Re- Request for Application (RFA)

Re- Request for Application (RFA)

USAID Civil Society and Media Activity

Technical Support in Drafting Policies for Women, Youth, and Marginalized (WYM) Communities

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

This Request for Application (RFA) is to solicit applications from prospective grantees to support The Asia Foundation (hereafter referred to as "the Foundation”) in the implementation of the USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM), funded by USAID (Award # 72036722LA00001) through CSM-STAND.

The Civil Society and Media Program, funded by USAID through the Civil Society and Media–Strengthened Together and Advancing in New Directions (CSM-STAND) Leader with Associates Award, is led by The Asia Foundation in partnership with Pact. USAID-CSM is a five-year program (2022-2027) to support ongoing and emerging civic engagement in areas that advance the interests of sub-national communities, particularly those with a history of challenges in engaging women, youth, asaand marginalized sections of their populations. USAID CSM focuses on civic and media engagement related to good governance (accountability, transparency, participation, equity and inclusion); and access to and quality of education.

USAID CSM’s overarching goal is to support independent civil society and media led by and for women, youth and marginalized (WYM) communities to advance public interest, fundamental freedoms, and accountability. The Program works to achieve this through mutually reinforcing activities under three inter-related objectives while contributing to USAID’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS):

1. To foster an enabling environment for civic space where issues and interests of WYM communities are addressed.
2. Increase WYM's engagement in civic and public spaces and advance their interests through better access to resources, assets, and skills.
3. Improve availability of credible information and diverse narratives within media that better represent WYM issues and perspectives.

OBJECTIVE AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The concept of federalism is rooted in the belief that subnational governments play a crucial role in creating favorable conditions for vulnerable sections of Nepali society. These governments are expected to strive to accommodate diversity through policies that meet the needs of their respective provinces and local communities. However, recent trends suggest that the policies enacted by subnational governments often fail to adequately address the concerns of women, youth, and marginalized groups. Furthermore, these policies may be influenced by the vested interests of political leaders, and other influential individuals.

Additionally, Women, youth, and marginalized communities (WYM) are disproportionately affected by the intersecting issues of gender inequality, disability, and social exclusion. Local and provincial governments lack comprehensive frameworks to effectively address these issues. Absence of specific policies tailored to these groups' experiences and vulnerabilities perpetuates disparities and injustices, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced policy formulation and implementation efforts.

In this context, this grant opportunity created by USAID CSM seeks to empower local organizations to collaborate with provincial/local government in drafting policies that prioritize the rights and well being of WYM communities, thereby bridging existing gaps and advancing the interest of WYM communities across Madhesh and Lumbini province.

Background and Rationale

The Government of Nepal has already endorsed the national level GESI policy and requested provincial and local governments to formulate Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) policies in their respective areas targeting WYM communities and PWD citizens. Similarly, the provincial government of Lumbini province has already endorsed the GEDSI policy.

Within this context, USAID CSM aims to support the provincial and local government to formulate comprehensive GEDSI policy along with strategic and action plan at Madhesh Province. USAID CSM conducted a scoping visit to some of the local level governments of Madhesh province and recognized the urgent need to address issues such as early marriage, dowry, high dropout rate and other social issues.

The absence of GEDSI policies at the provincial and local levels has impeded the efforts of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to address the pressing issues effectively. Formulating GEDSI policies in Madhesh province is crucial for several reasons as Madhesh is a diverse province with a significant population of WYM communities. Without targeted policies, like GEDSI, these communities often face discrimination and exclusion from socio-economic opportunities. At the same time, formulation and endorsement of such policies would empower CSOs to enhance their effectiveness and streamline their operations in addressing these critical issues.

Similarly, Constitution of Nepal, 2015 has created a significant opportunity for advancing education in the country. The constitution now assigns the responsibility for school-level education to municipal governments. This shift in authority represents a notable change, as local governments and communities will now play a more active role in managing schools, leading to improved outcomes.

Granting autonomy to local governments in overseeing local activities, including education, can facilitate more effective governance tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the community, particularly in a diverse society like Nepal. However, along with this newfound responsibility, local governments may face challenges due to potential knowledge, expertise, and resource gaps. Although the government has the authority to establish legislation to address these needs, the existing legislative and regulatory frameworks are considered inadequate.

Considering these challenges, USAID CSM published this RFA to select a partner that can support the provincial government of Madhesh province to formulate a GEDSI policy. The selected partner is expected to work in partnership with the provincial government and other stakeholders to develop the policy. It is also expected to support some local governments in Madhesh to develop their GEDSI policies/plans.

Furthermore, it is expected to work with and for three local governments in Madhesh and Lumbini provinces each to develop education-related policies.

Objective

The purpose of this RFA is to solicit applications from prospective CSO/Institution,

• To support provincial/local government to formulate Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GEDSI policies along with strategy and plan of action at Madhesh province through technical inputs driven by evidence.
• To support local government to formulate education related policies at Madhesh and Lumbini province through technical inputs driven by evidence.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

All questions and other communications regarding this RFA should be submitted in writing to usaidcsm.nepal@asiafoundation.org. Written responses to questions will be made available to all applicants.

Applications must be submitted in English and may not be more than 10 pages, using Times New Roman, font size12, single-spaced. The page limit does not include Annexes and CVs of proposed staff included as part of the application.

Applications (including a technical description, estimated budget and supporting documentation) must be submitted electronically via email to usaidcsm.nepal@asiafoundation.org and should reference ‘Technical Support in Drafting Policies for Women, Youth, and Marginalized Communities’. Applications must be submitted no later than the time and date indicated on the cover page.

Incomplete or late applications will be marked as such and will be ineligible for review or award; however, the Foundation reserves the right to accept and include incomplete or late applications in the review and award process when it is considered within the best interest of the Foundation to do so. Applications that are submitted late or incomplete run the risk of not being considered for review.

Applications may be withdrawn by written notice via email received at any time before an award is made. Applications may be withdrawn by an organization or its authorized representative if the representative’s identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the application before the award is made.

A complete submission, at a minimum, will include the following:

• A copy of the applicant’s valid legal registration
• A completed and signed technical application 
• CVs for project key personnel, if applicable)
• A completed cost proposal
• Budget supporting documents, including the budget narrative, as applicable
• A copy of the latest audited financial reports
• A copy of tax clearance and/or tax exemption certificate with renewal
• A list of at least three relevant references, if applicable

Receipt time for electronic submissions is when the Foundation’s internet server receives the application. Hand delivery and hardcopy paper submissions of the application will not be accepted. Please do not send files in ZIP format.

Links:

Detailed RFA - Technical Support in Drafting Policies at Madhesh and Lumbini Province

Annex A-Scope of Work

Annex B- Detailed Cost Proposal