Kazakhstan Rule of Law project | 72011520RFA00001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled the "Kazakhstan Rule of Law project."

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 72011520RFA00001.

3) Which U.S. government agency is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

4) What type of funding mechanism will be used?

USAID plans to implement this opportunity through a Cooperative Agreement.

5) What does it mean that this will be a Cooperative Agreement (not a standard grant)?

A Cooperative Agreement indicates USAID expects to have substantial involvement in the program’s direction and oversight during implementation, rather than issuing a grant with minimal engagement.

6) Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?

Yes. It is described as a discretionary funding opportunity.

7) What is the primary focus or purpose of the project?

The stated purpose is to design and carry out a Rule of Law program in Kazakhstan.

8) What activity area or sector does this project fall under?

The activity area is classified under Law, Justice and Legal Services.

9) What is the CFDA/assistance listing number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 98.001.

10) Where is the activity intended to take place?

The program is intended for Kazakhstan.

11) Which USAID platform or office is managing this opportunity?

The project is managed through USAID’s Kazakhstan platform (USAID-Almaty).

12) Does the public description provide detailed technical components of the program?

No. The short public description does not list specific technical components.

13) If technical components are not listed in the short description, what kinds of activities are typically associated with a rule of law program?

While the specific scope is governed by the full NOFO, rule of law programs typically center on strengthening legal institutions and processes, improving the quality and consistency of justice-sector services, and supporting reforms that promote fairness, transparency, accountability, and public trust in legal systems.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as open to qualified U.S. and non-U.S. organizations.

15) What does it mean that eligibility is marked as "unrestricted"?

"Unrestricted" generally signals that a wide range of organizational types may apply as long as they meet USAID’s qualification and compliance requirements.

16) How will USAID choose the award recipient(s)?

USAID indicates it will select the applicant or applicants that best meet the objectives laid out in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), using the merit review criteria described in that NOFO.

17) Will USAID consider organizational risk as part of the decision?

Yes. Selections will also be subject to a risk assessment.

18) What is the maximum award amount available under this opportunity?

The announced award ceiling is up to $8,000,000.

19) When was this opportunity created or posted?

The creation date shown is December 12, 2019.

20) What was the original closing date for applications?

The posting shows an original closing date of January 31, 2020.

21) Where can applicants find the required application contents, submission instructions, and evaluation criteria?

Applicants are encouraged to read the full NOFO carefully because the detailed program scope, required application contents, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions are contained there and will govern how proposals are judged.

22) What is USAID’s stated intent for making an award?

USAID’s stated intent is to make an award to the applicant(s) whose proposal most strongly aligns with the opportunity’s objectives and performs best under the formal review process, taking into account both technical merit and organizational risk factors identified during USAID’s assessment.

23) Can more than one applicant be selected for award?

Yes. USAID states it will select the applicant or applicants that best meet the objectives, which indicates more than one award may be possible under this solicitation.

24) If details are not in the short summary, what document controls how proposals will be judged?

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) controls the detailed objectives, the merit review criteria, and the submission requirements that govern how proposals will be evaluated.