The American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Initiative has released a Worldwide Request for Applications (RFA) for Fiscal Year 2024, identified as No. 7201P124R00001. This document outlines several significant changes made to the RFA as of March 8, 2024. Key updates include revisions to the total number of ASHA awards, a clearer definition of “foreign government,” adjustments to the sequence of information regarding construction management, and the reduction of overlapping guidelines in the merit criteria section. Additionally, the merit review criteria for Phase 2 have been updated, with changes to the weight given to each criterion and the order of importance for the Construction/Renovation and Commodities approaches. Notably, the prior set-aside for MENA has been eliminated from the RFA and its annexes. These amendments aim to enhance clarity and efficiency in the application process for schools and hospitals seeking federal support through the ASHA Initiative.
The American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Initiative (ASHA) invites applications through three phases: Phase 1 Application, Phase 2 Technical Application, and Phase 2 Business (Cost) Application. All applicants must submit a Google Form linked to a valid Google Account, ensuring proper tracking of submissions. The Phase 1 Application focuses on basic applicant and project details, eligibility criteria, and responses to merit review. Key information required includes details about the applicant (U.S. not-for-profit entity), the benefiting overseas institution (OSI), funding amounts, and project summaries pertaining to health or education.
Phase 2 applications follow for those rated satisfactory in Phase 1, requiring additional technical details and specific management strategies, including environmental and monitoring evaluation plans. Each submission phase has strict file size limits, uploading procedures, and mandatory attachments, depending on project type (construction, commodities, or both). Essential for consideration are compliance documentation, financial audits, and project-related narratives. This initiative facilitates U.S. support for overseas institutions, promoting educational and health advancements while ensuring regulatory and operational compliance for applicants.