CALL FOR LOCALLY LED DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS ON CAPACITATING STRATEGIC ORGANIZATIONS TO STRENGTHEN THE CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION SECTOR (CSO2) | 7200AA19APS00007 ADDENDUM4 PHILIPPINES

FAQs: USAID/Philippines Local Works Addendum (Civil Society Ecosystem / LRO Capacity Building)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a USAID/Philippines addendum under the broader USAID Local Works program, a Congressionally directed initiative that aims to shift development toward locally led solutions and stronger country self-reliance. This specific call focuses on strengthening the civil society ecosystem in the Philippines.

2) What is the main goal of the addendum?

The central goal is to invest in the organizational strength of selected civil society organizations (CSOs) and CSO networks so they can function as local resource organizations (LROs) that provide capacity-building support to other CSOs over time.

3) What does USAID mean by a "multiplier approach" here?

Rather than supporting many individual organizations one by one, USAID intends to strengthen a smaller set of strategic, well-positioned CSOs and networks so they can act as capacity builders and then mentor and strengthen other CSOs, especially those considered under-performing or in need of support.

4) Who is the opportunity meant to support?

The award is aimed at selected CSOs and CSO networks in the Philippines that can serve as LROs, meaning they are positioned to deliver sustained capacity-building services to peer organizations within the civil society ecosystem.

5) What types of activities is the award intended to fund?

The award is intended to fund activities that increase the institutional and technical capacity of the selected CSOs and networks so they can provide sustained services to other organizations. The focus is on building the LROs' ability to assess needs, mentor, guide, and track improvements across other CSOs.

6) What kind of expertise does USAID appear to be looking for?

The solicitation highlights expertise such as organizational capacity development and mentoring, the ability to run structured capacity needs assessments, and deep, hands-on knowledge of the civil society sector in the Philippines.

7) What would a competitive approach likely include, based on the notice?

Based on the emphasis in the posting, competitive concepts would likely present: (a) a clear methodology for diagnosing capacity gaps; (b) an approach for tailoring support to different kinds of CSOs; (c) a way to track improvements over time; and (d) a credible plan showing how strengthened LROs will continue supporting peers beyond the life of USAID funding.

8) How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID/Philippines anticipates making a single award under this addendum.

9) What is the expected funding amount and period of performance?

Total anticipated USAID funding is up to USD 1,950,000 over a three-year period, subject to availability of funds.

10) What funding instrument will be used?

The primary instrument type listed is a Cooperative Agreement. The addendum also indicates that a Fixed Amount Award could be used.

11) What does it mean that only one award is expected?

Since only one award is anticipated, applicants typically need to demonstrate they can manage a national-level or multi-organization effort, including coordination with networks and potentially multiple layers of sub-partnerships or support relationships with constituent CSOs.

12) Are consortia allowed or encouraged?

Yes. The call explicitly welcomes consortia, particularly those combining complementary strengths such as capacity development specialists, mentoring and coaching experience, and credible relationships within the civil society landscape.

13) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly described as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full solicitation text. The notice itself does not provide the full eligibility breakdown beyond that description.

14) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this addendum?

The posting is categorized under Funding Opportunity Number 7200AA19APS00007 ADDENDUM4 PHILIPPINES.

15) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listed is 98.001.

16) What does it mean that this is categorized as a "mandatory opportunity"?

The posting is categorized as a mandatory opportunity. The notice does not provide further explanation of what "mandatory" means in practice, so applicants would need to rely on the full solicitation text for the specific requirements tied to that categorization.

17) Is USAID guaranteed to fund a submission?

No. The notice states that USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the submissions, which underscores that this is a competitive process and that awards depend on USAID decisions and available funds.

18) What is the key theme applicants should align with?

The notice emphasizes locally led development and building the capacity of LROs (selected CSOs and networks) so they can strengthen other CSOs, including those that are under-performing or need support.

19) When was the opportunity posted and what was the closing date?

The opportunity was created on March 26, 2020, with an original closing date of May 15, 2020.

20) What geographic focus is implied by the opportunity?

The addendum is explicitly USAID/Philippines-focused and targets the civil society ecosystem in the Philippines.