ADS Chapter 303 Grants And Cooperative Agreements To Non Governmental Organizations 85

User Manual: 85-303

Open the PDF directly: View PDF PDF.
Page Count: 94

ADS Chapter 303
Grants and Cooperative Agreements
to Non-Governmental Organizations
Partial Revision Date: 04/03/2017
Responsible Office: M/OAA/P
File Name: 303_040317
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
2
ADS Chapter 303
Functional Series 300 Acquisition and Assistance
ADS 303 Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental
Organizations
POC for ADS 303: Michael Gushue, (202) 567-4678, mgushue@usaid.gov
Table of Contents
303.1 OVERVIEW .............................................................................. 5
303.2 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................... 5
303.3 POLICY DIRECTIVES AND REQUIRED PROCEDURES ........ 9
303.3.1 Policy Directives ...................................................................................... 9
303.3.2 Required Procedures............................................................................... 9
303.3.3 Type of Assistance Instrument ............................................................... 9
303.3.4 Deviations ............................................................................................... 10
303.3.5 Public Notice and Advertising .............................................................. 12
303.3.5.1 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance ................................................. 13
303.3.5.2 Notice of Funding Opportunity ................................................................. 13
303.3.5.3 Solicitation Format ................................................................................... 14
303.3.5.4 Cancellation of Notice of Funding Opportunity ......................................... 19
303.3.5.5 Unsolicited Concept Papers and Applications ......................................... 20
303.3.6 Eligibility ................................................................................................. 20
303.3.6.1 Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................ 20
303.3.6.2 Merit Review Criteria................................................................................ 21
303.3.6.3 Reviewing Applications ............................................................................ 24
303.3.6.4 When Eligibility Can Be Restricted .......................................................... 26
303.3.6.5 Restrictions to Eligibility ........................................................................... 27
303.3.6.6 Late or Incomplete Submissions .............................................................. 38
303.3.7 The Award Decision............................................................................... 39
303.3.7.1 Notification ............................................................................................... 39
303.3.7.2 Request for Additional Information ........................................................... 39
303.3.8 Pre-Award Certifications, Assurances, and Other Statements of the
Recipient and Solicitation Standard Provisions ................................. 40
303.3.9 Pre-Award Risk Assessment ................................................................ 41
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
3
303.3.9.1 Pre-Award Surveys .................................................................................. 45
303.3.9.2 Specific Conditions .................................................................................. 47
303.3.10 Cost Share .............................................................................................. 50
303.3.10.1 Cost Share Determination ........................................................................ 50
303.3.10.2 Cost Sharing in RFAs and APS ............................................................... 51
303.3.10.3 Meeting Cost Sharing Requirements ....................................................... 52
303.3.11 Substantial Involvement and Cooperative Agreements ..................... 52
303.3.12 Negotiation of the Award ...................................................................... 55
303.3.13 The Award Process and Elements of an Award .................................. 56
303.3.14 Duration of Assistance Awards ............................................................ 57
303.3.15 Designation of the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) ........ 58
303.3.16 Congressional Award Notification System .......................................... 62
303.3.17 Distribution of Awards .......................................................................... 63
303.3.18 Award Administration ............................................................................ 63
303.3.19 Unauthorized Commitments and Expenditures Requiring Prior
Approvals ............................................................................................... 66
303.3.20 Controlling Language ............................................................................ 67
303.3.21 Subawards .............................................................................................. 68
303.3.22 The Role of the Agreement Officer in the Debt Collection Process .. 70
303.3.23 Disputes and Appeals ........................................................................... 71
303.3.23.1 Disputes ................................................................................................... 71
303.3.23.2 Appeals .................................................................................................... 71
303.3.24 Simplified Grants ................................................................................... 72
303.3.25 Fixed Amount Awards to Non-Governmental Organizations ............. 73
303.3.26 Leader with Associate Awards ............................................................. 76
303.3.27 Public-Private Partnerships .................................................................. 81
303.3.28 Participation of Faith-Based and Community Organizations ............ 82
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
4
303.3.29 Suspension and Debarment ................................................................. 85
303.3.30 Limitation on Construction under Assistance .................................... 86
303.3.31 USAID Implementing Partner Notices (IPN) Portal for Assistance .... 86
303.3.32 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) .................................................................. 87
303.4 MANDATORY REFERENCES ............................................... 89
303.4.1 External Mandatory References ........................................................... 89
303.4.2 Internal Mandatory References ............................................................ 90
303.4.3 Mandatory Forms ................................................................................... 92
303.5 ADDITIONAL HELP ............................................................... 93
303.6 DEFINITIONS ......................................................................... 93
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
5
ADS 303 Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental
Organizations
303.1 OVERVIEW
Effective Date: 06/01/2006
This chapter describes the Agency’s internal guidance, policy directives, required
procedures, and standards for the award and administration of USAID grants and
cooperative agreements to:
Institutions of higher education,
Hospitals,
Nonprofit non-governmental organizations, and
Commercial organizations.
USAID provides assistance to U.S. or non-U.S organizations, individuals, nonprofits,
and for-profit entities. Authorizing legislation (including the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961, as amended), other statutes, Government-wide directives and regulations, and
Agency policies specify the eligibility requirements for individual assistance programs.
303.2 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
a. The Bureau for Management, Office of Acquisition and Assistance (M/OAA)
develops and interprets policy on behalf of USAID for the award and
administration of grants and cooperative agreements. M/OAA carries out this
responsibility in accordance with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for
Federal Awards and USAID’s implementing regulation 2 CFR 700 USAID
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards, and this ADS chapter.
b. The M/OAA Director is also the Assistance Executive and coordinates all
matters that OMB or USAID regulations govern or which may require OMB
approval. The M/OAA Director:
Authorizes restricted eligibility, in accordance with 303.3.6.5;
Makes the final decision on the choice of implementing instrument in the
event of a dispute between the requesting official and the Agreement Officer,
in accordance with ADS 304; and
c. The Agency Liaison
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
6
Reviews information for the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
for completeness and accuracy and forwards the information to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for entry into the CFDA by the General
Services Administration (GSA);
Updates CFDA entries annually;
Submits an annual crosswalk that references program transactions occurring
during the year, such as additions, deletions, consolidations of programs, and
changes to program titles;
Assigns CFDA numbers; and
Prepares the CFDA entry describing the Agency's general program
description.
NOTE: The Chief of the Strategic Planning and Performance Division of the
Bureau for Policy and Program Coordination (PPC/SPP/SPA) was serving as the
Agency Liaison to the CFDA (see 303.3.5.1). However, this office has been
superseded by the establishment of the Office of the Director of Foreign
Assistance. Details of the liaison function will be revised. For further information,
contact PPC and M/OAA.
d. The Agreement Officer (AO) has legal responsibility for the award. Therefore,
only the AO can take action on behalf of USAID to enter into, amend, or
terminate an award. The AO is authorized this responsibility either by a warrant
issued by the Director, M/OAA, or through a delegation by virtue of his or her
position provided by:
The Mission Director or other principal officer of a USAID overseas mission
(see ADS 103),
The Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and
Humanitarian Assistance (AA/DCHA), or
The directors of DCHA offices, as re-delegated by the AA/DCHA (see ADS
103.3.15).
e. Prior to award, the Activity Manager ensures that an anticipated award reflects
the project design and planning documentation prepared in accordance with ADS
201 and ADS 300 and supports the assistance objectives. The Activity Manager:
Ensures adequate notice and time is provided to the AO to compete and
award an assistance instrument by using an annual A&A plan or by obtaining
the AO’s consent;
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
7
Justifies an exception to eligibility, in accordance with this chapter and as
directed by the AO, if eligibility is to be restricted;
Provides the Agency Liaison with an annual update on the information in
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) entries for which the Activity
Manager is responsible (see 303.3.5.1);
Complies with 22 CFR 216, Environmental Procedures, requirements
during the design process;
Manages the merit review of applications on behalf of the AO;
Carries out elements of the pre-award survey and provides a technical
analysis of specific costs when asked by the AO;
Advises the AO whether an application is responsive to the published
announcement and otherwise complies with established USAID Development
Objectives;
Determines the expected level of cost sharing, in accordance with specific
program requirements and 303.3.10;
Processes all necessary request documentation for the AO to consider in
awarding a grant or cooperative agreement to a selected applicant. This
documentation includes advice on the programmatic aspects of the
application, including the applicant’s program description with clearly
established goals that are realistic, measurable, and represent the highest
objective that the recipient can be expected to achieve and for which the
recipient will be held accountable;
Helps the AO determine the potential recipient’s level of technical and
managerial competence; and
Performs other duties, as requested by the AO, to ensure prudent
management of assistance funds.
f. After award, the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR), as designated in
writing by the AO, provides programmatic and administrative oversight of the
assistance instrument. This authority is not re-delegable other than as specified
in the AO’s designation letter. The AOR ensures that USAID exercises prudent
management over the award and monitors the recipient’s progress in achieving
the objectives of the program description. The AOR:
Maintains contact, including through site visits and liaison, with the recipient;
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
8
Reviews and analyzes reports and monitors reporting requirements (see ADS
540);
Verifies timely performance;
Ensures compliance with the terms and conditions of the award;
Carries out all responsibilities in the schedule of the award as delegated by
the AO and as noted under the “Substantial Involvement” section of
Cooperative Agreements;
Monitors the recipient's financial reports to ensure that the recipient makes
progress toward meeting the required cost sharing, when applicable;
Notifies the AO promptly of any developments that could have a significant
impact on the recipient’s performance;
Prepares internal documents to support amendments to the award;
Assists the AO in the review of proposed Branding Strategies and Marking
Plans and monitors the execution of approved Marking Plans;
Ensures all mitigative environmental measures and conditions in the award
are implemented throughout the life of the award and that timely amendments
are undertaken as needed with the relevant Bureau environmental officer
approval in writing (see ADS 204, Environmental Procedures);
Monitors classified recipients' compliance with the security specifications
included in their grants and cooperative agreements, and notifies the AO and
the Office of Security of any problems or suspected noncompliance with those
requirements (see ADS 545, Information Systems Security, ADS 565,
Physical Security Programs (Domestic), and ADS 567, Classified
Contracts and Awards Under USAID’s National Industrial Security
Program);
Evaluates the recipient’s program effectiveness at the end of the program,
and produces a final report on the award for the AO and the Activity Manager;
and
Performs other duties, as requested or delegated by the AO, to ensure
prudent management of assistance funds.
g. The Office of the General Counsel (GC) or the cognizant Resident Legal
Officer (RLO) makes the final legal determinations on behalf of the Agency.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
9
USAID staff must refer all contacts from an applicant’s or a recipient’s lawyer to
GC or the RLO. Staff must also consult GC or the RLO on significant policy
matters.
h. Assistant Administrators approve termination of awards based on the decision
that continued assistance would not be in the national interest of the United
States.
i. The Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Management, or designee, makes
the final decision on any appeals brought under 2 CFR 700.15, or the Mandatory
Standard Provision entitled “Disputes and Appeals” when it involves non-U.S.
organizations.
303.3 POLICY DIRECTIVES AND REQUIRED PROCEDURES
303.3.1 Policy Directives
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards, establishes the requirements that the federal
government agencies must follow when administering grants and cooperative
agreements to U.S. non-governmental organizations. 2 CFR 700 is the Agency’s
regulatory implementation and supplement to 2 CFR 200. 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 700 do
not directly apply to foreign organizations (non-U.S. non-governmental organizations).
However, USAID applies some of these regulations to non-U.S. non-governmental
organizations through this ADS chapter and ADS 303mab, Standard Provisions for
Non-U.S. Non-governmental Organizations.
303.3.2 Required Procedures
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
USAID executes all assistance awards in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 700.
Additionally, Agency policies on specific topics can be found in other sections of the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) and the ADS 300 Series. When it is necessary to
implement timely changes prior to a formal revision of Agency assistance regulations
and policy, the Director, M/OAA will issue Acquisition and Assistance Policy
Documents (AAPDs). M/OAA uses Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs) to
issue guidance, best practices, reminders, and answers to frequently asked questions.
303.3.3 Type of Assistance Instrument
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
Assistance (grants or cooperative agreements) is used when the principal purpose of
the relationship between USAID and the recipient is to transfer anything of value to the
recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation, as authorized by the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA). The AO makes the final
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
decision regarding whether an award will be an acquisition or assistance instrument.
For further guidance on the differences between assistance and acquisition (contracts),
see ADS 304, Selecting Between Acquisition and Assistance Implementing
Instruments.
During the Planning Phase, the Development Objective Team (DO Team) and the
Agreement Officer make a determination on the duration and type of assistance
instrument (see ADS 201, Program Cycle Operational Policy).
303.3.4 Deviations
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
When it is necessary to achieve program objectives under an award or when special
circumstances make it in the best interests of the U.S. Government, USAID may grant a
deviation from:
2 CFR 200;
2 CFR 700;
The policy directives and required procedures of this chapter;
ADS 303maa, Standard Provisions for U.S. Non-governmental
Organizations;
ADS 303mab, Standard Provisions for Non-U.S. Non-governmental
Organizations; or
ADS 303mat, Standard Provisions for Fixed Amount Awards to
Nongovernmental Organizations.
NOTE: This section does not apply to the requirements of 22 CFR 216, Environmental
Procedures.
a. Approving Officials
(1) U.S. organizations. For grants and cooperative agreements to U.S.
organizations, only the Director, M/OAA, may approve individual
deviations from both 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 700. Additionally, the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) must also approve any class
deviations from 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 700.
(2) Non-U.S. organizations. For grants and cooperative agreements to non-
U.S. organizations, the Director, M/OAA or the Mission Director with
program responsibility may approve deviations.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
b. Procedure
(1) The AO or the Activity Manager may initiate a deviation request through
an action memorandum to the appropriate approving official noted in
303.3.4(a).
(2) The AO must clear the deviation request before it is submitted to the
approving authority.
(3) The AO or Activity Manager must consult with the Office of the General
Counsel (GC) or the Resident Legal Officer (RLO) on all deviations.
GC/A&A must clear the action memorandum before the AO or Activity
Manager submits it to the approving authority.
(4) Before submitting the action memorandum, the requestor also must obtain
written comments from M/OAA’s Policy Division regarding the information
provided to meet the requirements of paragraph c. of this section.
M/OAA/P will respond within 10 working days. If more time is needed,
M/OAA/P must alert the requestor and provide an estimate of when
comments will be provided. The AO must maintain a copy of the
comments submitted by M/OAA/P as part of the deviation request file.
(5) If the deviation request involves the cost principles or the applicant’s
Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, the AO must also obtain written
comments from M/OAA’s Contract Audit and Support Division
(M/OAA/CAS), Overhead/Special Costs and Closeout Branch, before
submitting the request to the approving official. M/OAA/CAS has 10
working days in which to respond. If more time is needed, M/OAA/CAS
must alert the requestor and provide an estimate of when it will provide
comments. If M/OAA/CAS does not provide comments within 10 working
days or within the requested extension period, the requestor may treat the
non-response as concurrence.
(6) If the approving official does not approve the deviation request, the
approving official should provide a written explanation to the requestor
regarding why the request was not approved. If the requestor can revise
the request to address the approving official’s objections, the requestor
may do so and resubmit the request. The approving official’s denial of a
deviation request may not be appealed.
(7) The requestor must provide a copy of each approved deviation request to
M/OAA/P, and the AO must retain the approved deviation in the award file.
c. Content of a Deviation Request
Each deviation request must
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(1) List the name of the recipient and identify the grants or cooperative
agreements affected. Include the dollar value of each award;
(2) Identify the provision, policy, or procedure from which a deviation is
necessary;
(3) Provide a full description of the deviation and the circumstances in which it
will be used;
(4) Detail the reasons supporting the request, including any background
information that contributes to a fuller understanding of the sought
deviation;
(5) Describe the intended effect of the deviation; and
(6) State whether a previous deviation from the same requirement had been
requested and, if so, the circumstances of the request and whether the
approving official approved or disapproved the request.
(For an example, see ADS 303sac, Sample Action Memorandum for Deviation.)
303.3.5 Public Notice and Advertising
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
a. USAID has a responsibility to notify the public of its funding priorities in
assistance programs (2 CFR 200.202-203). The Agency generally fulfills this
responsibility by announcing assistance programs in the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) and at Grants.Gov.
b. As Office of Management and Budget policy requires (see Office of Federal
Financial Management Policy Directive on Use of Grants.Gov), USAID must
synopsize and post all funding opportunities and application packages to the
Grants.Gov site except:
(1) Assistance programs that are only published through an Development
Objective CFDA entry;
NOTE: USAID, at present, does not publish assistance programs solely
through CFDA entries;
(2) Awards that USAID limits to non-U.S. organizations, and which will be for less
than $25,000; and
(3) Awards for which eligibility is restricted to a single source in accordance with
procedures in 303.3.6.5.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
ADS 303mae, USAID Policy Guidance on Posting Grant Opportunities and
Application Packages on Grants.Gov, provides specific instructions for posting
synopses and application packages to the Grants.Gov Web site.
303.3.5.1 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Effective Date: 06/01/2006
Pub. L. 95-220, 31 U.S.C. 6104 established the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) as the database for all Federal programs available to U.S. non-
governmental organizations, individuals, educational institutions, and state and local
governments. An individual or organization can search this database, find assistance
programs, determine if an assistance program matches the individual or organization’s
requirements, and determine if the individual or organization is eligible for the
assistance program. The individual or organization may then contact the office that
administers the program and find out how to apply.
Use of the CFDA allows an individual or organization to find information in one location,
instead of having to search through many different Federal Agency Web sites. All
agencies of the U.S. Government, including USAID, must collect, coordinate, and
submit information on all current Federal domestic assistance programs.
A Federal domestic assistance program is any program that provides assistance to a
domestic profit or nonprofit corporation; institution or individual; a State or Territory; or,
any county, city, or other local government subdivision. This includes programs that
finance grants or cooperative agreements to U.S. recipients for activities abroad. It does
not include programs that finance grants or cooperative agreements to non-U.S.
recipients for activities abroad or for the acquisition or recruitment of personnel.
USAID satisfies the requirements of the Federal Program Information Act (Pub. L. 95-
220) by publishing a general entry about its programs in the CFDA. This information
must also be published in Grants.Gov and issued as Requests for Applications or
Annual Program Statements.
If the Development Objective Team wishes to submit an entry into the CFDA, it should
send the information through the cognizant Bureau program office to the Agency
Liaison.
303.3.5.2 Notice of Funding Opportunity
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
USAID primarily uses two types of Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), a Request
for Applications (RFA) and an Annual Program Statement (APS).
a. An RFA is used when the intent is to provide assistance for an activity or
methodology that supports or is in keeping with USAID’s program objectives.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
2 CFR 200.203(b) recommends that AOs make all RFAs available for receipt of
applications for at least 60 calendar days. AOs should provide longer response
periods for sizeable activities or more detailed applications used to ensure high
quality applications. An AO should not make an RFA available for less than 30
days unless there are exigent circumstances supported by a written
determination by the AO (see 2 CFR 200.203(b)).
b. An APS is used when USAID intends to support a variety of creative approaches
towards developing methodologies to assess and implement development
objective activities.
When used, USAID will publish an APS at least once a year, either with an open-
ended response time or a closing date of at least six months after issuance.
303.3.5.3 Solicitation Format
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
When issuing a NOFO, either an RFA or an APS, the AO must follow the established
format in Appendix I to Part 200 Full Text of Notice of Funding Opportunity. A
summary of the format is as follows:
a. Section I, Program Description, contains the full program description of the
funding opportunity. It may be as long as needed to adequately communicate to
potential applicants the areas in which funding may be provided. Specifically, the
Program Description:
(1) Must describe the operating unit’s funding priorities or the programmatic or
focus areas in which the operating unit intends to provide assistance.
(2) Must include a statement identifying the authorizing legislation (generally
the Foreign Affairs Act) and whether the award is subject to 2 CFR 700
and 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
(3) May include any program history.
(4) May include indicators of successful projects (e.g., if the program
encourages collaborative efforts) and examples of projects previously
funded by the Agency.
b. Section II, Federal Award Information, provides sufficient information for a
potential applicant to decide whether to submit an application. This section must
include:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(1) The estimated total amount of the program, the expected number of
awards, and the financial range of the individual awards;
(2) The anticipated start dates and performance periods for new awards; and
(3) Whether the award will be a grant or a cooperative agreement. If USAID
expects to award a cooperative agreement, describe the intended
substantial involvement by the Agency (see 303.3.11).
c. Section III, Eligibility Information, addresses the considerations and factors that
determine applicant or application eligibility for award. This section must:
(1) Identify the types of entities that are eligible to apply. Include a statement
to the effect that USAID encourages applications from potential new
partners. If there are no restrictions on eligibility, this section must
indicate that all potential applicants are eligible (see section 303.3.6 on
Eligibility).
(2) Describe the cost sharing element. State explicitly whether cost sharing is
required for the applicant to be eligible (see 303.3.10), cost sharing is
suggested (that is, voluntary) but not required, or cost sharing is not
required.
When cost sharing is suggested and will be a factor in determining who
will receive an award, the announcement must explicitly describe how cost
sharing will be considered as part of the review process. Do not use vague
statements such as “cost sharing is encouraged.” If applicable, the
announcement must clearly state any restrictions or special conditions
regarding the types of costs that are acceptable for cost sharing
(consistent with 2 CFR 200.306), the NOFO must explicitly state it. This
section must refer to Section IV, which states any pre-award requirements
for submission of documentation to verify commitments to meet cost-
sharing requirements. Note that a fixed amount award cannot be used
in a program that requires mandatory cost sharing (see 2 CFR
200.201(b)(2)).
(3) State any limit on the number of applications an applicant may submit
under the NOFO and make clear whether the limitation is on the
submitting organization, individual investigator/program director, or both.
(4) If applicable, include any other eligibility criteria, i.e., criteria that will make
an application or project ineligible for a Federal award. These criteria
must be clearly stated and must include a reference to the regulation or
policy that describes the restriction, as applicable (see 303.3.6.1(d) Multi-
tiered Review).
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
d. Section IV, Application and Submission Information, must include:
(1) Point of Contact Information, including the name, title, street address, e-
mail, and phone number, so that an applicant may obtain from the POC
any materials needed for the application or otherwise communicate with
the POC regarding the application requirements.
(2) Content and Format of Application Submission, must identify the required
content of the application and forms or formats that an applicant must use.
In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, which implements the Paperwork
Reduction Act, USAID may require no more than the original and two
copies of any application. This section must include a statement directing
the applicant to submit the SF-424 series, which includes the:
SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance;
SF-424A, Budget Information Non-construction
Programs; and
SF-424B, Assurances Non-construction Programs.
This section must also address information that successful applicants
must submit after notification of intent to make a Federal award but prior to
actual award.
(3) Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and
System for Award Management (SAM). This section must state clearly
that each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal
awarding agency that is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR
25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding
agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to:
(i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;
(ii) Provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and
(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current
information at all times during which it has an active Federal
award or an application or plan under consideration by a
Federal awarding agency.
It also must state that the Federal awarding agency may not make a
Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all
applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully
complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency
is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award
and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to
another applicant.
(4) Submission Dates and Times for application submission must be
identified. This section must also detail how USAID makes the
determination that an application has been received in time, and
consequences of late submission (see 303.3.6.6).
(5) Funding Restrictions. Notices must include information on funding
restrictions to allow an applicant to develop an application and budget
consistent with program requirements. Examples are whether
construction is an allowable activity (see 303.3.30), if there are any
limitations on direct costs such as foreign travel or equipment purchases,
and if there are any limits on indirect costs). This section must include a
statement regarding whether the award will or will not allow the
reimbursement of pre-award costs.
(6) The required certifications, assurances, and solicitation provisions found in
303.3.8.
(7) Other submission requirements. This might include the format of
submission (paper or electronic) and where the applicant must submit the
application. If USAID authorizes electronic submission, advise what the
applicant should do in the event of technical difficulties and provide a point
of contact.
e. Section V, Application Review Information, must include:
(1) The selection criteria and any sub-criteria that USAID will use when
reviewing applications, including an indication of their relative importance
(see 303.3.6.3). The selection criteria are distinct from eligibility criteria
that are addressed prior to acceptance of an application. If the selection
criteria vary in importance, the NOFO must specify the relative
percentages, weights, or other means used to distinguish among them.
(2) If an applicant’s proposed cost sharing will be considered in the review
process (as opposed to being an eligibility criterion described in Section
III.2 (see 303.3.5.2.c(2))), a clear statement of how USAID evaluates cost
sharing as part of the review process (see 303.3.10) must be included in
the NOFO.
(3) Review and Selection Process. The NOFO may indicate who reviews the
applications (e.g., USAID personnel, representatives from the local
American embassy, host governments, or private sector individuals) and
note that the AO makes the final selection.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(4) Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates. This section is
optional and intended to provide applicants information for planning
purposes.
f. Section VI, Federal Award and Administration Information, must include:
(1) Federal Award Notices. This section must address what a successful
applicant can expect to receive following selection. State that a notice of
award signed by the AO is the authorizing document, whether USAID will
provide it electronically, and to whom USAID will provide it. USAID may
include a description of the form, the content of notifications to
unsuccessful applicants, and whether requests for additional information
will be considered from unsuccessful applicants.
(2) A statement identifying how the award will be administered, including the
applicable standard provision and any approved deviations from the
Standard Provisions. For U.S. organizations, the solicitation must state
that 2 CFR 700, 2 CFR 200, and ADS 303maa, Standard Provisions for
U.S. Non-governmental Organizations are applicable. For non-U.S.
organizations, the solicitation must state that ADS 303mab, Standard
Provisions for Non-U.S. Non-governmental Organizations will apply.
USAID prefers that, instead of attaching complete copies of 2 CFR 200
and 2 CFR 700 to the NOFO, the NOFO direct applicants to the source
(see 303.4 and 303.5).
(3) Reporting. This section must include general information about the type
(e.g., financial or performance), frequency, and means of submission of
award reporting requirements. The types and frequency of financial and
programmatic reports must be strictly limited to those detailed in 2 CFR
200 (For output or unit cost data the AO must refer to 2 CFR 200.328).
Imposing the same reporting requirement on ten or more recipients has
Paperwork Reduction Act, (5 CFR 1320), implications. When necessary,
the AO must contact General Counsel or the cognizant Resident Legal
Officer for guidance. Guidance on specific financial and programmatic
reporting requirements that have met the requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act and received OMB approval are found in Procurement
Executive Bulletins.
Additionally, the AO must advise the DO Team to use ADS 540 for
detailed guidance on the submission of copies of reports and other
information to USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC),
when drafting the reporting requirements.
(4) If program income is anticipated to be generated under the award, the AO
must consider how that income will be treated under the award (see 2
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
CFR 200.307 or, for non-U.S. organizations, see the provision “Program
Income”).
(5) If the Administrator has provided a written determination for use of an
additional or substitute logo or seal and tagline representing a presidential
initiative or other high level interagency federal initiative, identify the
alternate branding and marking standards to be used in the award (see 2
CFR 700.16 or, for non-U.S. organizations, see the provision entitled
“Marking and Public Communications Under USAID-Funded Assistance”).
(6) A statement detailing how the Agency will ensure environmental
soundness and compliance in design and implementation when required
by the 22 CFR 216 determination.
g. Section VII, Federal Awarding Agency Contacts, must include points of contact
(POC) for questions while the funding opportunity is open. In addition to the
name and address of the POC, USAID may establish a generic e-mail address
for inquiries.
h. Section VIII, Other Information, must include:
(1) A statement that USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the
applications submitted, and
(2) Any other relevant information such as related programs or other
upcoming or ongoing funding opportunities.
303.3.5.4 Cancellation of Notice of Funding Opportunity
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
The cancellation of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) costs the U.S. Government
and applicants’ time, effort, and money. USAID should cancel NOFOs only when
cancellation is in the public interest. For example:
(1) When the specific programmatic or focus areas are no longer within the
Agency’s mission or objectives.
(2) When amendments to the NOFO would be of such magnitude that a new
NOFO is desirable.
If USAID cancels a NOFO, USAID will return any applications it has received unopened
and will issue a notice of cancellation, either posted electronically as a general notice or
sent to all prospective applicants, or both. USAID staff must purge any electronic
applications for a cancelled NOFO from primary and backup data storage systems.
The notice of cancellation must:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(1) Identify the solicitation number and provide the title or the subject matter,
(2) Briefly explain the reason why USAID cancelled the NOFO, and
(3) Assure prospective applicants that they will be given an opportunity to
apply for any subsequent or future NOFOs for the program, if appropriate.
The AO must document the:
(1) Circumstances and rationale for the cancellation;
(2) Applications received, returned, and purged; and
(3) Cancellation notice and NOFO issuance dates.
303.3.5.5 Unsolicited Concept Papers and Applications
Effective Date: 06/01/2006
The Guide to USAID’s Assistance Application Process and to Submitting
Unsolicited Assistance Applications provides guidance for submitting unsolicited
concept papers and applications. USAID should encourage the general public to review
it.
303.3.6 Eligibility
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
In accordance with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act, USAID
encourages competition in the award of grants and cooperative agreements to identify
and fund the programs that best achieve Agency objectives.
The Agreement Officer (AO) guarantees the integrity of the competitive process by
ensuring overall fairness and consideration of all eligible applications. The AO also has
the ultimate authority to make award decisions for grants and cooperative agreements
on behalf of USAID.
The AO must not limit eligibility when awarding grants and cooperative agreements,
unless USAID authorizes a restriction on eligibility in accordance with 303.3.6.4. 2 CFR
200 requires that the Agency publish an announcement seeking applications from all
eligible and qualified entities (see 303.3.5).
303.3.6.1 Eligibility Requirements
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
The AO verifies that a Request for Application (RFA) or Annual Program Statement
(APS) correctly identifies applicant eligibility requirements and essential program
qualifications in accordance with the following standards:
a. Authorizing legislation and governing program requirements specify eligibility
requirements for individual grant programs. Generally, and in compliance with
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, USAID may provide
assistance to any U.S. or non-U.S. organization, individual, non-profit, or for-
profit entity. When specific program requirements restrict eligibility (for example,
Title XII Collaborative Research Support Programs), USAID must identify the
restriction in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, RFA, APS, or other
appropriate notice.
b. To be eligible for assistance under the private voluntary organization (PVO) grant
program, both U.S. and international PVOs must be registered with USAID as
required by 22 CFR 203. The registration requirement does not apply to local
PVOs.
c. Merit Review Criteria. The DO Team must propose the merit review criteria for
selecting an applicant. However, if the AO determines that the criteria is so
restrictive that it severely limits the pool of potential applicants, the AO may
request that the Activity Manager change the criteria to broaden the pool of
applicants.
d. Multi-tiered Review. The DO Team, with the approval of the AO, may establish
a two or more tiered solicitation and review system. The DO Team may request
potential applicants to submit an executive summary or concept paper. The DO
Team may also request corresponding budget information at their discretion.
After reviewing these submissions, the DO Team selects the best submissions
and conducts a second level solicitation and review with the selected applicants
and uses more specific merit review criteria. The DO Team may conduct
additional levels of solicitation and review only if the second level does not
adequately identify applicants for the activities to be funded. Section III or
Section V of the NOFO must explain the intended multi-tiered review/eligibility
process so that potential applicants know what to expect at each phase of the
review process.
303.3.6.2 Merit Review Criteria
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
a. The DO Team must develop the merit review criteria. The criteria must include
the programmatic factors or priorities that affect eligibility for selection. The
number of criteria should be limited to three or four factors. The review criteria in
an announcement must provide as much information as practical to allow
potential applicants to judge whether it is in their best interest to incur costs to
apply for the award. The criteria must address the importance of the
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
programmatic and administrative elements, but must not be unduly restrictive. It
is not necessary to quantify the relative weight of the criteria, but the
announcement must identify the relative importance of the criteria. The Activity
Manager must obtain the AO’s approval of the criteria before the AO publishes
the Request for Applications (RFA) or Annual Program Statement (APS).
b. No Requirement for Prior USAID Experience. RFA and APS documents for
the award of USAID assistance instruments must not require prior USAID
experience.
c. Gender issues. USAID must address gender issues in all USAID-funded
activities (see ADS 205). In RFAs (including those for Leader with Associate
Awards) and APSs, the Agreement Officer must ensure that the RFA or APS:
Integrates gender issues into the solicitation (unless a rationale was
provided by the Activity Manager for not addressing gender in the project
or activity) in accordance with ADS 205. When USAID directs applicants
to incorporate gender issues into their applications, the RFA or APS must
state the requirements in the different performance components, e.g.,
Program Description, key personnel qualifications, if applicable, and
monitoring and evaluation requirements.
Integrates gender issues into the programmatic selection criteria (e.g.,
technical understanding and approach, monitoring and evaluation,
personnel, etc.) that correspond to the performance requirements stated
above, unless an approved rationale for not incorporating gender issues
has been included in the RFA or APS.
If the program/project office provides the Agreement Officer with a procurement
request for a program that does not include the requirements in ADS 205 for
either integrating gender issues in the Program Description or the rationale for
why gender is not an issue for the particular assistance program it intends to
fund, then the Agreement Officer must notify the program/project office that no
further action will be taken on the request until it meets one of these
requirements.
For technical assistance and additional guidance, consult the USAID
Mission/Office or Bureau gender specialist or the Office of Gender Equality and
Women’s Empowerment (GENDEV) in the Bureau for Economic Growth,
Education, and Environment (E3).
d. Volunteers for Prosperity. Executive Order 13317 requires that an applicant’s
use of highly-skilled U.S. volunteers be a review factor in the selection of
applications for assistance activities to be implemented abroad under the
following initiatives:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief,
Digital Freedom Initiative,
Water for the Poor Initiative,
Trade for African Development and Enterprise Initiative,
Middle East Partnership Initiative, and
Other Presidential initiatives as identified in the future.
e. Environmental Concerns. The Activity Manager must ensure that the
requirements in 22 CFR 216 for an environmental impact assessment have been
met, approved in writing by the relevant Bureau environmental officer, and are
incorporated into the RFA, APS and award as necessary. When USAID directs
applicants to address environmental concerns in an activity, the RFA or APS
must state the requirement. ADS 204 provides detailed guidance on
environmental concerns, and ADS 201 provides guidance on incorporating ADS
204 into the planning, achieving, and learning processes.
f. Branding and Marking. It is a Federal statutory and regulatory requirement
(see Section 641, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and 2 CFR
700.16) that all overseas programs, projects, activities, public communications,
and commodities that USAID partially or fully funds under an assistance award or
sub-award must be appropriately marked with the USAID identity. Under 2 CFR
700.16, USAID requires the submission of a Branding Strategy and a Marking
Plan by the “apparently successful applicant.” The apparently successful
applicant’s proposed Marking Plan may include a request for approval of one or
more exceptions to the marking requirements in 2 CFR 700.16. The AO reviews
and approves the apparently successful applicant’s Branding Strategy and
Marking Plan (including any requests for exceptions), consistent with the
provisions “Branding Strategy,” “Marking Plan,” contained in the Certifications,
Assurances, Other Statement of the Recipient and Solicitation Standard
Provisions, and “Marking and Public Communications Under USAID-funded
Assistance” contained in ADS 303maa, Standard Provisions for U.S.
Nongovernmental Recipients and ADS 303mab, Standard Provisions for
Non-U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations, 2 CFR 700.16, and ADS 320,
Branding and Marking.
Note that in contrast to “exceptions” to marking requirements, waivers to these
requirements based on circumstances in the host country must be approved by
the cognizant Mission Director or other USAID principal officer [see 2 CFR
700.16(5)]. Any questions about the applicability of either the Standard
Provisions or 2 CFR 700.16 may be directed to General Counsel/Acquisition &
Assistance (GC/A&A), or USAID’s Senior Advisor on Brand Management.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
303.3.6.3 Reviewing Applications
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
a. At least two individuals (three or more is preferable) must be appointed to serve
on each Selection Committee (SC) to review applications. The SC must review
the applications using the review criteria stated in the Notice of Funding
Opportunity (NOFO). The SC must keep selection information and applicant
proprietary data confidential.
b. Committee members must possess the requisite technical knowledge or
expertise to review the programmatic merits of the applications. The Agency
may make exceptions with the approval of the AO.
c. When necessary, other Federal agencies and non-governmental reviewers may
participate on the SC. USAID staff (direct-hire and Personal Services Contract
(PSC) employees) must comprise a majority of the members on the SC.
d. The AO must take steps to ensure that members of the SC, both USAID staff and
outside reviewers, do not have conflicts of interest with the organizations whose
applications are being reviewed. A conflict of interest includes situations when:
The member of the SC works for or has any other financial interest (including
being an unpaid member of a Board of Directors) in the organization that
submits an application for the committee’s review,
The member’s spouse/partner or minor child works for or has any other
financial interest (including being an unpaid member of a Board of Directors)
in the organization that submits an application for the committee’s review, and
An organization or entity in which an SC member serves as an officer,
director, trustee, general partner, or employee, has a financial interest in an
application under the committee’s review. This includes situations where the
SC member is negotiating for one of the positions listed here and is serving
as an unpaid member of the organization or entity’s Board of Directors.
An employee of an external organization (e.g., technical advisors in AIDS,
child survival, infectious diseases, population, basic education) participates in
the review of a potential competitor’s application, which allows the SC access
to financial or other data that may be competitively useful to the reviewer’s
organization.
The DO Team must make all efforts to identify potential conflicts early in the review and
selection process. Because resolution of conflicts of interest is fact-driven and case-
specific, the DO Team must coordinate with the AO and the cognizant General Counsel
or Resident Legal Officer on the issues.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
e. When periodic reviews are specified, the Activity Manager must collect the
applications as they are received until the Agency can review a reasonable
number in accordance with the provisions of the announcement. If the DO Team
established a specific timeframe for the review of applications in the NOFO, for
example, quarterly reviews, and only a small number of applications are received
during that time, the DO Team may consider the applications received to be a
reasonable number. The SC may also include applications it received in
response to earlier notices in a periodic review.
f. For the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) programs, the OFDA
director may authorize selection of a sole application received, if the director
determines that it is not advisable to wait for more applications. The Activity
Manager must provide a copy of such an authorization to the AO.
g. When reviewing applications against a criterion related to gender issues, the
Activity Manager must coordinate with the Bureau for Economic Growth,
Education, and Environment, Office of Gender Equality and Women’s
Empowerment (E3/GENDEV).
h. If an unsolicited application reasonably fits an existing program, the DO Team
may include the application in a relevant review and selection under an RFA or
APS. If it does not, a justification to restrict eligibility under 303.3.6.5 must be
approved before the AO can issue an award to the applicant.
i. The same SC members should review all applications for each specific award. If
this is not possible or if there are established procedures for review by separate
SCs, the Activity Manager must document the reason and the procedure and
submit it to the AO for the agreement files.
j. The AO must provide the SC with a written review plan that specifies the criteria
and methodology for reviewing the applications consistent with the information
published in the RFA or APS.
k. The SC must prepare a written selection memorandum of each application as
compared to the established review criteria.
l. Both the AO and the SC must use the applicable mandatory templates discussed
in ADS 300, Agency Acquisition and Assistance Planning when preparing for
reviewing applications and documenting the findings. These templates can be
found internally at: https://pages.usaid.gov/M/OAA/assistance-resources.
m. The SC’s narrative in the selection memorandum must detail each application’s
strengths and weaknesses relative to the review criteria. If the RFA or APS does
not indicate the relative importance of the review criteria, then all criteria are
equally weighted. If the RFA or APS assigned numerical values to the criteria,
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
then the report must include a discussion of the numerical scoring, in addition to
the narrative identifying strengths and weaknesses.
n. The SC must also include a discussion of its review procedure in their review
documentation.
o. Upon completion of the SC’s review, the Activity Manager then must forward the
selection memo to the AO, who must place a copy in the award file.
p. AOs must ensure that the solicitation, selection, award, and administration of
USAID grants and cooperative agreements follow all the requirements and
guidance of 22 CFR 205, Participation By Religious Organizations In USAID
Programs (see 303.3.28).
303.3.6.4 When Eligibility Can Be Restricted
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
In the context of this chapter, unrestricted eligibility refers to instances in which USAID
posts an assistance solicitation, typically via a Request for Applications (RFA) or an
Annual Program Statement (APS), with no limitations on the eligibility for applicants.
Restricted eligibility, as described in this chapter, refers to any assistance actions that
are restricted to a particular type of organization or other limitation, most typically for
sole source awards (including follow-on awards), extensions, limited to local entities or
limited for efficiency.
Under certain circumstances, eligibility may be restricted as indicated below in a., b.,
and c. of this paragraph. These situations are different from those in which restricted
eligibility is permitted, as discussed in 303.3.6.5 below. The required documentation for
an assistance action varies depending on whether unrestricted eligibility is required and
whether there is an applicable exception that permits restricted eligibility.
Eligibility requirements do not apply and, therefore, no exception to restrict eligibility or
Justification for Restricting Eligibility (JRE) under 303.3.6.5 is needed for an assistance
action otherwise covered by this chapter for:
a. The issuance of associate awards, or amendments to associate awards made
within the terms and conditions of a previously solicited Leader with Associate
Award.
b. Awards, extensions, or amendments using non-appropriated funds (including, but
not limited to, monies or in-kind contributions from bilateral and multilateral
development partners, host country governments, foundations and other private
sector entities), and
c. Extensions to existing agreements under 2 CFR 200.308(d)(2).
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
To determine whether eligibility may be restricted for a particular action, Operating Units
and AOs are encouraged to consult with the Deputy Director (DD), for M/OAA’s
Accounting, Compliance, Transparency and Systems Support Division (M/OAA/ACTS).
303.3.6.5 Restrictions to Eligibility
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
Eligibility may be restricted by an AO only when an exception to restrict eligibility applies
and is documented in accordance with this section.
a. Justifications to Restrict Eligibility (JRE)
The Activity Manager must prepare a justification for use of an exception to restrict
eligibility under this section 303.3.6.5 using the Justification to Restrict Eligibility
(JRE) Template and submit it for approval to the AO, unless otherwise specified below.
When an official other than the AO is required to approve a justification as set forth
below, the Activity Manager must add the AO as a clearing official. Prior to submitting a
justification to the JRE@usaid.gov mailbox, the Activity Manager must obtain all
required clearances as specified below for each type of JRE. To obtain DD
M/OAA/ACTS AE, Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Management (AA/M), or
Administrator clearance or approval, the Activity Manager must submit the justification
to the JRE@usaid.gov mailbox.
Each justification must contain sufficient facts and rationale to justify the use of the
specific exception cited. Requirements for the content of justifications and applicable
clearances and approval authorities are determined by a combination of the following:
The dollar threshold of the new award or amount of increase to an existing
award (see paragraph 303.3.6.5a(1) below),
The type of exception used (see paragraph 303.3.6.5a(2) below), and
Whether the action is a follow on or extension (see paragraph 303.3.6.5a(3)
below).
Exceptions to restrict eligibility must not be justified on the basis of:
Mobilization costs,
Demobilization costs,
Continuing relationship (except when sections 303.3.6.5a.(2)(a) or (h) apply),
Lack of planning, or
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Concerns about amount of funds available, such as expiring funds.
(1) Dollar thresholds. Based on the dollar thresholds below, the following
clearances and approvals are required for JREs. Additional clearances or
alternate approvals may be required based on the requirements in
paragraphs a(2) and a(3) of this section 303.3.6.5.
(a) Restricted eligibility actions valued under $5 million. Unless
otherwise provided in paragraphs a.(2)(a)-(i), the Activity Manager
must submit a justification to the AO for all exceptions to restrict
eligibility for which a JRE is required under this section 303.3.6.5
for new awards or extensions under $5 million.
(b) Restricted eligibility actions valued at $5 million or more but
less than $10 million. For all exceptions for which a JRE is
required under 303.3.6.5 for new awards at $5 million or more but
less than $10 million, the cognizant Resident Legal Officer (RLO) or
General Counsel (GC) Section for Acquisition and Assistance
(GC/A&A) attorney must clear the JRE before the Activity Manager
submits it to the AO, or other clearing or approving official as
required in paragraphs a(2)(a)-(i). In the case of follow-ons or
extensions for $5 million or more ($20 million for Critical
Priority Countries (CPCs)), in addition to the requirements of this
paragraph, the requirements at a(3) below also apply.
(c) Restricted eligibility actions valued at $10 million and above.
For all exceptions to restrict eligibility for which a JRE is required
under this section 303.3.6.5 for new awards valued at $10 million
and above, the following individuals must clear the justification
before the approving official may approve it:
Cognizant RLO or GC/A&A attorney,
Cognizant Mission Director (MD) or Assistant Administrator
(AA), and
Deputy Director M/OAA/ACTS.
These individuals may not delegate this clearance authority;
however, individuals serving in those positions in an "acting"
capacity also have the authority to clear the justification. For
extensions, in addition to the requirements in this paragraph, the
requirements of a.(3) below also apply.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(2) Exceptions to restrict eligibility and requirements for authorizing
their use
USAID permits restricted eligibility under the following exceptions when a
JRE is prepared in accordance with the requirements specified for the
applicable exception and those in paragraphs a.(1) and, if applicable,
a.(3). If the action is an extension or follow-on award of $5 million or more
($20 million for CPCs) the JRE must be approved by the Administrator
under 303.3.6.5a.3.
(a) Exclusive or predominant capability
USAID may restrict eligibility, including sole-source, awards when it
considers a recipient to have exclusive or predominant capability
based on one of the following criteria:
Proprietary resources,
Specialized facilities or programmatic expertise,
An existing and unique relationship with the cooperating
country or beneficiaries, or
Participation in a Global Development Alliance, USAID‘s
business model promoting public-private alliances as a
central element of the Agency‘s strategic assessment,
planning, and programming efforts.
This exception may not be used to continue an on-going
relationship when the applicant developed the exclusive or
predominant capability during performance of any USAID award.
When this exception is used, the Activity Manager must describe in
detail the uniqueness of the proposed recipient and how it applies
to the activity to be supported. The JRE must also describe what
other options USAID explored.
(b) Small grants
USAID may restrict eligibility, including sole-source, when the
awards are at or below the simplified acquisition threshold and
have a term of no more than one year.
(c) Restricted eligibility for efficiency
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
USAID may restrict eligibility to a selected group of applicants when
it is necessary for sake of efficiency.
The DD M/OAA/ACTS must clear and the AE must approve JREs
citing this exception. The Activity Manager must describe in detail
what other options USAID explored, including other exceptions and
the periodic review alternative discussed at section 303.3.6.3e, and
why these alternatives were determined to be unacceptable.
(d) New entrants
For grants or cooperative agreements valued at less than $5
million, USAID may restrict eligibility to organizations that have
received USAID direct assistance as a primary recipient of less
than $1,500,000 during the past three years in order to expand the
number and sustainability of development partners.
(e) Congressionally mandated programs
USAID may restrict eligibility to a single source when legislation
includes a congressional earmark specifying that USAID make an
award to a particular organization.
In the absence of legislation that specifies a particular awardee,
USAID may use this exception only when Congressional intent for
USAID to make an award to a particular recipient is demonstrated
by specific language in either:
Both House and Senate Committee Reports, or
A Congressional Conference Report.
In these cases, both the cognizant attorney (either the Resident
Legal Officer (RLO) or the appropriate GC/W backstop attorney)
and the Assistant Administrator (AA) for the Bureau for Legislative
and Public Affairs (LPA) must confirm their agreement that
Congress intended for USAID to make an award to a particular
recipient before the Activity Manager submits the justification for
approval.
The Activity Manager must attach to the JRE a copy of the statute
specifying the awardee, as well as any information supporting the
planned activity as requested by the AO. In the absence of
legislation specifying the awardee, the Activity Manager must
provide cognizant GC/RLO and AA/LPA confirmation of
Congressional intent with the justification.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(f) Critical objectives of the foreign assistance program
USAID may restrict eligibility when it is critical to the objectives of
the foreign assistance program. USAID may use this exception
only when no other exception applies.
This exception is typically used for specific blanket justifications for
a class of awards and for a particular purpose or period of time, for
example, the Administrator-approved Expedited Procedures
Package (EPP) for HIV/AIDS (see section 303.5).
Individual justifications for a single restricted eligibility
action. The cognizant Assistant Administrator, or Office
Director who reports directly to the Administrator, approves
JREs citing this exception. The cognizant RLO or GC/A&A as
well as the DD M/OAA/ACTS must clear the justification,
regardless of dollar value. The Activity Manager must explain
the circumstances that require using the exception, discuss
what other options USAID explored, and may not rely on any of
the other exceptions.
Blanket justifications for a class of awards and for a
particular purpose or period of time. The cognizant Assistant
Administrator, or Office Director who reports directly to the
Administrator, may approve blanket JREs citing this exception.
The cognizant RLO or GC/A&A attorney and the DD
M/OAA/ACTS must clear the justification.
Blanket JREs approved at levels below the Administrator are
subject to the requirements in paragraph a(3) of 303.3.6.5;
blanket JREs approved by the Administrator (under EPPs) are
not subject to the requirements of paragraph a(3) of this section
303.3.6.5.
Transactions using the authority of blanket justifications.
In order to use the authority of a blanket JRE, the Activity
Manager must prepare written documentation supporting use of
the blanket JRE in accordance with any applicable policy and
procedures specific to that blanket JRE (generally, such policy
and procedures are issued in an AAPD or PEB). In the absence
of such guidance, the Activity Manager must provide the
memorandum to the AO for incorporation into the award file.
Transactions using the authority of blanket JREs that were
approved at levels below the Administrator are subject to the
requirements in paragraph a(3) of this section 303.3.6.5.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(g) Unsolicited applications
Unsolicited applications are those submitted to USAID for an award
by an applicant solely on their initiative, without prior formal or
informal solicitation by USAID.
USAID may make an award based on an unsolicited application
when the application:
Clearly demonstrates a unique, innovative, or proprietary
program;
Represents an appropriate use of USAID funds to support or
stimulate a public purpose; and
Fits within an existing Development Objective.
When the terms of an unsolicited application fit within the scope of
a published and open Annual Program Statement (APS), the
application may be considered under the APS. The unsolicited
application is then considered to have been solicited under the APS
and no justification to restrict eligibility is required. If there is no
open APS, then the Activity Manager must prepare a justification to
restrict eligibility.
To use this exception to restrict eligibility, the Activity Manager must
first certify that USAID did not solicit the application and that it was
submitted by the applicant solely on the applicant’s own initiative.
This exception may not be used for non-competitive extensions to
existing awards. A recipient‘s request to extend an ongoing
relationship is not an unsolicited application. One of the other
exceptions in this section 303.3.6.5 must apply for the recipient’s
request to be granted.
The JRE must address how the following additional issues warrant
acceptance of the application:
In what way the application is unique, innovative, or
proprietary;
How funding the application is an appropriate use of USAID
funds to support or stimulate a public purpose; and
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Describe how it fits within a Development Objective (DO).
See Guide to USAID’s Assistance Application Process and to
Submitting Unsolicited Assistance Applications for further
information.
(h) Follow-on awards and extensions
A follow-on award is a new award to an entity to perform activities
that are the same as or substantially similar to those included in a
recently expired previous agreement with the same entity. An
extension is an amendment to increase the total estimated amount
of an existing award, usually to provide additional activities within
the program description, to extend the period of the award, or both.
Also included in the definition of “follow-on” as used in this Chapter
are awards or extensions that include new activities that are clearly
logical expansions of or derived from activities previously
performed by the same recipient.
USAID may restrict eligibility for follow-on grants or cooperative
agreements or extensions to the existing awardee. When the
follow-on awards or extensions are limited to no more than an
increase in value of the amount of the original award of less than
$5 million (an increase of less than $20 million for Critical Priority
Countries (CPCs)), the requirements of 303.3.6.5a(3) do not apply.
Proposed follow-on awards and extensions that increase the total
estimated amount of the original award by $5 million or more (an
increase of or $20 million or more for CPCs) must be approved by
the Administrator following the requirements in 303.3.6.5a(3). For
extensions or follow-ons less than $5 million ($20 million for CPCs),
this authority must not be used to extend an award beyond 10
years of its original award date unless the JRE is approved by the
cognizant Assistant Administrator, for U.S. organizations, or the
Mission Director for non-U.S. organizations. For follow-on awards
or extensions of $5 million or more of the original award amount,
this authority must not be used to extend an award beyond 10
years of its original award date unless the JRE is approved by the
Administrator. The follow-on exception must not be used to
continue a relationship with a recipient that received an award
based on the small grant award exception.
When this exception is used, the Activity Manager must justify with
specificity why the benefits of continuing the assistance activity with
the same recipient exceeds the benefits of a competitive process
encouraged by law and required by Agency policy. For extensions
or awards of $5 million or more using this authority, the DD
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
M/OAA/ACTS must clear the JRE. For extensions or awards of
less than $5 million, an informational copy of the JRE must be
furnished to the DD M/OAA/ACTS for reporting purposes only by
sending it to the JRE@usaid.gov mailbox.
A JRE is not required if the amendment is strictly for administrative
purposes, including:
i. Incremental funding actions;
ii. Changes which do not require:
- An increase to the total estimated amount of the
award, or
- A substantive change to the program description;
iii. A no-cost time extension; or
iv. An extension authorized under 2 CFR 200.308(d)(2).
(i) Science and technology and innovation
USAID may restrict eligibility for new or follow-on awards, or amend
existing awards in instances which the Agency determines that a
promising science and technology concept or innovative solution
exists to tackle a pressing development challenge.
For purposes of this exception, innovation means significant, not
incremental, improvements in development impact and the process
that translates knowledge into economic growth and social well-
being. For purposes of this exception, science means the process
of generating knowledge based on evidence, including the
systematic study of the nature and behavior of the material and
physical universe, based on observation, experiment, and
measurement, and the formulation of laws to describe these facts in
general terms. For purposes of this exception, technology means
the application of scientific knowledge to practical problems,
including the tools, processes, and techniques, created by such
application of knowledge.
To use this exception to restrict eligibility, the Activity Manager must
document with specificity that the proposed award or extension is
for science and technology or innovation activities, and that the
benefits to the Agency of restricting eligibility exceed the benefits to
the Agency of unrestricted eligibility PPL/ST, or its successor
organization, must clear all science and technology JREs using this
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
exception and IDEA, or its successor organization, must clear all
innovation JREs using this exception. RLO or GC clearance by the
backstop attorney for the requiring office is only required when the
follow-on or extension is for $5 million or more. When used for
extensions or follow-on awards for $5 million or more ($20 million
for CPCs), the requirements of 303.3.6.5a(3) also apply.
(3) Follow-on awards and extensions for $5 million or more
The Administrator must approve the JRE when the action is:
a. A follow-on award of $5 million or more ($20 million or more for
CPC countries) using any of the authorities in 303.3.6.5a(2);
b. An extension that increases the total estimated amount of the
original award by $5 million or more ($20 million or more for CPC
countries) and uses any of the authorities in 303.3.6.5a(2).
The Activity Manager must obtain the clearances below before the
Administrator approves the justification. Additional clearances may be
required based on paragraphs a. (1) and a.(2) above.
The Activity Manager must obtain clearances from the following
individuals, in the order below, before the Administrator will approve a JRE
under any exception in this section 303.3.6.5:
Agreement Officer
Cognizant RLO or GC/A&A, and
Cognizant MD or AA of the Bureau having programmatic
responsibility (the AA may not re-delegate this authority).
The Activity Manager must then submit the JRE to the JRE@usaid.gov
mailbox, where M/OAA/Evaluations will assist in obtaining the remaining
clearances from the following individuals:
Deputy Director M/OAA/ACTS,
AE, and
AA/M.
The Activity Manager must submit the JRE to the JRE@usaid.gov
mailbox for the Administrator‘s approval at least six months before the
anticipated award or amendment date in order to allow sufficient time to
issue the solicitation with unrestricted eligibility in the event the JRE is not
cleared.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
The requirements of this paragraph 303.3.6.5a(3) do not apply to:
New restricted eligibility awards using any of the authorities in
303.3.6.5a(2), other than 303.3.6.5a(2)(h), that do not include any
of the same or substantially similar activities as those funded under
an existing or preceding USAID award;
Awards made to public international organizations (PIOs) or
bilateral development partners;
Awards relying upon statutory notwithstanding authority;
Humanitarian and disaster assistance activities (OFDA);
Transition Initiative activities (OTI);
Food emergency activities (Food for Peace);
Awards limited to local entities;
Changes due to budget revisions when eligibility procedures are
not applicable;
Awards made under Administrator-approved blanket justifications
to restrict eligibility for an approved class of awards, for example,
EPP for HIV/AIDS Expedited Procedures Package; or
Non-appropriated funding (e.g., gifts received by USAID from
bilateral and multilateral donors, host governments, or the private
sector).
b. Other Exceptions to Restrict Eligibility
The following exceptions to restrict eligibility do not require the preparation of a JRE
when the specific requirements of the exception, provided below, are met.
(1) Emergency and Disaster Assistance
USAID may restrict eligibility and award new or follow-on awards, or amend
existing awards, for disaster relief, rehabilitation or reconstruction assistance
provided under section 491 of the Foreign Assistance Act and for emergency
food aid under Title II of the Food for Peace Act. Such restricted eligibility may
be made following the written determination by the Director of the Office of U.S.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Foreign Disaster Assistance or the Director of the Office of Food for Peace, both
residing within the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance
(DCHA), that unrestricted eligibility is impracticable for awards within their
respective areas of responsibility on an award-by-award or disaster-by-disaster
basis. Following such a determination, no other requirements of this section
303.3.6.5 apply.
(2) Restricted Eligibility to Local or Regional Entities
USAID may restrict eligibility to local or regional (indigenous) entities. For
purposes of consistency and reporting, the definition of “local entity” means an
individual, a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or another body of persons
that:
(1) Is legally organized under the laws of;
(2) Has as its principal place of business or operations in;
(3) Is majority owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent
residents of; and
(4) Is managed by a governing body the majority of who are citizens or lawful
permanent residents of the country receiving assistance.
For purposes of this section, ‘majority owned’ and ‘managed by’ include, without
limitation, beneficiary interests and the power, either directly or indirectly,
whether exercised or exercisable, to control the election, appointment, or tenure
of the organization's managers or a majority of the organization's governing body
by any means.
If eligibility for award is restricted to local or regional entities, U.S. organizations
may not submit an application for the award unless the program is re-advertised
to provide unrestricted eligibility, allowing all U.S. organizations an opportunity to
submit an application.
USAID does not require a JRE where restriction of eligibility to local entities is
described in the Project Appraisal Document (PAD) in ADS 201. PADs may be
amended to authorize restrict eligibility to local entities using this exception.
(3) Transition Awards
USAID may restrict eligibility when awarding to a local entity that has been a sub-
recipient under a USAID prime award (the “initial award”) and all of the following
conditions have been met:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
The direct award does not exceed 5 years in duration and the total
estimated amount is less than $5 million ($20 million for CPCs);
The sub-recipient is a local organization;
USAID’s intent that the initial award recipient would develop the capacity
of the sub-recipients so that the sub-recipients would be eligible to receive
a direct award from USAID or other donors in the future is clearly stated in
the acquisition or assistance solicitation for the initial award; and
The initial award contains:
- Criteria for the prime recipient to identify and qualify a sub-recipient
for a direct award,
- Procedures for making the direct award, and
- A timeframe for when the direct award will be considered, including
the limits of USAID funding of the initial award for activities of the
sub-recipient.
Awards under this exception are at the discretion of the Agreement Officer.
Awards under this exception must not be extended unless the Mission justifies
the extension using the exception in 303.3.6.5a(2)(f) (“Critical objectives of the
foreign assistance program”) and, if applicable, 303.3.6.5a(3).
For existing awards, amendment of the initial award may be necessary to
conform with the above before direct awards to sub-recipients may be made.
Such amendments must comply with all other legal and policy requirements and
may only be made after an individual authorized to approve the activity under
ADS 201 approves a memorandum confirming that the program description of
the initial award intended that the initial award recipient would develop the
capacity of the sub-recipients so that they would be eligible to receive a direct
award from USAID or other donors in the future.
303.3.6.6 Late or Incomplete Submissions
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
USAID may review and consider late or incomplete Request For Applications (RFA) or
Annual Program Statement (APS) award applications if:
USAID’s treatment of the material is consistent with the terms of the RFA or
APS,
All late applications are treated the same, and
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
They are reviewed before any agreements are awarded under the RFA or
APS.
The AO must consent in writing to the review of late or incomplete applications.
303.3.7 The Award Decision
Effective Date: 06/01/2006
The AO’s decision to fund or not to fund an award is final and not subject to review.
Any information that may impact the AO’s decision must be directed to the AO.
303.3.7.1 Notification
Effective Date: 06/01/2006
a. Only the AO may notify the apparently successful awardee that they are being
further considered for an award. It is essential that no one on the SC make any
commitment, expressed or implied, to the selected applicant. Only the AO is
authorized to make a commitment on behalf of USAID.
b. USAID must individually notify each applicant in writing on the success of its
application. Once USAID decides which applicant the Agency will consider for
award, the AO or the Activity Manager (if authority is delegated by the AO) must
notify all unsuccessful applicants that they will not be considered further and
briefly explain why USAID did not select their application. The letters must be
approved by the AO before the Activity Manager may send them.
303.3.7.2 Request for Additional Information
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
Within 10 working days after an applicant receives notice that USAID will not fund its
application, the unsuccessful applicant may send a written request for additional
information to the AO.
Additional information may be provided at the discretion of the AO. USAID may
respond orally or in writing. The cognizant B/IO should respond to the request within 30
days after consultation with the AO or inform the applicant that more time is necessary.
If responding orally, the AO or the technical representative from the B/IO must make a
written summary of the response for the agreement file. The AO must be present at
and lead any meeting. If responding in writing, the AO must approve any written
communication before it is sent to the unsuccessful applicant.
USAID’s responses must be limited to the Agency’s interest in supporting the
applicant’s program as described in the application. Comparing one application to
another is neither advisable nor helpful to the applicant. The Selection Committee (SC)
chair and the AO should only give additional information that would be useful to the
applicant in preparing future applications.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
If the applicant has questions about the program or about the programmatic review, the
SC chair will provide constructive feedback that may assist the applicant when
developing applications in the future. The SC chair may explain the basis for the
decision and the strengths and weaknesses of the application in terms of the published
review criteria. When the applicant has questions about process, accountability, and
business considerations, the AO will respond. The SC chair and the AO will jointly
respond when the applicant raises both types of questions.
303.3.8 Pre-Award Certifications, Assurances, and Other Statements of the
Recipient and Solicitation Standard Provisions
Effective Date: 04/08/2016
In addition to the certifications included in the Standard Form 424, the AO must obtain
the following certifications, assurances, and other statements from both U.S. and non-
U.S. organizations (except as specified below) before making an award and as
otherwise required by the regulations listed in this section. The AO must also
incorporate the solicitation standard provisions and provide links to the applicable award
standard provisions in all solicitations.
The AO may choose to request the applicant to submit the certifications either as part of
the application or during negotiations. The AO should consider the administrative
burden of requiring certifications as part of the application in light of potential delays in
making the award while waiting for the certifications. The required certifications,
assurances, and other statements are:
a. A signed copy of ADS 303mav, Certifications, Assurances, and Other
Statements of the Recipient and Solicitation Standard Provisions, which
includes:
1. Assurance of Compliance with Laws and Regulations Governing
Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs (This assurance
applies to Non-U.S. organizations, if any part of the program will be
undertaken in the U.S.);
2. Certification Regarding Lobbying (22 CFR 227);
3. Prohibition on Assistance to Drug Traffickers for Covered Countries
and Individuals (ADS 206, Prohibition of Assistance to Drug
Traffickers);
4. Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing;
5. Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons; and
6. Certification of Recipient
b. Other certifications and statements found in ADS 303mav, Certifications,
Assurances, and Other Statements of the Recipient and Solicitation
Standard Provisions:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
1. A signed copy of Key Individual Certification Narcotics Offenses and
Drug Trafficking, (ADS 206.3.10) when applicable;
2. A signed copy of Participant Certification Narcotics Offenses and
Drug Trafficking (ADS 206.3.10) when applicable;
3. A completed copy of Representation by Organization Regarding a
Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Criminal Conviction;
4. Other Statements of Recipients.
c. The standard provisions that must be incorporated into the solicitations are:
1. Branding Strategy Assistance
2. Marking Plan Assistance
3. Conscience Clause Implementation (Assistance)
4. Prohibition on Providing Federal Assistance to Entities that Require
Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements Representation
303.3.9 Pre-Award Risk Assessment
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
The recommendation or selection of an application for award by an Activity Manager or
a Selection Committee does not in any way guarantee the award. The AO must
evaluate the risks posed by applicants before making the award. The AO must evaluate
risk in accordance with the principles established by USAID and the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) (see 2 CFR 200.205). Depending on the result of this
pre-award risk assessment, the AO may either:
Make the award,
Deny the recommendation of the Activity Manager and not execute the
award, or
Award with "specific conditions" (2 CFR 200.207 and 303.3.9.2).
A positive risk assessment means that the applicant possesses or has the ability to
obtain the necessary management competence to plan and carry out the assistance
program to be funded, and that the applicant will practice mutually agreed upon
methods of accountability for funds and other assets provided by USAID.
History of Performance. Note that while an organization’s history of performance on
USAID awards should be a factor in determining the level of risk, a history of receiving
grants from USAID does not guarantee that there is no risk in providing funds to an
organization. Changes in personnel, accounting practices, or financial status may affect
an organization’s performance on a new award.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
An applicant’s history of performance can serve as an indicator of the quality of its
future performance. An applicant must provide a list of all its cost-reimbursement
contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements involving similar or related programs
during the past three years. The reference information for these awards must include
the performance location, award number (if available), a brief description of the work
performed, and a point of contact list with current telephone numbers. The Activity
Manager determines whether to require this information as part of the initial application
or later from the apparently successful applicant(s). Requiring the information at a later
date may be appropriate when USAID is conducting a multi-tiered review (see
303.3.6.1.d) (see Best Practices for Collecting and Using Current and Past
Performance Information).
The Selection Committee chair must validate the applicant’s past performance
reference information based on existing evaluations to the maximum extent possible,
and make a reasonable, good faith effort to contact all references to verify or
corroborate the following:
How well an applicant performed,
The relevancy of the work performed under the program,
Instances of good performance,
Instances of poor performance,
Significant achievements,
Significant problems, and
Any indications of excellent or exceptional performance in the most
critical areas.
The Selection Committee chair and the AO may use the Contractor Performance
Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and the Past Performance Information
Retrieval System (PPIRS) if there is information available on the recipient in these
systems, taking into account the differences between performance under acquisition
and performance under assistance.
The Activity Manager and the Selection Committee chair may contact references other
than those provided in the application, if the RFA or APS state that it is allowed.
Additionally, before making an award or amending an award to add incremental funding,
increase the total program amount, or extend the period of performance with additional
cost, the AO must verify that neither the successful applicant, nor its proposed
subawardees:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Have active exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM)
(www.sam.gov);
Appear on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons
List maintained by the U.S. Treasury for the Office of Foreign Assets Control,
sometimes referred to as the “OFAC List” (online at:
http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-
List/Pages/default.aspx); and
Are listed in the United Nations Security designation list (online at:
http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/aq_sanctions_list.shtml).
Pursuant to 2 CFR 780 and 2 CFR 180, the Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for
Management, or designee, has the authority to grant an exception permitting an
organization with active exclusions to receive federal assistance. However, such an
exception can only be made in writing and must include a description of the unique
circumstances that warrant deviation from the government-wide policy.
The AO must address the risk assessment of the prospective recipient and document all
findings in the Negotiation Memorandum. The AO must also certify in the Global
Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) that the applicant is not listed as actively
excluded in SAM.gov as suspended, debarred, or proposed for debarment.
When awarding a Fixed Amount Award, the following are to be used instead of those
specified in this section:
The procedures in 303.3.25;
ADS 303saj, Fixed Amount Award to Non-Governmental Organizations;
and
ADS 303mak, Fixed Amount Award Entity Eligibility Checklist.
For all other assistance awards, the following is specific guidance by category for
assessing risk:
CATEGORY A: U.S. ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN RECIPIENTS OR
CONTRACTORS UNDER USAID OR OTHER U.S. GOVERNMENT
(USG) ACQUISITION OR ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS
When a U.S. organization has previously received a positive risk assessment by
USAID or another USG Agency, the AO may rely on:
A Single Audit or similar audit maintained by M/OAA/Contract Audit and
Support Division, Contract Audit Management;
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
A signed copy of the applicable statutory and regulatory certifications required
in 303.3.8;
The quality of the applicant's history of performance on similar USAID
projects, including compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding
agreement, as evaluated by the DO Team in accordance with 303.3.6.3; or
Other information as necessary, including formal pre-award surveys (see
303.3.8, 303.3.5.2, 303.3.9.1 and 303.3.25).
CATEGORY B: NON-U.S. ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN RECIPIENTS OR
CONTRACTORS UNDER USAID OR OTHER U.S. GOVERNMENT
(USG) ACQUISITION OR ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS
To make a risk assessment for a non-U.S. organization that has previously received a
positive risk assessment by USAID or another USG Agency, the AO may rely on:
Audits performed in accordance with ADS 591, Financial Audits of USAID
Contractors, Grantees, and Host Government Entities 591.3.4.2;
A signed copy of the applicable statutory and regulatory certifications required
in 303.3.8;
The quality of the applicant's history of performance on similar USAID
projects, including compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding
agreement, as evaluated by the DO Team in accordance with 303.3.6.3; or
Other information as necessary and appropriate, including pre-award surveys,
(see 303.3.8, 303.3.5.2, 303.3.9.1 and 303.3.25).
CATEGORY C: ORGANIZATIONS NEW TO USAID OR ORGANIZATIONS WITH
OUTSTANDING AUDIT FINDINGS
If a criteria found in 303.3.9.1, applies to the selected or recommended applicant, the
AO must perform a survey in conformance with that provision before making a risk
assessment decision. The survey must be considered when making the decision. At a
minimum, the risk assessment for such an applicant will be based on the same
considerations as in categories a or b of this section, depending on whether it is a U.S.
or non-U.S. organization. Additionally, the AO must obtain the following information
from these applicants, when appropriate:
Copies of audited financial statements for the last three years, which a
Certified Public Accountant or other auditor satisfactory to USAID has
performed;
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Projected budget, cash flow, and organization charts; and
Copies of applicable policies and procedures (e.g., accounting, purchasing,
property management, personnel).
303.3.9.1 Pre-Award Surveys
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
a. Pre-Award Survey Requirements. For all assistance awards, if any of the
following criteria apply, the AO must establish and convene a formal survey team
to conduct an examination that will help inform the risk assessment (see
303.3.9):
(1) The AO or Activity Manager is uncertain about the prospective recipient's
capacity to perform financially or programmatically.
(2) The prospective recipient has never had a USAID grant, cooperative
agreement, or contract. This requirement does not apply to Fixed Amount
Awards.
(3) The prospective recipient has not received an award from any Federal
agency within the last five years. This requirement does not apply to Fixed
Amount Awards.
(4) The AO has knowledge of deficiencies in the applicant's annual audit
(Single Audit or equivalent).
(5) The AO determines it to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.
b. Contents of the Pre-Award Survey. The survey team examines the applicant’s
systems to determine whether the prospective recipient has the necessary
organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical
skills in order to achieve the objectives of the program, or whether specific
conditions will be needed.
(1) For a U.S. organization, the AO must ensure that the applicant can meet
the requirements of the award, including 2 CFR 200 and the applicable
cost principles. The AO or the AO’s representative must conduct a
detailed analysis that addresses whether:
i. The applicant’s accounting, recordkeeping, and overall financial
management systems meet the standards in 2 CFR 200.300-309
and 2 CFR 200.333-337.
ii. The applicant's system of internal controls is reasonable in
accordance with applicable cost principles. This includes the
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
segregation of duties, handling of cash, contracting procedures,
and personnel and travel policies.
iii. The applicant's property management system, if applicable, meets
the property standards in 2 CFR 200.310-316.
iv. The applicant meets the requirements in 2 CFR 200.330-332 for
the administration and monitoring of sub-awards.
v. The applicant's procurement system, if procurement is significant to
the award, meets the standards set forth in 2 CFR 200.317-326.
(2) For a non-U.S. organization, the AO must ensure that the applicant can
meet the requirements of ADS 303mab, Standard Provisions for Non-
U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations as part of the risk assessment.
For local non-U.S. organizations, the pre-award survey team must either
use ADS 303sam, Non-U.S. Organization Pre-Award Survey
Guidelines and Support or conduct a detailed analysis in accordance
with locally-established or award-specific criteria that achieve the same
objectives as the NUPAS. For additional guidance regarding local non-
U.S. organizations pre-award surveys, risk assessments, and specific
conditions (see ADS 303sam, NUPAS Guidelines and Support).
(3) For Fixed Amount Awards, the AO must use the ADS 303mak, Fixed
Amount Award Entity Eligibility Checklist to ensure the intended
recipient will be able to comply with ADS 303mat, Standard Provisions
for Fixed Amount Awards to Nongovernmental Organizations.
c. Composition of the Pre-Award Survey Team. When assembling a formal
survey team, the AO must ensure appropriate expertise.
(1) A typical team consists of:
i. A Development Objective Team member,
ii. The AO, or the AO’s representative,
iii. A financial officer from the Bureau for Management, Office of the
Chief Financial Officer, or the Mission or regional controller's office,
and
iv. A representative from M/OAA/Contract Audit and Support Division,
Contract Audit Management Branch (for Washington-based
awards), if possible.
(2) Depending on the capacity of the Operating Unit to assemble the above
team, the survey may be conducted in whole or in part by a local
accounting firm approved by the cognizant Regional Inspector General as
long as the Scope of Work for such work includes conflict of interest
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
restrictions prohibiting the firm from providing capacity development to
entities it surveys.
(3) The survey team reviews the applicant’s systems against the standards
discussed in paragraph b of this section and submits its findings to the AO
for review, consideration, and informing the risk assessment.
d. Risk Assessment Decision. Before the award of any grant or cooperative
agreement, the AO must:
(1) Review the proposed project description and budget to ensure that they
adequately describe the objectives of the project, the activities funded by
USAID that will achieve the objectives, and a monitoring system to
measure the project’s progress. The Activity Manager advises the AO on
the professional and technical experience and competence of the
applicant and the conformity of the application to USAID criteria.
(2) Make a written final determination of the applicant's risk in the
Memorandum of Negotiation. If the determination is positive, the AO must
state in the memorandum that the applicant:
i. Has adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain such
resources, as required during the performance of the award.
ii. Has the ability to meet the award terms and conditions, considering
all existing prospective recipient commitments, both non-
governmental and governmental.
iii. Has a satisfactory record of performance. Generally, relevant
unsatisfactory performance in the past is enough to justify a finding
of non-responsibility, unless there is clear evidence of subsequent
satisfactory performance or the applicant has taken adequate
corrective measures to assure that it will be able to perform its
functions satisfactorily.
iv. Has a satisfactory record of business integrity.
v. Is otherwise qualified to receive an award under applicable laws
and regulations.
303.3.9.2 Specific Conditions
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
It is the AO’s responsibility to minimize the risk to USAID posed by high risk
organizations. If, after conducting a comprehensive risk assessment of a potential
recipient, the AO is unable to make a positive risk determination, the AO may either
deny the Activity Manager’s recommendation and not make the award or award with
“specific conditions” (high risk) (see 2 CFR 200.207). The AO, however, may consider
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
this choice only if it appears likely that the potential recipient can correct its deficiencies
within a reasonable period of time. Because regulation authorizes “specific conditions,”
a deviation is not needed.
a. Means to Minimize Risk. When the AO makes an award, the AO may consider
requiring any of the following specific conditions:
(1) Requiring payments as reimbursements rather than advance payments;
(2) Withholding authority to proceed to the next phase until receipt of evidence of
acceptable performance within a given period of performance;
(3) Requiring additional, more detailed financial reports;
(4) Requiring additional project monitoring;
(5) Establishing additional prior approvals; or
(6) Requiring the recipient to obtain technical or management assistance.
When the AO determines that more Federal oversight is necessary, the AO may:
Issue a contract to a third party to provide technical assistance to the
recipient,
Require the recipient to contract for technical assistance, or
Have USAID staff provide technical assistance directly to the recipient.
b. The AO must notify the successful applicant of:
(1) The nature of the additional requirements;
(2) The reason why the additional requirements are being imposed;
(3) The nature of the action needed to remove the additional requirement, if
applicable;
(4) The time allowed for completing the actions if applicable; and
(5) The method for requesting reconsideration of the additional requirements
imposed.
Any specific conditions must be promptly removed once the conditions that
prompted them have been corrected.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
c. Non-US NGO Recipients
Because 2 CFR 200 is not legally applicable to awards to non-U.S.
organizations, as a matter of USAID policy, the standards in this ADS section
303.3.9.2d must be used for making awards to non-U.S. recipients with specific
conditions. Where deficiencies or weaknesses are identified by the pre-award
survey under 303.3.9.1b(2) and cannot be corrected prior to award, the AO may
make an award upon an affirmative risk assessment determination that is
contingent upon one or more specific conditions in the award. Such specific
conditions must mitigate the risks posed by the deficiencies or weaknesses
identified by the NUPAS and require the recipient to correct the reported
deficiencies. Specific conditions for non-US recipients may be of limited duration
or may cover the entire period of the award. For additional guidance on specific
conditions for non-US recipients, see the NUPAS Guidelines and Support.
Additionally, when specific conditions are used with non-US recipients, the
following requirements apply:
(1) The specific conditions must contain language subjecting the
recipient to a follow-up review/survey within a reasonable time after
award to verify compliance with the conditions;
(2) The continuation of award performance must be predicated on the
recipient correcting the reported inadequacies within the timeframe
identified in the award;
(3) The Negotiation Memorandum must document in the risk
determination section the rationale for including each specific
condition;
(4) The specific condition(s) must specify in the award document:
i. The nature of the additional requirements,
ii. The nature of the corrective action needed,
iii. The time allowed for completing the corrective actions; and
(5) The cognizant Operating Unit must develop and carry out a plan for
monitoring and supporting the recipient in satisfying any specific
conditions.
Whenever possible, specific conditions must be for as limited a time period as
necessary to mitigate the identified risks and not for the life of the award.
For specific conditions that do not cover the entire award period, once the
specific condition has been satisfied and its conditions have been fully met, the
Agreement Officer must remove the specific condition by formal amendment to
the award. For specific conditions that cover the entire period of the award, the
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
specific condition must clearly state that it covers the entire period of the award
or must identify clearly the timeframe(s) or milestones at which the inclusion of
the specific may be reconsidered, amended or removed.
303.3.10 Cost Share
Effective Date: 06/18/2012
Cost share refers to the resources a recipient contributes to the total cost of an
agreement. Cost share becomes a condition of an award when it is part of the
approved award budget. The cost share must be verifiable from the recipient’s records;
for U.S. organizations it is subject to the requirements of 2 CFR 200.306, and for non-
U.S. organizations it is subject to the Standard Provision, “Cost Share”; and can be
audited. If a recipient does not meet its cost share requirement, the AO may apply the
difference in actual cost share amount from the agreed upon amount to reduce the
amount of USAID funding for the following funding period, require the recipient to refund
the difference to USAID when this award expires or is terminated, or reduce the amount
of cost share required under the award.
303.3.10.1 Cost Share Determination
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
Although there is no general legislative requirement that recipients of grants or
cooperative agreements must cost share, cost sharing is an important element of the
USAID-recipient relationship. When used, its application should be flexible, case-
specific, and used to support or contribute to the achievement of results. USAID should
use cost sharing after considering whether it is appropriate for the recipient organization
in the particular circumstances, in particular, the programmatic and technical context.
There is no set formula for cost sharing. There is not a suggested numeric reference
point. Cost sharing should be based on the needs or purpose of the activity. Examples
of when cost-sharing may be appropriate include:
When there is a programmatic rationale for cost sharing, such as helping
to ensure that the recipient will build its organizational capacity for
mobilizing resource. For example, when building fundraising capability is
an objective of an activity, it would be appropriate to require the recipient
to meet specific private financing targets as a condition of USAID funding.
When it is critical that the activity continues after USAID assistance ends,
cost sharing requirements can ensure that the recipient establishes
adequate alternate sources of funding.
When an award supports an activity initiated by the recipient or an
unsolicited application. Because most USAID funding is reserved for
development priorities the Agency has already established, only limited
funding may be available for even the best of other programs. USAID
may only be able to partially fund these other activities.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
To otherwise give the recipient a financial stake in the success of a
program.
In all of these cases, the DO Team should discuss the amount and terms of cost
sharing with potential recipients prior to award (see ADS 200saf, Guidance on
Consultation and Avoidance of Unfair Competitive Advantage).
The Activity Manager must determine the appropriate cost share for individual grants
and cooperative agreements. The Activity Manager must include this determination in
the financial analysis of the program prior to issuance of a Request for Applications
(RFA) or an Annual Program Statement (APS). In the case of awards solicited with
unrestricted eligibility, the Activity Manager is encouraged to communicate with a broad
range of potential applicants regarding appropriate cost sharing prior to issuance of the
RFA or APS. Even after USAID issues an RFA or APS, it may be appropriate to
consider special circumstances and change the cost share requirement. In the case of
restricted eligibility awards, the Activity Manager may wish to discuss or negotiate the
cost share with the applicant, especially those who submit unsolicited applications.
USAID may not use a set formula in determining the level of cost share. The Activity
Manager should take several considerations into account when making cost share
decisions. For example, it might be difficult for a recipient to meet a cost share
requirement during an activity with a short timeframe. A specific program may be risky
and discourages potential recipients from providing meaningful contributions. Eligibility
may be limited to indigenous organizations with limited resources.
The Activity Manager must write a memorandum to the AO documenting the factors that
were considered when determining the amount of cost share.
USAID may require cost sharing regardless of the type of organization, whether non-
profit (U.S. and international private voluntary organizations, local nongovernmental
organizations, universities, foundations, and others) or commercial organizations,
including for-profit businesses. In the case of a non-U.S. recipient, it is important to be
flexible when establishing cost sharing requirements.
If an activity generates a profit, the AO must consider the best uses of program income
and document this in the award. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.307 and the prior
written approval of the AO, USAID may use program income to finance the non-Federal
cost share of an award. The AO may also make the program income additive to
USAID’s contribution without a cost sharing requirement when this would help achieve
program objectives, such as sustainability.
303.3.10.2 Cost Sharing in RFAs and APS
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
If USAID makes a determination to require cost sharing in an award, it must state the
requirements in the announcement. If USAID issues an announcement [Request for
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Applications (RFA) or Annual Program Statement (APS)] and then the Activity Manager
decides that the amount of cost share required should be changed, the Activity Manager
must provide an adequate justification and request the AO to amend the RFA or APS
document, as applicable. Applications that do not meet the minimum cost share
requirement, when applicable, are not eligible for award consideration. See 303.3.5.2c
and 303.3.5.2e.
In accordance with 2 CFR 200.306, cost sharing cannot be used as a separate factor
during the merit review of applications. However, cost sharing may be considered in the
merit review only if the funding announcement specifically addresses how it will be
considered, e.g., assigning a certain number of additional points to applicants who offer
cost sharing, or using cost sharing to break ties among applications with equivalent
scores after evaluation against all other factors. Note that excessive reliance on cost
sharing during the merit review may unfairly favor larger, better-funded organizations.
303.3.10.3 Meeting Cost Sharing Requirements
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
As part of the analysis of the applicant's proposed budget, the AO must review the
applicant's proposed cost share contributions for cost realism. The AO must verify that
the proposed contributions meet the standards set in 2 CFR 200.306 for U.S.
organizations or the Standard Provision “Cost Share” for non-U.S. organizations.
USAID does not apply its source and nationality requirements or the restricted goods
provision established in the Standard Provision "USAID Eligibility Rules for
Commodities and Services" to cost share contributions.
In the award budget, cost share must be expressed as a dollar figure rather than a
percentage to assist in monitoring the amount. Cost sharing applies throughout the life
of an agreement, and the AOR must monitor the recipient's financial reports to ensure
that the recipient is making progress toward meeting the required cost share. If it
appears that the recipient is not making adequate progress, the AOR must bring this to
the attention of the AO. The AO then must initiate discussions with the recipient to
resolve the issue. The AO has the authority to reduce the amount of USAID
incremental funding in the following funding period or to reduce the amount of the
agreement by the difference between the expended amount and what the recipient
agreed to provide. If the award has expired or been terminated, the AO may request
the recipient to refund the difference to USAID.
In-kind contributions are allowable as cost share in accordance with 2 CFR 200.306 for
U.S. organizations and in accordance with the Standard Provision, “Cost Share” for
non-U.S. organizations. This includes things such as volunteer time; valuation of
donated supplies, equipment, and other property; and use of unrecovered indirect costs.
303.3.11 Substantial Involvement and Cooperative Agreements
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
USAID substantial involvement in awards is limited to cooperative agreements. USAID
cannot be substantially involved in grants. When making an award, the AO must select,
in accordance with ADS 304, either a grant or a cooperative agreement as the
appropriate implementing instrument.
In determining whether an award will need substantial USAID involvement, the AO must
not consider a single factor or proposed involvement. The AO must instead evaluate
the type of overall relationship expected between USAID and the recipient.
Office of Management and Budget policy on substantial involvement proscribes that
agencies "should limit their involvement in assisted activities to the minimum consistent
with program requirements." Therefore, the AO must be satisfied that USAID’s
proposed involvement in an assistance activity is reasonable and necessary.
Anticipated substantial USAID involvement is a relative, rather than an absolute
concept. USAID must always have some involvement in assistance awards, e.g.,
monitoring performance, reviewing reports, or providing approvals required by 2 CFR
200.308 and 2 CFR 700.16. But these are not instances of substantial involvement.
Substantial involvement is defined by the following elements at 303.3.11a d, unless
USAID authorizes a deviation in accordance with 303.3.4. The DO Team must describe
this substantial involvement in the cooperative agreement if the DO Team anticipates
such Agency involvement during the performance of an award. The DO Team must
consult with the AO and describe USAID's interests so that the award adequately
reflects the level of USAID's necessary planned involvement. Furthermore, USAID
must directly and specifically tie each area of substantial involvement to an activity in
the program description to the AO’s satisfaction.
On behalf of the Agency, an AOR will substantially be involved in the administration of a
cooperative agreement to help the recipient achieve the agreement objectives. The AO
may delegate the approvals listed in items a - d below to the AOR, except for authority
to change the program description and the approved budget. Only the AO may approve
such changes after review by the AOR.
ELEMENTS OF SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT
a. Approval of the Recipient's Implementation Plans
If at the time of award, the program description does not establish a timeline in
sufficient detail for the planned achievement of milestones or outputs, USAID
may delay approval of the recipient’s implementation plan for a later date.
USAID must not require approval of implementation plans more often than
annually. If the AO has delegated authority to the AOR to approve
implementation plans, the AOR must review the agreement’s terms and
conditions to ensure that changes to the terms and conditions are not
inadvertently approved by the AOR.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
b. Approval of Specified Key Personnel
USAID may designate as key personnel only those positions that are essential to
the successful implementation of the recipient’s program. USAID’s policy limits
this to a reasonable number of positions, generally no more than five positions or
five percent of recipient employees working under the award, whichever is
greater.
c. Agency and Recipient Collaboration or Joint Participation
When the recipient's successful accomplishment of program objectives would
benefit from USAID's technical knowledge, the AO may authorize the
collaboration or joint participation of USAID and the recipient on the program.
There should be sufficient reason for Agency involvement and the involvement
should be specifically tailored to support identified elements in the program
description. When these conditions are met, the AO may include appropriate
levels of substantial involvement such as the following:
(1) Collaborative involvement in selection of advisory committee
members, if the program will establish an advisory committee that
provides advice to the recipient. USAID may participate as a member of
this committee as well. Advisory committees must only deal with
programmatic or technical issues and not routine administrative matters.
(2) Concurrence on the substantive provisions of sub-awards. 2 CFR 200.308
already requires the recipient to obtain the AO’s prior approval for the sub-
award, transfer, or contracting out of any work under an award. This is
generally limited to approving work by a third party under the agreement.
If USAID wishes to reserve any further approval rights for sub-awards or
contracts, it must clearly spell out such Agency involvement in the
substantial involvement provision of the agreement.
(3) Approval of the recipient's monitoring and evaluation plans.
(4) Monitor to authorize specified kinds of direction or redirection because of
interrelationships with other projects. All such activities must be included
in the program description, negotiated in the budget, and made part of the
award.
d. Agency Authority to Immediately Halt a Construction Activity
USAID may include the statement “The AO may immediately halt a construction
activity if identified specifications are not met.” In such cases, the AO must also
attach the identified specifications to the award when it is being executed. Any
material changes to the specifications must be treated as an amendment to the
award.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
303.3.12 Negotiation of the Award
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
a. Review of Proposed Award Budget. The AO must review the apparently
successful applicant’s budget to ensure that costs, including cost sharing, are in
compliance with OMB’s and USAID’s policies. The recipient must justify in
advance the proposed costs for each element of the program. If the recipient
expects to earn program income during the award period, the schedule of the
award must specifically state how the income will be applied. (The definition of
program income is located in 2 CFR 200.80 and income application suggestions
can be found in 2 CFR 200.307.)
When reviewing costs, the AO must review the cost breakdown; and evaluate
and analyze specific elements of costs for reasonableness and allocability of
costs in the budget, and the allowability of the costs under the applicable cost
principles. The review of the proposed budget helps the AO determine:
(1) The extent of the prospective recipient’s understanding of the financial
aspects of the program and the recipient’s ability to perform the grant
activities within the amount requested;
(2) Whether the applicant's plans will achieve the program objectives with
reasonable economy and efficiency; and
(3) Any special conditions relating to costs that are in the award.
The AO must determine the level of the cost review based on the nature of the
program, the amount and type of costs involved, and past experience with the
applicant. For example, if an assistance award contains construction, then the
AO must complete a detailed cost-analysis for the construction component. AOs
must use the mandatory templates found internally at
https://pages.usaid.gov/M/OAA/assistance-resources to document cost
review findings.
The AO may request M/OAA/Contract Audit and Support Division (CAS)
assistance when reviewing the proposed budget. M/OAA/CAS could address
whether the apparently successful applicant’s budget is fair and reasonable for
the proposed program, and whether the application is consistent with the
Agency’s cost accounting policies, procedures, and practices. This includes
ensuring that the apparently successful applicant’s indirect cost rates are
consistent with any Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreements (NICRA).
If the apparently successful applicant has never received a negotiated indirect
cost rate, the recipient may choose to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of
modified total direct costs (see 2 CFR 200.414(f)). If the prospective applicant
chooses the de minimis rate, the AO must incorporate the 10% indirect cost rate
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
in the award budget and the recipient must follow the requirements in 2 CFR
200.414(f).
The AO must negotiate with the applicant to resolve any issues related to
proposed costs that do not comply with USAID policies before executing the
award.
b. File documentation. The Agency Secure Image and Storage Tracking (ASIST)
System is the Agency's official electronic repository for all Acquisition &
Assistance (A&A) award documentation. A&A staff must file all documentation
relating to an award, from pre-solicitation through close-out, in ASIST. The
requirements and procedures for filing award documents in ASIST, as well as
standards for file documentation by award type are available internally at
https://pages.usaid.gov/M/OAA/assistance-resources. The ASIST guidelines
also contain guidance for maintaining older awards in the paper-based format.
The AO must document the negotiation process for a new assistance award or
an amendment of an existing award, along with other pre-award determinations
in a Memorandum of Negotiation using the applicable templates found internally
at https://pages.usaid.gov/M/OAA/assistance-resources. The Memorandum
of Negotiations must be included in the award file together with all applicable
supporting documentation.
303.3.13 The Award Process and Elements of an Award
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
Before making an award, the AO must ensure that:
The program description clearly identifies the purpose of the program, contains
an implementation plan that specifically identifies each element of the program,
and specifies the duration of the assistance instrument.
All elements of the award including items in the schedule such as period of
performance, award amount, place of performance, and program description
clearly and coherently express the specific understandings of both parties.
The Branding Strategy and Marking Plan meet regulatory and USAID policy
requirements. If the Administrator has provided a written determination for use of
an additional or substitute logo or seal and tagline representing a presidential
initiative or other high level interagency federal initiative, the AO must identify the
alternate branding to be used in the award (see 2 CFR 700.16 or, for non-U.S.
organizations, see the provision entitled “Marking and Public Communications
Under USAID-Funded Assistance”).
All representations and certifications are completed and current.
All specific conditions” are identified (see 303.3.9.2).
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
The award complies with all CFRs and Executive Orders in the mandatory
references (303.4), the Standard Provisions, other ADS chapters, and other
USAID guidance, as appropriate.
To avoid ambiguities and ensure the recipient’s agreement , the AO must include in the
award document all mandatory standard provisions and only those “Required as
Applicable” standard provisions that are intended to be a term and condition of the
award. The AO must determine which “Required as Applicable” standard provisions to
include in the award using the guidance found in Applicability Statements of each
“Required as Applicable” standard provision and the applicable mandatory references
and additional help documents included with this chapter.
Before the award is signed, the AO must ensure that all of the elements of a legally
binding agreement are present. These are:
Competent parties,
Proper subject matter,
Sufficient consideration,
Mutual understanding, and
Agreement on the terms of the assistance instrument.
The AO’s signature serves to obligate funds under a grant or cooperative agreement
(see ADS 621, Obligations), as long as the AO accepts the recipient’s application
without substantial modification or negotiates any changes with the applicant. The AO
will provide a copy of the grant or cooperative agreement to the recipient to ensure it
agrees with the terms and conditions of the award. If the AO makes any substantive
change to the program description or the budget or adds terms to the agreement that
were not addressed during negotiations, such as a Substantial Involvement
Understanding or ”specific conditions” (see 2 CFR 200.207 and 303.3.9.2 and
303.3.11), the AO must obtain the applicant’s agreement to the changes or additional
terms before obligating funds.
Prior to signing a grant or cooperative agreement, the AO must ensure that the entire
award or amendment package is processed and generated in GLAAS, available only
internally at https://pages.usaid.gov/M/OAA/assistance-resources. The negotiation
memorandum must be documented accordingly. When the award is signed by all
relevant parties, the AO or negotiator must upload a scanned copy of the fully executed
award into GLAAS.
303.3.14 Duration of Assistance Awards
Effective Date: 06/18/2012
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Section 635(h) of the Foreign Assistance Act states that a grant or cooperative
agreement may not run at any time for more than five years. This means that any
current period of performance may not be for more than five years. As long as this is
the case, USAID may extend the agreement. For example, after the completion of the
first year, subject to eligibility requirements, USAID may extend the award for one more
year. Alternatively, prior to the end date of the award, it may be extended for up to five
years, subject to the eligibility requirements in 303.3.6.5.
303.3.15 Designation of the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR)
Effective Date: 08/08/2014
An Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) assists in the programmatic monitoring
or administration of an award. The AOR designation is specific to a particular individual
for the specified award. This authority is independent of any other roles,
responsibilities, and duties the designee may fulfill in his or her technical capacity.
The AO must designate an AOR (and alternate, if applicable) for each grant or
cooperative agreement as early in the award process as practical. The AO may not
finalize an award until after they have signed the AOR designation letter in accordance
with ADS 303mai, Model Letters and Procedures for Designating the Agreement
Officer’s Representative (AOR) for Cooperative Agreements and Grants and
received the signed AOR acknowledgement.
The Operating Unit (OU) must nominate an AOR as early in the planning process as
possible. At the time of the award, the AO must identify the AOR by name in the
Schedule of the award and enter the AOR’s name in the Global Acquisition and
Assistance System (GLAAS). When the award is executed, the AO must distribute the
signed designation letter to the recipient, the paying office, the AOR and alternate, and
other relevant parties. The signed designation letter must also be maintained in the
award file.
In the event the AOR changes during the period of the award, the AO must re-issue the
designation letter to the new AOR and receive the new AOR’s acknowledgement. The
AO must prepare a unilateral amendment in GLAAS to update the AOR designation,
provide a copy of the signed designation letter along with the amendment to the
recipient, the paying office and other relevant parties, and maintain a signed copy in the
award file.
Before the AO designates the AOR and alternate AOR, the selected individuals must
provide:
Proof of a current certification in the Federal Acquisition Institute Training
Application System (FAITAS);
Proof of completion of the Agency specific training; and, if applicable
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Proof of completion of the required 40 hours of continuous learning.
a. Eligibility and Appointment
(1) In order to be eligible for designation as an AOR or an alternate AOR, the
appointee must:
Have a direct employee employer relationship with the U.S. Government
that allows him or her to perform inherently governmental functions. AOR
eligibility is not based on the program which brought the individual into the
Agency, (e.g. Fellows or Participating Agency Service Agreements (PASA),
but on the individual's employment status). They must work for USAID as
a(n):
- Direct-hire employee,
- Employee of another U.S. Government agency through an interagency
agreement or on detail, or
- PSC (U.S. citizen or national, Foreign Service National or Third
Country National).
Be AOR certified through the Agency's mandatory training and certification
program specified in paragraph b of this section.
Possess experience commensurate with the responsibilities to be delegated.
(2) Approvals for Designating an Uncertified AOR
An uncertified AOR is an individual who has never been certified or an AOR
whose certification has expired as a result of not having completed the
mandatory continuous learning requirements discussed in 303.3.15.b. In
exceptional circumstances, the AO may designate an uncertified AOR with a
written recommendation from the Mission Director (MD) for Mission executed
awards, or the Bureau Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) for USAID/W
executed awards. The MD or DAA may recommend the designation of an
uncertified individual as an AOR for a period of up to six months. The
recommendation must be in writing and in accordance with the USAID Federal
Acquisition Professional Accreditation & Re-Certification Program
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
The request must include:
A description of the compelling circumstances requiring the exception,
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Affirmation that the individual has completed the Phoenix Accruals online
course, and
Confirmation from the individual and the individual’s supervisor that the
individual will complete the AOR certification and Agency training
requirements within six months.
Recommendations for extensions of the designation of an uncertified AOR
beyond six months can only be approved by the Director of M/OAA. This
extension may be for an additional six months not to exceed a cumulative period
of one year. The AO may designate an uncertified AOR only upon receipt of the
appropriate written approvals.
b. Certification and Training Requirements
The Office of Human Capital and Talent Management, Center for Professional
Development (HCTM/CPD), in coordination with M/OAA, established a Contracting
Officer’s Representative (COR)/ Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) certification
program. Specific certification requirements are outlined in ADS 458, Training and
Career/Professional Development, Section 458.3.4.2(c) and include successful
completion of:
Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Management for COR/AORs course (A&A
104) or its predecessor course,
Programming Foreign Assistance,
Web-based Phoenix Accruals on-line course,
Web-based COR/AOR on-line course, and
40 hours of continuous learning points for every two years from the initial
certification.
Failure to complete the 40 hours of continuous learning points will result in an expiry of
the AOR’s certification and the AOR will no longer be eligible to perform the functions of
an AOR.
(1) Exceptions:
The following individuals may be designated as AORs without completion of the
COR/AOR certification program:
Warranted Contracting/Agreement Officers,
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Procurement Management Certification Program (PMCP) certified
individuals, and
Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) certified
individuals.
However, the individuals must still complete the Web-based Phoenix Accruals
online course, and be certified in FAITAS, before the AO can designate the
individuals as AORs.
c. Issuing the AOR Designation Letter
AOs must use the Standardized Designation Letter, essentially as written, to appoint an
AOR. AOs may tailor the letter in accordance with guidance provided in ADS 303mai,
Model Letters and Procedures for Designating the Agreement Officer’s
Representative (AOR) for Cooperative Agreements and Grants.
The AO may also designate an alternate AOR to perform AOR duties during the
absence of the AOR. The alternate must meet the AOR certification requirements and
be appointed by designation letter, preferably the same letter as the AOR.
d. Limitations on AOR Authorities
AOR authority does not include communicating with the recipient, either in writing or
verbally, or otherwise committing to changes that affect the program, cost, period of
performance, or other terms and conditions of the award. Only an AO has the authority
to take such actions. The Standardized Designation Letter further states the specific
limitations of the AOR designation.
AORs may enlist the assistance of others to:
Conduct fact-finding,
Provide analyses or interpretations of programmatic requirements, and
Make recommendations, among other assistance that may be sought.
However, the AOR remains accountable for the delegated responsibilities and is the
only person authorized to carry out the functions described in the AOR designation
letter.
The AOR is not authorized to further delegate this authority. If neither the AOR nor the
alternate is available to perform their duties, the AOR must direct the recipient to the AO
for guidance. No other individuals are authorized to approve recipient payment
requests or perform other AOR functions.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
e. Revocation of an AOR Designation
The AOR designation is effective for the duration of the award unless otherwise
specified; is subsequently revoked by the AO; or the AOR’s certification expires for
failure to complete the required continuous learning points. AOs have the authority to
revoke a designation letter in writing at any time if an individual's performance as an
AOR is unsatisfactory. AOs must revoke a designation letter and appoint a new AOR if
the AOR:
Is assigned to a new post or position unrelated to the award,
Fails to maintain the AOR certification by completing the required continuous
learning points every two years after the initial AOR certification, or
Has not completed the certification program within the time specified for AORs
who are designated under the exceptional circumstances listed in 303.3.15.a.(2).
In the event that the AOR’s certification expires the AOR must inform the AO of the
expiration. The AOR must not continue to perform AOR duties, even if the AO has not
formally revoked the AOR’s designation, as it may result in unauthorized commitments
as the AOR will be acting without authority. The AOR will be held accountable and
must accept responsibility for any unauthorized action and must assist the AO in
processing all documentation required to formalize the commitment.
303.3.16 Congressional Award Notification System
Effective Date: 02/20/2009
The Congressional Award Notification System requires the AO to notify the Bureau for
Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) when they make certain awards to U.S.
organizations.
a. AOs must follow the notification procedures in ADS 302man, Congressional
Award Notification. This requires the AO to notify LPA AFTER signing but
BEFORE releasing, or allowing to be released, an announcement of the awards
listed below. This restriction on announcing the award applies to notifying the
awardee that the award has been signed. For further details, see Section II,
Other Considerations of that same document.
b. Types of awards that require notification include the following:
(1) Awards of any value to an organization that has not previously received an
award from USAID.
(2) Any award with which there was Congressional correspondence during
the pre-award stage. LPA will alert the AO that such correspondence has
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
occurred, and the AO will flag the award as falling under these notification
criteria and procedures.
(3) Any award for a particular program or geographic region that the operating
unit or LPA identifies as being of particular interest to Congress, the
Agency, or the general public; for example, earthquake relief in Haiti or the
international HIV/AIDS program. LPA will coordinate with its liaison in the
operating unit to identify these awards and will alert the operating unit, the
AO, or both of them at the earliest opportunity before the award decision.
(4) Grants, cooperative agreements, and any amendment to them with a total
estimated amount or increase in the total estimated amount of US
$500,000 or more, respectively. Amendments providing only incremental
funding (and involving no increase to the award amount) are not included.
303.3.17 Distribution of Awards
Effective Date: 06/01/2006
Generally, distribution of awards is at the discretion of the AO. At the minimum, a copy
of the agreement document and all amendments to the award must be part of the
official award file and provided to the:
Recipient,
AOR,
Office responsible for payment under the agreement, and
Accounting station, if it is different from the office responsible for payment.
If payment is by letter of credit, the AO must immediately send a scanned copy of the
award and any amendment by email to the Bureau for Management, Office of the Chief
Financial Officer, Cash Management and Payment Division (M/CFO/CMP) at the Letter
of Credit Activity mailbox: loc@usaid.gov. Because the funds are obligated when the
AO signs the award, the AO should not obtain the recipient’s signature before sending
the award to M/CFO/CMP. The AO must provide M/CFO/CMP with the signed award
letter or amendment cover page, accounting and appropriation data, and the schedule.
The AO must send the award or amendment to M/CFO/CMP within 10 business days
after signing it.
303.3.18 Award Administration
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
Award administration includes all interactions concerning the award between USAID
officials and the recipient from the time the award is made until the end of USAID
support. The specific nature and extent of award administration varies from award to
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
award in the normal exercise of Federal responsibilities. It ranges from reviewing and
analyzing performance reports and performing site visits to specific elements of
substantial involvement by USAID under a cooperative agreement.
The Agency's role in administration is limited to measuring and evaluating the recipient's
progress and any appropriate involvement. The Agency and its representatives must
not control or try to control the recipient’s or any sub-recipient’s day-to-day management
of the program.
a. Administrative Duties. The AOR and the AO share in the oversight of an
assistance award. It is essential that they work as a team in order to administer
the grant or cooperative agreement effectively. While there is a clear division of
responsibility between the functions, AO and AOR functions are closely related
and cannot be performed in isolation from each other. Both the AO and AOR’s
actions must be limited to monitoring the recipient’s progress in achieving the
objectives of the program description and verifying that the activities being
funded by USAID conform to the terms and conditions of the award.
The AO provides oversight of the financial management aspects of the award
through reviews of reports, correspondence, site visits, or other appropriate
means. When necessary, the AO will request or arrange for special audits. The
AO is responsible for all award suspensions and terminations, except for
terminations based on national interest, which the Assistant Administrator has
authority over.
If program income is anticipated to be earned under the award, it should be
addressed in Section IV of the RFA or APS and documented in the award. As
part of an AOR’s financial management responsibilities, the AOR is responsible
for monitoring program income throughout the life of the award. (See 2 CFR
200.307 or, for non-U.S. organizations, see the provision “Program Income.”)
The AO should give a post-award orientation to the recipient and AOR to clarify
the roles and responsibilities of the USAID officials who will administer the award.
If the AO delegates specific authority to the AOR, the AO must notify the
recipient in writing of the delegation, either in the schedule of the award or a
letter. The AO must ensure that the award does not include administrative
approvals that are in conflict with the regulations and policies of 2 CFR 200 and 2
CFR 700, ADS 303maa, Standard Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental
Organizations, and ADS 303mab, Standard Provisions for Non-U.S.
Nongovernmental Organizations. If the AOR becomes aware of any other
administrative requirements imposed on the recipient, the AOR must immediately
notify the AO.
The AO is the records custodian for all official communication that constitutes an
amendment of the award. The AOR keeps the AO informed of the recipient’s
performance. The AOR must ensure that the AO receives copies of all
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
performance and financial status reports, as appropriate. The AOR reviews all
performance and financial reports for adequacy and responsiveness. When
reports are not on time, inadequate, or some other problem becomes apparent,
the AOR advises the AO to take the necessary action.
The AOR must ensure that the recipient submits reports or deliverables under
the award to the DEC. The types of documentation the recipient must submit are
found in ADS 540.3.2.5, Documentation Grantees Submit to the
Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC). Documentation that is not
considered development experience material is described in ADS 540.3.2.6,
Documentation Agency Contractors Must Not Submit. ADS 540.3.2.11,
Where to Submit Development Experience Documentation, provides the Web
site and mailing address for submitting material. Additionally, the AOR must
ensure that recipients submit data to the Development Data Library in
accordance with ADS 579.
When an amendment to the award is necessary, the AOR must prepare the
necessary internal documentation to support the amendment and meet the
satisfaction of the AO.
b. Site Visits. Site visits are an important part of effective award administration
because they usually allow a more effective review of the project. Site visits
occur as needed and do not take place on a set schedule. Joint visits by the AO
and the AOR are encouraged. When the AO or AOR makes a site visit, the AO
or AOR must write a brief report highlighting the findings and file the report in the
official award file.
c. Terminations. AOs must notify the Suspending and Debarring Official (SDO)
and the Bureau for Management, Office of Acquisition and Assistance,
Compliance Division (M/OAA/C) in writing at least five (5) days prior to
proceeding with a termination based on failure to comply with the terms and
conditions of an award. The AO must provide the following information to the
SDO at compliance@usaid.gov:
Recipient’s name,
DUNS No.,
Address,
Award number,
Period of Performance
AO and AOR names,
Period of Performance,
Award value, and
Reasons for termination.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
303.3.19 Unauthorized Commitments and Expenditures Requiring Prior
Approvals
Effective Date: 06/01/2006
a. Unauthorized Commitments. When a USAID official, who does not have the
authority to do so, acts in a way that leads a recipient or potential recipient acting
in good faith to believe that USAID has committed to make a specific award;
change the amount of an existing award; or, revise an existing award budget,
program description, or any of the terms and conditions of the award, the official
has made an unauthorized commitment. It is against U.S. Government and
USAID policy to enter into unauthorized commitments.
When the AO believes that an unauthorized commitment should be ratified and
recommends payment, and the cognizant General Counsel or Resident Legal
Officer concurs with the recommendation, the AO submits an action
memorandum through the M/OAA/Evaluation Division to the Director, M/OAA, for
ratification. The memorandum must show:
Evidence that the grant would otherwise have been proper, if made
by an appropriate AO;
The AO reviewing the unauthorized commitment must determine
the cost to be reasonable;
The provided program has furthered USAID’s objectives;
The findings of facts essential to the situation, arranged
chronologically with cross-references to supporting enclosures;
The nature of the unauthorized commitment and funds citation;
Funds are available and was available at the time the unauthorized
commitment was made;
The recommended disposition; and
A written statement from the person who made the unauthorized
commitment. This statement must detail how the mistake occurred,
what training the individual has received from the AO on proper
procedures since the incident, and what steps will be taken to
prevent future unauthorized commitments.
Only the Director, M/OAA, has the authority to ratify unauthorized commitments.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
b. Expenditures Requiring Prior Approval. Recipients must comply with prior
approval requirements that are established in the agreement. Failure to comply
with prior approval requirements generally causes USAID to deem the costs
unallowable.
When it is in the best interest of the Federal Government and funds are available,
the AO may review the facts and circumstances of the expenditure made without
prior approval and approve the expense if the:
Expenditures must be otherwise allocable, allowable, and
reasonable.
AO could have approved the expenditures at the time that they
were made.
AO has the authority to approve the same type of expenditure at
the time of the request for approval.
Approval promotes efficient implementation of USAID’s program, or
Facts and circumstances of the expenditure show that the recipient
was not grossly negligent and did not intend to circumvent USAID
requirements.
The recipient must submit a written request to the AO addressing the criteria set
out above and the AO must make a written determination.
303.3.20 Controlling Language
Effective Date: 06/01/2006
It is USAID policy that English is the official language of all award documents because a
translation may not convey the full meaning of the original. If an award or any
supporting documents are provided in both English and a foreign language, each
document must state that the English language version is the controlling version.
Source and Nationality Rules
(1) 22 CFR 228 “Procurement of Commodities and Services Financed by
USAID Federal Program Funds” is the regulation that governs the source
and nationality of goods and services procured with USAID funds. This
regulation applies to USAID-financed goods and services procured by a
recipient and sub-recipients (see the provision entitled “USAID Eligibility
Rules for Goods and Services” in the Standard Provision for U.S.
Nongovernmental Organizations and Standard Provisions for Non-U.S.
Nongovernmental Organizations). 22 CFR 228 provides those
circumstances to which Source and Nationality rules do not apply.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(2) 22 CFR 228 does not apply to the selection and award of subawards as
defined at 2 CFR 200.92.
303.3.21 Subawards
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
a. Subawards to PIOs and Partner Government Entities
If appropriate, a recipient may enter into a subaward with a Public International
Organization (PIO), and in exceptional circumstances with a partner government
entity (also known as a partner government implementing entity as defined in
ADS 220).
Subawards that provide funds (excluding ”in-kind” grants, technical assistance or
other activities provided to or on behalf of the partner government entities) to
partner government entities for activities to be implemented by the entity must
meet the conditions, requirements, and approvals outlined in this section. The
requirements in this section do not apply to subawards to a partner government
entity solely for “in-kind” contributions, technical assistance, or other activities
provided by the recipient to or on behalf of the partner government entity.
Prior to an AO approving a subaward that provides funds (excluding “in-kind”
grants, technical assistance and other activities provided to or on behalf of the
partner government entity) to a partner government entity for activities to be
implemented by that entity, the AO must verify that these types of subawards
have been approved either in:
(1) The Project Appraisal Document (PAD) (or PAD amendment) (ADS 201); or
(2) A Determination and Finding (D&F), as outlined below.
(a) If the Operating Unit (OU) has not addressed subawards to partner
government entities in the PAD (or PAD Amendment), the OU must
prepare a D&F that documents:
(i) How a subaward to a partner government entity is consistent with
the decisions and results under the Public Financial Management
Risk Assessment Framework (PFMRAF), if any (see ADS 220);
(ii) How the subaward will contribute to sustainability other than in
cases where immediate development results outweigh
sustainability goals;
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(iii) That there are no alternative means to achieve the foreign
assistance purpose other than through subawards to partner
government entities; and
(iv) That any partner government subawardee financial risks identified
by the recipient will be mitigated or addressed in the subaward.
(b) The D&F must be prepared by the OU and cleared by the RLO/GC,
AO, and M/CFO/Mission Controller. The D&F must be approved by
the Mission Director for subawards under Mission executed awards,
and by the cognizant Pillar Bureau Assistant Administrator, in
consultation with the relevant Regional AAs, for subawards under
USAID/Washington executed awards. The OU must provide a copy of
the signed D&F to the AO to be included in the award file.
(c) The subaward must include language that captures the audit,
monitoring, reporting, and oversight requirements in the recipient’s
award. This is not subject to deviation. The subaward must also
include the appropriate flow-down requirements from the prime award.
(d) After 07/28/2019 in addition to the clearances above, all D&Fs must be
approved by the Bureau AA and the AA for Management. It is USAID
policy to increase its direct assistance to partner governments to
achieve sustainable development results. No prime award may
contain subawards that provide funds to partner government entities
unless a D&F as specified paragraph b.(2) above is approved by the
cognizant Bureau AA (in consultation with relevant Pillar or Regional
AAs, as applicable) and the AA for Management, prior to subaward
approval by the AO. Before any subsequent subawards to partner
government entities are made, the D&F must include a statement of
the actions the OU will take to increase direct assistance to partner
governments.
b. Applicable Standard Provisions
A U.S. recipient providing a sub-award to a non-U.S. organization must use the
Standard Provisions for a Non-U.S. Non-Governmental Organization. A non-
U.S. recipient providing an award to a U.S. organization must use the Standard
Provisions for U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations. For subawards to PIOs,
the recipient must use the Standard Provisions for Cost-Type Awards to PIOs in
ADS 308, Awards to Public International Organizations.
For sub-awards to partner government entities, in addition to the requirements in
Section 303.3.21.a.(2)(c) above, the prime awardee must flow down the
appropriate terms and conditions to meet the requirements of the prime award.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
For additional information on standard terms and conditions relating to
Government-to-Government agreements, see the Additional Help Documents
found in ADS Chapters 220. When questions arise concerning the appropriate
provisions for subawards, the AO must consult with the cognizant attorney in GC
or the cognizant RLO. An approved deviation (303.3.3) is required before the
recipient may deviate from the terms and conditions of its award from USAID;
however no deviation will be authorized from the audit, monitoring, reporting, and
oversight mandatory and applicable standard provisions and requirements in
303.3.21a(2)(c).
c. Defense Base Act Insurance
The Defense Base Act does not apply to grants and cooperative agreements nor
to subawards under these instruments. Although the Defense Base Act rate
does not apply to grants and cooperative agreements, recipients who desire to
purchase DBA coverage may negotiate rates at the discretion of the insurance
carrier (see ADS 302sap, Guidelines for DBA Coverage for Direct and Host
Country Contracts).
Recipients must require contractors who are awarded procurement contracts
under the assistance instruments to obtain Defense Base Act coverage for their
employees performing services overseas.
303.3.22 The Role of the Agreement Officer in the Debt Collection Process
Effective Date: 08/22/2013
The Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 and the Debt Collection Improvement
Act of 1996 (DCIA) mandates that agencies comply with standard, Government-wide
debt collection procedures and centralize the Government-wide collection of delinquent
debt. USAID’s policy on debt collection can be found in 22 CFR 213, Claims Collection;
2 CFR 200.345, Collection of Amounts Due; and ADS 625, Accounts Receivable and
Debt Collection (see ADS 303san, Agreement Officers Role in Debt Collection for
additional guidance.
The AO is responsible for determining if a debt is owed by the recipient and the amount
of the debt owed. Preferably, the amount of the debt will be determined by a negotiated
settlement between the AO and the recipient. However, if the parties do not agree on
the amount, the AO must unilaterally determine the amount of the debt (see 625.3.4.1
Claims Originating Under Acquisition and Assistance Instruments and 625.3.4.2
Claims Originating Under Financial Audit.) If the recipient disagrees with the AO’s
determination, see 303.3.23 below.
The AO must promptly issue a demand letter for payment of such debt. A proper
written notice ensures the Agency has a legally enforceable debt. The initial demand
letter must include the appropriate information and due process procedures contained in
22 CFR 213.9 Written Notice. Even if the debt is or will be the subject of a bilateral
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
amendment or the recipient has agreed to repay the debt, the AO must issue a demand
letter as soon as the AO has determined that an actual debt is due. The AO must send
a copy of each demand letter to the cognizant billing office immediately upon issuance,
and request acknowledgement of receipt. Collection of the debt is the responsibility of
the billing office (Mission Controller or M/CFO/WFS).
If the recipient requests approval of installment payments, see 22 CFR 213.19
Installment Payments for relevant regulations and procedures.
303.3.23 Disputes and Appeals
Effective Date: 06/18/2012
2 CFR 700.15 and the ADS 303mab, Standard Provision for Non-U.S.
Nongovernmental Organizations “Disputes and Appeals” establishes that the AO
decides any dispute between the recipient as defined in 2 CFR 200.86, and USAID
arising under the assistance award. The AO’s decision is final unless the recipient
appeals the decision as outlined below.
303.3.23.1 Disputes
Effective Date: 06/01/2006
The AO must give the recipient a written final decision within sixty (60) calendar days of
receiving notice from the recipient of a dispute. If the AO is not able to reach a final
decision within that time, the AO must notify the recipient that he or she requires more
time to consider the dispute. The AO must place a copy of the final decision in the
award files.
303.3.23.2 Appeals
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
If the recipient disagrees with the AO’s final decision, the recipient may appeal the AO’s
decision to the Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Management, or designee. The
appeal must be in writing and must be postmarked within thirty (30) calendar days of
receipt of the AO’s final decision. The recipient must include all relevant and material
evidence to support its position and must provide a copy of the appeal to the AO. If
USAID has issued a Bill of Collection, the Bill of Collection may be suspended in
accordance with ADS 625 pending resolution of the appeal.
Immediately upon receiving an appeal, the Assistant Administrator, Bureau for
Management, or designee, and the AO must forward the appeal to the Bureau for
Management, Office of Acquisition and Assistance, Compliance Division (M/OAA/C) at
compliance@usaid.gov. M/OAA/C will:
Consult with other divisions within M/OAA as needed before preparing a
recommendation for the deciding official; and
Coordinate a review by GC/A&A and/or GC/LE.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Within sixty (60) calendar days of receiving the appeal, M/OAA/C must notify the
recipient of the status (i.e., denied, approved, or more time is needed).
303.3.24 Simplified Grants
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
A deviation is not required from the requirements of 2 CFR 200 or the policies of this
chapter in order to use a Simplified Grant for small awards on a cost reimbursement
basis as described below. For Fixed Amount Awards, see 303.3.25. Except as
discussed in paragraphs a through h below, a grant using the Simplified Grant Format
generally does not include any of the Standard Provisions used for USAID grants.
USAID may authorize advance payments if the conditions for advance payments in
ADS 636, Program Funded Advances and 2 CFR 200 Subpart D apply.
The AO may award a Simplified Grant, if the grant meets all of the following conditions:
a. The assistance instrument is a grant, not a cooperative agreement.
b. The total grant amount does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
c. The recipient will not purchase any goods or services, except as authorized
pursuant to 22 CFR 228 or ADS 310, Source and Nationality Requirements
for Procurement of Commodities and Services Financed by USAID or any
applicable waivers, and the recipient will not purchase any single item that has a
useful life over one year and a cost of $5,000 or more.
d. The recipient has signed pre-award certifications as required in 303.3.8.
e. The grant requires the recipient to allow USAID access to its records for up to
three years after the end date of the grant, and the recipient will refund USAID for
any funds it receives for any costs that did not meet the terms and conditions of
the grant.
f. The Simplified Grant Format is only authorized when all costs under the
award are direct costs. This format is not authorized for awards that
include indirect costs.
g. The AO may modify the Simplified Grant Format as long as the agreement
includes the applicable Standard Provision for related costs in the small grant
award, and if the support of international travel or the purchase of equipment is
necessary for performance of the grant.
h. The grant must be included in any audit required by 2 CFR 200 or ADS 591.3.2.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
303.3.25 Fixed Amount Awards to Non-Governmental Organizations
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
A fixed amount award is a type of assistance award where USAID provides a specific
level of support and where payment is not based upon the actual costs incurred by the
recipient. This type of Federal award reduces some of the administrative burden and
record-keeping requirements for both the non-Federal entity and USAID. Accountability
is based primarily on performance and results.
A Fixed Amount Award is appropriate for supporting projects with very specific and
defined elements, when the AO is confident that a reasonable estimate of the actual
cost of the overall effort can be established, and USAID can define accomplishment of
the purpose of the grant through defined milestones.
It is essential that 1) the program scope is specific and 2) adequate cost, historical, or
pricing data is available to establish a fixed amount award with assurance that the
recipient will realize no increment above the actual cost.
Because payments under Fixed Amount Awards are based on the achievement of
milestones, the structure of the payments is very important. USAID pays the recipient a
set amount when it accomplishes a milestone. The AO may follow the guidance in ADS
303saj, Fixed Amount Awards to Non-Governmental Organizations for structuring
the grant milestones to provide the recipient with the necessary financial liquidity for the
performance of the activity.
USAID may also authorize advance payments when recipients meet the conditions for
advance payments in ADS 636, 2 CFR 200 Subpart D, and if providing liquidity through
an initial financing milestone is not sufficient to meet implementation requirements.
The procedures in this ADS section, ADS 303saj, Fixed Amount Awards to Non-
Governmental Organizations, and ADS 303mak, Fixed Amount Award Entity
Eligibility Checklist must be used in lieu of those specified in 303.3.9. The criteria in
the section of the Checklist for pre-award financial review for advances, adequately
address the conditions for advances in ADS 636 and 2 CFR 200 Subpart D.
Grant closeout is accomplished by the AOR’s acceptance of the final milestone and
approval of payment.
a. Factors for Determining the Use of a Fixed Amount Award
In order for an AO to use a Fixed Amount Award, the following conditions apply:
(1) The award complies with the conditions for fixed amounts awards found at 2
CFR Part 200.201.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(2) The assistance instrument is a grant, not a cooperative agreement.
(3) The AO, technical office, and M/CFO (Washington) or Controller (overseas)
have complied with the requirements of ADS 303mak, Fixed Amount Award
Entity Eligibility Checklist, including ensuring that the recipient has signed
pre-award certifications, as specified in ADS 303.3.8.
(4) The prospective recipient, technical office, and AO must be able to identify
and quantify programmatic accomplishments or results in establishing grant
milestones. For further guidance, see ADS 303saj, Fixed Amount Awards
to Non-Governmental Organizations.
(5) The AO, with the advice of the technical office and M/CFO (Washington) or
the Controller (overseas) , must assess the risk factors that could prevent the
proposed recipient from completing the activity or require a substantial
change in the milestones. The operating unit must not use the Fixed Amount
Award mechanism if there is an unacceptably high risk of failure or substantial
changes in the milestones are expected as the recipient implements its
program. The AO and technical office must document the risk assessment
and may use the guidance in ADS 303saj, Fixed Amount Awards to Non-
Governmental Organizations.
(6) Adequate cost information must be available to allow the AO to determine
and negotiate the fixed amount of the grant and payment structure. The fixed
amount should include all reasonable costs, as determined by the AO. For
further guidance concerning the cost information required and payment
structuring, see ADS 303saj, Fixed Amount Awards to Non-Governmental
Organizations and ADS 303mak, Fixed Amount Award Entity Eligibility
Checklist.
(7) The AO must document the rationale for selecting the Fixed Amount Award
mechanism.
(8) The duration of the Fixed Amount Award must not exceed three years.
(9) The Fixed Amount Award must not include the purchase of any real property.
b. Required Provisions for a Fixed Amount Awards
(1) The AO must ensure that the Fixed Amount Award includes all of the
Mandatory Provisions from ADS 303mat, Standard Provisions for Fixed
Amount Awards to Nongovernmental Organizations. In addition, the AO
must ensure the Fixed Amount Award includes ONLY the applicable
“Required, As Applicable” provisions from ADS 303mat, Standard
Provisions for Fixed Amount Awards to Nongovernmental
Organizations.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(2) The AO must use the ADS 303sal, Sample Fixed Amount Award as a
template.
c. Amending Milestones
The AO may amend milestones during the period of the grant, if the original milestones
are no longer feasible or appropriate due to circumstances beyond the control of the
recipient, and if the amended milestones are compatible with and satisfy the original
purpose of the grant. The AO may terminate the grant if the AO concludes that multiple
or substantial amendments indicate that continuing the grant is no longer in the best
interests of the Agency. For additional guidance, see ADS 303saj, Fixed Amount
Awards to Non-Governmental Organizations.
d. Disposition of Equipment or Property
Recipients must not procure real property under a Fixed Amount Award. Real property
means land, including land improvements, structures and appurtenances thereto, but
excludes movable machinery and equipment. Personal property is any tangible or
intangible property other than real property.
Depending on the activities funded and milestones established by the Fixed Amount
Award, a recipient may procure equipment or personal property in order to accomplish a
milestone. The distinction between whether purchase of the equipment or personal
property is a milestone or is one possible means by which the recipient may accomplish
a milestone is important for certain aspects of the award. Unless a milestone is itself
the purchase of the equipment or personal property, milestones must not list equipment
or personal property a recipient may potentially purchase to accomplish the milestone,
but the costs of such equipment or personal property may be included in the budget
from which milestone payment amounts are estimated and negotiated. Regardless of
whether the equipment or personal property is listed in or as a milestone, the Fixed
Amount Award must state that title to the equipment or personal property vests in the
recipient upon acquisition with the condition that the recipient must use the equipment
or personal property for the grant as long as it is needed for such.
If a milestone under a Fixed Amount Award requires the recipient to procure equipment
or personal property, and such requirement is specifically provided in the milestone,
then:
(1) The grant must require that the purchase be in accordance with 22 CFR
228, ADS 310, ADS 312, Eligibility of Commodities and any applicable
waivers,
(2) The “Required, As Applicable” provisions from the ADS 303mat,
Mandatory Standard Provisions for Fixed Amount Awards to
Nongovernmental Organizations applicable to the purchase of the
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
equipment or personal property must be included in the Fixed Amount
Award, and
(3) The grant must include disposition instructions for the equipment or
property. For additional guidance, see ADS 303saj, Fixed Amount
Awards to Non-Governmental Organizations.
303.3.26 Leader with Associate Awards
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
A Leader with Associate (LWA) Award involves the issuance of a Leader Award that
covers a specified worldwide activity. The Leader Award includes language that allows
a Mission or other office to make one or more separate awards, called Associate
Awards, to the Leader Award recipient without using restricted eligibility. The Associate
Award must be within the terms and scope of the program description of the Leader
Award and support a distinct local or regional activity.
Leader with Associate Awards must not be confused with Indefinite Delivery Indefinite
Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts that are used in acquisition or any of the procedures used
under an IDIQ. As examples, a Leader Award cannot be made without a program
description and a budget with sufficient funds to carry out the program description in the
Leader Award, and Associate Awards are not made using fair opportunity procedures.
a. Justification for Use of a Leader with Associate Instrument
(1) The Choice of Instrument Memo provided by the OU in accordance with
ADS 304 must describe in detail why the proposed LWA is necessary and
why a non-LWA grant or cooperative agreement will not achieve the
program objectives. The justification in the memo must include one or
more of the following:
The specific, quantifiable, and demonstrable economies of scale or
responsive timing to be achieved through use of the LWA,
Whether any specific, identified needs in non-presence countries
can best be addressed through an LWA, and
How the LWA will achieve the Agency goal of centralizing
knowledge or expertise or demonstrating global technical
leadership in a specific technical area.
(2) If the LWA has a combined ceiling (Leader and all Associate Awards) of
$75 million or more, the Choice of Instrument Memo’s justification must
also:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Specify what specialized technical skills are required to plan and
manage the activities that are not available in the field, or
Demonstrate that an anticipated and frequent need to respond to
compelling urgent programmatic requirements cannot be foreseen
in terms of location, timing, or magnitude and can best be met
through the use of a LWA.
(3) If “buy-ins” (i.e. mission funding into the Leader or centrally managed
Associate Awards) will be permitted under the LWA, the Choice of
Instrument Memo must propose a ceiling on the size of individual “buy-
ins.” This ceiling must also be included in the RFA and the award. The
memo must also include an analysis of why buy-ins are more
advantageous to the Agency than individual Associate Awards. “Buy-ins”
may be justified by a discussion of one or more of the following conditions:
The highly technical or specialized nature of the program and the
lack of field staff with the required expertise to plan or manage such
activities, or
An anticipated frequent need to respond to truly urgent
programmatic requirements that cannot be foreseen in terms of
location, timing, or magnitude, or
Needs in non-presence countries
For any proposed individual buy-in ceiling in excess of $1 million, the
Activity Manager must provide compelling justification in the Choice of
Instrument Memo documenting why an individual associate award is not
appropriate.
b. Competition of Leader Award
The AO must issue a Request for Applications (RFA) for every Leader with
Associate Award following the procedures in 303.3.5.2. AOs must not award
LWAs based on Annual Program Statements, unsolicited applications or with
restricted eligibility, unless a deviation is authorized in accordance with the
requirements of 303.3.4. The RFA must state that the competition covers both
the initial Leader Award and all subsequent Associate Awards, and specify a
ceiling on the total amount of funding for all Associate Awards.
c. Total Amount and Funding
The AO must specify the Total Estimated Amount of the Leader Award and the
ceiling on the cumulative total amount of funding for Associate Awards in the
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
RFA and the Leader Award. These amounts must not be exceeded without a
justification to restrict eligibility, in accordance with 303.3.6.5a. Each Associate
Award must specify the total award amount for that instrument. Likewise, the
RFA must state that there is no guarantee regarding the number or amount of
Associate Awards.
The RFA and resulting Leader Award must state whether missions will be
permitted to provide funding through “buy-ins” to the Leader Award or centrally-
managed Associate Awards. If “buy-ins” will be permitted, a ceiling on individual
“buy-ins” under the Leader or Associate Awards must be established within the
terms of the Leader Award.
Leader and Associate Awards are separately obligated instruments. An
obligation under the Leader Award is not transferable to Associate Awards (nor
transferable from the Associate Awards to the Leader Award or other Associate
Awards) without a deobligation and reobligation of funds in accordance with ADS
621.
d. Pre-Award Requirements for Associate Awards
Once an AO selects a recipient pursuant to an RFA for a Leader with Associate
Award, the eligibility for any Associate Award issued within the terms and
conditions of the Leader Award will be limited to the recipient of the Leader
Award. The AO’s risk determination of the recipient for the Leader Award applies
to Associate Awards. However, before awarding an Associate Award, the AO
must verify that the applicant does not:
Have active exclusions in SAM (www.sam.gov);
Appear on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked
Persons List maintained by the U.S. Treasury for the Office of Foreign
Assets Control, sometimes referred to as the “OFAC List” (online at:
http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-
List/Pages/default.aspx); and
Appear on the United Nations Security designation list (online at:
http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/aq_sanctions_list.shtml).
The AO for the Associate Award must not require additional documentation
concerning the recipient’s financial or other management systems, unless there
is reason to believe that the recipient does not meet the criteria in 303.3.9.
The AO must obtain the required certifications (see 303.3.8) prior to the
execution of the Leader Award. Before the AO may award an Associate Award,
the recipient must affirm that those certifications remain valid or provide new
certifications (see ADS 303mad, Affirmation of Certifications).
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
USAID may issue more than one Leader Award for a program under the RFA if
the Bureau determines that it is appropriate. However, USAID must not compete
Associate Awards among the different recipients of the Leader Awards.
The AO has the discretion to issue one or more Associate Awards to a Leader
Award recipient or to issue more than one Associate Award under different
Leader Awards for a program. When a Leader Award recipient works with a
consortium or subrecipients, any Associate Awards under the Leader Award
must be issued to the Leader Award recipient, not to any of the consortium or
subrecipient members. The recipient of the Leader Award may make subawards
to the consortium members as necessary for the program. The Leader Award
must include a requirement for the recipient to provide a programmatic report,
either semi-annually or annually, to the AOR that summarizes activities
undertaken, progress made/results achieved, trends, or problems under both the
Leader Award and all Associate Awards.
e. Length of Award
The period of performance for a Leader Award must not exceed five years. AOs
may extend a Leader Award for up to a cumulative period of ten years for
purposes of the Leader Award activities using a justification to restrict eligibility
based on 303.3.6.5a. AOs may issue Associate Awards at any time during the
period of performance of the Leader Award. The period of performance for an
Associate Award must not exceed five years. AOs may extend individual
Associate Awards for a cumulative period of up to ten years using a justification
to restrict eligibility based on 303.3.6.5a, but not more than five years beyond the
expiration of the Leader Award. AOs must not extend a Leader or Associate
Award more than five years into the future at any given time.
USAID does not fund activities under the Leader Award after its expiration date.
After completion of the activities under the Leader Award, if funds are available,
the AOR may request that the recipient provides a report on lessons learned.
f. Procedures for Issuing an Associate Award
After the AO awards the Leader Award, the AO sends a copy of the award to all
Missions, along with any necessary guidance or instructions regarding issuance
of Associate Awards. AOs may issue Associate Awards for activities within the
programmatic scope of the Leader Award. Leader Awards are also posted on
the USAID Business and Acquisition and Assistance Intranet site
(https://pages.usaid.gov/M/OAA/assistance-resources).
Before requesting the AO to issue an Associate Award, the Activity Manager
must consult with the AOR of the Leader Award. The AOR of the Leader Award
must concur that the program description for an Associate Award is within the
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
program description and does not extend beyond the scope of the program area,
project goal, project purpose, sub-purposes, outputs and overall results
framework of the Leader Award. After receiving the AOR’s concurrence, either
the AO, or the Activity Manager with the AO’s consent, may request the Leader
Award recipient to provide an application. The request includes a background
statement; a brief program description outlining the area of activity; host country
involvement; funding; any period limitation; and, description of why the activity
falls under the Leader Award. The RFA for an Associate Award must request a
response to the program description and an associated budget.
An SF-424 is not required. The Activity Manager must review the application and
provide comments to the AO responsible for the Associate Award. The AO
issuing the Associate Award must ensure that the Associate Award is within the
scope of the Leader Award when reviewing the recipient’s proposed costs and
negotiating the final award. The AO has the decision authority whether or not to
award the Associate Award.
The AO may execute an Associate Award as a grant or a cooperative
agreement, independent of whether the Leader Award is a grant or cooperative
agreement. If an Associate cooperative agreement is selected, the AO must
specify the terms of any substantial involvement in the award. Such substantial
involvement must be consistent with the requirements of 303.3.11 and the
program description for the particular Associate Award. The AO must use the
standard grant or cooperative agreement award format for the Associate Award.
The AO must include appropriate language in the schedule of the Associate
Award, requiring the recipient to provide copies of all program and financial
reports to the AOR of the Associate Award with copies of all programmatic
reports to the AOR of the Leader Award. The schedule of the Associate Award
must also specify:
The Authorized Geographic Code for procurement, if it is different
from the Leader Award;
Any cost sharing requirements; and
Any additional standard provisions, such as Title to and Care of Property
(Cooperating Country),that may not be included in the Leader Award, but
are necessary to the Associate Award.
g. Amendments to Associate Awards
Amendments to associate awards may be restricted to the recipient of the
Associate Award, only if the amendment does not extend beyond the scope of
the program area, project goal, project purpose, sub-purposes, outputs and
overall results framework, period of performance, total amount and other terms
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
and conditions of the Leader Award. If the amendment to the associate award
extends beyond the areas listed in the preceding sentence then the amendment
must comply with the requirements found in ADS 303.3.6.5.
Any proposed buy-in under a Leader or centrally-managed Associate Award
must have a detailed description of the work to be done, its timing, and estimated
cost/budget. All documentation must be submitted to the AO and the relevant
Bureau by July 1 for the buy-in obligation to be completed by the end of the fiscal
year.
h. File Documentation
The AO’s file documentation for Associate Awards must include
A copy of the Activity Manager’s consultation with the AOR for the Leader
Award;
The request for the recipient’s application;
The recipient's application with affirmation of certifications found in 303.3.8;
A memorandum of negotiation, including a cost review; and
A copy of the final Associate Award (a copy must be sent to the AOR for the
Leader Award) and a copy of the Leader Award.
303.3.27 Public-Private Partnerships
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
Public-Private Partnership awards including Global Development Alliance (GDA)
awards, private sector engagements and other Global Development Lab awards provide
resource leverage (see below) from sources outside USAID. The Activity Manager
should consult closely with the Office of Innovation and Development Alliances, Global
Partnerships Division (IDEA/PS), the Assistance Executive, the Office of the General
Counsel or RLO when developing the program description for these types of awards.
Additional guidance may be found at the GDA Web site (available on the USAID
internal website only).
Leveraging represents all of the non-USAID resources (excluding cost sharing) that are
expected to be applied to a program. Leveraging is limited to Public-Private Partnership
awards. Leveraging includes resources that third-parties bring to the program without
necessarily providing them to the recipient of the USAID assistance award. These
parties may include the host government, private foundations, businesses, or
individuals. The recipient is not responsible for meeting the leveraging
amounts/resources and leveraging is not subject to audit.
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Public-Private Partnerships awards may include cost sharing. If the award includes cost
sharing, the recipient must meet the cost-sharing amount and requirements, and the
cost-sharing is subject to audit.
For more information regarding leveraging, please refer to the GDA home page and
USAID Global Partnerships (available on the USAID internal website only).
303.3.28 Participation of Faith-Based and Community Organizations
Effective Date: 06/30/2016
a. In accordance with Executive Order 13279, Equal Protection for the Laws for
Faith-Based and Community Organizations, Executive Order 13559,
Fundamental Principles and Policymaking Criteria for Partnerships With
Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations, and 22 CFR 205,
Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs, the following
principles guide USAID on the participation of faith-based and community
organizations in USAID-funded programs:
(1) The Federal Government must distribute Federal financial assistance for
social service programs in the most effective and efficient manner possible
(see Executive Order 13559).
(2) All eligible organizations, including faith-based and other community
organizations, must be able to apply on an equal footing for Federal
financial assistance used to support social service programs and
participate in any program for which they are eligible.
(a) USAID, recipients, and subawardees who administer USAID
funded programs, must not discriminate for or against an
organization on the basis of the organization's religious character or
affiliation [see 22 CFR 205.1(a)]. USAID must not disqualify
religious organizations from participating in USAID's programs
because such organizations are motivated or influenced by
religious faith to provide social services (see 22 CFR 205.1(f)).
Decisions about awards of USAID financial assistance must be free
from political interference or even the appearance of such
interference and must be made on the basis of merit, not on the
basis of the religious affiliation of a recipient organization, or lack
thereof (see 22 CFR 205.1(j)). Additionally, when limiting eligibility
using the local eligibility exception (303.3.6.5), USAID must not limit
eligibility solely to either faith-based or secular organizations.
(b) All organizations, whether religious or secular, that participate in
USAID programs, including through an award or subaward, must
carry out eligible activities in accordance with all program
requirements and other applicable requirements governing the
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
conduct of USAID-funded activities, including those prohibiting the
use of direct financial assistance from USAID to engage in explicitly
religious activities, including activities that involve overt religious
content such as worship, religious instruction, prayer, or
proselytization (see 22 CFR 205.1(f)).
(c) Faith-based organizations must not be required, as a condition of
Federal assistance, to sacrifice their independence, autonomy,
expression, or religious character. A faith-based organization that
applies for or participates in USAID-funded programs or services,
including through an award or subaward, may retain its
independence and may continue to carry out its mission, including
the definition, development, practice, and expression of its religious
beliefs, provided that it does not use direct financial assistance from
USAID to support or engage in any explicitly religious activities.
Among other things, faith-based organizations may use their
facilities to provide social services supported by USAID, without
removing or altering religious art, icons, scriptures, or other
symbols from these facilities. In addition, a faith-based
organization may retain authority over its internal governance and it
may retain religious terms in its organization’s name, select its
board members on a religious basis, and include religious
references in its mission statements and other chartering or
governing documents (see 22 CFR 205.1(c)).
(d) Organizations that receive direct financial assistance under any
USAID program, including through an award or subaward, may not
engage in explicitly religious activities as part of the programs or
services funded by USAID. Explicitly religious activities must be
offered separately, in time or location, from the programs or
services funded with direct financial assistance from USAID, and
participation must be voluntary for beneficiaries of the programs or
services funded with such assistance [see 22 CFR 205.1(b)].
(e) USAID funds may not be used for activities that are not permitted
by Establishment Clause jurisprudence or otherwise by law [see 22
CFR 205.1(d)].
(f) An organization that participates in programs funded by financial
assistance from USAID, including through an award or subaward,
must not, in providing services, discriminate against a program
beneficiary or potential program beneficiary on the basis of religion
or religious belief, refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to
attend or participate in a religious practice [see 22 CFR 205.1(e)].
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
(g) A religious organization's exemption from the Federal prohibition
on employment discrimination on the basis of religion, set forth in
Sec. 702(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000e1, is
not forfeited when the organization receives financial assistance
from USAID [see 22 CFR 205.1(g)].
(h) Solicitations that require organizations to have nonprofit status will
specifically so indicate in the eligibility section of a solicitation [see
22 CFR 205.1(h)]. In USAID programs in which an applicant must
show that it is a nonprofit organization, other than programs which
are limited to registered Private and Voluntary Organizations, the
applicant may do so using any of the following:
Proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the
applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax
deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code;
A statement from a state taxing body or the state secretary of
state certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization
operating within the state; and no part of its net earnings lawfully
benefit any private shareholder or individual;
A certified copy of the applicant's certificate of incorporation or
similar document that clearly establishes the nonprofit status of
the applicant; or
Any item described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this
section if that item applies to a state or national parent
organization, together with a statement by the state or parent
organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.
b. The Secretary of State may waive the requirements of this section in whole or in
part, on a case-by-case basis, where the Secretary determines that such waiver
is necessary to further the national security or foreign policy interests of the
United States [see 22 CFR 205.1(i)].
c. Clarification Regarding Proper Implementation and Use of Data
Executive Order 13559, Fundamental Principles and Policymaking Criteria
for Partnerships With Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations
and 22 CFR 205, Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID
Programs, call for equal opportunity for faith-based organizations. They do not
provide for set-asides or evaluation preferences for faith-based organizations,
and data collected is not to be used for purposes of funding decisions. The AO
must not:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Provide for set-asides, reservations, or evaluation preferences for faith
based organizations in NOFOs.
Include participation of faith-based organizations as a specific
evaluation factor or requirement for award. It may, however, be
referred to as an example of one of the many types of organizations
whose participation could potentially enhance the quality and impact of
development assistance programs.
d. AOs must ensure that the Mandatory Standard Provision, “Equal Participation by
Faith-Based Organizations (June 2016),” is included in all solicitations and
awards (see 303.4.2).
303.3.29 Suspension and Debarment
Effective Date: 08/22/2013
In accordance with 2 CFR 780 and 2 CFR 180, the Suspending and Debarring Official
(SDO) may suspend or debar individuals and entities from participating in government-
funded grants, cooperative agreements and other assistance programs when such
action is in the public interest.
a. M/OAA/C, in consultation with GC/LE provides direct support and
recommendations to the SDO in all matters relating to recipient disclosures,
suspension, and debarment.
b. AOs must notify M/OAA/C in writing at compliance@usaid.gov when they
become aware of any of the causes of suspension or debarment, with regard to
recipients and subawardees, as specified in 2 CFR 780 and 2 CFR 180.
c. Upon receiving notification from the AO that a recipient may have engaged in
actions that could lead to suspension or debarment, M/OAA/C, in consultation
with GC/LE will:
Consult with other offices within USAID as required to prepare a
recommendation for the SDO; and
Coordinate suspension or debarment actions with the Interagency
Suspension and Debarment Committee (ISDC) and/or the Office of Inspector
General.
d. When, in accordance with 2 CFR 780 and 2 CFR 180, the SDO decides to
initiate a suspension and /or debarment action, M/OAA/C, in consultation with
GC/LE, will:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Issue a written notice of suspension or proposed debarment action to the
recipient and any affiliates involved; and
Enter the recipient’s exclusion information into the System for Award
Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov.
303.3.30 Limitation on Construction under Assistance
Effective Date: 08/16/2013
The Agency’s infrastructure projects are increasingly a critical component of
development programs. However, the limited management oversight the Agency can
legally assert over recipients under assistance awards minimizes the Agency’s ability to
ensure that the design and construction activities are carried out properly. As such,
Operating Units and AOs must adhere to the Administrator-approved policy and
procedures that limit the use of assistance awards to accomplish construction activities
(ADS 303maw, USAID Implementation of Construction Activities).
Provision Limiting Construction Activities in Awards
AOs must include the Mandatory Standard Provision, “Limiting Construction Activities
(August 2013)” in all solicitations and awards. If the assistance award permits
construction activities based on the policy above (or as authorized by waiver), the AO
must insert the description and location(s) of the specific construction activities under
section (d) of the provision. If the award does not include construction activities, the AO
must insert “Construction is not eligible for reimbursement under this award” in section
(d) of the provision.
303.3.31 USAID Implementing Partner Notices (IPN) Portal for Assistance
Effective Date: 07/21/2014
a. The USAID Implementing Partner Notices Portal for Assistance (also referred to
as “IPN Portal”) streamlines USAID’s process of providing universal bilateral
amendments for awards to recipients for their signature. The IPN Portal is also
available to provide notices to USAID recipients who register with the IPN Portal.
The IPN Portal posts proposed universal bilateral amendments for USAID
awards, which can be accessed electronically by registered partners AOs and
A&A specialists. The IPN Portal for Assistance is located at
https://sites.google.com/site/usaidipnforassistance/.
b. When necessary, the IPN Portal Administrator, as designated by the Director,
M/OAA, will generate bilateral award amendments and notices, and post the
amendments/notices to the IPN Portal. Examples of such amendments include
required ADS 303 provision updates affecting all awards (or classes of awards to
be specified in the amendment). The Portal Administrator will provide advance
notice to AOs that an update is being prepared for posting in the IPN Portal.
This policy applies to all awards except:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
Associate Awards under LWAs,
Awards to PIOs and bilateral development partners, and
Interagency agreements.
IPN Portal amendments must not change the:
Amount of obligated funds,
Total estimated award amount,
Program Description, or
Period of performance.
c. Proposed bilateral amendments provided through the IPN Portal are not effective
until the Recipient and the AO sign the amendment. Additional policy guidance
and specific instructions for registering with the IPN Portal can be found in ADS
303max, USAID Implementing Partner Notices (IPN) Portal. AOs and A&A
specialists are responsible for registering with the IPN Portal, processing the IPN
Portal amendments under their respective awards, and completing GLAAS
requirements in accordance with this policy.
d. AOs must insert the applicable provision “USAID Implementing Partner
Notices (IPN) Portal for Assistance (July 2014)” from ADS 303maa, Standard
Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental Recipients or ADS 303mab, Standard
Provisions for Non-U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations, and ADS 303mat,
Standard Provisions for Fixed Amount Awards to Nongovernmental
Organizations in all solicitations and resulting awards.
303.3.32 Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
Effective Date: 04/08/2016
a. Requirements
The mandatory standard provision on trafficking in persons is included in ADS
303maa, Standard Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations,
ADS 303mab, Standard Provisions for Non-U.S. Nongovernmental
Organizations, and ADS 303mat, Standard Provisions for Fixed Amount
Awards to NGOs. The provision ensures USAID compliance with various
legislative requirements intended to ensure that U.S. Government acquisition and
assistance actions are not tainted by trafficking in persons, such as the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and Section 1704(a) of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Pub. L. 112-239, enacted
January 2, 2013). The provision reflects the U.S. Government’s policy against
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
human trafficking and lists specific trafficking in persons-related prohibitions and
requirements that are mandatory for both U.S. and non-U.S. recipients.
b. Certification Requirement and Compliance Plan
If the estimated value of services required to be performed under the award
outside of the United States exceeds $500,000, additional trafficking-related
requirements apply to the solicitation and award. Specifically, the Agreement
Officer (AO) must require the applicant/recipient to certify that it has implemented
a compliance plan to prevent trafficking.
1. The AO must require the apparently successful applicant to submit the
certification “Certification Regarding to the Trafficking in Persons” before
the award is made. The certification is included in ADS 303mav,
Certifications, Assurances, Other Statements of the Recipient and
Solicitation Standard Provisions.
2. The mandatory standard provision on trafficking in persons further
requires the recipient to submit the certification annually during the
award’s period of performance.
3. Unless specifically requested by the AO, the recipient is not required to
submit to the AO, the trafficking compliance plan required in the TIP
standard provision.
c. Violations and Remedies
If an AO receives credible information from any source that the recipient,
subawardee, contractor; or any agent of the recipient, subawardee, or contractor,
is engaged in prohibited activities related to trafficking in persons (as defined by
the mandatory standard provision on trafficking in persons), the AO must
immediately notify both the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the
Suspending and Debarring Official (SDO). The AO must also consult with the
Labor Compliance Advisor at lca@usaid.gov. The AO may also direct the
recipient to take specific steps to abate an alleged violation or enforce the
requirements of the recipient’s compliance plan. If necessary, the OIG will
conduct an investigation of the alleged offense.
Upon receipt of an IG report that provides support for the allegations, M/OAA will
identify an agency official who will be responsible for expeditiously conducting an
administrative proceeding, allowing the recipient an opportunity to respond to the
report. After the proceeding, the authorized agency official will make a final
determination as to whether the allegations are substantiated and will notify the
AO and the Director, M/OAA. The AO, in consultation with the Director, M/OAA,
will consider taking one or more of the following remedial actions:
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
1. Requiring the recipient to remove an employee from the performance of
work under the award;
2. Requiring the recipient to terminate a contract or a subaward;
3. Suspending payments under the award until such a time as the recipient
of the award has taken appropriate remedial action;
4. Terminating the award, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 700 for
U.S. Organizations, or the Award Termination and Suspension Standard
Provision for Non-U.S. Organizations; and/or
5. Referring the matter to the SDO.
The AO and the Director, M/OAA may consider whether the recipient had a
compliance plan in place, and whether the recipient was in compliance with that
plan at the time of the violation, as a mitigating factor in determining which
remedies, if any, should apply. The AO and Director, M/OAA may consider the
failure of the recipient to stop an alleged violation or enforce the requirements of
the compliance plan when directed by the AO as an aggravating factor in
determining which remedies, if any, should apply.
Whether or not the official authorized to conduct the administrative proceeding is
the Suspending and Debarring Official, the Suspending and Debarring Official
has the authority, at any time before or after the final determination as to whether
the allegations are substantiated, to use the suspension and debarment
procedures to suspend, propose for debarment, or debar the recipient, if
appropriate, considering the factors above.
AOs must enter all substantiated allegations of trafficking in persons-related
violations into the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information
System (FAPIIS). Immediately upon entering the information into FAPIIS, the AO
must also transmit copies of all relevant documents to the Office of Acquisition
and Assistance, Compliance Division at compliance@usaid.gov, including a
brief explanation of the actions taken and the date the information was posted in
FAPIIS.
303.4 MANDATORY REFERENCES
303.4.1 External Mandatory References
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
a. 2 CFR 180, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment
and Suspension (Nonprocurement)
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
b. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
c. 2 CFR 700, USAID Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles,
and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
d. 2 CFR 780, Non Procurement Debarment and Suspension
e. 5 CFR 1320, Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public
f. 22 CFR 203, Registration of Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs)
g. 22 CFR 205, Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs
h. 22 CFR 216, Environmental Procedures
i. 22 CFR 227, New Restrictions on Lobbying
j. 22 CFR 228, Procurement of Commodities and Services Financed by USAID
Federal Program Funds
k. 31 USC 6301- 6308, Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act
l. System for Award Management
m. Executive Order 13279, Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith-Based and
Community Organizations
n. Executive Order 13280, Responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture
and the Agency for International Development With Respect to Faith-Based
and Community Initiatives.
o. Executive Order 13317, Volunteers for Prosperity
p. Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended
q. Paperwork Reduction Act
r. Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons List
303.4.2 Internal Mandatory References
Effective Date: 04/03/2017
a. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Bulletins (AAPDs)/Contract Information
Bulletins (CIBs)
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
b. ADS 103, Delegations of Authority
c. ADS 201, Program Cycle Operational Policy
d. ADS 204, Environmental Procedures
e. ADS 206, Prohibition of Assistance to Drug Traffickers
f. ADS 260, Geographic Codes
g. ADS 300, Agency Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Planning
h. ADS 302man, USAID Guidance on Congressional Award Notification
System
i. ADS 302mba, Mission or Bureau Action Memorandum for the Administrator
j. ADS 303maa, Standard Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations
k. ADS 303mab, Standard Provisions for Non-U.S. Nongovernmental
Organizations
l. ADS 303mad, Affirmation of Certifications
m. ADS 303mae, USAID Policy Guidance on Posting Grant Opportunities and
Application Packages on Grants.Gov
n. ADS 303mai, Model Letters and Procedures for Designating the Agreement
Officer’s Representative (AOR) for Cooperative Agreements and Grants
o. ADS 303mak, Fixed Amount Award Entity Eligibility Checklist
p. ADS 303mal, Justification to Restrict Eligibility (JRE) Template
q. ADS 303mat, Standard Provisions for Fixed Amount Awards to
Nongovernmental Organizations
r. ADS 303mav, Certifications, Assurances, Other Statements of the Recipient
and Solicitation Standard Provisions
s. ADS 303maw, USAID Implementation of Construction Activities
t. ADS 303max, USAID Implementing Partner Notices (IPN) Portal
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
u. ADS 303maz, USAID Policy Guidance on Exemptions to Assistance
Reporting Under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
of 2006 (FFATA)
v. ADS 304, Choice of Implementation Instrument
w. ADS 312, Eligibility of Commodities
x. ADS 318, Intellectual Property Rights
y. ADS 320, Branding and Marking
z. ADS 350maa, Guidance on Funding Foreign Government Delegations to
International Conferences
aa. ADS 458, Training and Career/Professional Development
ab. ADS 540, USAID Development Experience Information and Reference
Services
ac. ADS 591, Financial Audits of USAID Contractors, Grantees, and Host
Government Entities
ad. ADS 625, Administrative Accounts Receivable
ae. A.I.D. Partnership in International Development with Private and Voluntary
Organizations (Policy Paper)
af. Guide to USAID’s Assistance Application Process and to Submitting
Unsolicited Assistance Applications
ag. Procurement and Assistance Procedures for the HIV/AIDS and Infectious
Disease Initiatives (available on the USAID internal website only)
ah. Simplified Grant Format
303.4.3 Mandatory Forms
Effective Date: 02/15/2012
a. SF-270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement
b. SF-271, Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction
Programs
c. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
d. SF-424a, Budget Information, Non-Construction Programs
e. SF-424b, Assurances, Non-Construction Programs
f. SF-425, Federal Financial Report
g. SF-425a, Federal Financial Report Attachment
303.5 ADDITIONAL HELP
Effective Date: 07/22/2015
a. ADS 302sat, Guidance on Closeout Procedures for A&A Awards
b. ADS 303sac, Sample Action Memorandum for Deviation
c. ADS 303sae, Operational Security General Information
d. ADS 303sai, Profit Under USAID Assistance Instruments
e. ADS 303saj, Fixed Amount Awards to Non-Governmental Organizations
f. ADS 303sal, Fixed Amount Award Template
g. ADS 303sam, Non-U.S. Organization Pre-Award Survey Guidelines and
Support
h. ADS 303san, Agreement Officer’s Role in Debt Collection
i. Cross Reference Index
j. Policy Paper, Women in Development
k. Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs) (Only available to USAID
employees.)
l. Procurement Reform Documentation Requirements for Non-Profit
Recipients (self-certification)
303.6 DEFINITIONS
Effective Date: 12/26/2014
Agreement Officer (see also Contracting Officer)
A person with the authority to (1) enter into, administer, terminate, and close out
assistance agreements, and (2) make related determinations and findings on behalf of
USAID. An Agreement Officer may only act within the scope of a duly authorized
warrant or other valid delegation of authority. The term "Agreement Officer" includes
04/03/2017 Partial Revision
Text highlighted in yellow indicates that the adjacent material is new or substantively revised.
ADS Chapter 303
persons warranted as "Grant Officers." It also includes certain authorized
representatives of the Agreement Officer acting within the limits of their authority as
delegated by the Agreement Officer. (Chapter 303 and 304)
assistance
Financial support to accomplish a public purpose, including grants, cooperative
agreements and other agreements in the form of money, or property in lieu of money,
by the Federal Government to an eligible recipient. The term does not include technical
assistance, the provision of services instead of money; other assistance in the form of
loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, or insurance; direct payments of any kind to
individuals; or, contracts which are required to be entered into and administered under
procurement laws and regulations. (Chapter 303 and 304)
Assistance Executive
The Director, Office of Acquisition and Assistance (M/OAA/OD), or designee in
USAID/W who
Acts as the Agency's coordinator for all assistance matters (that is, financial
assistance that provides support to a non-governmental entity to accomplish a
public purpose), which may require OMB approval (such as deviations to OMB
regulations);
Makes the final determination of the choice of implementation instrument when
there is disagreement between the contracting activity and the Development
Objective team. (Chapter 303 and 304)
award
Financial assistance that provides support or stimulation to accomplish a public
purpose. Awards include grants and cooperative agreements. (Chapter 303)
Non-U.S. Organization
A foreign organization as defined in 2 CFR 200.47. (Chapter 303)
recipient
An organization that receives direct financial assistance (a grant or cooperative
agreement) to carry out an assistance program on behalf of USAID, in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the award and all applicable laws and regulations.
(Chapters 303, 304, 305, 591)
303_022718

Navigation menu