Request for Application (RFA): Institutionalization of Capacity Building for the Electric Vehicle Sector

USAID Urja Nepal Program

Call for Request for Application (RFA) for Grant Program

RFA-URJA-2024-001

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The USAID Urja Nepal Program (Urja Nepal) is supported by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development and implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP. Urja Nepal   aims to create a financially viable electricity sector that provides affordable, reliable, and secure power and enables the entry of private sector investment into the Nepal market through following four objectives: 

Objective 1: Utility Performance and Relevant Sector Policies are Improved.

Objective 2: Advanced Energy Systems Deployed

Objective 3: Increased Private Sector Engagement

Objective 4: Cross Border Electricity Trade between Nepal and its Neighbors Advanced

Based on the goal to deploy advanced energy systems, the program over the years has been supporting stakeholders of the electric mobility sector to identify and implement innovative business models, build capacity, and develop standards and guiding documents. 

As EV adoption accelerates and charging infrastructure expands, a key requirement for sustained growth and meeting national and international goals is having skilled human resources throughout the EV value chain and supporting infrastructures. Currently, many technical personnel lack expertise in EV functionalities and systems, often opting for costly replacements over efficient repairs. This issue is worsened by the limited availability of EV training programs, hindering the development of a qualified workforce. Additionally, a significant knowledge gap exists across educational backgrounds, as servicing EVs requires a comprehensive understanding of electrical, mechanical, and electronics principles beyond traditional automotive engineering education.

The solicitation invites applications from eligible applicants to carry out the grant activity “Institutionalization of Capacity Building for the Electric Vehicle Sector”. The primary objective of this grant is to tackle the critical shortage of skilled professionals in the EV sector. This will be achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive and multi-tiered program that builds on a sustainable business model. The key objectives of this grant program are as follows:

• To build a collaboration between entities such as educational institutions, government agencies, and EV companies to establish and deliver high-quality training on the production, repair, and maintenance of EVs and EV chargers. 
• To develop market-relevant curriculums for capacity building of technical professionals in the various aspects of the EV sector. 
• To provide pilot training programs through the institutional arrangement and curriculum developed under this program.
• To integrate the needs and perspectives of women and disadvantaged groups throughout the program. 
• To develop a sustainable business model to ensure capacity-building activities would be regularly conducted beyond the pilot.

Applicants must show how the proposed program will provide “additionality” to the existing program. Additionality is defined as a quick scale-up or expansion of an existing program that will need minimal overhead and operational costs. Urja Nepal expects to award one grant under this RFA with a grant amount not exceeding USD 35,000. equivalent to NPR 4.6 million only.

Urja Nepal requests technical and budget applications (using a provided template) from eligible applicants who are registered or have the legal authority to do business in Nepal with the following documents, by July 26, 2024. Requests should include the following:

• A completed technical application.
• A completed budget application
• Budget supporting documents, including the budget narrative, as applicable
• A copy of the applicant’s valid legal registration
• Organizational profile and/or chart.
• Operation policies and procedures
• Statutory audit report of fiscal year 2079/080
• CVs for project personnel (if necessary)

To apply, applications must be submitted online through the Fluxx Grants Portal. To do so, interested applicants must:

1. Register on the portal at https://dgrants.fluxx.io/apply/Urja
2. Receive the login credentials
3. Apply for the grant as per the instruction from the portal.

The detailed RFA document can be obtained by following this link or send a request to info@urja-nepal.com with RFA-URJA-2024-002 in subject line.

Issuance of this RFA does not obligate Deloitte and/or Urja Nepal to award a grant, nor will it pay any costs associated with the preparation or submission of application. Furthermore, Deloitte and/or Urja Nepal reserve the right to reject all applications, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of Deloitte and/or Urja Nepal.

The final award is contingent upon USAID approval.