Organization: InsideNGO
Registration deadline: 10 Aug 2016
Starting date: 11 Aug 2016
Ending date: 12 Aug 2016
Overview
Securing USAID funding is a challenge that many organizations face as the proposal process can become a time-consuming effort. Mastering the proposal development process is essential for organizations that want to seek USAID funding. Organizations need staff members who understand how USAID works as an awarding agency, and who can effectively manage the proposal process at the field level while understanding the challenges and processes at the headquarters level (HQ).
Workshop Outcomes
This workshop will equip participants with knowledge of how USAID decides on the use of grants/cooperative agreements (assistance) and contracts (acquisition) and when one or the other is appropriate. Participants will learn to manage the proposal development process from capture planning to proposal submission and the many steps in between. Attendees will return to work equipped with tools, materials and tips that are critical to submitting quality proposals that may lead to success in winning USAID business.
What You Will Learn
Participants will acquire a basic understanding of USAID business development process and award instruments/mechanisms, tools, and websites that are useful for review on a regular basis. The workshop will cover the process of intelligence gathering at the field level, communicating with headquarters on proposal development, and how to position the organization at the field level to be viewed as an ideal implementer for USAID awards.
Participants will be exposed to the different roles the proposal development team plays, what HQ expects from the field, and what the field typically expects/receives from HQ. The field will be able to better understand the whole proposal development process and how HQ and the field can most effectively work together.
The workshop covers the structure of an RFA (Request for Application for grants/cooperative agreements) and an RFP (Request for Proposal for contracts), their similarities and differences, and how to read through them to identify all proposal requirements. The workshop also covers how to conduct an internal strategy meeting to design a good technical solution, set internal calendars based on the amount of time available, and how to structure internal proposal review teams before a proposal is submitted. Participants will familiarize themselves with partnering strategies, sample partnering/teaming agreements, and cost/budget issues, narratives and templates. The interrelationship between technical and cost proposal volumes will be addressed. Issues related to staffing will also be included.
The workshop will also cover how to communicate effectively with USAID, asking clarification questions when the request for proposal/application is first announced, and then responding to either clarification questions after an application is submitted in response to an RFA or to “best and final offer” questions (BAFO) after a proposal is submitted in response to an RFP.
All participants will leave the workshop with an action plan on how to improve the USAID business development process in their own organizations.
Course Objectives
- Understand the USAID Request for Application/Request for Proposal (RFA/RFP) and how to read through an RFA/RFP from technical and cost perspectives
- Become familiar with the proposal process and learn best practices in managing and in contributing to the proposal process
- Appreciate the importance of anticipating solicitations and planning proposals in advance
- Learn how to manage the proposal process at the field level either as a direct responsibility or in support / partnership with your of headquarters (HQ).
- Understand all elements of proposal development including technical content and cost
- Understand the process of creating effective partnerships for proposal development
The workshop is taught by senior practitioners who represent decades of experience preparing proposals for USAID grants, cooperative agreements and contracts - and who will share their lessons learned. It is a highly participatory workshop that combines instruction with large and small group formats, the use of case studies, sample Question and Answer time, and opportunities to speak with the trainers throughout.
Who Should Attend?
Program staff, Development staff, Finance, Contracts & Grants staff, Administrative staff- or any individual who participates in the USAID proposal development process and is interested in a broad overview as well as specific proposal process elements and how they all connect.
InsideNGO is a global association of over 300 international relief and development organizations who share operational expertise, insights, and leading practices to better sustain organizations and support essential missions in changing times.
How to register:
Register now!
Registration requires filling out a form that includes information such as your job title, organization, area of responsibility, and form of payment. If you have questions, please contact workshops@insidengo.org.