B. Step 2 – Submit a Promising Idea for Consideration and Development
If your negotiation with USAID Mission/Agencies is successful and it demonstrates a potential alignment between USAID’s priority and objective and priority and objective of a core business partner(s), then there are two ways to go ahead:
(1) If you are not interested and do not receive and manage USAID funding. This may be the case when an NGO partners with a private sector company and available financial resources are available from private sector but need technical assistance from USAID. If you are not interested in receiving or managing any funding from USAID, a technical representative from the M/B/IO will continue collaborating with the entity to develop an appropriate strategy for building an alliance. In that case a technical representative from the Mission will continue working with the NGO/Private Sector Company to develop an appropriate strategy for building an alliance.
(2) If you are interested to get funding from USAID the next step depends on the type of organization interested in partnering with you i.e. Traditional Implementing Partner or Non-Traditional Partner.
Non-Traditional Partner:
If you are a non-traditional partner, then the application process is quite simple. You have to submit a one/two page Letter of Interest (LOI) to the GDA Point of Contact (POC) or other USAID personnel identified by the Mission/B/IO in the consult and clarify stage, with a copy to gda@usaid.gov. You can send LOI in email form or an attachment to an email. The following information must be included in the LOI:
- Solicitation Number (APS No: APS-OAA-13-000003).
- Name and address of organization;
- Contact point (lead contact name; relevant telephone, and e-mail information).
- A brief description of the possible collaboration and alliance with USAID, including the business interest(s) and USAID development objectives to be addressed; the prospective approach and activities that might be implemented; the business expertise, resources and contributions the partner may apply to the proposed endeavors; the type of involvement or support that might be requested from USAID; and the potential results to be achieved.
- Signature of authorized representative of the applicant.
LOIs will be evaluated based on the following criteria-
- Alignment with Mission/B/IO’s strategic objectives and programming priorities;
- Prospective development impact (feasibility, scalability, sustainability); and
- Potential value proposition, e.g. the extent to which the proposed collaboration may increase the impact, reach, efficiency and effectiveness of USAID’s development assistance investments.
Traditional Partner
The concept and format of Traditional Partner for NGOs is much more complex than non-traditional partner. NGOs have to submit a five page concept paper along with (a) completed summary form (b) supporting information (not more than 4 pages). Concept note must be prepared in English and submitted to the respective Mission for review and consideration with a copy to gda@usaid.gov.
