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

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/322853
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
    kmzamani@usaid.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Amendment #01 to APS #72030620APS00001 (AHEAD).pdf
    Amendment.pdf
    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.
    Similar Opportunities
    USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform
    USAID-VIETNAM
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam is inviting applications for the "USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform," a cooperative agreement aimed at modernizing selected universities in Vietnam to enhance their governance, academic quality, and research capabilities. This initiative seeks to build partnerships with both public and private stakeholders, promote gender equality in leadership roles, and foster local capacity development for long-term sustainability, addressing challenges such as outdated curricula and insufficient research output. The total funding available for this opportunity is up to $14.2 million, with a required 10% cost share from applicants, and the performance period is anticipated to last five years. Interested organizations, including non-profits and private entities, must submit their applications by April 8, 2021, at 09:00 am Hanoi Time, and can contact Huyen T. Dang at hdang@usaid.gov for further information.
    Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education
    Kosovo USAID-Pristina
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kosovo is seeking expressions of interest for the Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education initiative, aimed at enhancing collaboration between private sector entities and higher education institutions. The primary objectives of this initiative include improving universities' analytical capabilities, strengthening curriculum development partnerships, enhancing experiential learning opportunities for students, and promoting demand-driven applied research through collaboration. This multi-year engagement underscores the importance of U.S. and local higher education institutions in addressing developmental challenges in Kosovo. Interested parties must submit their expressions of interest by August 13, 2021, and can contact Fiolla Radoniqi at fradoniqi@usaid.gov for further information.
    Integrated Health Initiative (IHI) Activity
    Afghanistan USAID-Kabul
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting applications for a Cooperative Agreement under the Integrated Health Initiative (IHI) Activity, aimed at enhancing equitable access to quality health services in Afghanistan, particularly for women and children. This initiative seeks to address critical health areas including maternal and newborn health, family planning, nutrition, tuberculosis, and mental health, focusing on five high-density provinces: Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Herat, and Balkh, which collectively represent a significant portion of the country's population. With an estimated total program funding of $92.5 million, the opportunity requires a minimum cost share of 5% from applicants and emphasizes the importance of integrating services across public and private sectors while building local capacity for effective health service delivery. Interested parties should note that the application deadline is January 24, 2025, and can contact Claudio Ballesteros or Ahmad Jawid Mashal at USAID via email for further information.
    USAID/Nigeria Education Crisis Response
    Nigeria USAID-Abuja
    The USAID/Nigeria office is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity titled "USAID/Nigeria Education Crisis Response," aimed at expanding educational access for children and youth affected by violence in Northeastern Nigeria. The program seeks to address critical issues such as rising dropout rates, overcrowded classrooms, limited access for displaced children, and the need for qualified teachers and instructional materials. With an estimated total funding of $30 million, USAID anticipates awarding between two to six grants, ranging from $300,000 to $15 million, with applications accepted until the closing date of July 22, 2015. Interested applicants can direct inquiries to Abdullahi Sadiq at asadiq@usaid.gov or through the provided contact details.
    USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform
    USAID-VIETNAM
    USAID-Vietnam is seeking to establish a Cooperative Agreement for the "Partnership for Higher Education Reform" initiative aimed at modernizing Vietnam's higher education institutions over a five-year period. The program's objectives include enhancing academic quality, improving governance, and aligning educational offerings with workforce demands, addressing challenges such as outdated curricula and high graduate unemployment. This initiative is crucial for developing a robust, research-oriented higher education system in Vietnam that meets future innovation needs. Interested parties can submit feedback on the draft Program Description to Huyen Dang at hdang@usaid.gov by December 21, 2020, with the Request for Applications anticipated to be released at the end of December 2020.
    Higher Education for Leadership, Innovation, and Exchange (HELIX), A New Partnerships Initiative (NPI)
    Agency for International Development
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is offering the Higher Education for Leadership, Innovation, and Exchange (HELIX) program under the New Partnerships Initiative (NPI) to enhance higher education capacities in partner countries. This initiative aims to foster partnerships, scholarships, fellowships, and other collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change in educational systems and promote self-reliance. The program emphasizes the importance of engaging non-traditional and local actors, with a focus on equity and inclusion, particularly for marginalized populations. Interested organizations can submit Concept Notes in response to specific addenda, with funding ranging from $1 million to $60 million, and a total estimated program funding of $120 million. The current addendum for the Higher Education Partnership for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is open until October 20, 2023, and inquiries can be directed to HELIX@usaid.gov.
    Alternative Development Program
    Thailand USAID-Bangkok
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is anticipating the issuance of a request for applications for the Alternative Development Program aimed at increasing licit agricultural alternatives for rural Afghans, thereby reducing poppy production in Afghanistan. The program will focus on provinces where poppy eradication has shown success and will be outcomes-based, encouraging innovative and cost-effective solutions that align with the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS). With an estimated total funding of $150 million and a competitive five-year Cooperative Agreement, USAID invites unrestricted applicants, particularly Afghan and regional contractors, to submit proposals that include a Program Description, Performance Metrics & Measurement Plan, and a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. Interested parties can contact Fedon Capas at fcapas@usaid.gov or by phone at 66-2-263-7436 for further information, with the full request for applications expected to be published in late August 2008.
    Supporting Emergency Agriculture Design and Standards (SEADS)
    Agency for International Development
    The Agency for International Development (USAID) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Supporting Emergency Agriculture Design and Standards (SEADS)" through a Cooperative Agreement aimed at enhancing disaster prevention and relief efforts. This initiative seeks applications for the development and dissemination of agricultural emergency response standards, with a focus on aligning activities with USAID's guidelines in Humanitarian Studies and Applied Studies. The total estimated funding for this program is $1,300,000, with the intention to award a single cooperative agreement to the most qualified applicant. Interested parties can direct inquiries to SEADSAPS@ofda.gov, and must submit concept notes by April 15, 2019, at 17:00 EST.
    Request for Information on USAID/Burma’s Higher Education Activity (HEA)
    Burma USAID - Rangoon
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) regarding its planned Higher Education Activity (HEA) aimed at enhancing access to inclusive higher education opportunities for youth in Burma. This initiative seeks to gather insights from potential partners on their capabilities and sector knowledge to inform the design of the program, which is expected to be implemented over a period of three to five years. The RFI emphasizes the importance of addressing barriers to higher education access, particularly in light of the ongoing political situation and historical inequities exacerbated by COVID-19 and political unrest. Interested organizations are encouraged to submit their responses to the RFI, but proposals will not be accepted at this stage. For further inquiries, respondents can contact Thu Ya Soe, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, at tysoe@usaid.gov or by phone at 009595419593.
    Education Advising in Nigeria Notice of Funding Opportunity
    U.S. Mission to Nigeria
    The U.S. Mission to Nigeria is inviting applications for a cooperative agreement aimed at promoting U.S. higher education opportunities for low-income Nigerian students through the Education Advising in Nigeria initiative. The program seeks to assist 40 high-achieving students by providing financial support for standardized admission tests, application fees, and travel costs, while coordinating with EducationUSA's network to manage advising centers in Abuja and Lagos. This funding opportunity, valued at $175,000, is part of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' efforts to broaden access to education for international students and aligns with U.S. diplomatic objectives. Interested applicants, including not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions, must submit their proposals by January 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM, and can direct inquiries to PASAbujaGrants@state.gov.