USAID Tech for Green Cities (T4GC)

Request for Grant Applications from Organizations to be Implementation Partners for USAID Tech for Green Cities (T4GC)

Issue date: March 23, 2020 Closing date: April 20, 2020

Institute for Development Impact (I4DI) Sarin Say, T4GC Deputy Project Director Tel.: (+855) 92 21 78 11 Email: [email protected] Guidelines for Submission of Applications

Battambang, , March 2020

The contents of this Request for Applications are the responsibility of Institute for Development Impact (I4DI) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

I. USAID TECH FOR GREEN CITIES (T4GC): PROJECT OVERVIEW USAID Tech for Green Cities (T4GC) is a three-year project (October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2022) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Institute for Development Impact (I4DI) to strengthen solid waste management services (WMS) in Cambodia by building an easy-to-use mobile application for real-time reporting of waste management problems. The goal of T4GC is to increase responsiveness, accountability and transparency of public WMS in Battambang and Banteay Meanchey provinces by enhancing expression of citizens’ rights and participation in governance, while also stimulating sustainable waste management practices in Cambodia. By integrating the use of data across citizens, civil society, WMS providers and other stakeholders, and making the information available to the public, incentivizing reporting and linking it to income generating opportunities, the T4GC platform will help promote constructive interactions between citizens and officials regarding service delivery, improve waste management practices and be more effective in reaching people for improved impact and lasting results. T4GC will achieve this goal by accomplishing the following objectives: 1. Increased transparency and address information scarcity by creating open data access; 2. Improved service delivery and transparency by creating citizen feedback loops and strengthening accountability networks; 3. Promotion of a circular economy in Cambodia by optimizing ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (3R) strategy.

II. GRANTS OVERVIEW, PURPOSE & ACTIVITIES COVERED

A. Overview

Cambodia’s economic growth, accelerated urbanization, and changing lifestyles are associated with a rapid rise in the production of solid waste and other hazardous industrial, medical, constructions and agricultural waste. By introducing a mobile application to enable real-time citizen reporting of waste management issues to local waste management authorities and service providers, T4GC hopes to contribute evidence that clarifies the significant social, economic and environmental value of sustainable waste management practices and circular economic growth in Cambodia.

T4GC has set aside funding for local organizations (province-based/working at province level) that are willing and able to promote tech-enabled, locally-led community action to strengthen credible voices and to foster transparent, quality and sustainable solid waste management in Battambang and Banteay Meanchey.

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B. Purpose

The purpose of this grants program is to select up to 2 subgrantees (Implementation Partners (IPs) in the provinces of Battambang and Banteay Meanchey that will support I4DI to achieve its objectives by mobilizing communities and encouraging civic engagement through their individual mandates. The selected IPs are expected to bring together diverse groups of citizens (in particular youth, students, and women), CSOs, waste generators, academia, media, local civil tech groups, WMS service providers, and entrepreneurs to discuss shared T4GC priorities and common issues, develop potential solutions, and undertake collective action to promote improved waste management services, citizen voice and collaboration, and economic opportunities while working towards a clean Cambodia.

I4DI strongly encourages applications from organizations that are members of existing networks and coalitions, which through their presence or ongoing activities, cover a number of the project’s pilot sites in Battambang and Banteay Meanchey. In addition, I4DI encourages applications from organizations that are (preferably but not limited to) active members of networks and coalitions working to advocate for environmental stewardship, data transparency, civic mobilization, youth engagement, tech innovation and small business entrepreneurship. I4DI envisions that working through organizations that are members of coalitions and networks will amplify the impact of grant activities and reach communities in a number of T4GC’s target sites. C. Anticipated Activities The list below outlines the anticipated activities that successful IPs will implement or support in Battambang and/or Banteay Meanchey. Please note that these activities may be adapted and/or modified as the project unfolds. They include: 1) Increased solid waste management transparency and access to data • Coordinate with I4DI to develop printed posters and infographics describing the T4GC platform and making them available in Sangkats and share them with Sangkat citizens • Conduct civic awareness campaigns and organize Sangkat meetings for citizens on increased solid waste management transparency, access and use data and social accountability processes to raise citizen awareness and understanding • Support I4DI in organizing events and workshops to promote and build data capacity with target project beneficiaries • Mobilize and train youth in soft skills/life skills to enhance youth’s ability to interact within their communities with a focus on civic engagement and lead activities that raise awareness about waste management issues

2) Improved service delivery and transparency by creating citizen feedback loops and strengthening accountability networks • Organize a multi-media campaign to publicize the T4GC platform and call citizens to action • Coordinate and leverage existing efforts among communities with CSOs, NGOs and wider stakeholder community

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• Mobilize civic action and create feedback loops for citizens to express their rights and report WMS problems and provide feedback on waste management using the T4GC platform and community scorecard meetings • Support WMS accountability networks and infomediation by strengthening civic action and constructive engagement with WMS local authorities

3) Promotion of a circular economy in Cambodia by optimizing ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (3R) strategy • Coordinate with I4DI to produce awareness raising materials about the importance of 3Rs and citizen action • Develop social media assets and channels to reach digital users • Mobilize diverse stakeholders and create linkages and publicize T4GC opportunities to stimulate entrepreneurship around waste reduction, reuse and recycling and entrepreneurship for 3R • Conduct targeted outreach to large waste producers to raise their awareness of the T4GC platform reuse and recycle features and secure their engagement and participation in the project

4) Capacity Building and Sustainability • Assess capacity of local private WMS service providers on use for data capacity and digitalization and organize a training event on data literacy • Recruit, assess and build capacity of community facilitators/volunteers to facilitate community scorecards with citizens/T4GC apps users

5) Learning and Monitoring • Organize peer learning events and feedback forums in the target municipality and districts on T4GC platform implementation, technology innovations, and other learnings • Conduct monitoring and evaluation for ongoing activities D. Amount and length of grants: Interested organizations can apply for a grant of a maximum of $180,000 to cover a period of 2 years that covers the province of Battambang and/or a grant of a maximum of $120,000 to cover a period of 2 years that covers the province of Banteay Meanchey. The final award amount will be contingent on the number of grantees and districts selected.

E. Geographic focus: Activities envisioned under this RFA are expected to take place in the following project target locations:

Province Municipality/District Number/name of Sangkats/communes Battambang Battambang Municipality 10 Moung Ruessei 2 (Moung & Kear) Banan 2 (Phnom Sampov & Chheur Teal) Thmar Kol 2 (Ta Poung & Ta Meun) Sangkae 1 (Anlong Vil) Banteay Meanchey Poi Pet 2 (Poay Paet, Psar Kandal, Nimitr) Sereysophorn 4 (Kampong Svay, Ou Ambel, & Teuk Thla)

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Preah Netr Preah 1 (Chob Vari) 2 ( & Banteay Neang) 2 (Thma Puok and Kumru)

I4DI strongly encourages applications from organizations that are based in and/or have a field office in at least one of the provinces listed above. Selected partners will be expected to cover all Sangkats and communes as indicated in the table above within the selected municipalities and districts for their province.

III. APPLICATION AND BUDGET

A. Required Documents

1. An Application Form (See Annex 1); 2. A budget in US Dollars, with budget notes (See Annex I); 3. Authorized signatory statement: Applications must be signed by a person authorized to submit an application on behalf of the applicant and to bind the applicant to the application. Applications should include the name, title, e-mail and telephone number of the person or persons in the organization who are authorized to discuss and accept a grant if awarded; 4. Copy of valid organization registration certificate; 5. Copy of valid organization’s renewal certificate; 6. Copy of organization’s by-laws/constitution; 7. Copy of organizational chart; 8. Copy of personnel and financial policy; 9. Copy of tax exemption certificate (if applicable); 10. Copy of Permanent Accountable Number (PAN) certificate; 11. Copy of salary scale; 12. Copy of audit report (last two years); 13. Copy of tax clearance certificate for FY 2018/19; and, 14. Copy of annual report (please attach last three years’ annual report).

B. Application Form

The Application Form can be found in Annex I. Please provide complete answers to all parts of the Application Form. Please also include the required Budget Table, Budget Narrative, and additional information on Institutional Capacity. C. Budget and Budget Notes

The Budget should show estimated costs. The budget application should include budget notes that provide a narrative description of the estimated costs listed in the budget. For your budget please use the budget template as included in the Application Form.

IV. ELIGIBLITY AND HOW TO APPLY

A. Eligible Organizations: This RFA is open to organization applicants from anywhere in Cambodia. However, applicants must demonstrate capacity to reach all Sangkats and

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communes in a selected municipalities and districts in two target provinces through their activities and networks. The applicant should be a local (Cambodian) nonprofit or non-governmental organization, or a community-based organization (CBO) or center registered in Cambodia. The applicant should have a history of working in the field of social accountability, citizen activism and engagement, organizing multi-stakeholder dialogues, and promoting constructive interactions between citizens and officials regarding service delivery

B. Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants must be registered as an NGO/CBO or not-for- profit entity CSO in accordance with Cambodian laws; 2. Applicants must have been active for a minimum of the last 1 year; 3. Applicants must not have USAID award expenditures exceeding $750,000 in the past fiscal year; 4. Applicants must have at least 3 full time staff members, comprising program management and finance; 5. The applicant’s current statute and mission are in line with the T4GC objectives stated in Section 1; 6. The applicant must have the necessary experience and expertise in constructive engagement with mobilizing communities and encouraging civic engagement through their individual mandates; 7. The applicant must have sufficient geographic reach, through existing presence or partnerships, in T4GC target municipalities and districts as outlined in this RFA; 8. The applicant must have demonstrated commitment to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles (as evidenced by organizational practices, policies, and past programming); 9. Applicants will be required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. I4DI staff will provide guidance and assist successful applications in obtaining DUNS in the post-award phase; 10. Applicants may choose to apply as a single organization or as a consortium of organizations, while individual organizations can apply, consortium of organizations may also apply. In case of a consortium applying, the application will be submitted by the lead applicant. Partner applicants’ status and division of labor should be highlighted in the application documents.

The following are not eligible to receive grant support:

• Private and profit-making entities; • Individuals; political parties; • Military or other armed groups; and • Government or semi-governmental institutions or media organizations (semi- governmental institutions and organizations being those that are 50% or more government financed or owned); Grant applications will first be checked for eligibility. Applications that are not eligible will not be considered by the Grant Evaluation Committee.

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C. How to Apply

• Timing: Applications are due by 5:00 PM on April 20, 2020. • Questions: Questions and requests for clarifications will be accepted by email or until 5:00 PM on April 6, 2020. You can send an email to [email protected] • Consultation Sessions: Shortly after issuing this RFA, T4GC will hold a virtual question and answer webinar to provide potential applicants with an opportunity to raise queries relating to the RFA on April 8, 2020 (9:00-10:30 am). Interested applicants are requested to email [email protected] to RSVP for the webinar. • Language: Applications should be submitted in English. • Formatting: Please use Times New Roman 12 font type, with single space and one- inch margins on all sides. (budget should be prepared in excel sheet using formula for calculation). • Submissions—Please submit the application by email to [email protected]

V. SELECTION PROCESS, NOTIFICATION, PRE-AWARD STEPS AND REPORTING

A. Selection Criteria: Once the RFA is closed on April 20, 2020 I4DI’s Grant Evaluation Committee will review applications received and assess them according to the following criteria:

Evaluation Criteria Weight

1. Situational Analysis (10 points)

The situation analysis provides an accurate and convincing case for the proposed activities. 10%

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2. Technical Approach (45 points) 45% A. Geographic Focus [15 points] 1. The application targets communities in the requested geographic regions. 2. The organization has direct experience in the targeted regions and demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges of working in these areas.

B. Project Design, Technical Approaches, and Interventions [25 points] 1. The approach clearly addresses the challenges identified in the situation analysis and positively impacts communities in the targeted regions. 2. Proposed interventions are appropriate, feasible, and likely to achieve the stated objectives. 3. The approach adequately addresses gender and youth considerations. Addressing gender barriers and inequality in solid waste management needs to move beyond gender balance, mainstreaming and highlighting. 4. The proposed activities outline collaboration with other programs and offer potential investment opportunities for third-parties (e.g. other projects or donors).

C. Project Sustainability Plan [5 points] 1. The post-project sustainability plan is clear and achievable. 2. The application shows a strong likelihood of replication by other projects/organizations.

3. M&E and Results Reporting (10 points)

1. The proposed targets and results are clearly stated. 10% 2. The proposed results are realistic and achievable under the proposed approach. 3. The plan for monitoring and reporting of results is clear, with individual roles and responsibilities for M&E and reporting assigned.

4. Staffing, Management and Implementation (10 points) 10% 1. The indicated personnel are well-qualified for their proposed positions. 2. The organization’s workplan is clearly and adequately described. 3. The proposed project has beneficial or no negative impact to the environment (see environmental assessment).

5. Institutional Capacity (10 points) 10% The organization possesses demonstrated management and technical expertise for undertaking the proposed activities.

6. Budget (15 points) The proposed costs are reasonable, allowable and allocable. 15%

Please note that the Grant Evaluation Committee will evaluate budgets to ensure: • Budget summary, detailed budget and budget notes included. Cost Effectiveness (costs have been reasonably set in the budget and are the most economical amount to allow attaining the project objectives); • Proposed costs reflect a clear understanding of the requirements stated in this RFA;

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• Proposed price is reasonable in comparison with prices with the independent cost estimate; • Proposed planned costs ensure optimal delivery of the proposed activities; • A detailed line item budget, budget narrative, and supporting documentation that clearly describe how the budgeted amounts are calculated must support the applicant’s budget. Once applications have been reviewed, there is a brief (5-7 days) period during which the Grant Evaluation Committee can request clarification on specific points in the application if needed. The deadline for responding to the committee questions is 5 days. At this stage, applicants are also requested to submit the following additional forms that will be provided with the application:

• Certification regarding Terrorism Financing • Key Individual Certification Concerning Narcotics Offenses and Drug Trafficking • Combatting Trafficking in Persons Annual Certification and Compliance Plan. All grant awards are contingent on USAID approval regardless of score/ranking received. B. Notification: Within four weeks of this RFA closing, the Grant Evaluation Committee will decide which applicants are to be selected as prospective grantees. Shortlisted grantees may be required give a presentation of their project design, implementation plan, strategies, and so on. Prospective grantees will be notified of their selection by email. If you would prefer to be notified by telephone, please let us know in your application. This initial notification does not guarantee that a prospective grantee will receive a grant. First, the prospective grantee will work together with I4DI to complete additional steps (see below, “Pre-Award Steps”) that must be successfully completed in order for it to qualify for a grant.

C. Pre-Award Steps: Once the Grant Evaluation Committee has notified prospective grant recipients, I4DI team members will work with each of the prospective grantees to complete the remaining steps, including: • Clarifying any technical aspects of the proposal that are unclear; • Undertaking a Financial Pre-Award Assessment to clarify the prospective grantee’s financial capacity; • Supplying audited financial statements, if available. If no recent audit has been conducted, a revenue and expense statement and balance sheet for the previous financial year can be supplied instead; • Providing the names of the prospective grantee’s Board Members or equivalents; and minutes of the most recent meeting of the Board of Directors / Trustees; • All grantees are required to have a DUNS1 number and register on www.sam.gov ; • Conduct a security screening, including having Debarment and Terrorist Financing searches done;

1 U.S. law requires that any organization receiving over USD 25,000 in U.S. Government funds through grants and sub-grants must share certain information. To track this information, the U.S. Government requires the organization to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Visit http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform to fill in and submit the web form to receive a DUNS number for your organization. It usually takes 24-72 business hours to process a request for a DUNS number. SAM, the System for Award Management, is a U.S. Government system that I4DI uses to determine if an entity has been banned from doing business with the U.S. Government.

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• Signing Mandatory Certifications (which the project will provide)2; • Developing an agreed M&E (monitoring and evaluation) plan. Project team members will provide guidance as needed to ensure that the M&E plan includes: defined project results and objectives; measurable performance indicators, with definitions; baselines, benchmarks and targets; and the name of the team member responsible for the timely collection of data; • Ensuring Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), Conflict Sensitivity, and Sustainability. Project team members will provide assistance as needed to help prospective grantees mainstream GESI, Conflict Sensitivity, and Sustainability principles into their project activities. Completing these pre-award steps is expected to take around 14 business days and another 14 business days for grant award process completion. When they have been completed, I4DI will let each applicant know whether its application will be funded. The final award may consist of full or partial funding, with or without conditions.

D. Project Reporting: After completing the Pre-Award Steps and signing a grant with I4DI, grantees will be required to submit regular project progress reports and budget reports to I4DI. Grantees will be asked to provide quarterly narrative reports, M&E reports and a final report, as well as monthly financial reports. The Project will provide successful applicants with more information about their reporting requirements when their award is confirmed. VI. DISCLAIMERS

• I4DI may cancel an RFA and/or not make awards; • I4DI may reject any or all of the responses to its RFA; • Issuance of an RFA does not constitute a commitment by I4DI to make awards; • If an applicant fails to follow RFA instructions I4DI reserves the right to disqualify its application; • I4DI will not reimburse applicants for the cost of preparing and submitting an application to an RFA; • I4DI reserves the right to issue an award on the basis of an initial evaluation of offers without further discussion; • I4DI may award grants for only part of the activities listed in an RFA; • I4DI reserves the right to check an applicant’s donor references.

VII. ANNEXES

To download application form, please click HERE !

2 Mandatory Certifications are US Government certificates to be signed by a grantee attesting that the grantee does not engage in lobbying or the financing of terrorist activities, and (for large, largely US Government- funded entities) is financially transparent.

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