Education for Children and Youth Program in El Salvador | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Education for Children and Youth Program in El Salvador (RFA-519-12-000001)

1) What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled the "Education for Children and Youth Program in El Salvador."

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is RFA-519-12-000001.

3) Who is the issuing agency and where is it based?

The issuing office is USAID in San Salvador, El Salvador (USAID San Salvador).

4) What type of award is USAID planning to make?

USAID structured the award as a cooperative agreement.

5) What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement generally indicates USAID expects to remain substantially involved during implementation, such as through collaboration on work planning, monitoring, or key technical decisions.

6) How many awards was USAID expecting to make under this solicitation?

USAID anticipated making one award under this solicitation.

7) What is the estimated total funding level for the opportunity?

The estimated total funding level was listed at $21,000,000.

8) What is the award floor (minimum) and ceiling (maximum)?

The award floor was $10,000,000 and the award ceiling was $25,000,000.

9) Does this opportunity require cost sharing or matching?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching was required, meaning applicants were expected to contribute resources alongside USAID funding, consistent with the solicitation requirements.

10) What is the overall purpose of the program?

The program is designed to improve educational opportunities for young people facing heightened vulnerability in El Salvador.

11) Which groups of young people are prioritized by the program?

The program focuses on two primary groups: disadvantaged lower secondary students and out-of-school youth ages 12 to 24.

12) What age range of out-of-school youth does the program target?

The targeted age range is 12 to 24 for out-of-school youth.

13) Where will the program activities be implemented?

The target areas are selected municipalities in El Salvador with high crime rates.

14) Is the program only about academic outcomes?

No. The notice indicates the activity is not only about academic outcomes, but also about reaching youth who may be affected by insecurity, violence, and barriers that push them out of school or limit their chances to advance.

15) What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under the Education funding activity category.

16) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 98.001 (USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas).

17) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility was explicitly limited to Salvadoran organizations only.

18) What makes an organization "Salvadoran" for eligibility purposes under this notice?

To qualify, an applicant needed to have its principal place of business in El Salvador and be managed by a governing body in which the majority are Salvadoran citizens or lawful permanent residents.

19) Are organizations controlled by foreign entities eligible?

No. The applicant could not be controlled by a foreign entity or by individuals who are not Salvadoran citizens or permanent residents.

20) Where can applicants find additional eligibility details?

The notice points applicants to further eligibility details in the RFA (referenced as being on page 29), indicating there may be specific definitions and documentation requirements related to organizational control, governance, and local status.

21) When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on February 17, 2012.

22) What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was March 15, 2012.

23) Was the closing date extended?

Yes. The closing date was extended to May 15, 2012.

24) What is the current closing date listed in the notice?

The current closing date listed was May 15, 2012.

25) Was a pre-application conference planned?

Yes. A pre-application conference was planned in El Salvador around March 20, 2012.

26) How would applicants learn the exact location and time of the pre-application conference?

The precise location and time were to be provided via an amendment to the request for applications.

27) What is the purpose of a pre-application conference in this context?

The notice indicates this type of conference typically gives potential applicants a chance to ask questions, confirm expectations, and hear directly from the donor about priorities and compliance requirements.

28) Who should be contacted if an organization cannot access the full announcement online?

Organizations unable to access the full announcement online were directed to contact the Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance.

29) What phone number is listed for the Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance?

The phone number listed is +503 2501 3331.

30) What email address is provided for questions or access issues?

The email address listed is eyr@usaid.gov.