Advancing Higher Education for Afghanistan’s Development
ID: 322853Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Afghanistan USAID-Kabul (USAID-AFG)

Award Range

$0 - $50M

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Education

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Advancing Higher Education for Afghanistan's Development" (AHEAD) through a Cooperative Agreement aimed at enhancing higher education in Afghanistan. This initiative seeks to fund innovative solutions to address development challenges in the higher education sector, requiring partnerships between at least one U.S. and one Afghan higher education institution, with a 10% cost-sharing requirement for budget submissions. The total estimated program funding is $70 million, with an award ceiling of $50 million, and the program will remain open until all funds are awarded. Interested applicants can reach out to Khan Mohammad Zamani at kmzamani@usaid.gov for further inquiries.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document is an amendment from USAID regarding the Annual Program Statement (APS) for the Advancing Higher Education for Afghanistan's Development (AHEAD) initiative, reflecting updates issued on December 22, 2019. The amendment serves three main purposes: correcting a typographical error regarding the closing date, revising eligibility criteria, and providing responses to questions from prospective applicants. Key updates include the change of the closing date to an indefinite period until sufficient awards are made, and the revised eligibility criteria mandate partnerships between at least one U.S. and one Afghan higher education institution (HEI). It clarifies that partnerships can involve non-HEI entities and that organizations from other countries, such as India, can participate. Furthermore, the amendment indicates that the program is focused solely on higher education institutions, with a 10% cost share requirement for budget submissions. The document's structure includes an introductory letter, detailed amendments, and a Q&A section that specifies eligibility and program focus. Overall, this amendment highlights the importance of collaborations between U.S. and Afghan HEIs to enhance higher education in Afghanistan, aligning activities with local needs and national strategic goals.
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