Issuance Date: January 8, 2015Closing Date: March 13, 2015Closing Time: 17:00HR EST

Subject: Request for Applications (RFA) for Internship Partnership Network Initiative

Reference: Issued Under AID-OAA-A-13-00085Africa Leadership Building Capacity for African Agricultural Transformation (Africa Lead II)

Africa Lead II

The Africa Lead II Program is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support capacity building under the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future (FTF) Initiative and the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP). An important element of Africa Lead II is to collaborate with U.S., international, and African companies and organizations on an internship-based Agribusiness Leadership Program (ALP). This Program is aims to match junior-, mid-, and senior-level individuals with strong agriculture-focused organizations or companies for 4-8 week internships. The purpose of these internships is to add value for the intern-hosting entity and strengthen the professional skills of the interns themselves. Collectively, ALP aims to facilitate a more commercial model of agricultural production, stronger agribusinesses, and greater value addition in the agriculture sector across Africa.

Earlier Africa Lead II activities saw success in developing internship or practicum placements that combined on-the-job training, formal classroom instruction, and informal interaction. ALP was designed to match intern hosts comprised of technically or organizationally advanced companies with interns of varying experience levels from companies and organizations who could benefit from technical skill upgrades or some other type of innovation. Interns received hands-on learning experiences that they could then apply directly in entrepreneurial pursuits or in their home companies/organizations. In turn, the intern hosts often benefited from a measure of value-add by the interns. The focus of all intern placements was consistent with the focal value chains, agricultural challenges, and overarching objectives of FTF and CAADP. Examples of companies and organizations that have previously hosted Africa Lead II interns include the following:

Hershey Co. in Hershey, PA, USA Mars Corporation’s Uncle Ben’s Rice in Greenville, MS, USA Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Johannesburg, RSA Zamindara Farm Solutions, Punjab, India

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Olam International Lesiolo Grain Handlers The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) The Permanent Interstates Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel

(CILLS) West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and

Development (CORAF)

The purpose of this RFA is to solicit applications from African entities to design and operationalize an Internship Partnership Network (IPN). The purpose of the IPN will be to: (1) expand Africa Lead II’s existing network of intern-hosting companies and organizations; (2) provide a matching service by recruiting, placing, and supporting interns in appropriate host companies/organizations; (3) build the capacity of companies and organizations to develop their own in-house internship programs; and (4) report on and publicize the results achieved by the IPN.

Achieving these objectives will require leveraging the resources, capabilities, and contributions of intern hosting entities, host-country governments, USAID Missions, and other development partners. The IPN will be comprised of intern hosting companies as well as organizations such as various African Chambers of Commerce, the African Union Commission, the Corporate Council on Africa, the Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI, aka the Mandela Washington Fellows), the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, the Grow Africa Platform, and local African groups such as farmer organizations or women’s groups.

In soliciting grant applications from interested African entities, Africa Lead II will require bidders as part of their technical proposals to submit a clear plan for making the IPN financially self-sufficient. Africa Lead II support will not be provided to the IPN in perpetuity, so it is essential that bidders come up with a strong, credible, yet ambitious plan to become self-sufficient once financial support from Africa Lead II concludes. The overall scope of work for the IPN –to which bidders should tailor their applications- can be read in Section B-1 of this RFA.

The ceiling value of budgets submitted for this RFA should not exceed $200,000, contingent upon the availability of USAID funding. The period of performance for the grant is expected to be 18 months, April 1, 2015-September 30, 2016.

Any funds not expended during the approved period of performance will revert to the Africa Lead II program. DAI, as primary implementer of the Africa Lead II program, reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.

Pursuant to 22 CFR 226.81, it is USAID policy not to allow profit-charging under assistance instruments such as grant awards. However, all reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the grant program and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (22 CFR 226, OMB Circular A-122 for non-profit

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organization, OMB Circular A-21 for universities, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 for-profit organizations), may be paid under the grant.

The attached RFA is consists of the following sections:

Section 1 – Grant Application Instructions Section 2 – Special Grant Requirements Section 3 – Selection Process Annexes

Grant applications shall be submitted in PDF (preferred) or other electronic format to Dan Charette at dan_charette@dai.com.

If prospective applicants have any questions about this RFA, they should be addressed in writing to Dan Charette at the above-noted email address. The deadline for submitting questions is January 21, 2015.

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of Africa Lead II, nor does it commit Africa Lead II to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of any application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.

Applicants should retain for their records one copy of all enclosures which accompany their application.

Thank you for your interest in the Africa Lead II Program.

Sincerely,

David Tardif-DouglinChief of PartyAfrica Lead II Program

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Internship Partnership Network Request for ApplicationsTable of Contents

Section 1 – Grant Application Instructions.............................................5A. Completion and submission of applications...............................................5B. Preparation Instructions – Technical..............................................................5C. Preparation Instructions – Financial and Administrative Documentation...............................................................................................................10

Section 2. Special Grant Requirements...............................................10Section 3. Selection Process................................................................13Annex 1: Mandatory Standard Provisions............................................16Annex 2: Application Form...................................................................17Annex 3: CV Form................................................................................24Annex 4: Financial Capability Questionnaire........................................26Annex 5: Application Checklist............................................................38

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Section I – Grant Application InstructionsA. Completion and submission of applications

Eligibility RequirementsEligible organizations are any legally registered organizations that have experience in the areas laid out in the SOW (see Section B-1 below).

Application Submission Requirements Applications must include:

Completed Application Form CVs of all key members of project team Completed Past Performance Statement Completed Project Work Plan which details chronology and

sequencing of project activities Grant Budget and Budget Notes Completed Financial Capability Questionnaire and attachments Statement of liability (part of application form)

DeadlineApplications must be received by March 13, 2015 no later than 17:00 (EST). Applications and modifications thereof shall be submitted in electronic format to dan_charette@dai.com.

Late Applications All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed for responsiveness and programmatic merit according to the specifications outlined in these guidelines and the application format. Section C lays out evaluation criteria for each application. Applications that are submitted late or incomplete will not be considered.

B. Preparation Instructions – Technical

Page Limitation: Technical applications should be specific, complete, presented concisely and shall not exceed 20 pages (exclusive of annexes).

Applications submitted in response to this RFA must include the following information:

1. Project Description: The applicant must provide a detailed project design that includes at a minimum the following objectives, activities, and deliverables: a. Task 1: Establish IPN Communication Materials and

Commence Recruitment of Intern Hosting Companies and Organizations.

i. The process of “selling” the Agribusiness Leadership Program to prospective hosts will require a highly compelling pitch. Companies and organizations may perceive the idea of hosting one or more interns as a burden on the employees

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whose primary responsibility is to manage core functions of the company/organization.

It is the important job of the IPN Managing Entity to instill in the minds of prospective hosts a series of important facts about the Agribusiness Leadership Program. First, the hosts can shape the scope of work (SOW) for each internship to ensure that it is valuable to them. Second, interns will be selected through a highly competitive process, resulting in internship candidates that comprise the best and brightest that Africa has to offer. Third and closely related to point number two, due to the strong academic aptitude of selected interns, prospective hosts can reasonably expect the intern(s) to add measurable value to a core function of their company/organization. The interns can be viewed as partially subsidized labor. Fourth, due to their strong academic credentials and dynamism as individuals, the IPN can present the interns as the future leaders of agriculture and agribusiness in Africa. With this billing, companies/organizations that decide to host one or more interns can expect the internship to be an investment in the future of their entity. By establishing relationships with the interns and cultivating their professional development, hosting entities will open up the possibility of the intern becoming one of their staff members or a partner in future ventures. Finally, a fifth reason for agribusinesses or agriculture-oriented organizations to host interns is rooted in a sense of national and continental duty, along with the potential to be viewed favorably by government representatives who are keen to catalyze workforce development. Various African Countries as well as the African Union are making a big push for getting youth involved in agriculture and agribusiness. Companies and organizations that provide internship opportunities will enjoy a sense of pride that comes with contributing to national development plans, and the IPN –together with Africa Lead II- will ensure that each hosting company or organization receives public acknowledgement of their effort.

ii. Each bidder should present a clear plan for how they will expand upon Africa Lead II’s existing network of intern hosting companies and organizations, especially by demonstrating an understanding of select companies’ and organizations’ goals/objectives, which will be essential to securing their commitment to hosting interns. Bidders should not contact companies/organizations within Africa Lead II’s existing network at this point in time.

iii. Task 1 Deliverable: Design promotional materials for IPNiv. Task 1 Deliverable: Work with each intern host to develop

custom scopes of work (SOWs) for each internship

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b. Task 2: Provide an internship matching service to host companies by recruiting, placing, and supporting interns in appropriate host companies/organizations.

i. The number of internship opportunities generated in Year 1 will of course depend on the extent of interest that prospective intern hosts express. A proposed target number for mobilized interns under this grant award is 50 individuals. Based on the Africa Lead II Program’s overall scope of work and the fact that our funding is part of USAID’s Feed the Future (FTF) Initiative, it is required that internship opportunities be developed in agricultural value chains or technical areas that exist as areas of focus for FTF. 1 See the footnote below for guidance on this topic.

ii. Drawing on agribusinesses and agriculture-focused organizations that express an interest in hosting one or more interns, the IPN Manager will flesh out customized SOWs for internship opportunities. In partnership with interested hosting companies, the IPN will work with each company to write out a detailed SOW that will ensure a constructive internship experience on the part of both the host and the intern. Each SOW may vary based on the interests and needs of the intern host.

iii. Once the SOWs are completed, the IPN will publicize the internship opportunities. Marketing tactics will be tailored to generate a strong pool of applicants for the internship program. In this vein, it is important that plenty of advance notice be provided to interested individuals so that they can properly prepare an application and also make arrangements to participate in the internship.

iv. The IPN will be expected to process applications and screen/select interns in partnership with intern hosting companies. Subsequently, the IPN should inform Africa Lead II of decisions on shortlisting of candidates for interviews and making final selections for internship offers. This process will be open to each intern hosting company to the extent that they are interested in participating. Of course, it would be highly understandable for a host to want input into the final selection process, and this will be welcome by the IPN Managing Entity.

v. Conduct orientation for selected internship candidates, and mobilize them to internship sites. The Africa Lead II Program has developed an internship orientation training that we have tested with previous groups of interns. The orientation program lasts 3-5 days and ensures that the interns start their internship experience with as much direction and preparation as possible. It is important that the interns have a strong sense of professionalism and a clear sense of what they hope to get out of the internship experience. The orientation

1 FTF’s focal value chains for staple crops include rice, maize, pulses, sorghum, millet, cassava, soy, and wheat. Focal value chains for high value crops include horticulture, coffee, honey, and cashews. And FTF’s focal value chains for animals include livestock, dairy, and fisheries. Key agricultural challenges include input supply, production practices, post-harvest handling, food processing, food storage, transportation logistics, food marketing, and nutrition.

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process helps to ensure a positive experience on the part of the interns and their hosts.

vi. Support interns and intern hosts during the internships as needed. Facilitate debriefs post-internship and maintain contact with interns after internships conclude. The IPN Manager will be expected to provide support to interns during their internship experiences. It is very much in the interest of Africa Lead II, the IPN Manager, the intern, and the hosting company to make sure that the internship experience is a positive one.

vii. Each bidder should present a clear plan for providing a matching service by recruiting, placing, and supporting interns in appropriate host companies/organizations.

viii. Task 2 Deliverable: Conduct orientation for selected internship candidates

ix. Task 2 Milestone: Attain milestone of at least 50 internships facilitated

c. Task 3: Build the capacity of companies and organizations to develop their own in-house internship programs.

i. As part of Africa Lead II’s quest to expand the use of internships and apprenticeships for the purpose of workforce development and broader private sector development in agriculture and food security, bidders for the role of IPN Manager should make clear how they propose to build the capacity of companies and organizations to develop their own in-house internship programs. This will require that the IPN Manager codifies the processes and procedures that comprise the entire cycle of internship administration and transfer a comprehensive set of tools, templates, and process guides to interested companies/organizations. Africa Lead II has already begun development on these resources so it would be a collaborative effort with Africa Lead II in this area.

ii. Each bidder should present a clear plan for how they will build the capacity of companies/organizations to develop their own in-house internship programs.

iii. Each bidder should also present a methodology for how they will conduct a study that examines an illustrative set of African companies that already have internship programs, why these programs exist, how they are structured, lessons learned, benefits and pitfalls of internship programs, and how other agriculture-oriented companies can be persuaded to establish similar programs. As part of this study, an initial list should be assembled, comprised of agriculture-focused companies that express interest in working with Africa Lead II to set up an in-house internship program.

iv. Task 3 Deliverable: Completion of a study that examines an illustrative set of African companies that already have internship programs (at least 15 companies spanning at least 3 countries), why these programs exist, how they are structured, lessons learned, benefits and pitfalls of internship

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programs, and how other agriculture-oriented companies can be persuaded to establish similar programs. As part of this study, an initial list should be assembled, comprised of agriculture-focused companies that express interest in working with Africa Lead II to set up an in-house internship program.

d. Task 4: Report on and publicizing the results achieved by the IPN.

i. Publicizing the results achieved by the IPN is critical for creating awareness of the IPN and bolstering its prospects for expansion and financial support from entities other than Africa Lead II.

ii. At the end of the internships, Africa Lead II and the IPN Manager will support a half-day event during which interns and intern hosts come together to discuss their experiences, including lessons on how to improve the program for future internships. USAID Mission personnel will be welcome to participate in this event.

iii. Based on past experience, Africa Lead II believes that maintaining contact with the interns is important for at least three reasons. First, understanding the impact of each internship requires post-internship follow-up with the interns to determine if and how they are applying newly learned skills, techniques, and technologies in their professional lives. The follow-up should be done at intervals of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Second, the interns can serve as a resource of Africa Lead II and the IPN, providing testaments to the value of the internships and helping to recruit new interns and new intern hosting companies. Finally, interns who prove to be particularly outstanding in their internship role may have the potential to serve in a training role on the Africa Lead II Program. In addition to training, they may choose to mentor younger students on the promise of a career in agriculture and agribusiness.

iv. Each bidder should present a clear plan for reporting on and publicizing IPN progress and achievements.

v. Task 4 Deliverable: At the end of the internships, Africa Lead II and the IPN Manager support a half-day event during which interns and intern hosts come together to discuss their experiences, including lessons on how to improve the program for future internships.

vi. Task 4 Deliverable: For each intern, maintain track record of post-internship activities/performance.

e. Task 5: Present plan for financial self-sufficiency of IPN. i. As noted above, a core Africa Lead II goal is for the IPN to

become sustainable through the generation of outside financial support from entities other than Africa Lead II. Alternative funding sources may include large companies looking to make social investments, national government

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entities, high net-worth individuals, and/or bilateral or multilateral donors.

ii. Each bidder should present a clear plan for ensuring that the IPN will achieve financial self-sufficiency within two years.

iii. Task 5 Deliverable: Develop a clear plan for ensuring that the IPN will achieve financial self-sufficiency within 18-24 months.

iv. Task 5 Deliverable: Submit Final Report for Grant Program.

2. Monitoring + Evaluation: The applicant should define, to the maximum extent possible at the application stage, target results that will be achieved under the grant and a monitoring and evaluation plan for measuring progress on project performance.

3. Personnel. The applicant should identify all key personnel responsible for the successful implementation of the award. Each applicant should provide, as part of their application, detailed curriculum vitae that demonstrate the Key Personnel’s ability to perform the duties outlined in the applicant’s proposal and in accordance with the evaluation factors found herein. Africa Lead II will evaluate the CVs to determine the individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the areas listed herein.

4. Organizational Capability: Each applicant shall include information that demonstrates the applicant's expertise and ability to meet or exceed the goals of this program, particularly any established relationships that applicants may have with leading agribusinesses that may serve as intern hosts. Applicants should provide evidence of how the organization demonstrates the ability to administer projects like this one effectively and sustainably.

5. Past Performance: Applicants must present evidence of their past experience in implementing activities supporting workforce development, agribusiness strengthening, and other likeminded projects. Applicants must explain how this experience will help build a strong IPN capable of achieving scale and sustainability, and thereby contribute to transforming African agriculture by leveraging the resources, capabilities, and contributions of intern hosting entities, host-country governments, USAID Missions, and other development partners. Applicants must include descriptions of a minimum of two projects or other similar activities. Each reference should include three (3) clients’ names and telephone numbers. These clients will serve as references for each of the mentioned projects or activities.

6. Budget: All proposals must include a completed budget; see Section C below for more details.

7. Other material: Applicants may also want to submit other material as attachments along with their applications such as letters of reference, newspaper clippings reporting on the organization’s activities, brochures or other promotional material. Support letters demonstrating partnerships and cooperation with prospective intern-hosting entities are of particular interest.

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However, attachments should be limited to 5 pages and they will not be returned to the applicants.

C. Preparation Instructions – Financial and Administrative Documentation

1. Completed Budget. All budget lines must be clearly linked to specific project activities. Although Africa Lead II will support organization staff and operating costs that are necessary for reaching project goals, applicants should direct their resources primarily to project implementation, rather than organization operating costs. Supporting information shall be provided, as necessary, in sufficient detail to allow a complete analysis of each line item cost.

2. Completed Financial Capability Questionnaire, which includes: a. Audited Financial Reports: Copy of the applicant’s most recent

financial report, which has been audited by a certified public accountant or other auditor satisfactory to Africa Lead II. If no recent audit has been performed, a “Balance Sheet” and “Income Statement” for the most current and previous fiscal year should be provided.

b. Incorporation Papers or Certificate of Registration and Statute

c. Organizational chart

3. Documentation that the applicant has the ability to comply with the award conditions, taking into account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the applicant. The applicant must demonstrate its ability to segregate funds obtained from the award of a capital grant from other activities of the organization. A separate bank account is required should a grant award be made. (Documentation may include certification from the applicant’s bank or a summary of previous awards, including type of funding, value, client, etc.)

4. Documentation that the applicant has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics. (Documentation may include references from other donors or clients and a summary of previous awards, including type of funding, value, client, etc.)

Section 2. Special Grant Requirements

The applicant shall bear in mind the following special requirements for any grants awarded in response to this RFA:

Separate Account: A separate account must be established to house all funds provided under the grant, as well as all interest income.

Permitted Uses of Program Income: The Grantee will inform Africa Lead II of any program income generated under the grant and agrees to follow USAID’s disposition requirements for such program income, which is in

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accordance with 22 CFR 226.24. Program income earned under this agreement shall be applied and used in the following descending order:

1. Added to funds committed by USAID and the recipient to the project or program, and used to further eligible project or program objectives;

2. Used to finance the non-Federal share of the project or program; and 3. Deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining

the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.

If the terms and conditions of the award do not specify how program income is to be used, then Option (2) shall apply automatically. Grantees who are commercial organizations may not apply Option (1) to their program income.

Use of Funds: Funds provided under any grant awarded shall be used exclusively to provide assistance in delivering the activities, results, and deliverables outlined in the project SOW, seen in Section B-1 above.

Reporting Procedures: A description of reporting requirements will be included in the Grant Agreement. The types of reporting required, along with the schedule of reporting, will depend on the grant type and project duration. Reporting forms will be provided to grant recipients. Types of reporting will include the following:

Program report to be submitted during project implementation according to a schedule determined by Africa Lead II. This report will include a description of project activities and progress towards meeting the project goal; problems in project implementation; actions taken to overcome them; and plans on how the next phase of the project will be implemented.

Final program report will describe how the project objectives and goals were reached, results of the project, and problems and solutions during implementation. This information should be presented in a manner suitable for presentation to the public.

Financial reports will be submitted to Africa Lead II according to a schedule described in the grant agreement. Types of financial reports, as well as the schedule of reporting, will depend on the type of grant, length of project, and amount of grant funding. Financial reports will be required in order to receive grant installments. These reports will describe the amount of grant funds spent during the previous period, total amount spent to date, and amount remaining in each budget line item. In addition, all grant recipients are required to submit a detailed Final Financial Report.

Issuance of the final installment of grant funds is contingent upon Africa Lead II’s receipt and acceptance of Final Financial and Final Program Reports.

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Project Monitoring: Africa Lead II staff will monitor the programmatic and financial aspects of the project. The grant recipient will be expected to facilitate monitoring by making relevant information available to Africa Lead II staff.

Restrictions: The Grant Funds provided under the terms of this Agreement shall not be used to finance any of the following:

1. Goods or services which are to be used primarily to meet military requirements or to support police or other law enforcement activities,

2. Surveillance equipment,

3. Equipment, research and/or services related to involuntary sterilization or the performance of abortion as a method of family planning,

4. Gambling equipment, supplies for gambling facilities or any hotels, casinos or accommodations in which gambling facilities are or are planned to be located,

5. Activities which significantly degrade national parks or similar protected areas or introduce exotic plants or animals into such areas,

6. Establishment or development of any export processing zone or designated area where the labor, environmental, tax, tariff, and/or safety laws of the country in which such activity takes place would not apply,

7. Pharmaceuticals,

8. Pesticides,

9. Logging equipment,

10. Luxury goods (including alcoholic beverages and jewelry),

11. Establishing or expanding any enterprise that will export raw materials that are likely to be in surplus in world markets at the time such production becomes effective and that are likely to cause substantial injury to U.S. producers,

12. Activities which would result in the loss of forest lands due to livestock rearing, road construction or maintenance, colonization of forest lands or construction of dams or other water control structures,

13. Activities which are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the environment, including any of the following (to the extent such

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activities are likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment):i.) Activities which may lead to degrading the quality or

renewability of natural resources;ii.) Activities which may lead to degrading the presence or health

of threatened ecosystems or biodiversity;iii.) Activities which may lead to degrading long-term viability of

agricultural or forestry production (including through use of pesticides);

iv.) Activities which may lead to degrading community and social systems, including potable water supply, land administration, community health and well-being or social harmony,

14. Activities which are likely to involve the loss of jobs in the United States due to the relocation or expansion outside of the United States of an enterprise located in the United States,

15. Activities which the Grantee is aware are reasonably likely to contribute to the violation of internationally or locally recognized rights of workers, or

16. Activities to support the production of agricultural commodities for export when such commodities would directly compete with exports of similar United States agricultural commodities to third countries and have a significant impact on United States exporters.

Section 3. Selection ProcessWithin 15 working days of the deadline for submitting applications, a review panel will convene. The review panel may include the Africa Lead II Chief of Party, the Deputy Chiefs of Party, the Technical Leads, the AFRICA LEAD II Grant Manager, the Director of Finance & Operations and USAID representative(s).

Throughout the evaluation process, Africa Lead II shall take steps to ensure that members of the review panel do not have any conflicts of interest or the appearance of such with regard to the organizations whose applications are under review. An individual shall be considered to have the appearance of a conflict of interest if that person, or that person’s spouse, partner, child, close friend or relative works for or is negotiating to work for, or has a financial interest (including being an unpaid member of a Board of Directors) in any organization that submitted an application under the panel’s review. Members of the panel shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from parties to the awards.

All applications that meet the application requirements will be reviewed by the review panel. Verification of the application submission requirements will be conducted at the Africa Lead II Headquarters by the Grant Manager and Technical Team Leads. If suitable applications are received, a grant award will be made within 60-90 working days of the review panel meeting provided that the awardee furnishes Africa Lead II with all the required

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documentation as itemized in Section 1 of this RFA. The award will be conditional upon USAID approval.

The applications will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria set forth below. To the extent necessary (if award is not made based on initial applications), negotiations may be conducted with each applicant whose application, after discussion and negotiation, has a reasonable chance of being selected for award. Award will be made to responsive applicants whose applications offer the best value.

Selection CriteriaAwards will be made based on the ranking of applications by the review panel according to the evaluation criteria and 100-point scoring system identified below:

1. Project approach and design (40 Points)o Is the design innovative, creative and realistic? o What will be its outreach and scope?o Does the applicant present a compelling plan for recruiting intern-

hosting entities?o Does the applicant present a compelling intern recruitment plan that

highlights the following processes: solicitation, screening, selection, orientation, training, and mobilization to ensure the most competitive candidates are selected?

o Are the proposed internship opportunities developed in agricultural value chains or technical areas that exist as areas of focus for FTF?

o Does the applicant present a clear internship management plan to support both interns and intern hosts as needed?

o Does the applicant provide a clear plan to develop detailed and customized internship SOWs that will ensure a constructive internship experience for the host and the intern?

o Is the applicant able to articulate how –following the conclusion of each internship- they will track the extent to which interns are applying newly learned skills, techniques, and technologies in their professional lives?

o Has the applicant presented a compelling methodology for conducting a study of African companies that already offer internships in order to determine why they were started, how they are structured, lessons learned in companies’ design of internship programs, benefits/pitfalls, and how other ag-oriented companies/organizations can be persuaded to establish similar programs based on core business interest?

o Has the applicant identified how they plan to codify the processes and procedures that comprise the entire cycle of internship administration and transfer a comprehensive set of tools, templates, and process guides to interested companies/organizations.

o Is the project likely to expand the use of internships and apprenticeships for the purpose of workforce development and broader private sector development in agriculture and food security?

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o Has the applicant identified alternative funding sources which may include large companies looking to make social investments, national government entities, high net-worth individuals, and/or bilateral or multilateral donors?

o Does the applicant present a clear plan for ensuring that the IPN will achieve financial self-sufficiency within two years?

o Has bidder presented a clear plan for reporting on and publicizing IPN progress and achievements?

o Does the applicant have a monitoring and evaluation plan?o Does the applicant ensure all required deliverables and milestones are

incorporated into their design? Key deliverables and milestones are listed here:

Task 1: Establish IPN Communication Materials and Commence Recruitment of Intern Hosting Companies and OrganizationsDeliverable: Design promotional materials for IPNDeliverable: Work with each intern host to develop custom scopes of work (SOWs) for each internship

Task 2: Provide an internship matching service to host companies by recruiting, placing, and supporting interns in appropriate host companies/organizations.Deliverable: Conduct orientation for selected internship candidates Milestone: Attain milestone of at least 50 internships facilitated

Task 3: Build the capacity of companies and organizations to develop their own in-house internship programs.Deliverable: Conduct a study that examines an illustrative set of African companies that already have internship programs (at least 15 companies spanning at least 3 countries), why these programs exist, how they are structured, lessons learned, benefits and pitfalls of internship programs, and how other agriculture-oriented companies can be persuaded to establish similar programs. As part of this study, an initial list should be assembled, comprised of agriculture-focused companies that express interest in working with Africa Lead II to set up an in-house internship program.

Task 4: Report on and publicizing the results achieved by the IPN.Deliverable: At the end of the internships, Africa Lead II and the IPN Manager support a half-day event during which interns and intern hosts come together to discuss their experiences, including lessons on how to improve the program for future internships. Deliverable: For each intern, maintain track record of post-internship activities/performance

Task 5: Present plan for financial self-sufficiency of IPN within two years.Deliverable: Develop a clear plan for ensuring that the IPN will achieve financial self-sufficiency within 18-24 months. Deliverable: Submit Final Report for Grant Program

2. Personnel (30 Points): Do proposed key personnel demonstrate sufficient leadership capacity and skills to promote buy-in and sustainability? Does the applicant have the technical capacity required to implement the proposed activity effectively?

3. Past performance and capability (15 Points): Has the applicant had past experience and demonstrated capabilities in conducting projects of a similar nature? Describe these projects.

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4. Cost effectiveness (15 Points): Is the cost reasonable in terms of the expected results? Which proposal offers best value? Is proposed activity cost-effective?

Signing of Grant Agreements

Upon USAID approval of the application, a Grant Agreement will be prepared. The grant awardee, prior to receiving any funds, must register in SAM and DUNS. After Africa Lead II and the successful applicant have signed the Grant Agreement, Africa Lead II will provide guidance on financial management and reporting on grant funds. All reporting and contractual obligations will be explained to the grant recipients. Before receiving the first grant installment, all grant recipients must open a separate bank account as this is the only means by which grant funds will be transferred from Africa Lead II to the grant recipient.

AFRICA LEAD II and USAID reserve the right to fund any or none of the applications received

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Annex 1: Mandatory Standard Provisions

Please be aware and informed of the mandatory standard provisions as they are applied to all organizations seeking a grant award. Complete provisions can be downloaded from the websites provided below.

Pursuant to 22 CFR 226.81, it is USAID policy not to award profit under assistance instruments such as grant awards. However, all reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the grant program and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (22 CFR 226, OMB Circular A-122 for non-profit organization, OMB Circular A-21 for universities, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 for-profit organizations), may be paid under the grant.

Mandatory Standard Provisions for US Nongovernmental Recipients: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303maa.pdf

And/or

Mandatory Standard Provisions for Non-US Nongovernmental Recipients:(http://www.usaid.gov/missions/sa/usaidsa/mandatorystandard.pdf)

For non-US organizations, the Standard Provisions for Non-US Nongovernmental Recipients will apply. For US organizations, 22 CFR 226 (http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/cfr.html#22), OMB Circulars (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a122/a122.html), and the Standard Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental Recipients will apply. Please see Annex 1 for Standard Provisions.

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Annex 2: Application Form

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Annex 2A P P L I C A T I O N F O R M

I. THE APPLICANT

1. Name of applicant(please include also acronyms, if any)

2. Address of applicant(please include official address as well as postal address)

Official address:

Postal address:

3. VAT registration number (if applicable)

4. Telephone

5. Fax

6. E-mail

7. Web site

8. Contact person

II. PROJECT INFORMATION

1. Title of proposed project

2. Location and duration

Location: [city / commune], [county]Duration: ____ months, from [month] [year] to [month] [year]

3. Summary Budget

Total budget Local Currency (100%) Amount requested Local

Currency(%)

Applicant contribution

Local Currency (%)

Exchange rate used

1 USD = Local Currency

(date)

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4. OPTIONAL: Partners involved in the project – Use if appropriate(Please list all partner organizations involved in the project; insert as many lines as necessary)

NAME OF PARTNER ROLE IN THE PROJECT CONTACT DATA

Official address:

Phone and fax:E-mail:Contact person:Official address:

Phone and fax:E-mail:Contact person:

III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1. Project summary(Please provide a brief summary of your project and any necessary background information; the summary must be no more than 2-3 pages and should clearly address what your project will accomplish, in addition to why and how it will be implemented.)

2. Project goal, activities and results(Please provide accurate and detailed information, no more than 15 pages.)

a) How will the project deliver on the activities, results, and deliverables called for in this Project Scope of Work, stated in Section B-1 of this RFA?

b) What are the specific activities that you will undertake?

c) What are the specific expected results that your project will bring about?

3. OPTIONAL: Beneficiaries -

a) How many people will directly benefit from your project? Please describe who these beneficiaries will be (e.g. age, gender, and other commonalities).

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b) If applicable, describe how you will serve the needs of youth, women, or other underserved groups.

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4. Cost share (Explain your approach to generating cost-share and leverage of

resources from intern hosting entities and other entities such as Donor Partners and National Government Authorities.)

5. Monitoring and evaluation

a) How will you know that your project was successfully implemented? What criteria will you use to measure the achievements of your project?(Please include the tools you will use to monitor project activities and evaluate project results)

6. Sustainability

a) Describe how the activities in your project will be sustained after funding ends. How will the activities or results of your project continue?

7. Project activity schedule and timeline (work plan)(Based on the activities listed in section III.2(b) above, please create and provide a workplan using the gantt chart format)

IV. PROJECT TEAM

Please list all project team members, including their position, role in the project and a short description of their assigned responsibilities. (Insert as many lines as necessary).(Please attach CVs for key personnel involved in the project)

NO NAME & SURNAME POSITION ROLE IN THE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION12345678

V. APPLICANT CAPABILITY AND PAST PERFORMANCE

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1. Organizational capability and resources Annual income over the past three years, mentioning the names of your main financial contributors (where applicable)

YEARTOTAL ANNUAL

INCOME(in USD)

MAIN FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTORS

a) Please describe the various resources at the disposal of your organization such as: equipment, offices etc.

2. Past performance Please describe no more than three major projects in which your organization was involved over the past three years, using the table below.

a) Project titleb) Duration (months)c) Yeard) Locatione) Role of your

organization(leader, partner)

f) Project objectives

g) Project results

h) Total budget (USD)

i) Funding sources and types of funding (grants, contract, or other)Please include contact information for funding sources.

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VI. PROJECT BUDGET

Please provide a detailed budget for the entire duration of the project. Budgets should not exceed the grant ceiling of $200,000 with an 18-month period of performance.

VII. STATEMENT OF LIABILITY

I, the undersigned, being the person responsible in the applicant organization for this project, certify that the information given in this application is true and accurate.

Name and surname:Position:Signature & stamp:Date and Place:

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Annex 3: CV Form

Use proposed template or insert your CVs here:

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ANNEX 3

Curriculum Vitae

Proposed position in the project:

Name (First, Middle, Last):

Citizenship:

Education:Name and location of institution

Major(s) or Degree(s) obtained:

Language proficiency – indicate proficiency on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (native):Language Reading Speaking Writing

Membership of NGOs or other professional bodies:

Key skills and qualifications relevant to the project (e.g. computer literacy, etc.):

Employment history:

Position Title

Employer’s name and address

Dates of employment Short description

of tasks performedFrom(month, year)

To(month, year)

Other relevant information: (e.g. publications, seminars/courses etc.):

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Annex 4: Financial Capability Questionnaire

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Annex 4Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire

For Africa Lead II Grant Recipients

The main purpose of this questionnaire is to understand the systems adopted by your institution for financial oversight and accounting of grant funds, especially those provided through the U.S. Federal Government. The questionnaire will assist the Africa Lead II program and accounting staff to identify the extent to which your institution's financial systems match the requirements of the U.S. Federal Government. This information will help the program staff work with you and your institution to review any problem areas that may be identified; thereby avoiding any problems or oversights which would be reportable should an audit of the program or institution be required.

The questionnaire should be completed by the financial officer of your institution in collaboration with Africa Lead II program staff. This questionnaire is informational only, and will not have any bearing on the agreement to support your institution based on the technical merit of the proposal. Therefore, please answer all questions to the best of your knowledge.

While 22 CFR 226 does not cover awards to non-U.S. recipients, Africa Lead II shall rely on the standards established in that regulation in determining whether potential non-U.S. recipients are responsible to manage Federal funds. A determination shall be made on the potential recipient's ability, or potential ability, to comply with the following USAID and federal-wide policies:

1) 22 CFR 226.20 - 226.28 (Financial and Program Management) (See Mandatory Reference, 22 CFR 226.20 - 226.28);

2) 22 CFR 226.30 - 226.37 (Property Standards) (See Mandatory Reference, 22 CFR 226.30 - 226.37);

3) 22 CFR 226.40 - 226.49 (Procurement Standards) (See Mandatory Reference, 22 CFR 226.40 - 226.49); and

4) 22 CFR 226.50 - 226.53 (Reports and Records) (See Mandatory Reference, 22 CFR 226.50 - 226.53).

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SECTION A: General Information

Please complete this section which provides general information on your institution.

Name of Institution:

Name and Title of Financial Contact Person:

Name of Person Filling out Questionnaire:

Mailing Address:

Street Address (if different)

Telephone, Fax, Email (if applicable)

Enter the beginning and ending dates of your institution's fiscal year:

From: (Month, Day) To: (Month, Day)

SECTION B: Internal Controls

Internal controls are procedures which ensure that: 1) financial transactions are approved by an authorized individual and are consistent with U.S. laws, regulations and your institution's policies; 2) assets are maintained safely and controlled; and 3) accounting records are complete, accurate and maintained on a consistent basis. Please complete the following questions concerning your institution's internal controls.

1. Does your institution maintain a record of how much time employees spend on different projects or activities?

Yes: No: 2. If yes, how?

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3. Are timesheets kept for each paid employee?

Yes: No: 4. Do you maintain an employment letter or contract which includes the

employee’s salary?

Yes: No: 4. Do you maintain inventory records for your institution's equipment?

Yes: No: (if no, explain)

5. How often do you check actual inventory against inventory records?

6. Are all financial transactions approved by an appropriate official?

Yes: No: 7. The person responsible for approving financial transactions is: ________________ Title: ______________

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8. Is the person(s) responsible for approving transactions familiar with U.S. Federal Cost principles as described in OMB Circular A-122?

Yes: No: 9. Does your institution use a payment voucher system or some other procedure for the documentation of approval by an appropriate official?

Yes: No: 10. Does your institution require supporting documentation (such as original receipts) prior to payment for expenditures?

Yes: No: 11. Does your institution require that such documentation be maintained over a period of time?

Yes: No: If yes, how long are such records kept?

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12. Are different individuals within your institution responsible for approving, disbursing, and accounting of transactions?

Yes: No: 13. Are the functions of checking the accuracy of your accounts and the daily recording of accounting data performed by different individuals?

Yes: No: 14. Who would be responsible for financial reports? ________________________________________

SECTION C: Fund Control and Accounting Systems

Fund Control essentially means that access to bank accounts and/or other cash assets is limited to authorized individuals. Bank balances should be reconciled periodically to the accounting records. If cash cannot be maintained in a bank, it is very important to have strict controls over its maintenance and disbursement.

An Accounting System accurately records all financial transactions, and ensures that these transactions are supported by documentation. Some institutions may have computerized accounting systems while others use a manual system to record each transaction in a ledger. In all cases, the expenditure of funds provided by the USAID-funded program must be properly authorized, used for the intended purpose, and recorded in an organized and consistent manner.

1. Does your institution maintain separate accounting of funds for different projects by:

Separate bank accounts: A fund accounting system:

2. Will any cash from the grant funds be maintained outside a bank (in petty cash funds, etc.)?

Yes: No:

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If yes, please explain the amount of funds to be maintained, the purpose and person responsible for safeguarding these funds.

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4. If your institution doesn't have a bank account, how do you ensure that cash is maintained safely?

5. Does your institution have written accounting policies and procedures?

Yes: No: 6. How do you allocate costs that are “shared” by different funding sources, such as rent, utilities, etc.?

7. Are your financial reports prepared on a:

Cash basis: Accrual basis: 8. Is your institution's accounting system capable of recording transactions, including date, amount, and description?

Yes: No: 9. Is your institution's accounting system capable of separating the receipts and payments of the grant from the receipts and payments of your institution’s other activities?

Yes: No:

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10. Is your institution's accounting system capable of accumulating individual grant transactions according to budget categories in the approved budget?

Yes: No: 10. Is your institution's accounting system designed to detect errors in a timely manner?

Yes: No: 11. How will your institution make sure that budget categories and/or overall budget limits for the grant will not be exceeded?

12. Are reconciliations between bank statements and accounting records performed monthly and reviewed by an appropriate individual?

Yes: No: 13. Briefly describe your institution’s system for filing and keeping supporting documentation.

SECTION D: Audit

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The grant provisions require recipients to adhere to USAID regulations, including requirements to maintain records for a minimum of three years to make accounting records available for review by appropriate representatives of USAID or AFRICA LEAD II, and, in some cases, may require an audit to be performed of your accounting records. Please provide the following information on prior audits of your institution.

1. Is someone in your institution familiar with U.S. government regulations concerning costs which can be charged to U.S. grants (OMB Circular A-122 "Cost Principles for Nonprofit Institutions" and OMB Circular A-110 "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Institutions")?

Yes: No: 2. Do you anticipate that your institution will have other sources of U.S. government funds during the period of this grant agreement?

Yes: No: 3. Have external accountants ever performed an audit of your institution's financial statements?

Yes: No: If yes, please provide a copy of your most recent report.

4. Does your institution have regular audits?

Yes: No: If yes, who performs the audit and how frequently is it performed?

5. If you do not have a current audit of your financial statements, please provide this office with a copy of the following financial statements, if available:

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a. A "Balance Sheet" for the most current and previous year; and b. An "Income Statement" for the most current and previous year.

6. Are there any circumstances that would prevent your institution from obtaining an audit?

Yes: No: If yes, please provide details:

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CHECKLIST AND SIGNATURE PAGE

AFRICA LEAD II requests that your institution submit a number of documents along with this completed questionnaire. Complete this page to ensure that all requested information has been included.

Complete the checklist: Copy of your organization's most recent audit is attached. If no recent audit, a "Balance Sheet" "Income Statement" for the most current and previous fiscal year. All questions have been fully answered. An authorized individual has signed and dated this page.

Optional: Incorporation Papers or Certificate of Registration and Statute is attached. Information describing your institution is attached. Organizational chart, if available is attached (if applicable).

The Financial Capability Questionnaire must be signed and dated by an authorized person who has either completed or reviewed the form.

Approved by:

_________________________

Print Name

_________________________

Signature

__________________________Title Date _____________

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Annex 5: Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, please check to make sure the following are included:

The application is submitted in electronic format Budget is includedOrganizational Chart is includedThe statement of liability is signed and stamped (last page of application

form – Annex 2)The work plan is included The CVs are included (Annex 3)Completed Financial Capability Questionnaire (Annex 4)Audited Financial Reports: Copy of the applicant’s most recent financial report, which has been audited by a certified public accountant or other auditor satisfactory to AFRICA LEAD II. If no recent audit, a “Balance Sheet” and “Income Statement” for the most current and previous fiscal year.)

Incorporation Papers or Certificate of Registration and StatuteDocumentation that the applicant has the ability to comply with the award conditions, taking into account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the applicant. The applicant must demonstrate its ability to segregate funds obtained from the award of a capital grant from other activities of the organization. A separate bank account is required should a grant award be made. (Documentation may include certification from the applicant’s bank or a summary of previous awards, including type of funding, value, client, etc.)Documentation that the applicant has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics. (Documentation may include references from other donors or clients and a summary of previous awards, including type of funding, value, client, etc..)

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