Remedial Education Activity in Zambia | 7200AA21APS00003 ADDENDUM REA ZAMBIA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Remedial Education Activity in Zambia (USAID)

1) What is the "Remedial Education Activity in Zambia" funding opportunity?

This is a USAID funding opportunity inviting organizations to submit concept notes that propose innovative ways to deliver remedial instruction for learners in grades 3 through 5 in Zambia. The focus is on helping students who are behind catch up academically, improving overall learning outcomes, and expanding access to quality basic education.

2) What is USAID asking applicants to submit right now: a full proposal or a concept note?

At this stage, USAID is requesting concise concept notes rather than fully developed proposals. The intent is to identify promising approaches first; depending on how the process is structured under the broader solicitation, the strongest ideas may be invited to move to later stages.

3) Who is the target learner group for the remedial instruction?

The target group is learners in grades 3 through 5.

4) What outcomes is USAID trying to achieve through this activity?

The stated aims are to help learners who are behind catch up academically, improve overall learning outcomes, and expand access to quality basic education in Zambia.

5) How much funding might be available for this opportunity?

Funding is subject to availability. USAID indicates it may allocate up to USD 10 million over a five-year period of performance.

6) Does "up to USD 10 million" mean every award will be that size?

No. The notice indicates USAID may allocate up to that amount over five years, but it does not state that any single award will equal that figure. USAID also notes it has discretion in funding decisions and may fund some, all, or none of the submissions.

7) Why does the listing show an award ceiling of 0?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0, which generally signals that final award sizes are not predetermined in the posting and will depend on what USAID decides to support after review.

8) Is USAID guaranteed to make an award under this opportunity?

No. The notice includes standard government disclaimers stating that publishing the opportunity does not constitute a commitment to make an award. USAID also states it has full discretion to fund some, all, or none of the submissions received.

9) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as "unrestricted," which suggests a wide range of applicant types may submit, provided they meet all requirements in the notice and can supply the required information.

10) What solicitation is this opportunity associated with?

This opportunity is issued as an addendum under the FY2021-2022 STIP APS (Annual Program Statement). The terms and conditions of that overarching solicitation apply to this addendum.

11) Where is the opportunity posted and how do applicants apply?

The opportunity is posted on Grants.gov, and applicants must use Grants.gov for access and submission.

12) Can the opportunity be updated or changed after posting?

Yes. USAID notes the opportunity may be amended. Applicants are expected to monitor the Grants.gov posting regularly to ensure they are working from the most current version.

13) What should applicants do to make sure they have the correct and complete documents?

Applicants are responsible for ensuring they have downloaded the complete notice of funding opportunity. USAID also states it is not responsible for transmission or conversion errors, so applicants should verify that their downloaded materials are complete and readable.

14) Are applicants reimbursed for the costs of preparing or submitting a concept note?

No. Concept notes and any eventual applications are submitted at the applicant's own risk, and the U.S. Government does not commit to paying any costs associated with preparing or submitting them.

15) How should applicants handle technical issues with Grants.gov?

For registration or technical issues related to Grants.gov, applicants should contact the Grants.gov helpdesk.

16) Where do applicants send programmatic questions about the opportunity?

Program questions must be submitted by the stated deadline to the point of contact identified in the notice (Section VI).

17) Will USAID share answers to questions with all applicants?

Yes. USAID intends to share responses to timely questions with all potential applicants through an amendment posted to Grants.gov. This is intended to keep the competition fair and ensure everyone has access to the same clarifications.

18) What is the opportunity title and number?

Title: "Remedial Education Activity in Zambia"
Opportunity Number: 7200AA21APS00003 ADDENDUM REA ZAMBIA

19) What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 98.001.

20) Which USAID office is issuing this opportunity?

The issuing agency is USAID Zambia (USAID-Lusaka).

21) What are the key posting dates shown in the listing?

Creation date: March 11, 2021
Closing date: April 12, 2021

22) What does it mean that priority will go to the "most promising solutions"?

The notice indicates that priority will be given to solutions that are most promising and aligned with the objectives described in the funding notice. It also emphasizes USAID discretion in funding decisions.

23) If a concept note is strong, does that guarantee an invitation to the next stage?

No. USAID suggests that the strongest ideas may be invited to advance to later stages, but the notice also makes clear that USAID has full discretion and may fund some, all, or none of the submissions.

24) What is the main administrative expectation for staying informed during the process?

Applicants are expected to monitor Grants.gov for amendments and updates, including any posted responses to applicant questions.