USAID Laos Microenterprise Activity | 72048618RFA00006

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72048618RFA00006

The USAID Laos Microenterprise Activity is a competitive funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA) based in Bangkok. It is released as a Request for Applications (RFA) under funding opportunity number 72048618RFA00006, with the goal of selecting an organization to implement a microenterprise-focused activity in the Lao People s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). While the notice is largely administrative in nature (and does not spell out technical program components in the excerpt provided), it makes clear that USAID is looking for qualified U.S. and non-U.S. organizations that can meet the RFA requirements and deliver an activity aligned with USAID s objectives for microenterprise development in Laos.

The opportunity uses a Cooperative Agreement as the funding instrument (USAID notes that for this RFA, the term "grant" is being used interchangeably with "cooperative agreement"). That matters because cooperative agreements typically involve more substantial involvement from USAID during implementation than a standard grant, such as collaboration on work planning, monitoring, and key deliverables. USAID anticipates making one award, assuming funds are available, and will choose the applicant that best meets the activity objectives and scores highest under the merit review criteria described in the full RFA. The award ceiling is listed as USD 12,000,000, and the listing indicates one expected award.

Key dates and deadlines are clearly defined. The solicitation was issued on May 11, 2018. Questions from applicants were due by May 24, 2018 at 4:00 pm Bangkok time, and the application submission deadline (solicitation closing date) was June 21, 2018 at 4:00 pm Bangkok time. USAID emphasized that questions must be submitted in writing by email to the points of contact listed in Section G of the RFA, and that answers would be shared publicly through an amendment posted on Grants.gov, meaning all applicants would have access to the same clarifications.

USAID also scheduled a pre-application meeting for interested organizations on May 31, 2018, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm local time in Vientiane, Laos, hosted at the U.S. Embassy Vientiane (Thadeua Rd Km9, Ban Somvang Tai, Hatsayphong District). The stated purpose of this session was to walk through the funding opportunity description and objectives, explain how USAID would conduct the merit review and selection process, and address questions received. Attendance logistics were strict due to embassy security rules: participants had to bring government-issued photo identification, no electronic devices were permitted (including laptops and tablets), and attendees would be required to leave mobile phones at the main entrance. Because of limited space, each organization could send no more than two representatives. To attend, organizations had to RSVP by May 23, 2018 (3:00 pm Bangkok time) by emailing named USAID contacts with attendee names, phone numbers, and the organization represented. USAID noted that it would not reimburse any costs associated with attending the meeting.

Applications had to be submitted electronically by email to the points of contact in Section G by the stated deadline, and applicants were expected to receive a receipt confirmation once USAID successfully received the submission. Applications would then be reviewed by a selection committee in line with the solicitation s eligibility requirements. Importantly, USAID highlighted standard U.S. government compliance expectations: applicants could not receive an award unless they met unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements described in Section D of the RFA, and because SAM registration can take weeks, applicants were urged to start early.

In terms of eligibility and scope, the opportunity is labeled as discretionary and lists eligible applicants as "unrestricted" (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional clarifications in the RFA text. The funding activity category is listed as Agriculture, Business and Commerce, and the CFDA number provided is 98.001. The posting warns applicants to rely on the full RFA package on Grants.gov, monitor for amendments, and ensure they have downloaded all required forms correctly (noting that Adobe tools may be needed). It also underscores that issuing the RFA does not guarantee an award and does not obligate the U.S. government to reimburse proposal preparation or submission costs; applicants prepare and submit at their own expense and risk.

• The Agency for International Development, Thailand USAID-Bangkok in the agriculture, business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "USAID Laos Microenterprise Activity" 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 May 11, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 21, 2018. (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 $12,000,000.00 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.

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