USAID TANZANIA 10 005 RFA | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - USAID Tanzania 10-005 RFA

1) What is USAID Tanzania 10-005 RFA?

USAID Tanzania 10-005 RFA was a discretionary funding opportunity issued by USAID in Dar es Salaam. It was designed to support a single cooperative agreement focused on improving the performance of civil society in Tanzania's HIV and AIDS response.

2) What was the main purpose of this opportunity?

The core purpose was to strengthen the organizational capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and their networks so they could deliver clear, measurable results and credibly report those results. The opportunity emphasized improving how organizations plan, manage, implement, and monitor HIV/AIDS-related work that contributes to the broader health system in Tanzania.

3) Was the funding intended to support direct service delivery?

Not primarily. The solicitation highlighted that the objective was not to fund direct service delivery alone, but to build the capacity of CSOs so they could operate more effectively, efficiently, and accountably and demonstrate outcomes rather than only listing activities.

4) What kinds of organizations were considered "civil society" under this RFA?

The RFA used an expansive definition of civil society. It included not only NGOs, but also other non-state actors that can influence health outcomes and public accountability, such as print and broadcast media, faith-based organizations, labor unions, academic institutions, consulting firms, and for-profit private companies.

5) Which types of CSOs were the primary focus for capacity building?

The primary focus for capacity building was on NGOs operating in the health sector, especially those working to combat HIV/AIDS. However, USAID indicated that other types of CSOs could also be important partners and beneficiaries when they contribute meaningfully to the HIV/AIDS response or to health system strengthening.

6) Did USAID recognize differences among CSOs in Tanzania?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly noted that CSOs in Tanzania vary widely in size, maturity, and operating context, from small, emerging rural community groups to larger, established urban organizations.

7) What did "capacity building" mean in this opportunity?

Capacity building was described as a deliberate process to strengthen an organization's ability to carry out core functions, identify and solve problems, adapt to changes, and take advantage of opportunities. The focus was on practical improvements that enable consistent performance and credible results reporting.

8) What specific capacity areas were emphasized?

The description highlighted practical management disciplines such as strategic planning and accurate monitoring and evaluation. It suggested work such as building systems for performance measurement, improving data quality and reporting, and strengthening management and governance so CSOs can demonstrate outcomes.

9) How does this opportunity relate to Tanzania's health system?

The opportunity framed HIV/AIDS-related CSO activities as contributing to the broader functioning of the health system in Tanzania. The intent was a stronger, more results-oriented civil society ecosystem that supports national HIV/AIDS goals through better planning, implementation, and accountability.

10) What type of award mechanism was used?

The award was structured as a cooperative agreement. This means USAID expected substantial involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant.

11) How many awards did USAID anticipate making under this RFA?

USAID anticipated making one award.

12) What was the total funding amount for the award?

The estimated total funding amount was $10,000,000. The ceiling and the floor were both set at $10,000,000, indicating the intent to make a single award at the full amount.

13) Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. Cost sharing or matching was not required.

14) When was the opportunity posted and created?

The opportunity was posted on March 1, 2010 and created on March 15, 2010.

15) What were the application due dates?

The opportunity was originally due on March 30, 2010. The application closing date was later extended to April 20, 2010.

16) When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was May 20, 2010.

17) Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was broad and included U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofits (including those with and without 501(c)(3) status, with certain exclusions noted for institutions of higher education in specific nonprofit categories), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses.

18) Could for-profit organizations apply?

Yes. For-profit organizations other than small businesses were included in the eligibility description.

19) What CFDA number was associated with this opportunity?

The listing referenced CFDA 98.001, USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas.

20) Who was the listed contact for access issues?

The contact listed for access issues was Samuel Kiranga, Acquisition Specialist, with a phone number provided in the announcement.

21) Where was the funding opportunity issued?

It was issued by USAID in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

22) What results did USAID want CSOs to be able to demonstrate?

The opportunity emphasized that organizations should be able to consistently produce clear, measurable results and credibly report those results, shifting the focus toward outcomes and performance rather than activity counts alone.