DATE: 		December 2, 2009

SUBJECT:	Amendment #1 to RFA-111-10-000001, Alternative Resources in Media (ARMedia) Program

ISSUANCE DATE: November 15, 2009    CLOSING DATE:December 18, 2009, 10 AM Yerevan Time

The purpose of this Amendment #1 to RFA-111-10-000001 Alternative Resources in Media (ARMedia) Program is to: (i) correct the due time for submission of applications, which is December 18, 2009, 10:00 AM Yerevan Time; (ii) correct RFA clarification questions due date, which was November 27, 2009; (iii) answer questions:
#	Question
	Answer	
1	The RFA refers to key personnel under the criteria for the project team, and again under substantial involvement, but otherwise does not specify staff requirements.  Which positions (COP, Resident Advisor, etc.) will be designated key personnel and are there specific qualifications according to which these positions would be evaluated?	The successful Applicants’ staffing proposal will determine which positions are evaluated and then identified in the Agreement as key personnel.  We are not imposing a specific staffing structure because the  Applicant’s Program will dictate the appropriate staff configuration and qualifications.	
2	Do the expected results for each component imply mandatory activities to achieve each detailed result?   	The RFA has provided "illustrative" activities in each component.   Applicants’ Program Descriptions will specify the activities that will produce the results. 	
3	According to the RFA, "the program envisions organic synergies and links in all components with existing USAID programs."  According to the USAID/Armenia website, most of the current DG portfolio is expected to end this year or next.  We would like to request additional detail on existing programs and how the ARMedia program is expected to cooperate with them as they come to a close.  

	The key programs that are scheduled to end in 2010 are civil society (CASP) in Spring and the local government program (LGP3) in the Fall. Next-generation programs in these sectors are currently under design.  Most other major programs in the DG portfolio-- information about which can be found on the USAID/Armenia Web site-- extend beyond 2010. Since Alternative Resources in Media is a 4 year Program, applicants should assume that USAID support to civil society and local government in Armenia is expected to continue.	
4	The RFA refers to USAID's Intermediate Results as well as program goals, objectives and results.  However, USAID's results framework, with
objectives, IRs LLRs, etc, is not provided.  Are the goals, objectives and results of the program to be defined by the offeror, using the illustrative expected results per Component as a guideline or can USAID provide their results framework?  
	The goals, objectives, and expected results of the Alternative Resources in Media Program defined and enumerated in the Detailed Program Description in the RFA. These should serve as guidance for the Applicants’ Program. The illustrative activities bulleted under each objective are meant primarily as preliminary guidance and are not prescriptive. While considering the listed illustrative activities, applicants should endeavor to develop and present activities that will achieve the broad objectives and expected results of the program. 	

All other requirements, instructions, terms and conditions of the RFA-111-10-000001 remain unchanged.

Sincerely,

John F. Lord
Agreement Officer
USAID/Armenia

Issuance Date:    						November 15, 2009
RFA Clarification Questions Due: 				November  23, 2009
Closing Date and Time for Application Submission:      	December 18, 2009
10:00 Yerevan Time 

Subject:  	Request for Applications (RFA) Number: RFA-111-10-000001

RFA Title:	Alternative Resources in Media (ARMedia) Program

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for Assistance Agreements from U.S. organizations for funding to support a program entitled “Alternative Resources in Media (ARMedia) Program.”  The authority for the RFA is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.  Please refer to the Program Description for a complete statement of goals and expected results.

While for-profit firms may participate, pursuant to 22 CFR 226.81, it is USAID policy not to award profit under assistance instruments such as cooperative agreements.  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 LWA Cooperative Agreement.

Applicants under consideration for an award that have never received funding from USAID will be subject to a pre-award review to determine fiscal responsibility, ensure adequacy of financial controls and establish an indirect cost rate.

Subject to the availability of funds, USAID intends to provide approximately $4,000,000 in total USAID funding to be allocated over a 4 year period.  USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.

Awards will be made to the responsible applicants whose applications offer the greatest impact in Armenia and best value to the U.S. Government.  Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.  

This RFA and any future amendments can be downloaded from http://www.grants.gov.  Select “Find Grant Opportunities,” then click on “Browse by Agency,” and select the “U.S. Agency for International Development” and search for the RFA.  In the event of an inconsistency among the documents comprising this RFA, it shall be resolved by the Agreement Officer.  

Applicants should also note that the documents listed in this RFA under “Useful References” are intended only as sources for background information that may be helpful to applicants, but are not a part of this RFA.  All guidance included in this RFA takes precedence over any reference documents referred to in the RFA. Any clarification questions concerning this RFA should be submitted in writing to Narine Sarkisian, USAID/Armenia Acquisition Specialist via email at nsarkisian@usaid.gov by the date listed above.  If there are problems in downloading the RFA from the Internet, please contact the Grants.gov help desk at 1.800.518.4726 or support@grants.gov for technical assistance.  

For the purposes of this RFA, the term "Grant" is synonymous with "Cooperative Agreement"; "Grantee" is synonymous with "Recipient"; and "Grant Officer" is synonymous with "Agreement Officer".

Applications must be submitted in electronic form in addition or instead of the hard copies to the attention of Narine Sarkisian, Acquisition Specialist, USAID/Armenia at: nsarkisian@usaid.gov. The receipt of Applications will be confirmed within two days.  If not, please contact Narine Sarkisian. The total size of each e-mail attachment should not exceed 3 MBs. Every page of the application must be numbered. The application must have a table of contents. Large graphics files are discouraged.  Attached file format must be Microsoft (2003 version) Word, Excel or PDF.  Do not submit .docx or .xlsx documents.  Attached files should be printable on US letter size paper.  

Applicants must submit technical and cost portions of their applications in separate volumes.  Budgets must be submitted in unlocked Excel (.xls) format with all formulas to demonstrate calculations.  

Applications must be received by the closing date and time indicated at the top of this cover letter.  Late applications will not be considered for award.  Applications must be directly responsive to the terms and conditions of this RFA. Telegraphic or fax applications (entire proposal) are not authorized for this RFA and will not be accepted. 

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.  In addition, final award of any resultant grant cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal USAID procedures.  While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant; should circumstances prevent award of an agreement, all preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.
 
The preferred method of distribution is via Grants.gov on the internet. This RFA and any future amendments can be downloaded from http://www.grants.gov.  If you have difficulty accessing the RFA, please contact Narine Sarkisian at nsarkisian@usaid.gov.  It is the responsibility of the recipient of the application document to ensure that it has been received from Grants.gov in its entirety and USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

Sincerely,

John F. Lord
Agreement Officer

SECTION A

Funding Opportunity Description 

I.  Award Information 

USAID expects to award one Cooperative Agreement to the responsible applicant whose application, conforming to this RFA, offers the best prospects for success and value.  The anticipated total federal funding amount is $4,000,000.  The period of performance is four years with an anticipated start date of March, 2010.

The Government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, (d) accept alternate applications, and (e) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

The Government may make award on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations.  Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The Government reserves the right (but is not under obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the program description, budget, or other aspects of an application.  
 
Neither financial data submitted with an application nor representations concerning facilities or financing, will form a part of the resulting agreement.
 
The Agreement Officer is the only individual who may legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds.  No costs chargeable to the proposed award may be incurred before receipt of either a fully executed cooperative agreement or a specific, written authorization from the Agreement Officer.

II.  Eligibility Information 

1. Eligible Applicants

USAID entertains applications from qualified U.S. and non-U.S. entities, such as private, non-profit organizations (or for-profit companies willing to forego profits), including private voluntary organizations, universities, research organizations, professional associations, and relevant special interest associations.
 
2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing is required, but a minimum is not specified.  The amount and nature of the offered cost share will be considered in evaluating the applications..  

III.  Application and Submission Information 

1. Address to Request Application Package 

This application is found on the internet at www.grants.gov .  Potential applicants who cannot download application materials electronically may request paper copies of the RFA by contacting:

Narine Sarkisian
Acquisition Specialist
Acquisition and Assistance Office
USAID/Armenia
1-st American Avenue
Yerevan 0082 Armenia
Tel: 37410 494493
Email: nsarkisian@usaid.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applications shall be submitted in two separate parts: (a) technical proposal or management plan, and (b) cost or business application.

PREPARATION GUIDELINES
 
All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed for responsiveness to the specifications outlined in these guidelines and the application format.  Section B addresses the technical evaluation procedures for the applications.  Applications which are submitted late or are incomplete run the risk of not being considered in the review process.  Late applications will not be considered for award unless the Agreement Officer determines it is in the Government's interest.
 
Applications shall be submitted in two separate parts: (a) technical and (b) cost or business application. Electronic submission is required.  If an applicant chooses to submit a hard copy in addition to the electronic copy, technical portion of applications should be submitted in an original and 3 copy and cost portions of applications in an original and 1 copy.
 
The application should be prepared according to the structural format set forth below.  Applications must be submitted no later than the date and time indicated on the cover page of this RFA.  Applications and modifications thereof shall be submitted in envelopes with the name and address of the applicant and RFA # (referenced above) inscribed thereon, to:

Narine Sarkisian
Acquisition Specialist
USAID/Armenia
1-st American Avenue 
Yerevan, 0082 Armenia

Applicants should retain for their records one copy of the application and all enclosures which accompany their application.  To facilitate the competitive review of the applications, USAID will consider only applications conforming to the format prescribed below.

TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMAT 

Technical applications should be specific, complete and presented concisely.  The applications should demonstrate the applicant's capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the goals of this program.  Technical applications should take into account requirements of the program and evaluation criteria found in this RFA.

The Technical Application shall include:

a.  Cover Page - A single page with the names of the organizations/institutions involved in the proposed application and the lead or primary Applicant clearly identified.  Any proposed sub grantees (hereafter referred to as the “subs”) should be listed separately; including a brief narrative describing the unique capacities/skills brought to the program by each sub.  In addition, the Cover Page should provide a contact person for the prime Applicant, including this individual’s name (both typed and his/her signature), title or position with the organization/institution, address telephone and fax numbers.  State whether the contact person is the person with authority to contract for the Applicant, and if not, that person should also be listed.  

b.  Executive Summary (maximum two (2) pages):  This section should summarize the key elements of the Applicant’s strategy, approach, and implementation plan.  

c.  Program Description (maximum 25 pages): This section should include a description of the types of activities that will be undertaken to achieve the proposed objectives, a general timeline, and how the proposed activities are expected to achieve the objectives outlined in the purpose section of this RFA. The narrative should be brief, concise and provide a clear description of what the Applicant proposes to do, where, why, when, how and by whom. The applications should take into account the technical evaluation criteria found in Section B. 

d.  Expected Impact (maximum four (4) pages): Applicants will be expected to establish a monitoring and evaluation plan, outlining the mechanisms proposed to monitor and measure progress and achievement of expected results. 

e.  Technical/Administrative Capabilities in Proposed Work Area (maximum three (3) pages): Describe your organization's technical and administrative experience and capabilities in conducting programs similar to the project being proposed. Describe any teaming arrangement, partnership, consortium or coalition arrangements between applicant and partner organizations.

f.	Past Performance (maximum 3 pages): Applicants are requested to list all contracts,
 grants, and cooperative agreements involving relevant (similar or related) programs conducted by the applicant (or consortium partners) over the past three years. Reference information shall include the location, current telephone numbers, points of contact, overall dollar value of the program, and award numbers if available. A brief description of work performed by the applicant is also required. Newer organizations, or Applicants with no related prior grant awards, remain eligible for consideration and are encouraged to apply.

g.	Program Management and Key Personnel (maximum 3 pages): In this section, the
 Applicant should briefly provide an overview of how the proposed program will be managed.  Applicants should identify the key personnel positions for this program.  Include position descriptions (including roles and responsibilities), relevant experience and academic and professional qualifications for all key personnel. Applicants should also include a two to three page curriculum vita as an appendix for each candidate.

Applications shall be written in English and printed on standard 8 1/2" x 11" or A4 paper single spaced, using Times New Roman font, regular, size 12, with each page numbered consecutively.  Items such as graphs, charts, cover pages, dividers, table of contents, and attachments (i.e. key personnel resumes, case studies, table summarizing qualifications of proposed personnel, past performance summary table and past performance report forms) will not be counted against the page limitation.

COST APPLICATION FORMAT

The Cost or Business Application shall be submitted separately from the technical application.  Certain documents are required to be submitted by an applicant in order for the Agreement Officer to make a determination of responsibility.  

The following sections describe the documentation that applicants for Assistance award must submit to USAID prior to award.   While there is no page limit for this portion, applicants are encouraged to be as concise as possible, but still provide the necessary detail to address the following:
 
A. Include a budget in Excel format with an accompanying budget narrative which provides in detail the total costs for implementation of the program your organization is proposing.  Detailed budget notes and supporting justification of all proposed budget line items should be included.  In addition, a summary of the budget must be submitted using Standard Form 424 and 424A.  Budgets must be in U.S. dollars.  Budgets to be submitted in unlocked Excel format with all formulas to demonstrate calculations.

The budget shall include:
 
1.	The breakdown of all costs associated with the program according to costs of, if applicable, headquarters, regional and/or country offices;

2.	The breakdown of all costs according to each partner organization or subcontractor/subgrantee involved in the program;

3.	The costs associated with external, expatriate technical assistance and those associated with local in-country technical assistance;

4.	The breakdown of the financial and in-kind contributions of all organizations involved in implementing this Cooperative Agreement;

5.	Potential contributions of non-USAID or private commercial donors to this Cooperative Agreement;

6.	A procurement plan for commodities.
 
B.  A copy of the latest Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement if your organization has such an agreement with the US Government;

C.  Applicants which do not currently have a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) from their cognizant agency shall also submit the following information:
 
1.	Copies of the applicant's financial reports for the previous 3-year period, which have been audited by a certified public accountant or other auditor satisfactory to USAID;

2.	Projected budget, cash flow and organizational chart; and

3.	A copy of the organization's accounting manual.
 
D.  Applicants should submit additional evidence of responsibility they deem necessary for the Agreement Officer to make a determination of responsibility.  The information submitted should substantiate that the Applicant:
 
1.	Has adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain such resources as required during the performance of the award.

2.	Has the ability to comply with the award conditions, taking into account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the applicant, nongovernmental and governmental.

3.	Has a satisfactory record of performance.  Past relevant unsatisfactory performance is ordinarily sufficient to justify a finding of non-responsibility, unless there is clear evidence of subsequent satisfactory performance.

4.	Has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics; and

5.	Is otherwise qualified and eligible to receive a cooperative agreement under applicable laws and regulations (e.g., EEO).

E. Required certifications, assurances, and other statements.  These forms include:

-Assurance of Compliance with Laws and Regulations Governing – 
    Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs
-Certification Regarding Lobbying
-Prohibition on Assistance to Drug Traffickers for Covered Countries 
-Certification on Terrorist Financing 
-Certification of Recipient
-Key Individual and Participant Certifications Narcotics Offence and Drug Trafficking
- Certification Of Compliance With The Standard Provisions Entitled “Condoms” And “Prohibition On The Promotion Or Advocacy Of The Legalization Or Practice Of Prostitution Or Sex Trafficking
- Survey On Ensuring Equal Opportunity For Applicants
-Applicant Information
-Procurement Information  

These forms are provided in Section D.

F.   Applicants that have never received a cooperative agreement, grant or contract from the U.S. Government are required to submit a copy of their accounting manual.  If a copy has already been submitted to the U.S. Government, the applicant should advise which Federal Office has a copy.

3. Submission Dates and Times 

Applications are due to USAID/Armenia by December 18, 2009, 17:00 Yerevan Time.  (Applications which are submitted late or are incomplete run the risk of not being considered in the review process.  

Hard copies are not required.  If an applicant chooses to submit a hard copy in addition to the electronic copy, technical portion of applications should be submitted in an original and 3 copy and cost portions of applications in an original and 1 copy in sealed envelopes or packages with the RFA number, the name and address of the applicant, and whether the contents contain technical and/or cost proposals noted on the outside of the envelopes/packages to:

Narine Sarkisian
Acquisition Specialist
USAID/Armenia
1-st American Avenue 
Yerevan, 0082 Armenia

4. Other Submission Requirements

A.  Unnecessarily Elaborate Applications – Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete and effective application in response to this RFA are not desired and may be construed as an indication of the applicant's lack of cost consciousness.  Elaborate art work, expensive paper and bindings, and expensive visual and other presentation aids are neither necessary nor wanted.
 
B. Proprietary Information – Applicants which include data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the U.S. Government except for evaluation purposes, should:
 
1.	Mark the title page with the following legend:
 
 "This application includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the U.S. Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed - in whole or in part - for any purpose other than to evaluate this application.  If, however, a cooperative agreement is awarded to this applicant as a result of - or in connection with - the submission of this data, the U.S. Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting agreement.  This restriction does not limit the U.S. Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in pages ___; and”
 
       2.  Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:
 
 "Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this application."
 
C.  Explanation to Prospective Applicants – Any prospective applicant desiring an explanation or interpretation of this RFA must request it in writing.  Questions should preferably be sent before the deadline for RFA Clarification Questions November 27, 2009 to allow a reply to reach all prospective applicants before the submission of their applications.  Oral explanations or instructions given before award of a Cooperative Agreement will not be binding.  Any information given to a prospective applicant concerning this RFA will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as an amendment of this RFA, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective applicants.

D. Telegraphic or Faxed Applications – Telegraphic  or faxed applications will not be considered; however, applications may be modified by written or telegraphic notice, if that notice is received by the time specified for receipt of applications.

E. Language – All applications must be in English.

SECTION B 

Application Review Information 

1.  Criteria 

The criteria presented below have been tailored to the requirements of this particular RFA.  Applicants should note that these criteria serve to: (a) identify the significant matters which applicants should address in their applications and (b) set the standard against which all applications will be evaluated.  To facilitate the review of applications, applicants should consider organizing the narrative sections of their applications in the same order as the selection criteria.
 
The Government will award a cooperative agreement on the basis of: A) Technical Merit and B) Cost. The technical applications will be evaluated in accordance with the Technical Evaluation Criteria set forth below. The cost application will be evaluated for general reasonableness, allowability, and allocation of resources.  

Awards will be made based on the ranking of proposals according to the technical selection criteria identified below.
 
The number of points assigned indicates the relative importance of each factor. To make the selection process as objective as possible, each applicant must clearly demonstrate how their proposed application meet the following criteria with a total possible score of 100 points.

Proposals will be judged on the ability of the applicant to propose a comprehensive and integrated strategy for achieving program objectives and expected outcomes listed in Section C. Program Description at a reasonable cost.  

 A. 	Technical Application 
								
I.		Technical Approach 	(40 points)

a.	Extent to which the proposed approach is well-conceived, clear, detailed, technically sound and ambitious; feasible to achieve all the objectives and special considerations identified in the USAID Program Description; and demonstrating the applicant's understanding of the objectives and media and new/alternative media issues facing Armenia. Particular attention will be given to a discussion of the issues and the appropriateness of the suggested approach(es).
b.	Extent to which innovative approaches and lessons learned from programs elsewhere are identified and effectively included in the proposed approach.
c.	Extent to which the proposal clearly capitalizes on existing Armenian capacity to implement activities related to the project objectives and seeks to further develop that capacity.
d.	Extent to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding that certain approaches or tactics are necessary to ensure the non-partisanship of program and the perception of non-partisanship.
e.	Extent to which gender and gender issues are meaningfully identified and addressed, including plans to ensure attention to such issues during implementation. Completeness of the proposed plan for addressing gender concerns, including but not limited to disaggregated data collection and the appropriateness of the approach to the Armenian context.  
f.	Extent to which the proposal demonstrates a clear plan for an effective rapid launch of project activities.
II.   	Illustrative Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 	(10 points)
Clarity, appropriateness, soundness and cost-effectiveness of an illustrative Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for identification of expected intermediate and final results of the program, including, but not necessarily limited to,  a plan for collecting base-line and follow-on data and suggested indicators of program impact and success.  
III. 	Project Team 		(20 points)

a.	Experience and past performance of key personnel in managing complex international development programs, particularly media, new/alternative media, access to information, democracy, and citizen participation strengthening programs in transitional countries; their experience in building and effectively supervising a diverse team of employees; demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving and ethical management; and prior experience in working with international donors in transitional democracies, Armenia, and/or the former Soviet republics.  

b.	Appropriateness of the composition and organizational structure of the project team (including home office support).  That is, the extent to which the proposal provides a clear, sound, appropriate and cost-effective staffing pattern with responsibilities and authorities among different staff positions adequately and clearly delineated. 

c.	Extent to which Armenian citizens, normally resident in Armenia, have substantive leadership roles in program implementation.

IV.	Institutional Capacity	(15 points) 

a.	Demonstrated organizational capacity of the applicant in managing the proposed activities under the cooperative agreement, including transparent personnel, procurement and financial management systems in complex field operations.

b.	Demonstrated organizational knowledge, capability and past performance of the applicant in quickly yet effectively staffing a project and launching program activities.

V.	Past Performance	(15 points)

Demonstrated successful track record in implementing and monitoring similar innovative media development programs, with substantial success and achievement of results with new and alternative media programs.

B. 	Cost Application	

Effectiveness and reasonableness of total estimated cost		
Demonstrated ability to minimize recurrent costs and maximize cost-effectiveness.  Maximizing the percentage of the costs allocated to program delivery as compared to administrative costs will also be a factor in evaluating applications.  The cost realism analysis is intended to:
a)	verify the Applicant's understanding of the requirements and regulations;
b)	assess the degree to which the cost proposal reflects the approaches in the technical application; and;
c)	assess the degree to which the cost included in the cost proposal accurately represents the work effort included in the technical application.
d)	assess the real value and potential impact of any proposed cost share contribution

2. Review and Selection Process

All applications which meet the eligibility and program requirements, and conform to the application preparation and submission instructions, will be reviewed and scored by a panel of USAID reviewers strictly in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in this section.

The budget narrative of all applications under consideration for award will be reviewed for cost realism and reasonableness.  After initial review of applications, USAID may conduct written and/or oral discussions with those applicants whose applications remain under consideration for award.  The decision to conduct such discussions should not be considered a final decision about which organizations will receive an award, but rather would be part of the evaluation process.

3. Award Considerations

USAID/Armenia will evaluate applications and make an award based on that application which best would achieve the expected outcomes of the program and offers the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement.

Although technical evaluation factors are more important than cost, the closer the various technical applications are to one another, the more important cost considerations become. The Agreement Officer may determine that a highly ranked application based on the technical evaluation factors is unreasonable or unrealistic in terms of cost.  Award will be made to the applicant whose application offers the best value to the Government. Favorable consideration will be given to applications that include meaningful cost sharing by the applicant.  Best value is defined as the expected outcome that, in the Government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement and available funds. 

4. Award Administration Information 

Reporting

The Recipient will comply with the financial reporting requirements in accordance with 22 CFR 226. In addition, the Recipient will submit to the USAID AOTR, a quarterly financial report that specifically includes line item budgets, expenditures and accruals, and a pipeline (balance remaining). A table with expenditures and accruals will be submitted to the AOTR no less than 15 days before the end of each (USAID) fiscal year quarter through the life of the project. The Recipient shall submit these forms in the following manner:
 
(1) The SF 272 and 272a (if necessary) must be submitted via electronic format to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (http://www.dpm.psc.gov).  A copy of this form shall also be submitted at the same time to the Agreement Officer and the Agreement Officer Technical Representative.
 
(2) The SF 269 or 269a (as appropriate) shall be submitted to the Agreement Officer Technical Representative with one copy to the Agreement Officer.
 
(3) In accordance with 22 CFR 226.70-72, the original and two copies of all final financial reports shall be submitted to M/FM, the Agreement Officer (if requested) and the AOTR.  The electronic version of the final SF 272 or 272a shall be submitted to HHS in accordance with paragraph (1) above.

1.	Program Reporting 

The Recipient shall deliver quarterly progress reports to USAID/Armenia within 15 days from the end of each three month period.  These reports shall collectively discuss the work of the program, highlighting: (1) achievements during the quarter; (2) timeline of events; (3) summary of obstacles and issues and how they are being addressed; (4) project activities planned for the next quarter.
    
2.  Final Report
 
The Recipient shall submit the original and one copy to USAID/Armenia and one copy to USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse at the following address:
a)	Online:  http://www.dec.org/submit.cfm/
b)	Via mail: Development Experience Clearinghouse, M/CIO/KM, RRB M.01, U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC 20523
c)	Or e-mail: docsubmit@dec.cdie.org.

The final performance report shall contain the following information: (1) project objectives; (2) strategies and activities undertaken and their corresponding results; (3) a summary of problems/obstacles encountered during the implementation and how the obstacles were addressed; (4) an executive summary of the accomplishments and results achieved
 
3.  USAID Branding and Marking 

Branding and Marking Requirements for Alternative Resources in Media (ARMedia) Program will conform to ADS 320.3.3 (effective 01/08/2007 and revised 05/05/2009).

It is a federal statutory and regulatory requirement that all USAID programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities that USAID partially or fully funds under a USAID grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award or subaward, must be marked appropriately overseas with the USAID Identity.  USAID will require the submission of a Branding Strategy and a Marking Plan by the apparent successful applicant under this RFA.  For more information, see:  http://www.usaid.gov/branding/assistance.html 

SECTION C

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
  
ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES IN MEDIA PROGRAM

I.  EXCUTIVE SUMMARY

The issues of freedom of expression, access to diverse information, and the role of media in Armenia present a rather bleak picture. The government and business elites loyal to it exercise editorial control over nationwide TV—the primary source of information in the country—so Armenian citizens receive a biased view of events in their country and the world. While U.S. assistance to date has helped segments of traditional mainstream media to improve business practices, trained journalists to be more professional, helped some outlets acquire bank loans, and introduced ratings and other commercial tools to enhance sustainability, these activities have had marginal impact on the diversity of information, opinion and commentary available in traditional media. Much of the media remain tools of the government and, to a much lesser extent, the so-called opposition, which relies mainly on newspapers rather than TV or radio. It is no surprise that Armenia’s Freedom House “press freedom” ratings have continued to slide. For these and related reasons, USAID has devised a different tack in approaching issues of information flow and a free press. 

The main focus of the program  is to diversify content, utilizing high-tech and low-tech means to produce and distribute news and information vital to Armenians, and assisting citizens in transforming themselves from passive users of information to being active information producers and dispensers. On the “demand” side, there is credible evidence to suggest that Armenians want and need alternative sources and content. Surveys consistently show that Armenians have limited trust in the mass media. Indeed, one poll indicated that the second-most important source of information for Armenians is an informal network of friends and family. In many post-Soviet states, this “rumor mill” is a strong manifestation of citizens’ reaction to getting incomplete, one-sided and untrustworthy information. 

The three key related components of the program are: production and dissemination of alternative content; promoting media literacy and consumer demand; and public advocacy in support of information diversity and a freer media along with closely monitoring and reporting on media coverage. 

The program envisions organic synergies and links in all components with existing USAID programs in civil society, youth, local government, freedom of information, rule of law, and political party and electoral processes.  These current programs work with and promote established organizations and institutions that are both purveyors of information and consumers as well. They are also repositories of talent, creativity and expertise which can be tapped for production of alternative information, distribution, promotion of media literacy, and advocacy. 

II. LINK TO STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

The Armenia Country Assistance Strategy (2009-2013) indentifies the Governing Justly and Democratically (GJD) priority goal as: to bolster those institutions that effectively promote democracy.  A critical assumption underpinning the strategy is: “agents of change, including civil society NGOs, local government, alternative media, reform-minded officials and others, exist in Armenia and are a potentially potent force for the successful promotion of democracy and democratic values.  The assistance approach states that “USAID's media activities will focus on bolstering alternative media such as the internet and local and regional newspapers, television and radio.”

Increased production, distribution, and access to alternative sources of information are fundamental to achieving the Mission goal of promoting democratic growth.  As Armenians are exposed to more and different points of view, they can become more informed advocates for democratic change. More informed citizens generally make better choices about the future for themselves, their communities and their nation. 

III. BACKGROUND

Armenia’s score in 2009 for independent media in Freedom House’s Nations in Transit (http://www.freedomhouse.hu/images/nit2009/armenia.pdf) downgraded from 5.75 to 6 (on a scale of 1 to 7, a low score is best), largely due to the media restrictions following the March 2008 state of emergency and “the failure of most broadcast media to ensure fair coverage of the 2008 presidential election.  Armenia’s 2008 score on the IREX Media Sustainability Index (http://www.irex.org/programs/MSI_EUR/2009/EE_MSI_09_cauc_Armenia.pdf) was 1.86 (on a scale of 1 to 4 with a high score being best), slightly improved over 2008 due to improvements in the objectives of professional journalism, plurality of news sources, and business management. However, the score on freedom of speech objective decreased, due to the restrictions on media problems following the March 2008 state of emergency and the halt in the licensing process for broadcast media during 2008.  
  
The November 2008 Armenia Household Corruption Survey, conducted by USAID’s Mobilizing Action Against Corruption (MAAC) Activity, indicates that while H1 Public Television is the most frequently watched channel, 29% consider Shant TV to be the most trusted news source. Only 25% indicated H1 Public Television as most trusted with Armenia TV at only 9% and ORT with 7%. The most trusted radio station is Radio Liberty/Azatutiun Radiokayan with 7%. Four percent “don’t trust any media outlets”. The survey also indicates that, “among those who have at least an intermediate level of internet knowledge, the most used website for news and information is www.a1plus.com with 18% saying they have visited the website in the past 12 months, followed by www.armenianow.com and www.armenialiberty.org both at 7%, and www.hetq.am at 6%.”

In general, Armenian citizens receive a limited and highly biased view of events in their country due to an overwhelming dependence on nationwide television as their primary source of information and a broadcast sector that has largely been co-opted by a particular point of view, preventing the public from receiving varied perspectives and multiple opinions on issues of importance. Most TV stations and journalists openly admit to practicing self-censorship.  Major broadcast media outlets generally express pro-government views and avoid reporting that is critical of the government. Nationwide radio networks are underdeveloped as news and information vehicles and there is little, if any, user participation “talk radio” being broadcast. Further reducing the prospects for greater pluralism in broadcast media, a recent amendment to the Law on Television and Radio has imposed a moratorium on new broadcast licenses.

Print media as a whole, does present a more diverse set of opinions, but it is highly polarized and has extremely limited circulation. Newspapers reflect either a consistently pro-government or a consistently opposition view, rather than providing the kind of balanced reporting that educates the public and enables it to make the informed, rational decisions that democracy requires. Various factions use “their” newspaper to launch attacks on their political opposition or to float trial balloons on policy issues.

While regional media research indicates that the majority of the Armenians use television for their primary daily source of information, the second most important source of information are conversations with friends and family. This contention is also supported by data in the MAAC Armenia Household Corruption survey. In that survey, 76% of respondents said that they use information provided by media (television, radio and newspapers) to base their assessments of corruption levels in Armenia; 69% use “talks with friends” and 54% use information from “talks with family”. 

This indicates that the “on the street,” “over the backyard fence,” or informal systems of communication are quite robust, particularly in the regions, and suggests that there are significant opportunities to promote information diversity in Armenia through local community-supported media and alternative media mechanisms, both high tech and low tech, that can provide opportunities for citizens to switch roles -- from being passive information consumers to being active information producers and dispensers. 

Such opportunities would include support for: local television, radio, and print; expanded community-based Internet access and engagement with web-based or mobile phone-based information sources; listener participation programming, even old fashioned community bulletin boards and hand-distribution of hard copies of alternative information newsletters and brochures. 

While Internet penetration is relatively limited, Web-based media are utilized by a certain segment of the population (largely young and Yerevan-based) that are key to seeding the informal systems of communication with real information, rather than rumor and innuendo, and to building a culture of demand for varied opinions and viewpoints in the media marketplace.

The IREX 2009 Media Sustainability Index identifies a number of, “… significant positive changes in technology that could assist media development in the coming years. A third large telecom provider entered the market. France Telecom will introduce mobile services through its Orange brand and will provide high-speed Internet to both corporate and private users. Additionally, WiMAX technology was introduced designed to bring wireless communication to both private and corporate users.”

Further, recent experience indicates that small community-based media in Armenia can thrive if they are truly supported by their communities.  One primary example is how the citizens of Gyumri rallied to support Gala Television when it was charged with tax evasion.  Individuals donated $90,000 of their own money in small bits to support the station. Some of these funds were reportedly sent from the U.S. Diaspora.

IV. DETAILED PROGAM DESCRIPTION

A. Project Purpose

Mass media today in Armenia remains largely controlled by the government or pro-government business interests. Government editorial control over Yerevan-based national television has resulted in one-sided news coverage and commentary that does not allow for diverse or objective coverage of current events. Print media, much of it beholden to the political affiliation of owners, remains weak and underdeveloped, with low total circulation, particularly outside Yerevan. The overwhelming majority of Armenia’s 18 radio stations face financial concerns and limited listenership. The government’s control of media licensing bodies, a temporary moratorium on new licenses as part of a digitalization plan, an acute scarcity of independent printing outlets and attendant issues give it a virtual monopoly on information and how it is packaged and accessed.  Factor in violence against journalists and prevailing self-censorship and it becomes clear why in 2009 Armenia fell from 144th to 151st place and a “Not Free” ranking in Freedom House’s annual Freedom of the Press survey. 

Despite a generally negative media environment, there has been some measured progress in the way traditional mainstream media operate. But while journalists are now better trained, many major media outlets have adopted business models and advertising practices that have made them profitable or sustainable. A tiny handful of independent-minded web sites and TV channels struggle to exist in the face of official harassment and financial constraints. Armenia lacks alternative sources of diverse information and content, a key component of a society’s ability to fully exercise the democratic right of free speech. It is this seminal issue that USAID’s new four-year Alternative Resources in Media (ARMedia) Program seeks to address. 

B. Project Objectives

In the broadest sense, the new program has the following major objectives:

1.	Support both production and dissemination of alternative content through multiple platforms – both high- and low- tech;

2.	Build consumer demand for news and information access at the local and regional level, including support for media literacy, critical analysis skills and basic familiarization with the latest and/or most useful web and mobile-based media applications.

3.	Support timely, concerted and very public advocacy by NGOs, think tanks and the international community on specific and impending issues of concern, as well as on the value of independent media in a developing democracy with the Government of Armenia (GOAM). 

The broad objectives of USAID’s multi-faceted program are  to build strong foundations for the development of alternative media and new ways of information dissemination in Armenia by establishing new institutions, working with traditional media outlets (including existing on-line media), and developing linkages with existing USAID programs such as civil society, youth organizations, and freedom of information organizations. While this is a four-year program, it should be seen as an incubator for ideas and methodologies that focus on the way people create, acquire, use and share information. New patterns of information production and distribution, whether high-tech state-of-the-art or low-tech, have the potential—by creating alternative content, promoting media literacy, or advocating for a more open and free media and information environment—to affect positively the long-term growth of democratic behavior in Armenia past the original intended life of the program. This is the theme that connects and informs all three program components described below.

The intent of the program is not to rival long established and well-financed media institutions, but to offer alternative means to produce and distribute independent information, particularly in major population centers. Changing the informational dynamics in Armenia is, not unexpectedly, a longer-term process. A recent USAID-sponsored corruption survey showed that Armenians do not place a very high level of trust in the broadcast media. Although H1 Public Television is dominant (63% of the population watches it on a daily basis), only 25% of people surveyed recently consider it the most trustworthy news source. Privately owned Shant TV, which is watched consistently by 51% of survey respondents, is the most trusted news source for 29% percent of respondents. This suggests the public is skeptical about the quality and veracity of information provided by pro-government news sources and is looking for more credible alternative sources of information. It is therefore reasonable to assume that it is feasible to also build demand for alternative information sources.  

Given the controlling character of the Armenian government; unforeseen legislative, regulatory or logistical obstacles; the program has built-in flexibility in the components, making it agile enough to address the possibility of rapidly changing contingencies.  

Moreover, rather than ignore traditional media, the program is designed to assist broadcast and print media, particularly at the local/community and regional levels, in such possible areas as internet access, alternative content production, networking and commercial linkages, and utilizing content as a means of generating revenue through using web-based editions or selling it to other media providers. 

Project Objective/Component 1: Provision of Alternative Media Content
The program aims to increase the supply and demand for alternative media content utilizing both hi-tech means (web sites, blogs, “Flip Video,” SMSs, Twitter, etc.) and so-called “low-tech” approaches (community bulletin boards, NGO newsletters, hand outs, topic-specific newspaper).  

Television and Radio:  TV is the most powerful and dominant means of communication in Armenia. While most TV with nationwide coverage is government-controlled or reflects predominately pro-government views, there are smaller, regional or local stations (e.g. Gala TV in Gyumri) which provide more diverse news and commentary, often via externally produced content. Radio is far less popular than TV, but three stations could be considered nationwide. Of these, Radio Hay does diverge from the government-line and broadcasts Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).   There are reportedly a dozen production houses working in Armenia, as well as NGOs who use Internet for video distribution; the videos could also presumably be used for re-broadcast by local stations. The program will support the production and dissemination of alternative or original content for television and radio.

For example, A1+ continues to produce content for broadcast distribution via the Hamaspur regional quasi-network of television stations (which reaches some 1.2 million) and for their own YouTube on-line channel. New low cost cameras like “Flip Video” are another possible resource to promote citizen journalism. These low cost cameras (about $150), originally designed so that human rights activists could record abuses, can store up to an hour of video, then be plugged directly into a computer’s USB port and edited and uploaded to a website via the Internet. Large numbers of these cameras could be distributed to youth or NGO groups, with the proviso to submit some content on a regular basis to a common website (or YouTube).  Such a program would serve two objectives:  increase the average citizen’s interest in illustrating community problems, and drive more people to use the Internet. The videos could also serve as leads for professional journalists to follow up on the story.  Similar leads have already occurred with local print. 

Illustrative Activities:

•	Develop alternative content by in-country media professionals through production grants based, in part, upon recommendations of joint media/NGO selection committees. 
•	Provide this content in formats ready for consumer consumption (packaged and branded) and for rebroadcast/distribution by professional media outlets. 
•	Support the Hamaspur network – its reach is approximately 1.2 million people. 
•	Consider supporting Radio Hay and/or other forward-thinking radio stations to establish more bureaus and regional correspondents.
•	Support small & diverse content production combinations/coalitions—as in Team reporting on specific topics – using all forms of media (Internet, print, radio, TV). For example, a broadcast television program that encourages audience response via the web, (or even SMS); radio call-in shows that discuss print or on-line content and talk shows/talk radio. 
•	Pursue, where feasible, satellite TV opportunities in order to provide alternative points of view 

Internet and related technologies: While connectivity nationwide remains modest, Internet services are available in most major population centers in Armenia and a recent survey showed that 70% of young people in Yerevan are regular Internet users.  There are 35 Network Providers and about 100 ISP operators. There are credible reports that some Armenians can access Turkish providers. Average consumers generally access the Internet via home dial-up or Internet cafes. There are indications that satellite Internet access via adapted home satellite dishes is becoming more common. The main city of each of the 10 Marzes (regions) is connected to the Network Provider system. WiMAX is available in Yerevan and 18 cities, according to ArmenTel, a major Internet transit operator. VivaCell and Orange mobile telephone services are promising the same by the end of 2009. Cornet-AM, a subsidiary of Comstar MTS, and iCON communications are both poised to offer country-wide WiMAX by the end of the year. WiMAX will provide wireless high-speed Internet access to a number of towns. There are also several generations of mobile telephony currently in use in Armenia: GSM (Global Systems for Mobile communications); GPRS (General Packet Radio Service); and 3 G (3rd Generation Mobile Telephony).

Traditional SMS technology was used during March 2008 political crisis for immediate organizing and advocacy efforts, but is more commonly used for simple social interaction. SMS is underutilized for gaming & promotional activities to push consumers to more Internet use.  New 3G telephony may be the real frontier for Internet accessible information.  Due to the “technology leapfrog phenomenon” such systems will put the Internet into the hands of citizens everywhere – if they have the proper mobile telephone and subscription service. Increasingly, Armenians are connecting to the Internet through their mobile phones. The country’s GPRS system allows for connection speeds of 50 KB/second. Yet, with 1 MB of data costing approximately 30 cents, most users limit their use to e-mailing rather than browsing.  Indeed, the government is committed to increasing connectivity as part of a broader plan for e-governance and IT development. 

There are currently anywhere from six to 10 websites considered to be news sources. The program focus is on innovative ways to utilize the Internet and related technologies in developing alternative content, improve media literacy, and promote media freedom policies.

Illustrative Activities: 
•	Provide technical assistance, as needed, to the World Bank’s internet connectivity efforts to ensure the broadest possible internet penetration.
•	Utilize mainstream advertising to increase interest in and usage of web-based media.
•	Network websites to traditional media.
•	Establish true community-based tele-centers that provide both Internet access and ICT skills training.  
•	Partnership with ISPs and/or mobile companies providing Internet and/or phone-based Internet services to subsidize connectivity in media centers in regions (e.g. Goris has no local ISP).
•	Theme-based citizen media websites and personally-organized news aggregators.
•	Good news aggregator site for both consumers and media outlets (mini-wire services) to increase distribution of available content.  
•	Support citizen media to expand scope of media coverage.
•	Develop technical skills of key individuals in positions of influence in civil society and media organizations and NGOs.
•	Consolidated blogging sites, including micro-blogs from mobile phones.
•	Assist existing publications in adapting their websites for the easy receipt, organization and posting of citizen-created video content to their websites.
•	Increase interest in Internet amongst broader sectors of society, including older generations, by promoting production of specific types of content of interest to these demographics.

Print Media: Print media is largely concentrated in Yerevan. But of 47 registered newspapers, only five are dailies, and each has a circulation of 6,000 or less. In the Marzes, a variety of weekly or bi-weekly newspapers exist, but none has a circulation of more than 4,000; with the average closer to 1,500. While print usage is low—and papers reflect either pro-government or opposition views and are invariably sponsored by political or business interests—print media is read by influential readers including business, political, and intelligentsia elites, as well as NGOs and activist groups. Papers do use websites for source material.

Color inserts and supplements prepared under a recently completed USAID program have provided high-caliber, information-rich alternative content and analysis.  Tens-of-thousands have been distributed in Yerevan and other areas around Armenia.  Many regional and local newspapers do offer community news and diverse content, but most operate in a deficit mode, partly because of a small advertising market. In addition, the only regional printing press is in Vanadzor, and one in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, is controlled by a mayor who selectively decides who can use it to publish.  The program will support print media—particularly local and regional papers—to help improve quality and circulation and the use of alternative content.

Illustrative Activities:

•	Subsidize good Internet access for regional papers with stipulation they must regularly and consistently meet high standards for journalistic integrity, professionalism, balance and responsibility, and must regularly present content from diverse web-based sources.  
•	Subsidize Op/Ed pages with opposing views. 
•	Promote story sharing from regions to regions – as well as follow on and team reporting.
•	Provide Internet consultants for newspapers.  
•	Provide legal support as needed in specific areas of expertise.  
•	Support commercial linkages between regional papers from different areas, that might include ideas such as the publication of a jointly produced, high quality central paper with locally produced additional content for zoned editions in the regions.
•	Provide a small press in Goris or Gyumri to be used as a cooperative printing house for regional papers – and to print screen shots of websites for public distribution.

Low-Tech:   Nearly every community with a population of more than 25,000 has a library or similar common public space. Many NGOs currently publish and distribute monthly or other periodic newsletters. In addition to working with these NGOs in improving and developing these newsletters, low-cost construction and placement of community bulletin boards could also be a service of local NGOs. As there are over 4,000 registered NGOs working in Armenia, posting newspapers and printed screen shots of news websites could become part of their community work.  The NGOs could select, in conjunction with the library or hosting what information sources to include as long as the mandate includes balance in editorial content. Such content could also be used, across platforms, in the NGO’s newsletter and/or website.

Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF) worked with local NGOs to establish computer equipped community centers in nine regional cities. These Regional Centers for Community Development (RCCD) are now graduates of the EPF program. The local NGOs continue to manage and operate the centers, which are reportedly self-sustainable. A recent USAID assessment team visited one center in Sisian.  There is a large meeting space, as well as eight to ten computers.  This NGO, for example, could place a weather-protected bulletin board on the outside of the building and post newspapers and other informational sources that are changed on a regular basis. As the Sisian center is located in a legal education facility, there is high traffic. The nine former RCCDs exist in Alaverdi (Lori region), Goris (Syunik region), Amasia (Shirak region), Berd (Tavush region), Martuni (Gegharkunik region), Vanadzor (Lori region), Ijevan (Tavish region), Sisian (Syunik region), Gyumri (Shirak region)

To promote linkages and synergies between existing USAID DG civil society, community youth and freedom of information activities, the program will assist civil society organizations and youth leadership organizations in developing or improving newsletters and other types of hard copy publications that contain alternative information for distribution to their memberships and neighbors free of charge.  Regularly distributing handbills on the streets of regional cities, for example, appears still to be a novelty.  For example, advertisers interested in the regional market might be interested in underwriting some of the production costs – like mobile operators seeking to gain market share outside of Yerevan. Hiring youth organizations (like the USAID-supported Youth and Community Action Program –YCAP or Its Your Choice, which currently publishes and distributes a monthly newsletter) for a nominal fee to distribute the newspaper inserts would enable them to earn some funding for their organizations. Readership could be somewhat verified by including lottery contests/coupons inside each edition that demand a mailed-in response from the reader, or some similar type of active response mechanism. 

Illustrative Activities:

•	Support existing tele-centers, if need be, establish new ones as a means to promote community Internet access; request support from GOAM planned e-governance services.
•	Encourage community groups and local NGOs to distribute alternative print publications. 
•	Secure Community space/libraries/ bulletin boards for local NGOs to post a variety of papers as well as hard copy printed versions of websites.  
•	Encourage NGOs, political parties, health workers, educators, to use tele-centers as a means to ICT training and Internet access. 
•	Support commercial distribution of a variety of publications both to help existing publications reach isolated areas and to reduce cost of papers—possibly in coordination with papers themselves.
•	Provide short-term, in-house consultancies to regional print outlets on developing classified ad sections in newspapers.

Expected Results for Component 1:

•	Production funds or grants increase alternative content in consumer-ready formats.
•	Increased use of web-based media and web advertizing.
•	Increased use of community-based tele-centers, which should—at a minimum—be located in major population centers of all 10 marzes.
•	Increased use of new media technologies for the delivery and promotion of alternative content by independent media organizations, journalists and citizens. This will have resulted in significant amounts of all forms of content flowing in multiple directions across platforms. 
•	An increase in the number of regional and local newspapers with web sites.
•	Printing capabilities expanded with the establishment of a cooperative printing facility.
•	Increase in the number of community bulleting boards.
•	Increased activity on the part of NGOs and community groups distributing hard copies of alternative news/information.

Project Objective/Component 2: Promote Alternative Media and Media Literacy

Media literacy refers broadly to the development of skills needed to empower Armenian citizens to be both critical thinkers and creative producers of information, utilizing the latest communications technology as well as traditional information-sharing methods. The program will:   1) promote media literacy through hands-on training and public information outreach efforts, and 2) promote new media tools so that they could become more important means by which journalists and citizens access and distribute information. This component, in combination with the first component, should result in a variety of alternative, independent news and information resources which will become better understood and used. 

The program includes a comprehensive media literacy education strategy that will entail working with libraries, universities and schools, as well as with civil society and community organizations, youth groups, professional media and journalist associations, and other NGOs. Moreover, the program will coordinate with existing USAID DG programs in civil society, local government, anti-corruption and others deemed relevant.

Illustrative Activities:

•	Promote SMS texting to push user communities to specific websites.
•	Promote smart-phone adapted websites for news and information.
•	Promote media literacy through public awareness campaigns and schools.
•	Coordinate media literacy activities with local media and citizens, such as Community advisory boards for local publications; the use of Op/Eds featuring pro/con perspectives on local issues.
•	Student/youth educational activities encouraging discussion and/or engagement on issues covered in press.

Expected Results for Component 2:

•	Increased media literacy and an increased number of continuing, sustainable media literacy programs and/or trainings among NGOs, community and youth organizations, libraries, educational facilities, media associations and other institutions.
•	Increase in smart-phone adapted websites for news and information. 

Project Objective/Component 3: Provision of Public Advocacy, Media Monitoring and Legal Support to Media

The objective is to create and/or support public advocacy and legal assistance for press freedom, and media monitoring to assure quality-control and the presentation of balanced, responsible, and diverse information content.

The program includes working with NGOs, other donors and the international community to confront and speak with a unified voice about legislation, GOAM directives, regulations, or other measures that impede freedom of the press and the unhindered dissemination of diverse information. One example of good coordination on restrictive GOAM decisions was the reinstatement of RFE/RL broadcasts on Hay Radio and public radio’s second channel.
 
The program will work closely with the many strong media/free speech and civil society NGOs in Armenia, to better coordinate their efforts. More professional coalition building is needed, particularly for proactive rather than reactive activity.  The Yerevan Press Club, Asparez Press Club, Freedom of Information Center Armenia, and several others are acknowledged as leaders in the media NGO community.  The media NGOs worked with 31 media organization to adopt a universal Code of Ethics for all Armenian journalists. Networking these organizations with other active CSOs for common purposes is but one approach for improving advocacy.

The OSCE, some members of parliament, and others have noted that there is a large gap in media legal expertise.  More media lawyers, or at least lawyers familiar with current media legislation, are needed. Moreover, independent journalists and producers of alternative media content may often require access to legal consultation, advice and representation. There are some examples in Armenia, of successful coordination for legal challenges, including: 1) Gala (unique); 2) stoppage of changes to law on TV and Radio; 3) Radio Hay’s lawsuit; 4) A1+ suit; 5) united effort to install good source protection law.

Policy issues are another area where coordinated efforts should be maximized, particularly in such areas as legislation. Armenia’s Parliament’s passed a digitalization law that put a moratorium on new licenses and offered no implementation without any input from media or civil society organizations strategy and with little concerted and well-coordinated protest after the fact.   

Another key aspect is of this component is addressing the issue of quality and reliability of new media sources (i.e. web sites, blogs). The program will independently monitor journalistic standards in a watchdog capacity through existing and/or new institutions.
 
Illustrative Activities:
•	Consistent and comprehensive media monitoring (and not just for elections) is needed to push government bodies to actually regulate the broadcast industry.  The public broadcaster is a priority for both advertising quantity and editorial bias.  The advertising industry already has a video monitoring system in place that could be used to verify infractions of both private and public media, but legislation is apparently needed for enforcement of regulations for the public broadcaster. 
•	Additional monitoring and “name and shame” of biased editorial content could be part of a media forum website, possibly built upon the “Media Ethics Board” working group that coordinated the common Code of Ethics.  
•	Advocacy NGOs should consolidate around specific issues, including public campaigns and provide a quick, publically visible reaction. Resources could be made available for these activities. Advocacy efforts need to go beyond press releases, press conferences, and official letters to government bodies, to include community organization, information, and activity. 
•	Provide assistance to leading NGOs on basic lobbying techniques and how to establish working relationships with reform-minded government officials. There appear to be many reformers, but no strong alliances have been built with them. 
•	To counter the perception of media bias, assistance could be provided to support the development of a good Media criticism website –possibly built on the Yerevan Press Club – similar to Ukraine’s “Telekritika.”  Simpler versions of such are beginning in Azerbaijan (mediaforum.az) and Georgia (media.ge).  

Expected Results for Component 3:

•	A media monitoring and watch-dog group will be established and/or supported to monitor content, access, commentary in all media, including web-based news and information sites, blogs, etc., and provide critiques and analysis.
•	Coalitions will be established among advocacy NGOs and those focused on media to better defend freedom of expression and alternative media, and advocate for more democratic and transparent media legislation and ownership, as well and greater media diversity.
•	A formal media liaison is established with the Office of the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman’ Office).

D.  Substantial Involvement 

USAID/Armenia anticipates the following substantial involvement in the recipient’s activities: 

1.  Approval of the recipient's annual Implementation Plans:  On an annual basis, the recipient shall prepare and provide for USAID’s approval at an annual implementation plan.  The initial implementation plan for the first year of activities will be submitted as part of the applicant’s technical proposal. Project proposals should include an initial set of quick start projects which would be implemented during the first six months of the program.  
               
 2.  Approval of specified key personnel: USAID will approve the key personnel as essential staff for the successful implementation of the award and any changes to key personnel.  

3.  Approval of the recipient's monitoring and evaluation plans: USAID will review and approve the recipient’s monitoring and evaluation plan.  An adequate monitoring and evaluation plan is critical for the successful tracking of program progress and achievement of results.  This monitoring and evaluation plan should be clearly linked to the achievement of USAID’s intermediate results. 

4.  Ongoing monitoring of program implementation: USAID will consistently and regularly monitor program performance to ensure compliance of the activities and ensure program objectives are being met. 

SECTION D

CERTIFICATIONS, ASSURANCES, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF THE RECIPIENT (MAY 2006)
 
NOTE: When these Certifications, Assurances, and Other Statements of Recipient are used for cooperative agreements, the term "Grant" means "Cooperative Agreement". 

PART I - CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES
  
1. ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING NON-DISCRIMINATION IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS

Note: This certification applies to Non-U.S. organizations if any part of the program will be undertaken in the United States.
  
     (a)   The recipient hereby assures that no person in the United States shall, on the bases set forth below, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity receiving financial assistance from USAID, and that with respect to the Cooperative Agreement for which application is being made, it will comply with the requirements of:
  
       (1)  Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub. L. 88-352, 42 U.S.C. 2000-d), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance;
  
       (2)  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance;
  
       (3)  The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (Pub. L. 95-478), which prohibits discrimination based on age in the delivery of services and benefits supported with Federal funds;
  
       (4)  Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681, et seq.), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance (whether or not the programs or activities are offered or sponsored by an educational institution); and
  
       (5)  USAID regulations implementing the above nondiscrimination laws, set forth in Chapter II of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
  
     (b)  If the recipient is an institution of higher education, the Assurances given herein extend to admission practices and to all other practices relating to the treatment of students or clients of the institution, or relating to the opportunity to participate in the provision of services or other benefits to such individuals, and shall be applicable to the entire institution unless the recipient establishes to the satisfaction of the USAID Administrator that the institution's practices in designated parts or programs of the institution will in no way affect its practices in the program of the institution for which financial assistance is sought, or the beneficiaries of, or participants in, such programs.
  
     (c)  This assurance is given in consideration of and for the purpose of obtaining any and all Federal grants, loans, contracts, property, discounts, or other Federal financial assistance extended after the date hereof to the recipient by the Agency, including installment payments after such date on account of applications for Federal financial assistance which was approved before such date.  The recipient recognizes and agrees that such Federal financial assistance will be extended in reliance on the representations and agreements made in this Assurance, and that the United States shall have the right to seek judicial enforcement of this Assurance.  This Assurance is binding on the recipient, its successors, transferees, and assignees, and the person or persons whose signatures appear below are authorized to sign this Assurance on behalf of the recipient.
    
2.  CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING
  
 The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
  
   (1)  No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal Cooperative Agreement, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
  
   (2)  If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure of Lobbying Activities," in accordance with its instructions.
  
   (3)  The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.
  
 This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, United States Code.  Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

 Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance
  
 The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and  belief, that:  If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions. Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

 3.  PROHIBITION ON ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS FOR COVERED COUNTRIES AND INDIVIDUALS (ADS 206)
  
 USAID reserves the right to terminate this Agreement, to demand a refund or take other appropriate measures if the Grantee is found to have been  convicted of a narcotics offense or to have been engaged in drug trafficking as defined in 22 CFR Part 140. The undersigned shall review USAID ADS 206 to determine if any certifications are required for Key Individuals or Covered Participants.
  
 If there are COVERED PARTICIPANTS: USAID reserves the right to terminate assistance to or take other appropriate measures with respect to, any participant approved by USAID who is found to have been convicted of a narcotics offense or to have been engaged in drug trafficking as  defined in 22 CFR Part 140.

4.  CERTIFICATION REGARDING TERRORIST FINANCING IMPLEMENTING EXECUTIVE ORDER 13224
  
By signing and submitting this application, the prospective recipient provides the certification set out below:

1. The Recipient, to the best of its current knowledge, did not provide, within the
previous ten years, and will take all reasonable steps to ensure that it does not and will not knowingly provide, material support or resources to any individual or entity that commits, attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated, or participated in terrorist acts, as that term is defined in paragraph 3.

2. The following steps may enable the Recipient to comply with its obligations under paragraph 1:

a. Before providing any material support or resources to an individual or entity, the Recipient will verify that the individual or entity does not (i) appear on the master list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, which list is maintained by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and is available online at OFAC’s website : http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/t11sdn.pdf or (ii) is not included in any supplementary information concerning prohibited individuals or entities that may be provided by USAID to the Recipient.

b. Before providing any material support or resources to an individual or entity, the Recipient also will verify that the individual or entity has not been designated by the United Nations Security (UNSC) sanctions committee established under UNSC Resolution 1267 (1999) (the “1267 Committee”) [individuals and entities linked to the Taliban, Usama bin Laden, or the Al Qaida Organization]. To determine whether there has been a published designation of an individual or entity by the 1267 Committee, the Recipient should refer to the consolidated list available online at the Committee’s website: 

http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/committees/1267/1267ListEng.htm.

c. Before providing any material support or resources to an individual or entity, the Recipient will consider all information about that individual or entity of which it is aware and all public information that is reasonably available to it or of which it should be aware.

d. The Recipient also will implement reasonable monitoring and oversight procedures to safeguard against assistance being diverted to support terrorist activity.

3. For purposes of this Certification-

a. “Material support and resources” means currency or monetary instruments or
financial securities, financial services, lodging, training, expert advice or assistance, safehouses, false documentation or identification, communications equipment, facilities, weapons, lethal substances, explosives, personnel, transportation, and other physical assets, except medicine or religious materials.”

b. “Terrorist act” means-

(i)	an act prohibited pursuant to one of the 12 United Nations Conventions and Protocols related to terrorism (see UN terrorism conventions Internet site: http://untreaty.un.org/English/Terrorism.asp ) or

(ii) an act of premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents; or

(iii) any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to a civilian, or to any other person not taking an active part in hostilities in a situation of armed conflict, when the purpose of such act, by its nature or context, is to intimidate a population, or to compel a government or an international organization to do or to abstain from doing any act.

c. “Entity” means a partnership, association, corporation, or other organization, group or subgroup.

d. References in this Certification to the provision of material support and resources shall not be deemed to include the furnishing of USAID funds or USAID-financed commodities to the ultimate beneficiaries of USAID assistance, such as recipients of food, medical care, micro-enterprise loans, shelter, etc., unless the Recipient has reason to believe that one or more of these beneficiaries commits, attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated or participated in terrorist acts.

e. The Recipient’s obligations under paragraph 1 are not applicable to the
procurement of goods and/or services by the Recipient that are acquired in the ordinary course of business through contract or purchase, e.g., utilities, rents, office supplies, gasoline, etc., unless the Recipient has reason to believe that a vendor or supplier of such goods and services commits, attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated or participated in terrorist acts.

This Certification is an express term and condition of any agreement issued as a result of this application, and any violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral termination of the agreement by USAID prior to the end of its term.

5.  CERTIFICATION OF RECIPIENT
  
By signing below the recipient provides certifications and assurances for (1) the Assurance of Compliance with Laws and Regulations Governing Non-Discrimination in Federally Assisted Programs, (2) the Certification Regarding Lobbying, (3) the Prohibition on Assistance to Drug Traffickers for Covered Countries and Individuals (ADS 206) and (4) the Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing Implementing Executive Order 13224 above.

 RFA No. ________________________________
  
 Application No.      ______________________________
  
 Date of Application ______________________________
  
 Name of Recipient   _______________________________
  
 Typed Name and Title   __________________________________
 
 Signature              _____________________________________

 Date                   _______________

PART II – KEY INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATION NARCOTICS OFFENSES AND DRUG TRAFFICKING
  
 I hereby certify that within the last ten years:
  
   1. I have not been convicted of a violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, any law or regulation of the United States or any other country concerning narcotic or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances.
  
   2. I am not and have not been an illicit trafficker in any such drug or controlled substance.
  
   3. I am not and have not been a knowing assistor, abettor, conspirator, or colluder with others in the illicit trafficking in any such drug or substance.
  
 Signature: 		____________________________
  
 Date: 			____________________________
  
 Name: 		___________________________
  
 Title/Position: 	____________________________
  
 Organization:	 	____________________________

 Address: 		____________________________
  
          			____________________________
  
 Date of Birth: 	____________________________
  
 NOTICE:
  
   1. You are required to sign this Certification under the provisions of 22 CFR Part 140, Prohibition on Assistance to Drug Traffickers. These regulations were issued by the Department of State and require that certain key individuals of organizations must sign this Certification.
  
   2. If you make a false Certification you are subject to U.S. criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.
 
PART III - PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATION NARCOTICS OFFENSES AND DRUG TRAFFICKING

   1. I hereby certify that within the last ten years:
  
     a. I have not been convicted of a violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, any law or regulation of the United States or any other country concerning narcotic or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances.
  
     b. I am not and have not been an illicit trafficker in any such drug or controlled substance.
  
     c. I am not or have not been a knowing assistor, abettor, conspirator, or colluder with others in the illicit trafficking in any such drug or substance.
  
   2. I understand that USAID may terminate my training if it is determined that I engaged in the above conduct during the last ten years or during my USAID training.
  
 Signature: 		___________________________________
  
 Name: 		___________________________________
  
 Date: 			___________________________________
  
 Address: 		___________________________________
  
			___________________________________
  
 Date of Birth: 	___________________________________
  
 NOTICE:
  
   1. You are required to sign this Certification under the provisions of 22 CFR Part 140, Prohibition on Assistance to Drug Traffickers. These regulations were issued by the Department of State and require that certain participants must sign this Certification.
  
   2. If you make a false Certification you are subject to U.S. criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

PART IV - SURVEY ON ENSURING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR APPLICANTS

Applicability:  All RFA’s must include the attached Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants as an attachment to the RFA package. Applicants under unsolicited applications are also to be provided the survey. (While inclusion of the survey by Agreement Officers in RFA packages is required, the applicant’s completion of the survey is voluntary, and must not be a requirement of the RFA. The absence of a completed survey in an application may not be a basis upon which the application is determined incomplete or non-responsive. Applicants who volunteer to complete and submit the survey under a competitive or non-competitive action are instructed within the text of the survey to submit it as part of the application process.)

See Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants at the below internet link:
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/surveyeo.pdf

PART V - OTHER STATEMENTS OF RECIPIENT
  
	1.  AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS
  
 The recipient represents that the following persons are authorized to negotiate on its behalf with the Government and to bind the recipient in connection with this application or grant:
  
          Name               Title               Telephone No.      Facsimile No.
  
   ________________________________________________________________
  
   ________________________________________________________________
  
   ________________________________________________________________

	2.  TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)
  
 If the recipient is a U.S. organization, or a foreign organization which has income effectively connected with the conduct of activities in the U.S. or has an office or a place of business or a fiscal paying agent in the U.S., please indicate the recipient's TIN:
  
 TIN: ________________________________

3.  DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBER
  
     (a)  In the space provided at the end of this provision, the recipient should supply the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number applicable to that name and address.  Recipients should take care to report the number that identifies the recipient's name and address exactly as stated in the proposal.
  
     (b)  The DUNS is a 9-digit number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet Information Services.  If the recipient does not have a DUNS number, the recipient should call Dun and Bradstreet directly at 1-800-333-0505. A DUNS number will be provided immediately by telephone at no charge to the recipient.  The recipient should be prepared to provide the following information:
  
       (1) Recipient's name.
       (2) Recipient's address.
       (3) Recipient's telephone number.
       (4) Line of business.
       (5) Chief executive officer/key manager.
       (6) Date the organization was started.
       (7) Number of people employed by the recipient.
       (8) Company affiliation.
  
     (c)  Recipients located outside the United States may obtain the location and phone number of the local Dun and Bradstreet Information Services office from the Internet Home Page at http://www.dbisna.com/dbis/customer/custlist.htm. If an offeror is unable to locate a local service center, it may send an e-mail to Dun and Bradstreet at globalinfo@dbisma.com.
  
 The  DUNS system is distinct from the Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) system.
  
 DUNS: ________________________________________

4.  LETTER OF CREDIT (LOC) NUMBER
  
 If the recipient has an existing Letter of Credit (LOC) with USAID, please indicate the LOC number:
  
 LOC:  _________________________________________

	5.  PROCUREMENT INFORMATION
  
     (a)  Applicability.  This applies to the procurement of goods and services planned by the recipient (i.e., contracts, purchase orders, etc.) from a supplier of goods or services for the direct use or benefit of the recipient in conducting the program supported by the grant, and not to assistance provided by the recipient (i.e., a subgrant or subagreement) to a subgrantee or subrecipient in support of the subgrantee's or subrecipient's program.  Provision by the recipient of the requested information does not, in and of itself, constitute USAID approval.
  
     (b)  Amount of Procurement.  Please indicate the total estimated dollar amount of goods and services which the recipient plans to purchase under the grant:
  
      $__________________________
  
     (c) Nonexpendable Property.  If the recipient plans to purchase nonexpendable equipment which would require the approval of the Agreement Officer, please indicate below (using a continuation page, as necessary) the types, quantities of each, and estimated unit costs. Nonexpendable equipment for which the Agreement Officer's approval to purchase is required is any article of nonexpendable tangible personal property charged directly to the grant, having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
 
 TYPE/DESCRIPTION
(Generic)                           ____________________________            

QUANTITY	                  _____________________________       

ESTIMATED 
UNIT COST                      _____________________________

     (d)  Source, Origin, and Componentry of Goods.  If the recipient plans to purchase any goods/commodities which are not of U.S. source and/or U.S. origin, and/or does not contain at least 50% componentry, which are not at least 50% U.S. source and origin, please indicate below (using a continuation page, as necessary) the types and quantities of each, estimated unit costs of each, and probable source and/or origin, to include the probable source and/or origin of the components if less than 50% U.S. components will be contained in the commodity.  "Source" means the country from which a commodity is shipped to the cooperating country or the cooperating country itself if the commodity is located therein at the time of purchase.  However, where a commodity is shipped from a free port or bonded warehouse in the form in which received therein, "source" means the country from which the commodity was shipped to the free port or bonded warehouse.  Any commodity whose source is a non-Free World country is ineligible for USAID financing.  The "origin" of a commodity is the country or area in which a commodity is mined, grown, or produced.  A commodity is produced when, through manufacturing, processing, or substantial and major assembling of components, a commercially recognized new commodity results, which is substantially different in basic characteristics or in purpose or utility from its components.  Merely packaging various items together for a particular procurement or relabeling items do not constitute production of a commodity.  Any commodity whose origin is a non-Free World country is ineligible for USAID financing.  "Components" are the goods, which go directly into the production of a produced commodity. Any component from a non-Free World country makes the commodity ineligible for USAID financing.

TYPE/DESCRIPTION 	
(Generic)                               ______________________________ 

QUANTITY 		           ______________________________ 

ESTIMATED 			 
UNIT COST                           ______________________________

GOODS
COMPONENTS                     ______________________________

PROBABLE 			
SOURCE 			______________________________ 

GOODS
COMPONENTS                     ______________________________

PROBABLE			 
ORIGIN 			______________________________ 

 
  
     (e)  Restricted Goods.  If the recipient plans to purchase any restricted goods, please indicate below (using a continuation page, as necessary) the types and quantities of each, estimated unit costs of each, intended use, and probable source and/or origin.  Restricted goods are Agricultural Commodities, Motor Vehicles, Pharmaceuticals, Pesticides, Rubber Compounding Chemicals and Plasticizers, Used Equipment, U.S. Government-Owned Excess Property, and Fertilizer.
  
TYPE/DESCRIPTION 	______________________________ 
(Generic)
QUANTITY 			______________________________ 

ESTIMATED 			 
UNIT COST			______________________________

PROBABLE 			
SOURCE			______________________________ 

PROBABLE 			 
ORIGIN		                        _____________________________ 	 

INTENDED 
USE                                             ________________________________  

     (f)  Supplier Nationality.  If the recipient plans to purchase any goods or services from suppliers of goods and services whose nationality is not in the U.S., please indicate below (using a continuation page, as necessary) the types and quantities of each good or service, estimated costs of each, probable nationality of each non-U.S. supplier of each good or service, and the rationale for purchasing from a non-U.S. supplier.  Any supplier whose nationality is a non-Free World country is ineligible for USAID financing.

TYPE/DESCRIPTION
(Generic) 		 	_____________________________ 

QUANTITY 			_____________________________ 

ESTIMATED
UNIT COST 			_____________________________ 

PROBABLE SUPPLIER 	
(Non-US Only)                        _____________________________

NATIONALITY 	           _____________________________ 

RATIONALE			
FOR NON-US 		_____________________________ 

  
     (g)  Proposed Disposition.  If the recipient plans to purchase any nonexpendable equipment with a unit acquisition cost of $5,000 or more, please indicate below (using a continuation page, as necessary) the proposed disposition of each such item.  Generally, the recipient may either retain the property for other uses and make compensation to USAID (computed by applying the percentage of federal participation in the cost of the original program to the current fair market value of the property), or sell the property and reimburse USAID an amount computed by applying to the sales proceeds the percentage of federal participation in the cost of the original program (except that the recipient may deduct from the federal share $500 or 10% of the proceeds, whichever is greater, for selling and handling expenses), or donate the property to a host country institution, or otherwise dispose of the property as instructed by USAID.
  
 TYPE/DESCRIPTION
(Generic)                            ___________________________

QUANTITY                      ___________________________   

ESTIMATED 
UNIT COST                     ____________________________ 

PROPOSED   
DISPOSITION                 ____________________________

	6.  PAST PERFORMANCE REFERENCES
  
 On a continuation page, please provide past performance information requested in the RFA.

	7.  TYPE OF ORGANIZATION
  
 The recipient, by checking the applicable box, represents that -
  
     (a)  If the recipient is a U.S. entity, it operates as [  ] a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of, [ ] an individual, [  ] a partnership, [  ] a nongovernmental nonprofit organization, [  ] a state or loc al governmental organization, [  ] a private college or university, [  ] a public college or university, [  ] an international organization, or [  ] a joint venture; or
  
     (b)  If the recipient is a non-U.S. entity, it operates as [  ] a corporation organized under the laws of _____________________________ (country), [  ] an individual, [  ] a partnership, [  ] a nongovernmental nonprofit organization, [  ] a nongovernmental educational institution, [ ] a governmental organization, [ ] an international organization, or [ ] a joint venture.
  
	8.  ESTIMATED COSTS OF COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS
  
 The following are the estimate(s) of the cost of each separate communications product (i.e., any printed material [other than non- color photocopy material], photographic services, or video production services) which is anticipated under the grant.  Each estimate must include all the costs associated with preparation and execution of the product.  Use a continuation page as necessary. 

SECTION E – ANNEXES

1.    MANDATORY STANDARD PROVISIONS FOR U.S. NONGOVERNMENTAL
RECIPIENTS

Please refer to the following website to access the above mentioned Provisions:
http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303maa.pdf

2.	STANDARD FORMS 424, 424A AND 424B, APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE, BUDGET INFORMATION-NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS AND ASSURANCES-NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

The SF 424, SF 424A and SF 424B documents are not included but can be found at the
following website:

http://www.grants.gov

3.	MARKING UNDER ASSISTANCE-BRANDING STRATEGY – ASSISTANCE  (December 2005)

(a) Definitions

Branding Strategy means a strategy that is submitted at the specific request of a USAID
Agreement Officer by an Apparently Successful Applicant after evaluation of an application for USAID funding, describing how the program, project, or activity is named and positioned, and how it is promoted and communicated to beneficiaries and host country citizens. It identifies all donors and explains how they will be acknowledged.

Apparently Successful Applicant(s) means the applicant(s) for USAID funding recommended for an award after evaluation, but who has not yet been awarded a grant, cooperative agreement or other assistance award by the Agreement Officer.
The Agreement Officer will request that the Apparently Successful Applicants submit a
Branding Strategy and Marking Plan. Apparently Successful Applicant status confers no right and constitutes no USAID commitment to an award.

USAID Identity (Identity) means the official marking for the Agency, comprised of the USAID logo and new brandmark, which clearly communicates that our assistance is from the American people. The USAID Identity is available on the USAID website and is provided without royalty, license, or other fee to recipients of USAID-funded grants or cooperative agreements or other assistance awards or subawards.

(b) Submission. The Apparently Successful Applicant, upon request of the Agreement Officer, will submit and negotiate a Branding Strategy. The Branding Strategy will be included in and made a part of the resulting grant or cooperative agreement. The Branding Strategy will be negotiated within the time that the Agreement Officer specifies. Failure to submit and negotiate a Branding Strategy will make the applicant ineligible for award of a grant or cooperative agreement. The Apparently Successful Applicant must include all estimated costs associated with branding and marking USAID programs, such as plaques, stickers, banners, press events and materials, and the like.

(c) Submission Requirements
At a minimum, the Apparently Successful Applicant’s Branding Strategy will address the
following:

(1) Positioning
What is the intended name of this program, project, or activity?

Guidelines: USAID prefers to have the USAID Identity included as part of the program or project name, such as a "title sponsor," if possible and appropriate. It is acceptable to "co-brand" the title with USAID’s and the Apparently Successful Applicant’s identities. For example: "The USAID and [Apparently Successful Applicant] Health Center." 

If it would be inappropriate or is not possible to "brand" the project this way, such as when rehabilitating a structure that already exists or if there are multiple donors, please explain and indicate how you intend to showcase USAID's involvement in publicizing the program or project. For example:School #123, rehabilitated by USAID and [Apparently Successful Applicant]/ [other donors].
Note: the Agency prefers "made possible by (or with) the generous support of the American People" next to the USAID Identity in acknowledging our contribution, instead of the phrase "funded by." USAID prefers local language translations.

Will a program logo be developed and used consistently to identify this program? If yes, please attach a copy of the proposed program logo.

Note: USAID prefers to fund projects that do NOT have a separate logo or identity that
competes with the USAID Identity.

(2) Program Communications and Publicity

Who are the primary and secondary audiences for this project or program?

Guidelines: Please include direct beneficiaries and any special target segments or influencers. For Example: Primary audience: schoolgirls age 8-12, Secondary audience: teachers and parents–specifically mothers.

What communications or program materials will be used to explain or market the program to beneficiaries?

Guidelines: These include training materials, posters, pamphlets, Public Service
Announcements, billboards, websites, and so forth.

What is the main program message(s)?

Guidelines: For example: "Be tested for HIV-AIDS" or "Have your child inoculated. "Please indicate if you also plan to incorporate USAID’s primary message – this aid is "from the American people" – into the narrative of program materials. This is optional; however, marking with the USAID Identity is required.

Will the recipient announce and promote publicly this program or project to host country
citizens? If yes, what press and promotional activities are planned?

Guidelines: These may include media releases, press conferences, public events, and so forth. Note: incorporating the message, “USAID from the American People”, and the USAID Identity is required.

Please provide any additional ideas about how to increase awareness that the American people support this project or program.

Guidelines: One of our goals is to ensure that both beneficiaries and host-country citizens know that the aid the Agency is providing is "from the American people." Please provide any initial ideas on how to further this goal.

(3) Acknowledgements

Will there be any direct involvement from a host-country government ministry? If yes, please indicate which one or ones. Will the recipient acknowledge the ministry as an additional cosponsor?

Note: it is perfectly acceptable and often encouraged for USAID to "co-brand" programs with government ministries.

Please indicate if there are any other groups whose logo or identity the recipient will use on program materials and related communications.

Guidelines: Please indicate if they are also a donor or why they will be visibly acknowledged, and if they will receive the same prominence as USAID.

(d) Award Criteria. The Agreement Officer will review the Branding Strategy for adequacy, ensuring that it contains the required information on naming and positioning the USAID-funded program, project, or activity, and promoting and communicating it to cooperating country beneficiaries and citizens. The Agreement Officer also will evaluate this information to ensure that it is consistent with the stated objectives of the award; with the Apparently Successful Applicant’s cost data submissions; with the Apparently Successful Applicant’s project, activity, or program performance plan; and with the regulatory requirements set out in 22 CFR 226.91. The Agreement Officer may obtain advice and recommendations from technical experts while performing the evaluation.

4.	MARKING UNDER ASSISTANCE -MARKING PLAN – ASSISTANCE                (December 2005)

(a)Definitions

Marking Plan means a plan that the Apparently Successful Applicant submits at the specific request of a USAID Agreement Officer after evaluation of an application for USAID funding, detailing the public communications, commodities, and program materials and other items that will visibly bear the USAID Identity. Recipients may request approval of Presumptive Exceptions to marking requirements in the Marking Plan.

Apparently Successful Applicant(s) means the applicant(s) for USAID funding recommended for an award after evaluation, but who has not yet been awarded a grant, cooperative agreement or other assistance award by the Agreement Officer.
The Agreement Officer will request that Apparently Successful Applicants submit a Branding Strategy and Marking Plan. Apparently Successful Applicant status confers no right and constitutes no USAID commitment to an award, which the Agreement Officer must still obligate.

USAID Identity (Identity) means the official marking for the Agency, comprised of the
USAID logo and new brandmark, which clearly communicates that our assistance is from the American people. The USAID Identity is available on the USAID website and USAID provides it without royalty, license, or other fee to recipients of USAID funded grants, cooperative agreements, or other assistance awards or subawards.

A Presumptive Exception exempts the applicant from the general marking requirements for a particular USAID-funded public communication, commodity, program material or other deliverable, or a category of USAID-funded public communications, commodities, program materials or other deliverables that would otherwise be required to visibly bear the USAID Identity. The Presumptive Exceptions are:

Presumptive Exception (i). USAID marking requirements may not apply if they would
compromise the intrinsic independence or neutrality of a program or materials where
independence or neutrality is an inherent aspect of the program and materials, such as election monitoring or ballots, and voter information literature; political party support or public policy advocacy or reform; independent media, such as television and radio broadcasts, newspaper articles and editorials; and public service announcements or public opinion polls and surveys (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(1)).

Presumptive Exception (ii). USAID marking requirements may not apply if they would
diminish the credibility of audits, reports, analyses, studies, or policy recommendations whose data or findings must be seen as independent (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(2)).

Presumptive Exception (iii). USAID marking requirements may not apply if they would
undercut host-country government “ownership” of constitutions, laws, regulations, policies, studies, assessments, reports, publications, surveys or audits, public service announcements, or other communications better positioned as “by” or “from” a cooperating country ministry or government official (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(3)).

Presumptive Exception (iv). USAID marking requirements may not apply if they would impair the functionality of an item, such as sterilized equipment or spare parts (22 C.F.R.
226.91(h)(4)).

Presumptive Exception (v). USAID marking requirements may not apply if they would incur substantial costs or be impractical, such as items too small or otherwise unsuited for individual marking, such as food in bulk (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(5)).

Presumptive Exception (vi). USAID marking requirements may not apply if they would offend local cultural or social norms, or be considered inappropriate on such items as condoms, toilets, bed pans, or similar commodities (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(6)).

Presumptive Exception (vii). USAID marking requirements may not apply if they would
conflict with international law (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(7)).

(b) Submission. The Apparently Successful Applicant, upon the request of the Agreement Officer, will submit and negotiate a Marking Plan that addresses the details of the public communications, commodities, program materials that will visibly bear the USAID Identity. The marking plan will be customized for the particular program, project, or activity under the resultant grant or cooperative agreement. The plan will be included in and made a part of the resulting grant or cooperative agreement. USAID and the Apparently Successful Applicant will negotiate the Marking Plan within the time specified by the Agreement Officer. Failure to submit and negotiate a Marking Plan will make the applicant ineligible for award of a grant or cooperative agreement. The applicant must include an estimate of all costs associated with branding and marking USAID programs, such as plaques, labels, banners, press events, promotional materials, and so forth in the budget portion of its application. These costs are subject to revision and negotiation with the Agreement Officer upon submission of the Marking Plan and will be incorporated into the Total Estimated Amount of the grant, cooperative agreement or other assistance instrument.

(c) Submission Requirements. The Marking Plan will include the following:

(1) A description of the public communications, commodities, and program materials that the recipient will be produced as a part of the grant or cooperative agreement and which will visibly bear the USAID Identity. These include:

(i) program, project, or activity sites funded by USAID, including visible infrastructure projects or other programs, projects, or activities that are physical in nature;

(ii) technical assistance, studies, reports, papers, publications, audio-visual productions, public service announcements, Web sites/Internet activities and other promotional, informational, media, or communications products funded by USAID;

(iii) events financed by USAID, such as training courses, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, fairs, workshops, press conferences, and other public activities; and

(iv) all commodities financed by USAID, including commodities or equipment provided under humanitarian assistance or disaster relief programs, and all other equipment, supplies and other materials funded by USAID, and their export packaging.

(2) A table specifying:

(i) the program deliverables that the recipient will mark with the USAID Identity,

(ii) the type of marking and what materials the applicant will be used to mark the program deliverables with the USAID Identity, and

(iii) when in the performance period the applicant will mark the program deliverables, and where the applicant will place the marking.

(3) A table specifying:

(i) what program deliverables will not be marked with the USAID Identity, and

(ii) the rationale for not marking these program deliverables.

(d) Presumptive Exceptions.
(1) The Apparently Successful Applicant may request a Presumptive Exception as part of the overall Marking Plan submission. To request a Presumptive Exception, the Apparently Successful Applicant must identify which Presumptive Exception applies, and state why, in light of the Apparently Successful Applicant’s technical proposal and in the context of the program description or program statement in the USAID Request For Application or Annual Program Statement, marking requirements should not be required.

(2) Specific guidelines for addressing each Presumptive Exception are:

(i) For Presumptive Exception (i), identify the USAID Strategic Objective, Interim Result, or program goal furthered by an appearance of neutrality, or state why the program, project, activity, commodity, or communication is ‘intrinsically neutral.’ Identify, by category or deliverable item, examples of program materials funded under the award for which you are seeking exception 1.

(ii) For Presumptive Exception (ii), state what data, studies, or other deliverables will be produced under the USAID funded award, and explain why the data, studies, or deliverables must be seen as credible.
(iii) For Presumptive Exception (iii), identify the item or media product produced under the USAID funded award, and explain why each item or product, or category of item and product, is better positioned as an item or product produced by the cooperating country government.

(iv) For Presumptive Exception (iv), identify the item or commodity to be marked, or categories of items or commodities, and explain how marking would impair the item’s or commodity’s functionality.

(v) For Presumptive Exception (v), explain why marking would not be cost-beneficial or
practical. 

(vi) For Presumptive Exception (vi), identify the relevant cultural or social norm, and explain why marking would violate that norm or otherwise be inappropriate.

(vii) For Presumptive Exception (vii), identify the applicable international law violated by marking.

(3) The Agreement Officer will review the request for adequacy and reasonableness. In
consultation with the Cognizant Technical Officer and other agency personnel as necessary, the Agreement Officer will approve or disapprove the requested Presumptive Exception. Approved exceptions will be made part of the approved Marking Plan, and will apply for the term of the award, unless provided otherwise.

(e) Award Criteria: The Agreement Officer will review the Marking Plan for adequacy and reasonableness, ensuring that it contains sufficient detail and information concerning public communications, commodities, and program materials that will visibly bear the USAID Identity. The Agreement Officer will evaluate the plan to ensure that it is consistent with the stated objectives of the award; with the applicant’s cost data submissions; with the applicant’s actual project, activity, or program performance plan; and with the regulatory requirements of 22 C.F.R 226.91. The Agreement Officer will approve or disapprove any requested Presumptive Exceptions (see paragraph (d)) on the basis of adequacy and reasonableness. The Agreement Officer may obtain advice and recommendations from technical experts while performing the evaluation.

5.	MARKING UNDER USAID-FUNDED ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS
(December 2005)

(a) Definitions

Commodities mean any material, article, supply, goods or equipment, excluding recipient offices, vehicles, and non-deliverable items for recipient’s internal use, in administration of the USAID funded grant, cooperative agreement, or other agreement or subagreement.

Principal Officer means the most senior officer in a USAID Operating Unit in the field, e.g., USAID Mission Director or USAID Representative. For global programs managed from Washington but executed across many countries, such as disaster relief and assistance to internally displaced persons, humanitarian emergencies or immediate post conflict and political crisis response, the cognizant Principal Officer may be an Office Director, for example, the Directors of USAID/W/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and Office of Transition Initiatives. For non-presence countries, the cognizant Principal Officer is the Senior USAID officer in a regional USAID Operating Unit responsible for the non-presence country, or in the absence of such a responsible operating unit, the Principal U.S Diplomatic Officer in the nonpresence country exercising delegated authority from USAID.

Programs mean an organized set of activities and allocation of resources directed toward a common purpose, objective, or goal undertaken or proposed by an organization to carry out the responsibilities assigned to it.

Projects include all the marginal costs of inputs (including the proposed investment)
technically required to produce a discrete marketable output or a desired result (for example, services from a fully functional water/sewage treatment facility).

Public communications are documents and messages intended for distribution to audiences external to the recipient’s organization. They include, but are not limited to, correspondence, publications, studies, reports, audio visual productions, and other informational products; applications, forms, press and promotional materials used in connection with USAID funded programs, projects or activities, including signage and plaques; Web sites/Internet activities; and events such as training courses, conferences, seminars, press conferences and so forth.

Subrecipient means any person or government (including cooperating country government) department, agency, establishment, or for profit or nonprofit organization that receives a USAID subaward, as defined in 22 C.F.R. 226.2.

Technical Assistance means the provision of funds, goods, services, or other foreign
assistance, such as loan guarantees or food for work, to developing countries and other USAID recipients, and through such recipients to subrecipients, in direct support of a development objective – as opposed to the internal management of the foreign assistance program.

USAID Identity (Identity) means the official marking for the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID), comprised of the USAID logo or seal and new
brandmark, with the tagline that clearly communicates that our assistance is “from the
American people.” The USAID Identity is available on the USAID website at www.usaid.gov/branding and USAID provides it without royalty, license, or other fee to
recipients of USAID-funded grants, or cooperative agreements, or other assistance awards

(b) Marking of Program Deliverables

(1) All recipients must mark appropriately all overseas programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities partially or fully funded by a USAID grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award or subaward with the USAID Identity, of a size and prominence equivalent to or greater than the recipient’s, other donor’s, or any other third party’s identity or logo.

(2) The Recipient will mark all program, project, or activity sites funded by USAID, including visible infrastructure projects (for example, roads, bridges, buildings) or other programs, projects, or activities that are physical in nature (for example, agriculture, forestry, water management) with the USAID Identity.
The Recipient should erect temporary signs or plaques early in the construction or
implementation phase. When construction or implementation is complete, the Recipient must install a permanent, durable sign, plaque or other marking.

(3) The Recipient will mark technical assistance, studies, reports, papers, publications, audiovisual productions, public service announcements, Web sites/Internet activities and other promotional, informational, media, or communications products funded by USAID with the USAID Identity.

(4) The Recipient will appropriately mark events financed by USAID, such as training courses, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, fairs, workshops, press conferences and other public activities, with the USAID Identity. Unless directly prohibited and as appropriate to the surroundings, recipients should display additional materials, such as signs and banners, with the USAID Identity. In circumstances in which the USAID Identity cannot be displayed visually, the recipient is encouraged otherwise to acknowledge USAID and the American people’s support.

(5) The Recipient will mark all commodities financed by USAID, including commodities or equipment provided under humanitarian assistance or disaster relief programs, and all other equipment, supplies, and other materials funded by USAID, and their export packaging with the USAID Identity.

(6) The Agreement Officer may require the USAID Identity to be larger and more prominent if it is the majority donor, or to require that a cooperating country government’s identity be larger and more prominent if circumstances warrant, and as appropriate depending on the audience, program goals, and materials produced.

(7) The Agreement Officer may require marking with the USAID Identity in the event that the recipient does not choose to mark with its own identity or logo.

(8) The Agreement Officer may require a pre-production review of USAID-funded public
communications and program materials for compliance with the approved Marking Plan.

(9) Subrecipients. To ensure that the marking requirements “flow down'' to subrecipients of subawards, recipients of USAID funded grants and cooperative agreements or other assistance awards will include the USAID-approved marking provision in any USAID funded subaward, as follows:

“As a condition of receipt of this subaward, marking with the USAID Identity of a size and prominence equivalent to or greater than the recipient’s, subrecipient’s, other donor’s or third party’s is required. In the event the recipient chooses not to require marking with its own identity or logo by the subrecipient, USAID may, at its discretion, require marking by the subrecipient with the USAID Identity.”

(10) Any ‘public communications’, as defined in 22 C.F.R. 226.2, funded by USAID, in which the content has not been approved by USAID, must contain the following disclaimer:

“This study/report/audio/visual/other information/media product (specify) is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of [insert recipient name] and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.”

(11) The recipient will provide the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) or other USAID
personnel designated in the grant or cooperative agreement with two copies of all program and communications materials produced under the award. In addition, the recipient will submit one electronic or one hard copy of all final documents to USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse.

(c) Implementation of marking requirements.

(1) When the grant or cooperative agreement contains an approved Marking Plan, the recipient will implement the requirements of this provision following the approved Marking Plan.

(2) When the grant or cooperative agreement does not contain an approved Marking Plan, the recipient will propose and submit a plan for implementing the requirements of this provision within [Agreement Officer fill-in] days after the effective date of this provision. The plan will include:

(i) A description of the program deliverables specified in paragraph (b) of this provision that the recipient will produce as a part of the grant or cooperative agreement and which will visibly bear the USAID Identity.

(ii) the type of marking and what materials the applicant uses to mark the program deliverables with the USAID Identity,

(iii) when in the performance period the applicant will mark the program deliverables, and where the applicant will place the marking,

(3) The recipient may request program deliverables not be marked with the USAID Identity by identifying the program deliverables and providing a rationale for not marking these program deliverables. Program deliverables may be exempted from USAID marking requirements when:

(i) USAID marking requirements would compromise the intrinsic independence or neutrality of a program or materials where independence or neutrality is an inherent aspect of the program and materials;

(ii) USAID marking requirements would diminish the credibility of audits, reports, analyses, studies, or policy recommendations whose data or findings must be seen as independent;

(iii) USAID marking requirements would undercut host-country government “ownership” of constitutions, laws, regulations, policies, studies, assessments, reports, publications, surveys or audits, public service announcements, or other communications better positioned as “by” or “from” a cooperating country ministry or government official;

(iv) USAID marking requirements would impair the functionality of an item;

(v) USAID marking requirements would incur substantial costs or be impractical;

(vi) USAID marking requirements would offend local cultural or social norms, or be considered inappropriate;

(vii) USAID marking requirements would conflict with international law.

(4) The proposed plan for implementing the requirements of this provision, including any
proposed exemptions, will be negotiated within the time specified by the Agreement Officer after receipt of the proposed plan. Failure to negotiate an approved plan with the time specified by the Agreement Officer may be considered as noncompliance with the requirements is provision.

(d) Waivers.

(1) The recipient may request a waiver of the Marking Plan or of the marking requirements of this provision, in whole or in part, for each program, project, activity, public communication or commodity, or, in exceptional circumstances, for a region or country, when USAID required marking would pose compelling political, safety, or security concerns, or when marking would have an adverse impact in the cooperating country. The recipient will submit the request through the Cognizant Technical Officer. The Principal Officer is responsible for approvals or disapprovals of waiver requests.

(2) The request will describe the compelling political, safety, security concerns, or adverse impact that require a waiver, detail the circumstances and rationale for the waiver, detail the specific requirements to be waived, the specific portion of the Marking Plan to be waived, or specific marking to be waived, and include a description of how program materials will be marked (if at all) if the USAID Identity is removed. The request should also provide a rationale for any use of recipient’s own identity/logo or that of a third party on materials that will be subject to the waiver.

(3) Approved waivers are not limited in duration but are subject to Principal Officer review at any time, due to changed circumstances.

(4) Approved waivers “flow down” to recipients of subawards unless specified otherwise. The waiver may also include the removal of USAID markings already affixed, if circumstances warrant.

(5) Determinations regarding waiver requests are subject to appeal to the Principal Officer’s cognizant Assistant Administrator. The recipient may appeal by submitting a written request to reconsider the Principal Officer’s waiver determination to the cognizant Assistant Administrator.

(e) Non-retroactivity. The requirements of this provision do apply to any materials, events, or commodities produced prior to January 2, 2006. The requirements of this provision do not apply to program, project, or activity sites funded by USAID, including visible infrastructure projects (for example, roads, bridges, buildings) or other programs, projects, or activities that are physical in nature (for example, agriculture, forestry, water management) where the construction and implementation of these are complete prior to January 2, 2006 and the period of the grant does not extend past January 2, 2006.