REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) IREX is inviting applicants to collaborate in the context of its Ukraine Rapid Response Fund (URRF) program.

Application submission start date: May 06, 2024

Application submission closing date: May 26, 2024

 

SECTION I: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE UKRAINE RAPID RESPONSE FUND (URRF) PROGRAM

The URRF program is implemented by the International Research and Exchange Board (IREX) in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022. The program is designed to address immediate critical needs and enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s government, civil society, civilian population, and veterans.

USG Regulations: 

Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions and 2 CFR 200 Unified Administrative

Requirements Subpart A through E apply. 

2. AWARD INFORMATION

Subject to the availability of funds, IREX expects to award up to three subawards. The expected duration of IREX’s support or the period of performance is July 15, 2024 - April 27, 2025. Ukraine Rapid Response Fund Program/IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the application submitted.   

Through this competition, sub-awardees, if selected, will receive funding to implement their projects that build resilience and assist Ukraine’s veterans though conducting training sessions on rehabilitation and prosthetics, targeting Ukrainian medical pre-prosthetic and post-prosthetic rehabilitation specialists. The amount of funding awarded and the timeline for implementation will be largely based on the specifics of the projects approved.

All proposed projects MUST be in line with URRF’s overarching goal of advancing Ukraine's resilience or addressing an immediate need created by the Russian invasion. In order to be accepted by the URRF selection committee, your proposed project MUST have a direct link to conditions caused by the ongoing war. The proposed activities within your project must be meaningful and measurable. 

Applications related to the provision of medicine and specific medical equipment, food products, humanitarian aid, disposable goods, support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Territorial Defense Forces and other military structures and institutions, scientific research, activities outside Ukraine and individual scholarships, as well as organizations that have affiliation with elected officials, political parties, or religious groups WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

One organization or a consortium of organizations could submit one proposal for consideration. IREX will be involved in every stage of the grant implementation.

3. FUNDING OBJECTIVE AND RESULTS

Experienced NGOs in Ukraine are best placed to design and implement activities to meet Ukrainian medical professionals needs to acquire updated skills, delve into advanced technologies, and explore innovative methods in the fields of prosthetics and rehabilitation. This pursuit is essential to enhance the care provided to Ukrainian citizens, particularly veterans impacted by war-related injuries, with the ultimate goal of fortifying and expediting their recovery process.

Projects must meet Activity “Improving Ukraine’s System for Providing Prostheses to Veterans and Civilians who have Lost Limbs because of the War,” their rehabilitation and integration that is part of “Rapid, flexible means to help civilians and key civil society groups avoid the worst impacts of combat operations” objective of the URRF program.

It is anticipated that selected NGO/consortium of NGOs will organize:

Prosthetics component

• Training of trainers (ToT) for Ukrainian prosthetist and form a pull of at least 5 trainers on upper limbs and 5 trainers on lower limbs prosthetics.
• Comprehensive training sessions conducted by trainers who completed ToT utilizing a fully equipped hospital facility, for at least 50 unique prosthetics specialists from at least 10 oblasts of Ukraine. The training curriculum is designed to encompass both theoretical and practical aspects, imparting proficiency in both lower and upper limb prosthetics.

Rehabilitation component

Comprehensive training sessions utilizing a fully equipped hospital facility, for at least:

• 50 physical therapists from at least 10 oblasts of Ukraine with training comprising theoretical and practical modules.
• 20 ergo therapists from at least 10 oblasts of Ukraine.
• 15 speech therapists from at least 10 oblasts of Ukraine.
• 40 physiatrists/psychologists from at least 10 oblasts of Ukraine.

ToT for prosthetists and trainings on rehabilitation component can be conducted with involvement of certified international or Ukrainian specialists. Trainings may take place in one or multiple regions.

Project proposals and budgets are expected to be submitted in accordance with the aforementioned indicators.

Special Notes: 

*ToT participants are required to possess a minimum of one year of practical experience as a prosthetist.

*Trainers have the option to work either individually or in groups of up to three individuals.

*IREX does not cover an expert’s fee for international trainers. Expenses related to round-trip tickets to/from Ukraine, accommodation, and meals during the training period are covered for international trainers. Specialists from the USA are ineligible to be invited to conduct the training sessions.

4. AWARD TIMELINE AND BUDGET

The expected duration of IREX’s support and the period of performance is July 15, 2024 to April 27, 2025, or shorter depending on the grant proposal needs. The implementation schedule may vary depending on the program's needs and funding availability. The amount of funding awarded and the timeline for implementation will be largely based on the specifics of the projects approved.

This request for applications does not commit IREX to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a concept note not funded or contracted for the services or supplies described herein. IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the projects submitted. Further, IREX reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this RFA.

 

SECTION II: ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIRMENTS INFORMATION

1. APPLICANTS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Must be operating in Ukraine.
• Funding will be granted to Ukrainian NGOs only that are registered by Ukrainian law and working in compliance with Ukrainian laws.
• NGOs must have a non-profit status.
• NGOs must officially cooperate with the state executive or local authorities or medical institution within the scope of the declared project. This must be certified by relevant documents: a letter of support / a Memorandum of Understanding / an Agreement of Cooperation regarding the project submitted within the scope of this competition, etc., with a medical institution(s) the trainings will be based.
• NGOs and their members cannot represent or be affiliated with any political party or with appointed or elected officials.
• U.S. or other third-country organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply for grants.
• Meet the project’s objective and principles.
• Contain expected outcomes and results consistent with and linked to the project objective “Rapid, flexible means to help civilians and key civil society groups avoid the worst impacts of combat operations.”
• The applicant is not a debarred organization.
• Applications must be submitted in Ukrainian or English.
• Project dates may not exceed the date listed in the RFA.  
• Has or is willing to register for a Unique Entity ID (UEI).

2. COST SHARE REQUIREMENTS

Cost share is not required.

3. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

The applicant / application must meet all following requirements:

• Have positive NGO work experience, including experience of successfully implementing donor-funded projects.
• Proven experience in conducting trainings for medical professionals in prosthetics and rehabilitation.
• Have a clear vision of project implementation and be focused on sustainable and long-term project results.
• Have an organized team that will implement the project.
• Be able to work within a certain time frame.
• Provide all necessary documents for participation in the competition (list of documents see Annex 1).
• Provide a letter of support / a Memorandum of Understanding / an Agreement of Cooperation regarding the project submitted within the scope of this competition, etc., with a medical institution(s) the trainings will be based on.

4. BUDGET REQUIREMENTS

• Sub-award funds provided under the terms of this RFA shall not be used to procure goods or services from suppliers that may be identified on the USG consolidated list of debarred, suspended or ineligible subcontractors at http://www.sam.gov/ or any “watch lists.”
• Any purchases or activities deemed unnecessary to successfully complete the activity, including any sub-awardee headquarters’ expenses that are not directly linked to the implementation of the proposed project.
• Previous obligations and/or bad debts.
• Fines and /or penalties.
• Gambling.
• International travel costs.
• Other costs unallowable as referenced 2 CFR 200 Subpart E Cost Principles.
• Please note that recipients of funds must comply with several grant management and reporting requirements, such as adhering to IREX and funder policies, documenting and submitting proof of project activities, and regularly measuring and reporting on project implementation and results. IREX recommends that applicants consider the time and resources needed to address these requirements when designing their project activities and budgets. 
• Expenditures that are directed, either directly or indirectly, towards assisting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Territorial Defense Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other Defense Forces.

The following categories of goods are eligible, but not limited to:

• Printing and publishing: training/promo materials (printed or recorded information you plan to use in a training program), flyers, banners, etc., including fees for development of the design.
• Office supplies.
• Small inventory supplies (up to 500 USD). Equipment for trainings (not prostheses or rehabilitation equipment): the applicant can request equipment that is within the budget of the Small Grants Competition that is justified by activities and is sustainable.
• Administrative costs (not more than 10% of the budget).
• Consultants’ fees.
• National travel costs.
• Programs intended for the growth or institutional development of the organization.
• Other expenses related to the project.
• COVID-19 “covered materials”.
• Bank fees (including opening and closing of the special account/subaccount and all bank fees related to the project) (for CSOs or media organizations).

The following expenses WILL NOT BE COVERED:

• Individual purchase and installation of prostheses.
• Rehabilitation equipment or other specific medical equipment.
• Medicines.
• Food products, humanitarian aid, disposable goods.
• Internet connection expenses.
• Maintenance and renovation expenditures.
• Charity or support for political parties.
• Lobbying support for religious activities.
• Loans.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Any costs supported by applicants before and after the project implementation.
• Large items of durable equipment or construction programs.
• Organizations with affiliation to elected officials, political parties, or religious groups.
• Political or partisan activities.
• Activities that take place outside of Ukraine.
• Scientific research.
• Purchase or lease of land and/or buildings.
• Venture capital, for-profit endeavors, or charging a fee for participation in the project.
• Individual scholarships.
• Gifts or prizes.

*All goods required within the project must be justified by activities. If your requested good/item is questionable, please contact URRF. The URRF program has the right to revise the requested goods/services, check the quality of and reject/approve the goods or services.

All goods and services must be calculated/budgeted and procured with VAT 0%. More details about this will be offered to the selected applicants for the implementation of the projects.

 

SECTION III: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. SUBMISSION INFORMATION

To be considered for this funding opportunity, please provide the following information in the form of the project proposal, the budget and a letter of support / a Memorandum of Understanding / an Agreement of Cooperation regarding the project submitted within the scope of this competition, etc., with a medical institution(s) the trainings will be based on. One organization or a consortium of organizations could submit a maximum of one project proposal for consideration.  

Submit your project proposal together with the budget and letter of support/MoU/Agreement via email to tender-ua@irex.org and subject line “URRF Grant – RFA for Medical Professional Trainings” You must use subject line “URRF Grant” to be considered.

Late Application   

Late applications are marked as “late” and are ineligible for review or award; however, IREX reserves the right to accept and include late applications in the review and award process when it is considered within the best interest of IREX to do so and if applications that were received on time have not been opened and reviewed. Applications that are submitted late or incomplete run the risk of not being considered for review.  

DOWNLOAD PROPOSAL TEMPLATES HERE:

• Project Proposal Template
• Project Budget Template
• The letter of support/ MoU / Agreement may be submitted in any format

Please note that IREX strongly encourages interested organizations to closely read all the instructions and guidance in this document.

Pre-award costs are not allowable and will not be reimbursed.

2. QUESTIONS AND TECHNICAL ISSUES

Any questions concerning technical issues when submission should be sent via e-mail tender-ua@irex.org indicating subject line “URRF Grant – RFA for Medical Professional Trainings no later than May 22, 2024.  Please note that IREX does not accept any questions concerning this RFA except to resolve technical issues.

The correct subject of the letter must be indicated for your application to be considered.

 

SECTION IV: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. EVALUATION PROCESS

The application will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria set out below. 

 The evaluation committee will meet and discuss received project proposals and the budget.

Each member of the committee will assign scores to select proposals that best meet technical merit criteria: 

Project Sustainability - 30 points

Expected impact on beneficiaries and target audience reach - 20 points

Experience of the organization and team composition - 20 points

Reasonableness of the budget – 30 points 

Maximum 100 points in total

Only those applications that will be selected based on the technical merit will be invited to engage in pre-award negotiations. The selection of an application following the evaluation committee's deliberation outcomes does not assure the awarding of a grant from IREX. Selected applicants will receive an email letter with detailed information.

 

SECTION V: AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. NOTIFICATION OF SELECTION RESULTS

The recommendation or selection of a project proposal in accordance with established procedures does not guarantee an award.  All applicants must demonstrate that they possess, or have the ability to obtain, the necessary management competence to practice mutually agreed upon methods of accountability for funds and other assets provided. 

A successful applicant selected based on technical evaluation and results of interview, can expect to receive an Award Letter via e-mail. The award letter will be addressed to the organization’s point of contact as stated in the concept note. IREX will notify only successful awardees of the selection process.

Following the Award Letter, final negotiations will take place before the signing of a sub-award.

IREX does not commit to providing feedback on any application or organization, nor does it guarantee to specify the reasons for any decision made based on the outcomes of the selection process.

2. REPORTING PROCEDURES

• A description of reporting requirements will be included in the Sub-award Agreement.  The types of reporting (weekly, monthly, milestone) required, along with the schedule of reporting, will depend on the sub-award type and project duration.  Reporting forms will be provided to sub-award recipients. 
• Program report to be submitted during project implementation according to a schedule described in the sub-award agreement.  This report will include a description of progress made during the period, problems in project implementation; actions taken to overcome them; and activities planned for the next period.  
• The final program report will describe how the project objectives and goals were reached, results of the project, and problems and solutions during implementation.
• Financial reports may be submitted based on award type. The schedule of reporting will depend on the type of sub-award, length of the project, and amount of funding.

SECTION VI: OTHER INFORMATION

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of IREX, nor does it commit the Ukraine Rapid Response Fund program/IREX to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Further, IREX reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this RFA.

Додаток 1

СПИСОК НЕОБХІДНИХ ДОКУМЕНТІВ  У РАЗІ ПОЗИТИВНОГО РІШЕННЯ ЩОДО НАДАННЯ ГРАНТУ

• У разі позитивного рішення про надання гранту з боку IREX,  для отримання гранту необхідно буде надати  IREX пакет наступних документів Повністю заповнена заявка на грантову підтримку відповідно до рекомендованого зразка;

• Бюджет запропонованого проєкту відповідно до рекомендованого зразка;
• Свідоцтво про державну реєстрацію ГО;
• Рішення про внесення ГО до Реєстру неприбуткових організацій та установ;
• Протокол ГО або Наказ про призначення директора або особи, яка уповноважена на підписання грантової угоди;
• Довідка про банківські реквізити ГО;
• Наказ або положення про облікову політику організації ГО (за наявності);
• Наказ або положення про здійснення закупівель товарів, робіт, послуг (за наявності);
• Статут ГО (Сканована версія);
• Лист підтримки / Меморандум або угода про співпрацю з медичним(и) закладом(ами) на базі якого будуть проводиться навчання лікарів;
• Перелік навчальних тем (в розрізі спеціальностей медичних фахівців);
• Резюме усіх членів проєктної команди та, за можливості, залучених тренерів.