Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA 388 16 000008

  • The Agency for International Development 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 Political Landscape (SPL) in Bangladesh" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Jul 13, 2016.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 14, 2016. (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 $14,000,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
Apply for RFA 388 16 000008

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Opportunity Summary:

The Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) in Bangladesh opportunity is a USAID/Bangladesh funding program designed to improve how democratic politics functions in Bangladesh by investing in the people, networks, and institutions that shape political participation and decision-making. The underlying intent is to support a political environment that is more transparent, more inclusive, and more responsive to citizens needs, with an emphasis on strengthening the capacity of political actors and politically engaged citizens to participate constructively in democratic processes.

At its core, SPL is focused on building practical skills and knowledge among political party activists and politically active citizens so they can engage meaningfully in decision-making and influence how parties operate at different levels. A key outcome USAID highlights is the gradual internalization of inclusive practices and recognized best practices within party structures, not only at national leadership levels but throughout party organizations. In practical terms, this points to programming that could strengthen internal party governance, encourage broader participation in party processes, improve how parties consult or communicate with constituents, and expand inclusion of groups that are often underrepresented in politics.

A second major objective is to strengthen the ability of political party activists and politically active citizens to engage constructively in ways that mitigate the effects of conflict. This indicates an interest in approaches that reduce political polarization and violence, help stakeholders manage disputes without escalation, and build skills for dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful civic engagement. The emphasis is not simply on participation, but on participation that is constructive and stabilizing, suggesting a preference for activities that can lower tensions and improve how political competition is handled.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant opportunity offered under a cooperative agreement, which typically means the funder expects substantial involvement during implementation compared with a standard grant. The opportunity number is RFA 388 16 000008, and it is listed under CFDA 98.001. The award ceiling is USD 14,000,000, and the opportunity anticipates a single award (ExpectedAwards: 1), implying a competitive process intended to select one lead implementer to carry out the full scope of the activity.

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to any type of entity as long as it meets the requirements specified in the full announcement and any eligibility clarifications. The activity is jointly funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdoms Department for International Development (DFID), reflecting a coordinated donor investment in democratic governance and political inclusion in Bangladesh. The notice was created on July 13, 2016, with an original closing date of August 14, 2016, which situates this as a time-bound call from that period rather than an open-ended rolling opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) in Bangladesh opportunity?

SPL is a USAID/Bangladesh funding opportunity designed to improve how democratic politics functions in Bangladesh by investing in the people, networks, and institutions that shape political participation and decision-making.

What is the main intent of SPL?

The program aims to support a political environment that is more transparent, more inclusive, and more responsive to citizens' needs, with an emphasis on strengthening the capacity of political actors and politically engaged citizens to participate constructively in democratic processes.

What types of participants does SPL focus on supporting?

SPL focuses on political party activists and politically active citizens, emphasizing practical skills and knowledge that help them engage meaningfully in decision-making and influence how parties operate at different levels.

What does SPL mean by improving political participation and decision-making?

Based on the description, SPL is oriented toward helping political actors and engaged citizens participate more effectively in democratic processes and decision-making spaces, and toward improving how political participation translates into responsive party practices and citizen-focused outcomes.

What are the key programmatic outcomes USAID highlights for SPL?

A key outcome is the gradual internalization of inclusive practices and recognized best practices within political party structures, not only at national leadership levels but throughout party organizations.

Does SPL focus only on national-level political leadership?

No. The opportunity highlights strengthening practices throughout party organizations, indicating attention to party structures and behavior at multiple levels, not just national leadership.

What areas of political party strengthening does SPL appear to prioritize?

The opportunity points to programming that could strengthen internal party governance, encourage broader participation in party processes, improve how parties consult or communicate with constituents, and expand inclusion of groups that are often underrepresented in politics.

How does SPL address inclusion in politics?

Inclusion is a central theme. SPL emphasizes internalizing inclusive practices within party structures and expanding participation, including the inclusion of groups that are often underrepresented in political processes.

Is conflict mitigation part of SPL's objectives?

Yes. A major objective is strengthening the ability of political party activists and politically active citizens to engage constructively in ways that mitigate the effects of conflict.

What does "engage constructively" mean in the SPL context?

The description suggests engagement that helps reduce political polarization and violence, supports dispute management without escalation, and builds skills for dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful civic engagement.

Does SPL prioritize stability and reducing political tensions?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes constructive and stabilizing participation, signaling a preference for activities that can lower tensions and improve how political competition is handled.

What type of funding mechanism is used for SPL?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity offered under a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that SPL is a cooperative agreement?

As described, a cooperative agreement typically means the funder expects substantial involvement during implementation compared with a standard grant.

What is the opportunity number for this funding announcement?

The opportunity number is RFA 388 16 000008.

What is the CFDA number associated with SPL?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 98.001.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) for SPL?

The award ceiling is USD 14,000,000.

How many awards does this opportunity expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates a single award (ExpectedAwards: 1), indicating the process is intended to select one lead implementer to carry out the full scope of the activity.

Who is eligible to apply for SPL?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to any type of entity as long as it meets the requirements specified in the full announcement and any eligibility clarifications.

Which donors are funding SPL?

The activity is jointly funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID).

When was the SPL notice created?

The notice was created on July 13, 2016.

What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date was August 14, 2016.

Is this a rolling or open-ended opportunity?

No. The dates provided indicate it was a time-bound call from that period rather than an open-ended rolling opportunity.

What is SPL ultimately trying to change in Bangladesh's political environment?

Based on the opportunity description, SPL is aimed at supporting a political environment that is more transparent, more inclusive, and more responsive to citizens' needs by strengthening political capacity, participation, internal party practices, and constructive engagement that reduces conflict impacts.

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