USAID/Mozambique Small Town Sanitation | 72065622RFA00002

FAQs: USAID/Mozambique Small Town Sanitation (Funding Opportunity Number 72065622RFA00002)

What is the USAID/Mozambique Small Town Sanitation grant opportunity?

It is a discretionary funding notice issued by USAID in Mozambique (USAID-Maputo) focused on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, with particular emphasis on sanitation in small towns. The activity is intended to help shift sanitation from isolated, one-off projects toward more sustainable, market-oriented systems that can expand and last over time.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this opportunity?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 72065622RFA00002.

Which USAID office is issuing the opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by USAID in Mozambique (USAID-Maputo).

What type of award is USAID expecting to make?

This opportunity is structured as a Cooperative Agreement. In general, that indicates USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant instrument.

What is the maximum funding available under this award?

The funding ceiling is USD 14,400,000, which is the maximum amount available under the award.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The program falls under CFDA number 98.001.

Who is eligible to apply?

The listing shows eligibility as "Unrestricted," meaning the notice summary does not state special limitations on what types of organizations may apply. Applicants would still need to meet standard USAID requirements described in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

What are the main goals of the activity?

The activity is designed to strengthen WASH market development, support the Government of the Republic of Mozambique (GRM) in advancing toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and encourage broader growth and professionalization within Mozambique's WASH sector.

What does "small town sanitation" mean in the context of this opportunity?

Based on the opportunity description, the emphasis is on sanitation improvements in Mozambique's small towns, with a focus on building sustainable, market-oriented sanitation systems rather than only delivering short-term, infrastructure-only fixes.

What does "market development" mean in this opportunity?

The notice emphasizes strengthening WASH market development and improving enabling environment and market conditions. In practical terms, it signals an intent to fund an implementing partner that can help create conditions for sanitation services to grow, professionalize, and be sustained over time, rather than operating as isolated projects.

How does this opportunity align with national priorities and global goals?

The activity is intended to align with national development priorities in Mozambique, support the GRM, and advance progress toward SDG targets related to WASH outcomes.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on December 30, 2021.

What was the original closing date for submissions?

The original closing date for submissions was February 24, 2022.

What is Amendment 01 and why does it matter?

Amendment 01 revises and clarifies the original NOFO in three main ways: (1) it provides official answers to questions submitted by interested applicants, (2) it adds a Security Plan provision into the NOFO, and (3) it issues a revised NOFO. This matters because applicants are expected to rely on the updated version when preparing or finalizing submissions, rather than using the initial release.

What kinds of clarifications are typically included in the official Q&A referenced in Amendment 01?

The posting notes that the amendment provides official answers to applicant questions, and that these Q&A responses can clarify scope, expectations, compliance details, and proposal preparation requirements.

What is the Security Plan provision added by Amendment 01?

The amendment adds a Security Plan provision into the NOFO, indicating implementers must account for security planning as part of responsible program delivery, recognizing that operating conditions can vary across Mozambique.

Which version of the NOFO should applicants use?

The posting indicates Amendment 01 includes a revised NOFO, and applicants would be expected to use the updated version rather than the original release.

What kind of implementing partner does USAID appear to be looking for?

Based on the summary, USAID appears to be looking for an implementer capable of coordinating with government counterparts, engaging private-sector and local market actors where relevant, and building systems that support sustainable service delivery.

Is this opportunity focused only on building infrastructure?

The description suggests it is not intended to be infrastructure-only. The emphasis on market development, enabling environment, sector growth, and professionalization indicates a focus on sustainable systems that can expand and endure beyond short-term projects.

What does "substantial involvement" by USAID imply in a Cooperative Agreement?

The notice summary states that a Cooperative Agreement typically means USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant. The specific form that involvement takes would be detailed in the full NOFO and related award terms.

What government counterpart is referenced in the opportunity?

The opportunity references the Government of the Republic of Mozambique (GRM) as a key counterpart, particularly regarding progress toward SDGs and alignment with national development priorities.

Where should applicants look for the detailed requirements that are not included in the summary?

The summary notes that applicants must meet standard USAID requirements outlined in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and that Amendment 01 provides updates and a revised NOFO that should be used for proposal preparation.