2007 Request for Applications for Grants: Frequently Asked QuestionsBureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and AbatementWashington, DC January 19, 2007 Questions Submitted by Members of the Public Related to the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement's Fiscal Year 2007 Request for Applications (RFA) for Grants In accordance with U.S. Government regulations and U.S. Department of State standard procedures regarding Requests for Applications (RFA) for Grants, all questions that were received from the public between January 5, 2007, when this Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement RFA was announced, and January 17, 2007, the cut-off date for submitting questions, and the replies to those questions must be publicly posted. Accordingly, here are all of the questions that were received during this period and the answers to those questions. No further questions will be taken. Comprehensive information about this Request for Applications for Grants is available on the Grants.gov website at http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=12162&mode=VIEW. Applicants should carefully examine that site in order to find the answers to any further questions that they may have. Question #1: Are proposed activities restricted to only the countries listed and summarized in the RFA? Answer: The proposals are not restricted to only the countries listed and summarized in the RFA. The Office of Weapons and Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) will consider proposals that encapsulate any of the six objectives for any country. However, the list of countries was compiled and presented to communicate PM/WRA's foci for humanitarian demining and weapons removal programs. Due to budget limitations, it is in these countries that the office has chosen to concentrate priority and support efforts. Question #2: Project Objective #1 for the RFA reads "The total amount available for partnership grants in this request for applications cycle will not exceed $250,000". However, language from the Grant Guidelines emphasizes that "Due to severe budget constraints this fiscal year, PM/WRA contributions are limited to an approximate range of $10,000 to $100,000". Which portion of the above is relevant to new project proposals? Answer: Both statements are valid. For grant proposals that address Objective #1, which concerns partnership programs, the total amount of money to be distributed for this objective will not exceed $250,000.00. This is per this objective, which means that no more than that amount will go to all of the proposed partnership programs together. The Grant Guidelines limit the total amount of contributions to any one grant to $100,000.00. This is applicable per grant. Question #3: Is it possible to submit two or more proposals at the same time within the framework of RFA/2007? Answer: Yes. There is no limit to the number of proposals per applicant. Question #4: In Project Objective #2 regarding matching grants, does "demining" refer to the common usage within mine action of all five pillars of mine action? Answer: For purposes of this RFA, "demining" refers to the pillars of mine action except for that pillar that refers to advocacy. PMWRA will not provide funding for projects focusing on this pillar. Question #5: In terms of preparing a budget and financial planning when should we assume the funds under the RFA will be available? Answer: Funds under the RFA will be made obtainable during the summer of FY 07, subject to the availability of funds to PM/WRA. Question #6: Can applicants from commercial entities prepare proposals or is eligibility limited to non-profit entities? Answer: Commercial entities are eligible for funding on condition that they not use the grant for profit making activities and that they not include fees or profit within the budget proposal. The grant would cover costs only. The entity must submit assurances in the form of an official letter or other written statement to that effect. |
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