Education in Crisis and Conflict | 72068823RFI00002

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Education in Crisis and Conflict (USAID/Mali) RFI

1) What is the "Education in Crisis and Conflict" opportunity?

It is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by USAID/Mali (USAID Bamako) under Funding Opportunity Number 72068823RFI00002. The RFI is a planning and consultation step to gather feedback that may inform a future basic education activity in Mali.

2) Is this a grant competition or a funding solicitation?

No. This posting is not a grant competition and is not a formal solicitation. It is an RFI used for early market research and technical consultation. USAID is collecting perspectives and recommendations rather than accepting applications for funding.

3) What is USAID trying to accomplish through this RFI?

USAID is seeking comments, analysis, opinions, and practical recommendations to help shape a possible future basic education program in Mali. The goal is to design an approach that reflects real-world experience in basic education and education in crisis and conflict settings, especially in insecure and disrupted learning environments.

4) What geographic areas in Mali are referenced?

The RFI highlights central and/or northern Mali as priority areas of interest, specifically in relation to conflict-affected primary school learners.

5) Who is the intended beneficiary group?

The focus is on improving learning outcomes for primary school students who have been affected by conflict.

6) What kinds of input is USAID requesting?

USAID is inviting organizations, individual experts, and other potential implementers to respond to a set of questions included in the RFI. Responses should provide practical, experience-based recommendations and viewpoints relevant to basic education and education in crisis and conflict contexts.

7) Who can respond to this RFI?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted. This means USAID is open to receiving input from a wide range of interested parties rather than limiting responses to a specific applicant type or sector.

8) Does responding to the RFI guarantee funding or an award?

No. An RFI does not commit the U.S. Government to fund anything, make an award, or even issue a solicitation later. It is strictly for planning purposes.

9) Will USAID reimburse costs for preparing or submitting an RFI response?

No. USAID states it will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing or submitting responses to the RFI.

10) What happens to the information submitted in an RFI response?

Submissions are for planning purposes only, and the information provided becomes the property of USAID. Respondents are cautioned not to include proprietary or confidential information they are not prepared to have shared or used by the agency.

11) Should respondents include proprietary or confidential information?

No. Because the submitted information becomes the property of USAID and may be used for planning, respondents are warned not to include proprietary, sensitive, or confidential material they are not comfortable sharing.

12) If an organization does not respond to the RFI, will that affect eligibility for future opportunities?

No. USAID notes that choosing not to respond does not disqualify anyone from participating in any future procurement or assistance competition, if USAID later issues one.

13) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this RFI?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 72068823RFI00002.

14) Which USAID office issued this RFI?

The RFI was released by USAID/Mali, also referenced as USAID Bamako.

15) What is the opportunity category and funding instrument type?

Both the opportunity category and the funding instrument type are listed as "Other." This reflects that the posting is part of pre-solicitation engagement rather than a standard grant announcement.

16) What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number associated with this posting?

The CFDA/Assistance Listing number associated with the posting is 98.001.

17) What was the closing date for submitting feedback?

The original closing date for submitting RFI feedback was September 29, 2023.

18) The notice references up to $10,000,000. Does that mean funding is available?

The notice includes a reference figure of an award ceiling of up to $10,000,000, but that number should be read cautiously. Because this is an RFI, it does not confirm that funding will be made available, that a solicitation will be issued, or that any award will occur.

19) Where would a future solicitation be posted if USAID decides to move forward?

USAID states that if it proceeds to a formal solicitation, any future announcement would be posted on www.grants.gov.

20) What is the main value of this RFI for education stakeholders?

This RFI is a chance for education and humanitarian education stakeholders to influence USAID/Mali's thinking on priorities, design choices, and implementation approaches for reaching conflict-affected primary school learners, before any official funding competition is launched.