Opportunity Information: Apply for SS 13 SGISP
Apply for SS 13 SGISP
- The Hungary USAID Budapest in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Governing Institutions, Systems, and Processes Project (SGISP) in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001 USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 29, 2012 and posted on Sep 29, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 16, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $5,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- U.S. Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and/or local Bosnian Non Governmental Organizations
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Strengthening Governing Institutions, Systems, and Processes Project (SGISP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is described in this notice as a sources sought exercise, not an active grant competition. USAID is using it to gauge market interest and determine whether qualified U.S. NGOs and/or eligible local Bosnian NGOs exist with the capability to implement the anticipated work. The notice is explicit that it is not a Request for Applications, does not commit the U.S. Government to fund anything, and will not reimburse any costs organizations incur while preparing or submitting information.
USAID/BiH indicates it is considering a future solicitation for an activity valued at up to 5 million dollars (not to exceed) over an estimated 44-month period, with funding parameters listed as an award floor of 4 million dollars and an award ceiling of 5 million dollars. The activity sits in the Democracy and Governance space (CFDA 98.001, USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas) and is categorized on the posting as a discretionary opportunity using an “Other” funding instrument type. No cost share or matching is required for this planned opportunity, based on the synopsis.
The overall purpose of SGISP is tied to BiH’s Euro-Atlantic and especially European Union accession trajectory. USAID frames the goal as strengthening the capacity of governing institutions to adopt, implement, and be accountable for more effective policies, laws, and budgets that address key EU accession issues. While the project includes some engagement with parts of the executive branch, the center of gravity is the legislature: improving how BiH legislative institutions review and scrutinize legislation, and increasing the accountability of legislators to citizens and to the country’s long-term prosperity.
The project’s technical direction is organized around four objectives. First, it aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of legislation by increasing the use of evidence-based policy development during lawmaking. Second, it seeks to deepen and improve participation, expertise, and scrutiny of public financial management by parliaments and citizens across the full budget cycle, including budget preparation, review, adoption, implementation, and oversight. Third, it targets stronger accountability and transparency in BiH governing institutions by improving systems of public accountability and transparency. Fourth, as a cross-cutting initiative, it intends to enhance the role and capacity of women within governing institutions, meaning gender inclusion is meant to be built into the overall approach rather than treated as a standalone add-on.
Geographically and institutionally, USAID emphasizes strengthening linkages across multiple layers of government in BiH. The program is expected to work across the State level, the BiH Federation level, and selected cantonal governments and parliaments, with attention to how these levels interact on policy development and reform processes, budget formulation and oversight, and public accountability systems. A major implementation theme is the connection between institutions and society: the project intends to work closely with civil society so that real procedures for public participation in legislative, budget, and accountability processes are established and respected in practice.
For organizations that might want to compete if a formal solicitation is issued later, USAID highlights several capability areas it considers important. These include the ability to rapidly deploy staff and establish program operations in politically sensitive or post-conflict transition environments, a track record of implementing results-oriented activities, experience managing subgrants, and the ability to conduct timely local procurement of goods and services. In other words, USAID is signaling that it expects an implementer to be operationally strong, locally nimble, and capable of managing partner organizations through subawards while delivering measurable governance outcomes.
To respond to the sources sought, interested organizations were asked to submit a short statement of capabilities, capped at three pages. At minimum, the submission needed to describe (1) the products or services offered as core competencies, (2) relevant past performance in legislative and governance strengthening within the previous five years, (3) differentiators explaining what sets the organization apart, and (4) basic organizational details such as address, email, point of contact, organizational history, staff information, and references. USAID also notes that it will accept only written submissions, will not entertain telephone inquiries, and will not provide debriefs, evaluation letters, Q and A, or results because this is strictly a market research step.
The notice also provides a specific definition of what qualifies as a “local NGO” for eligibility purposes. To be considered local at the time of award, an organization must be organized under the recipient country’s laws, have its principal place of business in the recipient country, be majority owned by citizens or lawful permanent residents of that country (or governed by a board with a majority of such citizens/permanent residents), and not be controlled by a foreign entity or nonresident individuals. Control is defined broadly to include majority ownership/beneficial interest or the power to control leadership selection or tenure through ownership, contracts, or operation of law. Importantly, government-controlled or government-owned organizations are excluded from being considered “local organizations” under this definition.
Administratively, the posting lists the opportunity number as SS 13 SGISP, with a posted date of September 29, 2012, and a response deadline of October 16, 2012, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Capability statements were to be submitted by email to the USAID point of contact, Viktoria Hollosy, at vhollosy@usaid.gov, with the subject line referencing “SS 13 SGISP.” The notice also states that proprietary or corporate information marked as such in submissions would be protected from release outside the government.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Strengthening Governing Institutions, Systems, and Processes Project (SGISP) - Bosnia and Herzegovina
1) Is this an active grant competition or an application opportunity?
No. This notice is a sources sought exercise for market research purposes. It is explicitly not a Request for Applications and not an active grant competition.
2) What is USAID trying to learn through this sources sought notice?
USAID is gauging market interest and determining whether qualified U.S. NGOs and/or eligible local Bosnian NGOs exist with the capability to implement the anticipated SGISP work.
3) Does this notice commit the U.S. Government to fund an award?
No. The notice states it does not commit the U.S. Government to fund anything.
4) Will USAID reimburse costs for preparing or submitting information?
No. The notice states the U.S. Government will not reimburse any costs organizations incur while preparing or submitting information.
5) What is the name of the activity described in the notice?
The Strengthening Governing Institutions, Systems, and Processes Project (SGISP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
6) What is the anticipated funding range for a future solicitation?
USAID indicates it is considering an activity with an award floor of $4,000,000 and an award ceiling of $5,000,000, not to exceed $5,000,000 total.
7) What is the anticipated period of performance?
The estimated period of performance is 44 months.
8) Is cost share or matching required?
No. The synopsis indicates that no cost share or matching is required for this planned opportunity.
9) What sector does this activity fall under?
The activity is in the Democracy and Governance space and references CFDA 98.001 (USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas).
10) What type of funding instrument is listed?
The posting categorizes it as a discretionary opportunity using an "Other" funding instrument type.
11) What is the overall purpose of SGISP?
SGISP is intended to strengthen the capacity of governing institutions in BiH to adopt, implement, and be accountable for more effective policies, laws, and budgets that address key European Union accession issues, supporting BiH's Euro-Atlantic and especially EU accession trajectory.
12) Which parts of government are central to the activity's approach?
While the project includes some engagement with parts of the executive branch, the center of gravity is the legislature, with a focus on improving how legislative institutions review and scrutinize legislation and increasing legislators' accountability to citizens and to the country's long-term prosperity.
13) What are the main technical objectives of the project?
The notice describes four objectives: (1) improving legislative quality and effectiveness through increased evidence-based policy development; (2) deepening participation, expertise, and scrutiny of public financial management by parliaments and citizens across the full budget cycle; (3) strengthening accountability and transparency by improving systems of public accountability and transparency; and (4) enhancing the role and capacity of women within governing institutions as a cross-cutting focus.
14) What does "evidence-based policy development" mean in the context of SGISP?
Based on the notice description, it refers to increasing the use of evidence during lawmaking to improve the quality and effectiveness of legislation.
15) What parts of the budget cycle are included in the public financial management focus?
The project is expected to address the full budget cycle, including budget preparation, review, adoption, implementation, and oversight.
16) How is accountability and transparency addressed?
The notice indicates the activity aims to strengthen accountability and transparency in BiH governing institutions by improving systems of public accountability and transparency.
17) How is gender inclusion positioned in the project?
Enhancing the role and capacity of women within governing institutions is described as a cross-cutting initiative, meaning it is intended to be built into the overall approach rather than treated as a standalone add-on.
18) What geographic and institutional levels in BiH are expected to be involved?
USAID emphasizes strengthening linkages across multiple layers of government, including the State level, the BiH Federation level, and selected cantonal governments and parliaments.
19) Why are linkages across government levels emphasized?
The notice highlights attention to how these levels interact on policy development and reform processes, budget formulation and oversight, and public accountability systems.
20) What role does civil society play in the anticipated activity?
The project intends to work closely with civil society so that real procedures for public participation in legislative, budget, and accountability processes are established and respected in practice.
21) What capabilities does USAID signal it wants in a potential implementer?
USAID highlights capabilities such as rapid deployment and establishing operations in politically sensitive or post-conflict transition environments, a record of implementing results-oriented activities, experience managing subgrants, and the ability to conduct timely local procurement of goods and services.
22) Does the notice suggest the implementer will need to manage subawards?
Yes. Experience managing subgrants is explicitly listed as an important capability area.
23) What does USAID imply about operational expectations in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The notice signals expectations for an implementer to be operationally strong, locally nimble, capable of timely local procurement, and able to establish program operations in politically sensitive or post-conflict transition environments.
24) What was requested in response to the sources sought?
Interested organizations were asked to submit a short statement of capabilities.
25) How long could the capability statement be?
The capability statement was capped at three pages.
26) What minimum content was required in the capability statement?
At minimum, the submission needed to describe: (1) products or services offered as core competencies; (2) relevant past performance in legislative and governance strengthening within the previous five years; (3) differentiators explaining what sets the organization apart; and (4) basic organizational details (address, email, point of contact, organizational history, staff information, and references).
27) What timeframe for past performance was requested?
Relevant past performance in legislative and governance strengthening within the previous five years was requested.
28) Were telephone inquiries accepted?
No. USAID noted it would accept only written submissions and would not entertain telephone inquiries.
29) Will USAID provide Q&A, debriefs, or results for this sources sought?
No. USAID states it will not provide debriefs, evaluation letters, Q&A, or results because this is strictly a market research step.
30) Who could respond to the sources sought?
The notice indicates USAID is assessing whether qualified U.S. NGOs and/or eligible local Bosnian NGOs exist with the capability to implement the work.
31) How does the notice define an eligible "local NGO"?
To be considered local at the time of award, an organization must be organized under the recipient country's laws, have its principal place of business in the recipient country, be majority owned by citizens or lawful permanent residents of that country (or governed by a board with a majority of such citizens/permanent residents), and not be controlled by a foreign entity or nonresident individuals.
32) What does "control" mean under the local NGO definition?
Control is defined broadly to include majority ownership/beneficial interest or the power to control leadership selection or tenure through ownership, contracts, or operation of law.
33) Are government-controlled or government-owned entities considered local organizations under this notice?
No. Government-controlled or government-owned organizations are excluded from being considered "local organizations" under the definition provided.
34) What is the opportunity number?
The posting lists the opportunity number as SS 13 SGISP.
35) When was the notice posted?
The posted date is September 29, 2012.
36) What was the deadline to respond to the sources sought?
The response deadline was October 16, 2012, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
37) How were capability statements supposed to be submitted?
Capability statements were to be submitted by email.
38) Who was the point of contact and what email address was provided?
The USAID point of contact listed is Viktoria Hollosy, and the email provided is vhollosy@usaid.gov.
39) What subject line was requested for the email submission?
The notice instructed submitters to reference "SS 13 SGISP" in the subject line.
40) How does the notice address proprietary or corporate information included in submissions?
The notice states that proprietary or corporate information marked as such in submissions would be protected from release outside the government.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: FY12 Militarily Relevant Peer Reviewed Alzheimers Disease Research Program (MRPRA) Convergence Science Research Award
Previous opportunity: Effects of In Utero Alcohol Exposure on Adult Health and Disease (R01)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SS 13 SGISP
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SS 13 SGISP) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| DRL China FY 2012 Request for Statements of Interest Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 13 003 Funding Number: DRLA DRLAQM 13 003 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program Host Family and School Placement and Monitoring Apply for ECA PE C PY 13 05 OY B Funding Number: ECA PE C PY 13 05 OY B Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $27,000,000 |
| Tunisia Community College Scholarship Program Apply for ECA A S U 13 02 Funding Number: ECA A S U 13 02 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,625,000 |
| Tunisia Undergraduate Scholarship Program Apply for ECA A E NEA 13 02 Funding Number: ECA A E NEA 13 02 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,625,000 |
| FY 2013 OIA Technical Assistance Program Apply for OIA 2013 TAP Funding Number: OIA 2013 TAP Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2013 OIA Maintenance Assistance Program Apply for OIA 2013 MAP Funding Number: OIA 2013 MAP Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Youth Leadership Program with Sub Saharan Africa Apply for ECA PE C PY 13 09 Funding Number: ECA PE C PY 13 09 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $330,000 |
| REQUEST FOR COMMENTS Strengthening Governing Institutions, Systems, and Processes Project (SGISP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina Apply for SGISP 13 168 Funding Number: SGISP 13 168 Agency: Hungary USAID Budapest Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| PMWRA.FY13.Afghan.PreSolicitationVictimsAsst Apply for PM PMWRA 13 001 Funding Number: PM PMWRA 13 001 Agency: PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Applications for Title II Development Food Assistance Programs Apply for FFP FY 13 0001 Funding Number: FFP FY 13 0001 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Democracy, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in Europe and Eurasia Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 13 004 Funding Number: DRLA DRLAQM 13 004 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Sources Sought Apply for USAID 492 MR 2013 Funding Number: USAID 492 MR 2013 Agency: Philippines USAID Manila Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,500,000 |
| FY 2013 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO Programs Benefiting Refugees in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Yemen Apply for PRM PRMOAPAF 13 002 Funding Number: PRM PRMOAPAF 13 002 Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,800,000 |
| Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars and Secondary Educators Apply for ECA A E USS 13 06 09 OY B Funding Number: ECA A E USS 13 06 09 OY B Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $360,000 |
| RFP FY13 Afghan Project 1 Baghlan Announcement Apply for PM PMWRA 13 002 Funding Number: PM PMWRA 13 002 Agency: PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| PMWRA.FY13.Afghan.Parwan Panshir. RFP. Announcement Apply for PM PMWRA 13 003 Funding Number: PM PMWRA 13 003 Agency: PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| PMWRA.FY13.Kabul Logar.RFP Project 7 Apply for PM PMWRA 13 004 Funding Number: PM PMWRA 13 004 Agency: PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| PMWRA.FY13. Paktya. RFP. Project 3 Apply for PM PMWRA 13 005 Funding Number: PM PMWRA 13 005 Agency: PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| PMWRA.FY13.Kabul.RFP Project 6 Apply for PM PMWRA 13 006 Funding Number: PM PMWRA 13 006 Agency: PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| PMWRA.FY13.Parwan Panshir.RFP Project 5 Apply for PM PMWRA 13 007 Funding Number: PM PMWRA 13 007 Agency: PM Weapons Removal and Abatement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SS 13 SGISP", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.