the implementation of agriculture policy in Ghana. I-B. BACKGROUND The Ghana Feed the Future (FtF) Agriculture Policy Support Project (APSP) is a five-year project financed by USAID and implemented by Chemonics International. The goal of the project is to improve the food security-enabling environment for private sector investment in support of USAID/Ghana s Feed the Future objectives. The project s purpose is to increase the capacity of the Government of Ghana (GOG), the private sector, and Civil Society Organizations to implement evidence-based policy formation, implementation, research, and advocacy and perform rigorous monitoring and evaluation of agricultural programs implemented under the Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan (METASIP). By supporting the policy agenda of the GOG in general and that of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in particular, the APSP aims to improve policies to support agricultural sector growth and improve execution of public sector investment policies. These will be accomplished through the project s three components: 1. Policy Formulation and Implementation to improve the policy process of evidence-based decision-making related to food security. 2. Policy Research to increase the availability of rigorous policy analysis for evidence-based policymaking which will contribute to the first component. 3. Policy Advocacy to clarify and amplify the voice of the private sector (include civil society, private associations, and media) in the public policy process. I-C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION APSP is inviting applicants to submit grant concept papers for the following activities: i. Seminars or Workshops: These are anticipated to be one-time activities aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge on agriculture policy topics of private stakeholders to increase and improve their presence and inputs into the food-security and agricultural policy reform process. Illustrative initiatives to be supported may include: a. Technical discussions or workshops on particular agriculture policy topics, including dissemination of research studies, sector reports, data analysis, market information, technological innovation, gender and nutrition concerns, etc. b. National, regional or district-level meetings or publication of communication or informational materials to inform constituencies on topical agricultural issues; or c. Technical events to train members on the aforementioned topics, including policy and sector analysis. ii. Development of special studies or research papers: These are anticipated to enhance the capacity and information base of private stakeholders to engage in agriculture policy discussions with the GOG, by providing them with technical and empirical evidence for advancing policy proposals. Illustrative initiatives to be supported may include:
a. Development of special studies, such as policy briefs, technical assessments, economic analysis, reports on international experiences related to improving the food security enabling environment; b. Development of other research papers that will support the demand for policy reform; or c. Development of institutional strengthening programs, underscoring supply of services to enhance membership and financial sustainability. iii. Institutional/corporate meetings: These are anticipated to enhance communication and feedback from constituencies, to expand the organization s social base and membership. Illustrative initiatives to be supported may include: a. Annual general meetings; b. Other meetings to report on advocacy and on policy issues and receive feedback from members, aimed at enhancing mapping out and clarifying the advocacy agenda and strategies; c. Membership strengthening and identification of member s needs for institutional services; or d. Attendance in particular events that will enhance the knowledge and technical skills of the organization s members on agriculture policy or other rural development concerns. iv. Advocacy initiatives: These are aimed at clarifying and amplifying the voice of the private sector in the public policy process. Illustrative initiatives to be supported may include: a. Design, development, distribution and/or dissemination of institutional communication materials on agriculture policy topics, including policy position papers, press release / statements, institutional/corporate reports, institutional events; b. Design, development and distribution of institutional/corporate promotional materials; or c. Other media advocacy initiatives such as awareness-raising public campaigns on enhancing the role of women in agriculture and improvement of nutrition, sector productivity and competitiveness, agriculture policy implementation at the decentralized levels of government, youth in agriculture, trade enhancement, implementation of ECOWAS regulations related to agriculture policy and other outreach activities to highlight key issues such as food security, poverty alleviation, technological innovation, sustainable agriculture and public-private accountability in agriculture policy implementation, etc. APSP recognizes that some grantees may need technical assistance to more effectively carry out the activity. Consequently applicants are encouraged to specify their needs for technical assistance and/or training in their application. I-D. AUTHORITY/GOVERNING REGULATIONS The APSP grant awards are made under the authority of the U.S. Foreign Affairs Act and USAID s Automated Directive System (ADS) 302.3.5.6, Grants Under Contracts. Awards made to non-u.s. organizations will adhere to guidance provided under ADS Chapter 303, Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental Organizations and will be within the terms of the USAID Standard Provisions for Non-U.S. Non-Governmental Recipients, as well as the APSP grants procedures. ADS 303 references three additional regulatory documents issued by the U.S. Government s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Agency for International Development: - 22 CFR 226: Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations
- OMB Circular A-122: Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations - OMB Circular A-133: Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations Full text of the OMB circulars can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/. APSP 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. Under the APSP grant program, USAID retains the right at all times to terminate, in whole or in part, APSP s grant-making authorities. SECTION II. AWARD INFORMATION APSP anticipates awarding up to USD $300,000 (in GHS equivalent) for these grant activities, through no more than a total of 30 grant awards. Each grant award may range between the GHS equivalent of USD $3,000 - $20,000. The duration of any grant activity under this solicitation is expected to be no more than three months. Applications/Concept Papers will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis between December 8, 2014 and December 31, 2015.The type of grant (standard, simplified, or fixed obligation) will be determined during the negotiation process based on the type of activity and capabilities of the awardee. SECTION III. ELIGIBILITY III-A. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS Applicants must be an organization legally registered under the laws of the GOG and be in good-standing with the GOG, at either level, be it national, regional or district. Grants may also be awarded to international organizations operating legally in Ghana or in another country. Applicants may include national or international private sector organizations (PSOs), civil society organizations (CSOs, including FBOs, Agribusiness associations, media organizations), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or regional and district-level organizations whose proposed activity responds to the goals and objectives of APSP and contains expected outcomes and results consistent with and linked to the Project s results framework. Applicants may be newly-emerging organizations who are applying for the first time for international cooperation support, or organizations working already with a development partner and/or well-established entities with a history of implementing USAID-funded programs. Illustrative eligible organizations include: Private research organizations Media organizations Farmers organizations Entrepreneurial organizations Chambers of commerce and industry Women s rights advocacy organizations Associations, cooperatives, and/or coalitions Applicants must display sound management in the form of financial, administrative, and technical policies and procedures and present a system of internal controls that safeguard assets; protect against
fraud, waste, and abuse; and support the achievement of program goals and objectives. APSP will assess this capability prior to awarding a grant. Applicants must sign the following required certifications prior to receiving a grant. Certification of Recipient Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing The project will work with the successful grantee to draft a marking and branding plan and applicable environmental assessment documentation which will be annexed to the grant agreement. SECTION IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION IV-A. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS Applicants must propose strategies for the implementation of the program description described above, introducing innovations that are appropriate to their organizational strengths. IV-B. GRANT APPLICATION Instructions and a template to be utilized when developing the concept paper are provided in Annex A. Applicants shall present their technical application and budget in the formats provided and shall follow the instructions and guidelines listed in these annexes. Preference will be given to organizations providing a cost-share contribution (either in-cash or in-kind) for the proposed grant activity. All grant activity costs must be within the normal operating practices of the Applicant and in accordance with its written policies and procedures. For applicants without an audited indirect cost rate, the budget may include direct costs that will be incurred by the Applicant to provide identifiable administrative and management costs that can be directly attributable to supporting the grant objective. The application must be signed by an authorized agent of the Applicant. Applicants that submit grant concept papers that meet or exceed the evaluation criteria will be notified of next steps in the application process. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. IV-C. INELIGIBLE EXPENSES APSP grant funds may not be utilized for the following: Private ceremonies, parties, celebrations, or representation expenses. Purchases of restricted goods, such as certain agricultural commodities, motor vehicles (including motorcycles), pharmaceuticals, contraceptive items, pesticides, used equipment, USG excess property, and fertilizers without previous approval by the USAID Contracting Office (CO) through the Project. If procurement of these restricted goods is necessary, Chemonics may decide to procure items directly and provide them in kind to the grantee after receiving CO approval. Prohibited goods under USAID regulations, including but not limited to military and surveillance equipment, police or law enforcement equipment, abortion equipment and services, weather modification equipment, luxury goods, and gambling equipment. Other costs unallowable under USAID and/or federal regulations, including MO 500-1, such as alcoholic beverages and sitting fees for conferences and workshops. Purchases of goods or services restricted or prohibited under the prevailing USAID source/
nationality regulations per 22 CFR 228 and relevant Standard Provisions; or from countries or suppliers as may be identified by USAID s consolidated list of debarred, suspended, or ineligible subcontractors at www.sam.gov. Any purchases or activities deemed unnecessary to accomplish grant purposes as determined by Chemonics, including any grantee headquarters expenses that are not directly linked to the implementation of the proposed program. Previous obligations and/or bad debts. Fines and/or penalties. Creation of endowments. Indirect costs such as, but not limited to, overhead or indirect fringe (unless the applicant has documented proof of such rates through audits or a USAID-issued Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Indirect costs are never allowed under simplified grants. In general, costs not included in the approved budget may not be allowed unless approved in writing by Chemonics. Construction or infrastructure activities, per ADS 303.3.30, Limitation on Construction under Assistance. Construction is defined in the USAID document entitled USAID Implementation of Construction Activities, available at http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303maw.pdf IV-D. SUBMISSION INFORMATION Concept papers shall be submitted in English and may not be more than 10 pages. Concept papers (including a technical description, estimated budget and supporting documentation) should be submitted either electronically and/or in hard copy to the APSP office at the address below and should reference APSP-APS-001. Applications must be submitted no later than 17:00 local time, on December 31, 2015. Late or unresponsive applications will not be considered. Agriculture Policy Support Program Grants/Subcontracts Department House No. 8, Third Ringway Ringway Estates PMB OS 88, Osu-Accra Email: APSPgrant@agripolicyghana.org In addition to the application forms, applicants should submit the following to APSP: - Copy of valid Ghanaian registration certificate or related GOG documentation - Signed and dated Required Certifications listed under section III.A Please submit all questions concerning this solicitation to the attention of APSP Grants Team, via email to APSPgrant@agripolicyghana.org. APSP will assist applicants in understanding the application process, and can provide coaching in application development at the request of applicants. SECTION V. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA Applications will be evaluated in a two-step evaluation process: The first step is for applicants to submit a concept paper. If the concept paper is accepted, the applicant will be invited to complete and submit a more detailed application.
All concept papers and applications will be reviewed by an internal review panel comprised of APSP technical implementation staff, and recommendations may be vetted by a larger group. Concept papers will be evaluated against the criteria below: Does the organization meet the eligibility requirements? Does the organization s concept paper highlight relevant past performance in this area? Does the proposed activity fit within the APSP objectives described in the APS? Is the request for funding commensurate with the potential impact? Does the organization provide adequate cost-share contribution for the activity proposed? Does the proposed activity address gender and nutrition concerns? Is the product or service sustainable? More specific criteria will be used for evaluating full applications for those whose concept papers which have been selected. For reference, the evaluation criteria include: Evaluation Category Rating (Points) Feasibility of Design & Technical Approach 30 Impact on Target Group 15 Management & Programmatic Capacity 15 Sustainability 10 Cost effectiveness 10 Past Performance 10 Gender sensitivity and nutrition awareness 10 Overall Rating (out of 100 points) 100 These evaluation criteria elements are described more fully below. A. Feasibility of design & Technical Approach. The quality and feasibility of the application in terms of the viability of the proposed technical approach, (i.e., the proposed technical approach can reasonably be expected to produce the intended outcomes), appropriateness of the proposed methodology and, innovativeness to accomplish the activity, and viability to increase the skills and knowledge of the stakeholders on agriculture policy topics and enhance their input into the food-security and agricultural policy reform process. The technical approach must directly contribute to the achievement of the APS Program s expected results and performance under the activity, and must be measurable under one or more of the APSP s indicators for policy analysis, policy reform, advocacy, or public-private dialogue enhancement. Evaluation of approaches may either include approaches proven to be effective or new untried approaches with promise. Proposed mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation with objectively measurable indicators will also be appraised. 30 points B. Impact on target group. The extent to which the proposed activity corresponds to the needs of target group(s) and will directly benefit them. Also, the degree to which it will directly or indirectly stimulate other organizations and resources to replicate, develop, or implement activities supporting the objectives of ECP. 15 points C. Management and Programmatic Capacity. Evidence of the capability to undertake and accomplish the proposed activities and positively strengthen and enhance the capacity for agricultural policy reform. The application should demonstrate the organization s effectiveness in terms of internal structure, technical capacity, and key personnel, in meeting economic development goals. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability. The evaluation will be based principally on the
background, qualifications, reputation, appropriateness and skills of its key personnel; and the track record, reputation, and achievements (including development of self-sufficient, sustainable activities) of the organization. 15 points D. Sustainability/Financial Self-Reliance. The extent to which the funded activity will result in building and strengthening the capacity of the organization or the beneficiaries, and whether the activity itself is sustainable or will promote sustainability of the organization. 10 points E. Cost effectiveness. The degree to which budgeting is clear and reasonable and reflects best use of organizational and grant resources. The level of cost-share provided by the organization (in-cash, in-kind or third-party funding) to support the proposed grant activities. 10 points G. Past Performance. Previous or ongoing experience implementing similar activities. This examines an Applicant s references and experience, which is a critical factor in assessing the capacity of the organization to implement the activity. 10 points F. Gender sensitivity and nutrition awareness. The extent to which the proposed activity includes a gender and nutrition component or represents a strong commitment to women as beneficiaries. 10 points Additionally, APSP will ensure environmental soundness and compliance in design and implementation as required by 22 CFR 216. SECTION VI. AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION All grants will be negotiated, denominated and funded in Ghanaian Cedis (GHS). All costs funded by the grant must be allowable, allocable and reasonable. Grant applications must be supported by a detailed and realistic budget as described in Section IV. Issuance of this APS and assistance with application development do not constitute an award or commitment on the part of APSP nor does it commit APSP to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Further, APSP reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications received. Applicants will be informed in writing of the decision made regarding their application. ANNEXES attached below: Annex A Grant Concept Paper Application Form Annex B Required Certifications Certification of Recipient Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing
Annex A: USAID/Ghana Feed the Future: Agricultural Policy Support Project Grant Concept Paper Template A.1. Purpose The Agricultural Policy Support Program (APSP) Grant Concept Paper Template is designed to gather basic information about the Applicant and grant activity proposed under APSP-APS-001. A.2. Instructions by Section Items 1-2: Organization s name, date organization was founded, and current registration status. Item 3: Item 4: Item 5: Item 6: Item 7: Contact Information Contact name, title, address, telephone, fax, e-mail, etc. The contact person (agent) is responsible for communications between APSP and the Applicant. This applies to all aspects of the grant application, from initial summary through negotiation and award. The agent must have full authority and responsibility to act on behalf of the Applicant. The agent should be someone who will be directly involved with the grant activity and has a proven, established relationship with the Applicant. Briefly describe the organization and its activities This section should introduce the Applicant and its background: how it was formed, its mission or purpose, major accomplishments in the area of the targeted activity, current activities, past related experience, and clients. This section must not exceed 2 pages in length. References List three development agencies, cooperating or partner organizations, or community leaders that can provide references for your organization s ability to successfully carry out the financial, administrative, and technical requirements of the grant activity. Briefly describe your relationship to the reference and the nature and duration of your work together. If the reference is a previous donor organization, list the activity and location of the activity(s) they funded. Be sure to provide complete information, including a point of contact, with telephone and email. Grant activity title The title given to the activity should relate to the grant activity objective. Background Identify the problem that the grant s activities propose to address. This section must not exceed 2 pages in length. Items 8-9: State the grant objective; describe the activities that are proposed to meet this objective, the expected results to be achieved through the grant activities, and how the activities are linked to the grant objective. The grant objective and activities must be linked to APSP objectives as described in the solicitation. This should be the most detailed section but must not exceed 3 pages in length. Item 10: Item 11: Identify beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender if possible, estimated number, location, how the grant activities will reach the intended beneficiaries, and how they will benefit from the grant. Anticipated duration of the activity should be stated with a degree of accuracy of plus or minus two weeks.
Item 12: Item 13: Main task phases of the activity Provide details regarding the subtasks of the activity. Approximate cost of this activity (cash, in-kind, and third-party sources) Applicant must submit a rough estimate of the cost of the proposed activity and sources of funds, specifying how much will come from APSP, the Applicant s contribution, and any third-party contributions. An exact detailed budget is not necessary at this point, only a plausible estimated calculation, which should be realistic and within 15 percent (+/-) of the final approved budget. Note that the budget must be provided in Ghanaian Cedis (GHS). A.3. APSP Grant Concept Paper Form 1. Organization name: USAID/GHANA FEED THE FUTURE AGRICULTURAL POLICY SUPPORT PROJECT GRANT CONCEPT PAPER 2. Date organization was founded and registration status: 3. Contact information: Key contact person(s) and title: Office address: Mobile: Email: Office phone: Fax: Website: 4. Briefly describe the organization, its purpose, and past related experience: 5. List contact information for three (3) references from previous cooperating organizations or development agencies (U.S. and other) that your organization has collaborated with in the last two years: Cooperating Organization or Development Agency Nature of Relationship or Title of Project, Location Start & End Dates of Collaboration Contact Person Name & Position: Email: Tel: Name & Position: Email: Tel: Name & Position: Email: Tel: 6. Title of the proposed grant activity:
7. Background: What is the issue or problem that the activity will address? Why is it critical to address this issue? 8. Objective of the proposed grant activity: 9. Describe the proposed activity and expected results in detail, keeping in mind the evaluation criteria and the APSP objectives outlined in the solicitation. 10. Identify beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender if possible, number, how the grant activities will reach the intended beneficiaries, and how they will benefit from the grant: 11. Anticipated duration of activity from start to finish: Overall length (total number of months) Start and end date (day, month, and year) 12. Implementation Timeline: Please list the main task phases with estimated start and end dates for each task. Please include all events, trainings, publications, etc. Description of Main Tasks Responsible Party(s) Grant Resources Required Non-Grant Resources Required Start & End Dates Milestone of Achievement Task 1: Task 2: Task 3: Task 4: Task 5, etc: (please add rows as needed) 13. Approximate cost of this activity (include cash, in-kind [i.e., donated goods or services], and thirdparty sources): Budget Category Salaries: Other Direct Costs: [Add sub-costs as needed.] Training: Travel and Transportation: Goods and Materials: [Add more rows as needed.] Total Estimated Costs (in GHS) Applicant Resources (GHS) Third Party Resources (identify source) (GHS) Total Resources Needed (GHS)
Annex B: Required Certifications Certification of Recipient To: Chemonics International I,,, as a legally authorized Name (Printed or Typed) Title representative of Organization Name do hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, this organization's management and other employees responsible for their implementation are aware of the requirements placed on the organization by OMB Circulars, and Federal and USAID regulations with respect to the management of, among other things, personnel policies (including salaries), travel, indirect costs, and procurement under this agreement and I further certify that the organization is in compliance with those requirements and other applicable U.S. laws and regulations. I, we, understand that a false, or intentionally misleading certification could be the cause for possible actions ranging from being found not responsible for this award, termination of award, or suspension or debarment of this organization in accordance with the ADS 303 Standard Provision for Non-U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations (for in-kind, standard, and simplified grants) entitled Award Termination and Suspension and the ADS 303 Standard Provision for Fixed Obligation Grants to Nongovernmental Organizations entitled Debarment and Suspension. I, we, further agree that by signing below, we provide certification and assurance for the following: (1) The Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing These certifications and assurances are given in consideration of and for the purpose of obtaining any and all U.S. Federal grants, loans, contracts, property, discounts, or other U.S. Federal financial assistance extended after the date hereof to the recipient by Chemonics, including installment payments after such date on account of applications for U.S. Federal financial assistance which was approved before such date. The recipient recognizes and agrees that such U.S. Federal financial assistance will be extended in reliance on the representations and agreements made in these assurances, and that the United States will have the right to seek judicial enforcement of these assurances. These assurances are binding on the recipient, its successors, transferees, and assignees, and the person or persons whose signatures appear below are authorized to sign these assurances on behalf of the recipient. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Signature Type or Print Name Position Title Date of Execution
Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing, Implementing Executive Order 13224 By signing and submitting this application, the prospective recipient provides the certification set out below: 1. The Recipient, to the best of its current knowledge, did not provide, within the previous ten years, and will take all reasonable steps to ensure that it does not and will not knowingly provide, material support or resources to any individual or entity that commits, attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated, or participated in terrorist acts, as that term is defined in paragraph 3. 2. The following steps may enable the Recipient to comply with its obligations under paragraph 1: a. Before providing any material support or resources to an individual or entity, the Recipient will verify that the individual or entity does not (i) appear on the master list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, which list is maintained by the U.S. Treasury s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and is available online at OFAC s website: http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/t11sdn.pdf, or (ii) is not included in any supplementary information concerning prohibited individuals or entities that may be provided by USAID to the Recipient. b. Before providing any material support or resources to an individual or entity, the Recipient also will verify that the individual or entity has not been designated by the United Nations Security (UNSC) sanctions committee established under UNSC Resolution 1267 (1999) (the 1267 Committee ) [individuals and entities linked to the Taliban, Usama bin Laden, or the Al Qaida Organization]. To determine whether there has been a published designation of an individual or entity by the 1267 Committee, the Recipient should refer to the consolidated list available online at the Committee s website: http://www.un.org/docs/sc/committees/1267/1267listeng.htm. c. Before providing any material support or resources to an individual or entity, the Recipient will consider all information about that individual or entity of which it is aware and all public information that is reasonably available to it or of which it should be aware. d. The Recipient also will implement reasonable monitoring and oversight procedures to safeguard against assistance being diverted to support terrorist activity. 3. For purposes of this Certification- a. Material support and resources means currency or monetary instruments or financial securities, financial services, lodging, training, expert advice or assistance, safehouses, false documentation or identification, communications equipment, facilities, weapons, lethal substances, explosives, personnel, transportation, and other physical assets, except medicine or religious materials. b. Terrorist act means- (i) an act prohibited pursuant to one of the 12 United Nations Conventions and Protocols related to terrorism (see UN terrorism conventions Internet site: http://untreaty.un.org/english/terrorism.asp); or (ii) an act of premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents; or (iii) any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to a civilian, or to any other person not taking an active part in hostilities in a situation of armed conflict, when the purpose of such act, by its nature or context, is to intimidate a population, or to compel a government or an international organization to do or to abstain from doing any act.
c. Entity means a partnership, association, corporation, or other organization, group or subgroup. d. References in this Certification to the provision of material support and resources shall not be deemed to include the furnishing of USAID funds or USAID-financed commodities to the ultimate beneficiaries of USAID assistance, such as recipients of food, medical care, micro-enterprise loans, shelter, etc., unless the Recipient has reason to believe that one or more of these beneficiaries commits, attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated or participated in terrorist acts. e. The Recipient s obligations under paragraph 1 are not applicable to the procurement of goods and/or services by the Recipient that are acquired in the ordinary course of business through contract or purchase, e.g., utilities, rents, office supplies, gasoline, etc., unless the Recipient has reason to believe that a vendor or supplier of such goods and services commits, attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated or participated in terrorist acts. This Certification is an express term and condition of any agreement issued as a result of this application, and any violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral termination of the agreement by USAID prior to the end of its term. Organization Name Organization s Authorized Representative Name Organization s Authorized Representative Title Organization s Authorized Representative Signature Date