This document serves as Amendment 000001 to the USAID/Pakistan Addendum No. 72039124RFA00001, focusing on the Higher Education for Leadership, Innovation, and Exchange (HELIX) New Partnerships Initiative. Issued on June 7, 2024, it outlines important dates including deadlines for questions, concept note submissions, and additional meeting details. The amendment provides answers to applicants' queries and lists attendees from the Pre-Concept Note Meeting, along with a presentation from the session.
Key attachments include Annex A (Responses to Questions), Annex B (Final RSVP List), and Annex C (Presentation Information). Furthermore, it stresses the importance of the System for Award Management (SAM) registration, highlighting that awards cannot be made without it. Applicants are encouraged to initiate their SAM process early due to potential delays in registration. This amendment underscores USAID's support for applicants as they navigate the funding process, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to fostering inclusive partnerships for climate resilience in Pakistan.
The document outlines USAID/Pakistan's responses to inquiries regarding the Inclusive Partnerships for Climate Resilience (IPCR) Activity, primarily emphasizing eligibility criteria for applicants seeking funding. U.S. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are the only prime applicants allowed, while Pakistani universities can participate as sub-awardees. The document clarifies the support structure, indicating that collaborations should primarily involve U.S. institutions, with Pakistani partners contributing through technical support rather than direct funding, particularly for public sector universities due to legal restrictions. Additionally, cost-sharing requirements are established, necessitating a 10% contribution from the successful applicant, highlighting the importance of leveraging both in-kind and cash resources. The submission process, including information session details and registration protocols, is outlined, fostering opportunities for potential partnerships. The document is structured as a Q&A, succinctly addressing key concerns while reinforcing the programmatic framework within which partnerships must operate, focusing on sustainability, research-driven approaches, and the facilitation of gender-inclusive practices in higher education. Overall, the responses aim to guide applicants through compliance with USAID's policies while promoting collaborative efforts for climate resilience in Pakistan's education sector.
The USAID/Pakistan Inclusive Partnerships for Climate Resilience initiative held a Virtual Pre-Concept Note Information Session on June 25, 2024. The program aims to enhance Pakistani higher education institutions' capacity to conduct gender-inclusive research on water management, addressing the urgent need for effective policies due to climate change's impact on water security in Pakistan. Key objectives include fostering women's leadership in research and improving university capabilities to develop inclusive policies in the water sector.
Important deadlines include a questions deadline by July 1, 2024, and a submission deadline for concept notes by August 9, 2024. The anticipated award amount is up to $1.5 million for a period not exceeding three years. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. higher education institutions as prime applicants, with a required cost share or leverage of at least 10%. Evaluation criteria focus on alignment with USAID's objectives, partnership quality, the sustainability of proposed solutions, and engagement with underserved communities.
The funding aims to support research translation into action while promoting gender equity within policy frameworks in Pakistan's water management strategies. The co-creation approach will involve collaboration with successful applicants and Pakistani partner universities in September 2024.