Opportunity Information: Apply for TRN17005 OFR RFA
The Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program (OFR) FY18 and FY19 is a competitive USAID grant opportunity designed to reimburse eligible organizations for certain ocean freight costs tied to USAID-supported activities. The program is re-competed every two years, and this particular solicitation (Funding Opportunity Number TRN17005 OFR RFA) runs as a single application and award process that spans two funding periods. Even though the title references FY18 and FY19, the posted description indicates the competition and initial awards align with the FY2017 award cycle, with the second-year funding handled through later modifications rather than a brand-new competition.
USAID, through the Agency for International Development, anticipated making roughly 15 to 25 grant awards under this round, assuming funds were available. For the first year of funding (with awards made in FY2017), the expected grant size ranged from about $5,000 up to a ceiling of $150,000 per award. The second year (FY2018) was not guaranteed at the time of posting; instead, USAID planned to adjust or modify funding based on its operational priorities and constraints, specifically citing USAID goals and objectives, analysis of the funding pipeline, and overall availability of funds. In practical terms, applicants needed to treat year one as the firm award period and view subsequent-year support as conditional and dependent on USAID’s later determinations.
The opportunity was categorized as a discretionary grant under the transportation activity area, and it is tied to CFDA number 98.003. Eligibility was limited to U.S. PVOs (U.S.-based private voluntary organizations), meaning the competition was not broadly open to all entities but targeted to a specific class of nonprofit or voluntary organizations that meet USAID’s definition and requirements. The listing’s eligible applicant field is summarized as “Others,” but the narrative makes the restriction clear by stating the competition is open to U.S. PVOs.
Key administrative details include a creation date of May 9, 2017, and an original closing date of June 9, 2017. The award ceiling was listed as $150,000, matching the top end of the estimated year-one funding range. Overall, the solicitation set expectations for multiple relatively small-to-mid-sized awards, focused specifically on reimbursing ocean freight costs, with continued funding beyond the initial year dependent on USAID’s evolving priorities and available budget.Apply for TRN17005 OFR RFA
- The Agency for International Development in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program FY18 and FY19" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.003.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-05-09.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-06-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $150,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program (OFR) FY18 and FY19 (TRN17005 OFR RFA) - FAQs
What is the Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program (OFR) FY18 and FY19?
The Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program (OFR) FY18 and FY19 is a competitive USAID grant opportunity intended to reimburse eligible organizations for certain ocean freight costs tied to USAID-supported activities.
What is the funding opportunity number for this solicitation?
The Funding Opportunity Number is TRN17005 OFR RFA.
Is this a competitive funding opportunity?
Yes. The OFR FY18 and FY19 solicitation is described as a competitive USAID grant opportunity.
What type of costs does this program reimburse?
Based on the description provided, the program reimburses certain ocean freight costs associated with USAID-supported activities.
Is this opportunity a grant or a contract?
This opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant.
What activity area does this opportunity fall under?
The opportunity is listed under the transportation activity area.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The CFDA number is 98.003.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to U.S. PVOs (U.S.-based private voluntary organizations). While the eligible applicant field is summarized as "Others," the narrative states the competition is open to U.S. PVOs.
Is the opportunity open to all types of organizations?
No. The narrative indicates the competition is restricted to U.S. PVOs rather than broadly open to all entities.
How often is the OFR program competed?
The program is re-competed every two years.
How is this solicitation structured across fiscal years?
This solicitation is described as a single application and award process that spans two funding periods. Even though the title references FY18 and FY19, the posted description indicates the competition and initial awards align with the FY2017 award cycle, and the second-year funding is handled through later modifications rather than a brand-new competition.
Does the "FY18 and FY19" title mean awards start in FY2018?
Not necessarily. The description provided states that the competition and initial awards align with the FY2017 award cycle, even though the opportunity title references FY18 and FY19.
How many awards did USAID expect to make?
USAID anticipated making roughly 15 to 25 grant awards under this round, assuming funds were available.
What was the expected award size?
For the first year of funding (with awards made in FY2017), the expected grant size ranged from about $5,000 up to a ceiling of $150,000 per award.
What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?
The award ceiling was listed as $150,000.
Is second-year funding guaranteed?
No. The second year (FY2018) was not guaranteed at the time of posting. Continued support was described as conditional and dependent on later USAID determinations.
How would USAID decide whether to provide second-year funding?
The description states USAID planned to adjust or modify funding based on operational priorities and constraints, specifically citing USAID goals and objectives, analysis of the funding pipeline, and overall availability of funds.
Should applicants treat this as a multi-year guarantee?
No. The posting indicates applicants needed to treat year one as the firm award period and view subsequent-year support as conditional.
How would second-year funding be issued if approved?
The description indicates the second-year funding would be handled through later modifications to the award rather than through a brand-new competition.
When was this opportunity created?
The creation date listed is May 9, 2017.
What was the original closing date for applications?
The original closing date listed is June 9, 2017.
Which U.S. government agency is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with USAID (the Agency for International Development).
What is the main purpose of making multiple smaller awards under this solicitation?
Based on the description, the solicitation set expectations for multiple relatively small-to-mid-sized awards focused specifically on reimbursing ocean freight costs tied to USAID-supported activities.
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