1. What is USAID?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent federal government agency that receives overall policy guidance from the Secretary of State. USAID provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States.
2. In what sectors are USAID/Ecuador’s activities focused?
During the past 45 years, the USAID/Ecuador has supported areas such as education; health and family planning; environment; agriculture; micro-enterprise; and others. Currently, the USAID/Ecuador program focuses on the following: 1) establishing the conditions and capacity for achieving peace, security, and stability along Ecuador’s borders; 2) promoting and strengthening Ecuador’s democracy; 3) generating rapid, sustained, and broad-based economic growth; and 4) encouraging management of natural resources in ways that sustain productivity and growth.
3. How can our organization access USAID funding for programs in Ecuador?
USAID does business through a variety of available federal mechanisms – each with their own distinct policies, forms, procedures and associated documents. The two main categories are: Contracts (Acquisitions): Direct contracts are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), the USAID Supplement to the FAR (AIDAR), and applicable portions of the ADS Series 300. Notices of contract opportunities and corresponding solicitations are publicized at FedBizOpps (http://www.fbo.gov/), the single source for federal procurement opportunities. Grants and Cooperative Agreements (Assistance): Federal Grants and or Cooperative Agreements are used to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA). Grants and Cooperative Agreements are the largest components of awards made by USAID. The awards support programs of the bureaus of Global Health; Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade; Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance; Regional bureaus and our Missions world-wide, including Ecuador. The Agency may publish an Annual Program Statement (APS) or a Request for Applications (RFA) in order to satisfy the requirement for public notice as well as provide a mechanism for advertising competitive assistance programs. APSs and RFAs are publicized at FedGrants (http://www.grants.gov/), the U.S. government-wide portal for grant opportunities. More information is available at USAID Business Opportunities.
4. We have an idea for a development project in Ecuador. Can we submit an unsolicited proposal to USAID?
USAID generally undertakes direct assistance programs to benefit developing countries through competitive grants and cooperative agreements. While unsolicited applications can be received and reviewed for funding, potential applicants should be aware that only in highly exceptional cases are such applications likely to be approved for funding. Resources available to USAID for programs must be concentrated and focused on clear objectives which fit within program priorities. Thus, only exceptional unsolicited applications can be considered for funding on a noncompetitive basis – ones which present a unique approach, are fully supportive of USAID's development objectives, and demonstrate a unique capacity by the applicant to carry out proposed activities and where there is clear support for such activities by the recipient country government or private institutions. Further, only limited funding may be available for even the best of such applications, since most funding is reserved for development priorities already established by USAID. Accordingly, it is strongly recommended that potential applicants review USAID competitive announcements (see http://www.fbo.gov/ and http://www.grants.gov/). Applicants responding to specific announcements should follow the directions contained in that announcement. If a potential applicant still desires to submit an unsolicited application, the applicant should follow the procedures described in Guide to Submitting Unsolicited Assistance Applications and Guidelines for Submitting Unsolicited Contract Proposals.
5. What organizations work with USAID in Ecuador?
For NGOs and other organizations working with USAID/Ecuador, you may access this information in "Our Partners" Section.
6. What are USAID working hours?
From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Ecuadorian and American Holidays.