Central Europe Program | 7200AA22RFA00012

FAQs - USAID Central Europe Program (NOFO)

1) What is the Central Europe Program funding opportunity?

The Central Europe Program is a USAID funding opportunity released as a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for organizations that can carry out a regional development effort in Central Europe.

2) Which agency is offering and administering this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

3) Where is the opportunity posted and how do applicants access it?

The opportunity is posted on Grants.gov. Applicants are expected to submit their applications through Grants.gov and should monitor the posting for updates or amendments.

4) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 7200AA22RFA00012.

5) What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 98.001.

6) What type of award will USAID make under this NOFO?

USAID expects to make one or more cooperative agreement awards. Under a cooperative agreement, selected recipient(s) should expect substantial involvement and collaboration with USAID during implementation.

7) How many awards does USAID expect to make?

The listing indicates an expectation of up to four awards.

8) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The listing provides an award ceiling of up to $35,000,000.

9) What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is labeled as regional development.

10) What is the opportunity category on Grants.gov?

The opportunity category is listed as "Other."

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning USAID is open to applications from any type of qualified entity, as long as the applicant meets the requirements laid out in the NOFO, particularly the eligibility standards in Section C.

12) Does "unrestricted eligibility" mean anyone will be funded?

No. While eligibility is unrestricted in terms of applicant type, awards will be made based on how well an application meets the program objectives and how it scores against the merit review criteria in the NOFO. Final decisions are also subject to a risk assessment.

13) What does USAID mean by a "risk assessment" affecting award decisions?

USAID states that final decisions are subject to a risk assessment. In practice, this means a strong technical approach alone is not enough; applicants should be prepared to demonstrate organizational capacity, compliance readiness, and a reasonable risk profile.

14) What are the most important sections of the NOFO to review for eligibility and submission requirements?

USAID highlights eligibility standards in Section C and required registrations in Section D.6.f. USAID also instructs applicants to use the official points of contact listed in Section D for questions.

15) What registrations are required before USAID will make an award?

USAID will not make an award unless the applicant has met the required registrations, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintaining an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, as detailed in Section D.6.f of the NOFO.

16) How long can required registrations take?

USAID flags that these registrations can take weeks, so prospective applicants are encouraged to begin early.

17) What should applicants do to ensure they are using the correct NOFO version?

Applicants should monitor the Grants.gov posting because USAID notes the opportunity may be amended. Applicants are responsible for checking that they are working from the most current and complete version of the NOFO.

18) What were the original posting and closing dates for this NOFO?

The NOFO was originally created on March 8, 2022, with an original closing date of April 22, 2022.

19) How should applicants submit technical questions or request clarifications?

For program and application questions, USAID instructs applicants to use the official points of contact listed in Section D of the NOFO and to submit questions by the stated deadline.

20) Will USAID share answers to applicant questions with everyone?

Yes. USAID explains that answers submitted before the deadline will be shared with all potential applicants through an amendment posted on Grants.gov, to keep the competition fair and ensure all applicants have access to the same clarifications.

21) Who should applicants contact for Grants.gov technical issues or access problems?

Technical problems with Grants.gov registration or NOFO access should be directed to the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

22) Does issuing the NOFO guarantee that USAID will make an award?

No. USAID states that issuing the NOFO does not commit the U.S. Government to make an award.

23) Will USAID reimburse proposal development or application preparation costs?

No. USAID states it will not pay any costs associated with preparing or submitting an application. Any expenses incurred in developing the proposal are entirely the applicant's responsibility.

24) What does "submission is at the applicant's risk" mean in this context?

It means the applicant assumes responsibility for all costs and effort involved in preparing and submitting the application, and there is no guarantee of funding or reimbursement from the U.S. Government.

25) What should applicants keep in mind about evaluation and selection?

USAID emphasizes that awards will be made based on alignment with program objectives and scoring against the merit review criteria described in the NOFO, with final award decisions also dependent on a risk assessment.