Opportunity Background
Current Closing Date for Applications
Apr 30, 2021 12:00:00 AM EDT
Background and Problem Statement
The VRU is the sole legislative body within the Ukrainian central government structure. Since Ukraine declared independence, the VRU has succeeded in adopting a number of critical pieces of framework legislation, including the Constitution, constitutional amendments, and a variety of tax, budget, land, election, civil and criminal codes. However, the VRU as a deliberative body is concurrently seen as compromised as members ignore institutional and procedural norms when convenient. Oversight is very weak, especially when a political party has both the presidency and a ruling majority in the VRU (like now).
Moreover, citizens generally feel very little ownership of the VRU and the legislation it produces. There is little meaningful engagement between MPs and their constituents. Most concerning, citizens do not consider decisions made by the VRU as essential or even really playing a role in changing or bettering their lives.
The VRU has typically lacked the institutional capacity to conduct legislative analyses and develop critical legislation in a timely and efficient manner. Parliamentary reform launched in the period of 2015-2018 did not result in many visible changes in institutional policies and procedures within the institution. No political party had a majority and no coalition was strong enough to pass legislation related to parliamentary reform. In May 2019, President Zelensky dissolved the 8th Convocation of the VRU because of its inability to form such a coalition.
The current 9th convocation VRU, which began in August 2019, is even less experienced than previous convocations. More than 80% of the MPs are new. This inexperience has both disadvantages and advantages. While they are less likely to know how to navigate the Ukrainian political arena, they are more open to innovation and willing to move beyond business as usual.
This convocation may represent a generational change in Ukraine’s politics with a record number of women serving as MPs (20%, compared to 13% in the previous Parliament). These MPs came into power at a complex, critical time for Ukraine with an ambitious, accelerated reform agenda under what has been dubbed the “turbo regime” that has included speedy drafting and in some cases passage of new laws. Timely and effective efforts to foster a culture of democratic norms and rule of law among these new MPs is needed to ensure a core group of reform champions strengthen the VRU’s role in Ukraine’s democracy.
USAID assistance to the VRU
USAID/Ukraine began providing support to the VRU in 1994 through the Parliamentary Development Program. This was followed by the Parliamentary Development Program II, and then the current legislative strengthening activity, the Responsible Accountable Democratic Assembly (RADA), which began in 2013 and is scheduled to end in June 2021. Each activity built on the achievements of its predecessor. The Parliamentary Development Program focused on (1) providing the VRU with comparative information from other countries to inform the VRU’s structures and processes and (2) establishing the VRU’s legislative and democratic procedures. The Parliamentary Development Program II focused on making VRU processes more transparent and effective.
RADA’s design and initial scope was based on the pre-Euromaidan context. However, it has had to adapt to the ever changing political and geopolitical environment in Ukraine, which has included the Revolution of Dignity, snap elections in 2014 and 2019, Russia’s military aggression, and a new era of EU-Ukraine cooperation and reform.
RADA has three key objectives:
- Improved public representation in the legislative process;
- Expanded role of citizens in monitoring the work of Parliament; and
- Strengthened role of legislature in providing independent oversight of the executive branch.
RADA has had numerous achievements since its inception. It has strengthened the VRU as an effective democratic institution and empowers constituents by providing them with the knowledge and opportunities to meaningfully connect with their VRU representatives. RADA has also provided guidance, training, and assistance to lessen the effects of the political shocks within the VR over the last few years, like providing New Member Orientation training (NMO) to the large class of first time MPs elected immediately after the dissolution of VRU in 2019.
RADA also experienced key challenges inherent in providing development assistance to highly political, legislative bodies, like the VRU. Progress on many initiatives took much longer than expected, especially when the VRU’s political will on critical subjects is insufficient or fractured. The influence of pro-Russian elements and corrupt oligarchs have hampered progress on improving legislative oversight and combating corruption. Finally, the VRU has been susceptible to shocks, the threat of shocks, and general instability, like the dissolution of the VRU’s 8th Convocation, the threat of future dissolutions, and the on-going war with Russia.
Opportunity Structure
FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Estimated Total Funding Available and Number of Awards Contemplated
Subject to funding availability, USAID anticipates awarding one (1) Cooperative Agreement with a total estimated amount up to $10,000,000 over a 5-year period. The actual funding amount is subject to availability of funds.
Start Date and Period of Performance for Federal Awards
The estimated start date will be on or about June 30, 2021. The anticipated period of performance will be five (5) years from the effective date of the award.
Substantial Involvement
Through a Cooperative Agreement, USAID reserves the right of substantial involvement in assistance awards (including monitoring performance, reviewing reports, and/or providing approvals, in order to effectively support the achievement of the expected results, in addition to the standard prior approvals). USAID considers collaboration with the awardee crucial for the successful implementation of this program. Substantial involvement is deemed necessary and therefore is anticipated between USAID and the Recipient during the performance of this activity.
Substantial involvement under the proposed award shall include the following:
- Review and approval of the Recipient’s Initial Implementation Plan, Annual Implementation Plans (Work Plans), including the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan. Any significant changes to the approved Implementation Plan and the MEL Plan will require additional approval of the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR).
- Review and approval of key personnel and any changes by the AOR;
- Subawards (sub-contracts and sub-grants): Approval of all subawards including extensions. The AOR will be substantially involved in approval of subawards and contracts, in accordance with 2CFR200.308 (c)(6).
The above substantial involvement will be delegated to the AOR. The AOR will be responsible for oversight and technical guidance of the Recipient, both in writing and verbally. The recipient will be expected to meet regularly (via phone, email or in person) with the AOR or his/her designee to review the status of activities, and should be prepared to make periodic briefings to USAID as appropriate.
USAID reserves the right to expand Substantial Involvement at the stage of the resultant award.
Title to Property
Property Title will be vested with the Recipient in accordance with 2 CFR 200.311.
Authorized Geographic Code
The authorized Geographic Code for procurement of goods and services under this award is 110 and 937 as described in 22 CFR 228.
Purpose of the Award
The principal purpose of the relationship with the Recipient and under the subject activity is to transfer funds to accomplish a public purpose of support of the RADA the Next Generation (RANG) Activity described in the Program Description, in Section I of this NOFO.
The Recipient will be responsible for ensuring the achievement of the activity objectives and the efficient and effective administration of the award through the application of sound management practices. The Recipient will assume responsibility for administering Federal funds in a manner consistent with underlying agreements, activity objectives, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The Recipient using its own unique combination of staff, facilities, and experience, has the primary responsibility for employing whatever form of sound organization and management techniques may be necessary in order to assure proper and efficient administration of the resulting award.
Competitive Scope
ELIGIBLITY INFORMATION
Types of Entities Eligible to Apply
USAID encourages applications from potential new partners. USAID will not accept applications from individuals.
To be eligible for award of a Cooperative Agreement, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non‐discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non‐discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.
The following types of entities are eligible to apply for funding under this NOFO:
U.S. and Non-U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
U.S. and Non-U.S. Non-Profit Organizations
U.S. and non-U.S. private non-profit organizations may apply for funding under this NOFO.
U.S. and Non-U.S. For-Profit Organizations
U.S. and non-U.S. private for-profit organizations may apply for funding under this NOFO. Potential for-profit applicants should note that, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.400(g), profit, which is any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs, is not an allowable cost for recipients of USAID assistance awards, and cannot be part of the project budget. However, the prohibition against profit does not apply to procurement contracts made under the assistance instrument when the recipient procures goods and services in accordance with the Procurement Standards found in 2 CFR 200.317 to 326.
U.S. and Non-U.S. Colleges and Universities
U.S. and non-U.S. colleges and universities may apply for funding under this NOFO. USAID generally treats colleges and universities as NGOs, rather than governmental organizations; hence, both public and private colleges and universities are eligible, except public colleges and universities in countries that are ineligible for assistance under the FAA or related appropriations acts. Please note, however, that this NOFO is focused on people-to-people programming that addresses divisions within a community and is not intended to fund academic research.
Public International Organizations (PIOs)
PIOs may apply for funding under this NOFO. Please see ADS 308 for USAID policy on PIOs: http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/308
Registration as a Private Voluntary Organization (PVO)
NGOs that meet the definition of a Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) as defined in 22 CFR 203 http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title22-vol1/xml/CFR-2014-title22-vol1-part203.xml are encouraged to register as a PVO with USAID. Applicants may find registration instructions here: http://www.usaid.gov/pvo .
New Partners
USAID encourages applications from new partners that have not previously received USG funding. However, resultant awards to these organizations may be delayed because USAID generally must conduct pre-award surveys of these organizations in order to make a risk assessment decision, in accordance with ADS 303.3.9 (for NGOs; ADS 308 for PIOs). Please refer to Section V of this NOFO, for additional information on pre-award surveys.
Number of Applications that May be Submitted
Any one entity may submit one application for funding in response to this NOFO.
Cost Sharing
ADS 303.3.10 Cost Share defines cost share as “the resources a recipient contributes to the total cost of an agreement. It is the portion of project or program costs not borne by the Federal Government.” Although not required for this NOFO, USAID/Ukraine encourages the potential applicants to propose cost sharing since “it is critical that the activity continues after USAID assistance ends.” These cost sharing requirements can ensure that the project establishes adequate alternate sources of funding, as well as give the applicant a financial stake in the success of the program. The applicants’ proposed cost share may enable additional worthwhile activities to be undertaken which USAID funds could not support. Cost share may secure the programmatic and financial sustainability of the initiatives. USAID encourages applicants to propose for which activities and in which amount cost sharing will be applied. The exact level of cost share is left to applicants to propose per 303.3.10.1 (http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/303.pdf ). For NGO recipient contributions to qualify as cost share, the cost share must be verifiable from the recipient’s records; for U.S. organizations it is subject to the requirements of 2 CFR 200.306, and for non-U.S. organizations it is subject to the Standard Provision, “Cost Share”; and can be audited. If the recipient does not meet its cost sharing requirement, it can result in questioned costs. The USAID Mission Agreement Officer will determine whether any proposed cost share shall become a condition of the award. For PIO recipients, while the term “cost sharing” is not used in USAID grants and cooperative agreements with PIOs, the concept of cost sharing is manifested by the USAID requirement that USAID must have audit rights, and the recipient must comply with USAID’s procurement requirements, if USAID will be the sole contributor to a trust fund established by a PIO.
Any proposed cost share will be reviewed for compliance with applicable regulations and policies describe above in this section.
Third Country Participant Training
Third-country training must not take place in countries that are:
- Considered unfriendly by the U.S. Department of State and to which travel by U.S. citizens is prohibited; or
- Identified as terrorist countries by the Department of State.
POINT OF CONTACT INFORMATION:
The point of contact for this NOFO is Ms. Marina Orlova at [email protected], with a copy to Mr. Daniel Harter at [email protected]. The point of contact will receive all questions related to this NOFO by the deadline specified in the cover letter. Responses to the questions will be made available to all potential applicants through an amendment to this NOFO and posted on www.grants.gov. The point of contact will also receive all applications related to this NOFO by the closing date specified on the cover letter.
To be considered for this funding opportunity, all applicants must follow the procedures set out in this NOFO. USAID may exclude applicants from further consideration if any submission is not within these parameters. Applications and all supporting material must be submitted in English.