Opportunity Information: Apply for 72067522APS00003
The APS-OAA-21-00001 Addendum for USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone (Funding Opportunity Number 72067522APS00003) is a discretionary USAID grant opportunity run by USAID-Conakry that is designed to pull in private sector-led ideas to address development challenges in Guinea and Sierra Leone. Rather than prescribing a single narrow project model, USAID is using an Annual Program Statement (APS) approach that invites organizations to submit concept papers proposing creative, market-based solutions. The emphasis is on practical approaches that can operate in real market conditions and continue beyond the life of USAID support, with the private sector playing a central role in both design and execution.
A defining feature of this opportunity is the expectation of strong resource leverage. Concepts are required to mobilize and leverage private sector resources at a level that matches and preferably exceeds the amount of funding USAID would provide. In practice, that means applicants need to bring more than a good idea; they need credible co-investment, cost-share, or other forms of private sector commitment (cash, in-kind contributions, assets, networks, technology, distribution channels, or other measurable resources). USAID is explicitly signaling that it wants proposals where its funding acts as a catalyst to unlock larger pools of private capital, capabilities, and operational capacity, rather than acting as the primary engine of project financing.
Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, which broadens the field to include both private and non-private entities. USAID also explicitly welcomes consortium applications, including teams made up of multiple local and/or international private sector entities. This structure encourages partnerships that combine complementary strengths, such as a local firm with market presence teaming with an international company that brings specialized expertise, technology, financing, or supply chain access, or a private company teaming with a non-profit or other organization that has deep community relationships and implementation experience. The common thread across applicant types is that proposals should be grounded in market logic and structured to produce development outcomes through sustainable commercial or commercially informed mechanisms.
Proposed activities must contribute to one or more of the USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission's programmatic objectives. While the short description does not list those objectives in detail, it makes clear that concepts will be assessed based on their alignment with the Mission's defined priorities for Guinea and Sierra Leone, and on whether the approach plausibly advances those priorities through market-based methods. In other words, the development rationale has to be explicit, and the pathway from the proposed intervention to measurable results should be clear and credible, not just aspirational.
From an administrative and funding standpoint, the award instrument type is a grant, the activity category is listed as "Other," and the CFDA number is 98.001 (USAID foreign assistance). The posted award ceiling is $1,000,000, indicating that individual awards are not expected to exceed one million dollars, though the actual award size would depend on the specific concept and available funds. The opportunity was created on 2022-05-09, and the original closing date is 2023-12-31, meaning concept submissions were accepted up to that date under the original posting timeline. Overall, this addendum functions as a platform for USAID to source and co-finance high-leverage, private sector-engaged ideas that can generate durable development impact in Guinea and Sierra Leone by using USAID funding to catalyze equal or greater levels of private sector resources.Apply for 72067522APS00003
- The Guinea USAID-Conakry in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "APS-OAA-21-00001 Addendum USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2022-05-09.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-12-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This opportunity is the APS-OAA-21-00001 Addendum for USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone, listed under Funding Opportunity Number 72067522APS00003. It is a discretionary USAID grant opportunity run by USAID-Conakry that seeks private sector-led ideas to address development challenges in Guinea and Sierra Leone.
2) What kind of solicitation is this (APS vs. a standard RFP/NOFO)?
USAID is using an Annual Program Statement (APS) approach. Rather than prescribing a single narrow project design, the APS invites organizations to submit concept papers with creative, market-based solutions that can work in real market conditions and continue beyond the period of USAID support.
3) What is USAID trying to achieve through this APS addendum?
The goal is to source and co-finance concepts that generate durable development impact in Guinea and Sierra Leone by using USAID funding as a catalyst to unlock equal or greater levels of private sector resources and capabilities. The private sector is expected to play a central role in both the design and execution of the proposed activities.
4) Where are activities expected to take place?
The opportunity is focused on Guinea and Sierra Leone, under the USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission.
5) Who is running the opportunity?
The opportunity is run by USAID-Conakry.
6) What type of funding instrument will be used?
The award instrument type is a grant.
7) What is the activity category?
The activity category is listed as "Other."
8) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number is 98.001, which corresponds to USAID foreign assistance.
9) What is the maximum award size (award ceiling)?
The posted award ceiling is $1,000,000. This indicates individual awards are not expected to exceed one million dollars, although the actual award size may depend on the specific concept and available funds.
10) Is this opportunity aimed only at private companies?
No. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, which broadens the field to include both private and non-private entities. However, proposals are expected to be private sector-led and grounded in market logic.
11) Are consortium or partnership applications allowed?
Yes. USAID explicitly welcomes consortium applications, including teams made up of multiple local and/or international private sector entities. Partnerships can also combine private companies with non-profits or other organizations, as long as the approach remains market-based and the private sector plays a central role.
12) What role is the private sector expected to play?
The private sector is expected to be central to both design and execution. USAID is looking for concepts where commercial capabilities, investment, assets, networks, technology, and operational capacity help deliver development outcomes and sustain results beyond the life of USAID support.
13) What does USAID mean by "market-based solutions" in this APS?
Based on the opportunity description, "market-based" means practical approaches that can function under real market conditions and are structured to continue after USAID funding ends, relying on commercially sustainable or commercially informed mechanisms rather than ongoing donor financing.
14) Is leverage or cost-share required?
Yes. A defining feature of this opportunity is strong resource leverage. Concepts are required to mobilize and leverage private sector resources at a level that matches and preferably exceeds the amount of funding USAID would provide.
15) What kinds of private sector resources can count toward leverage?
The description indicates that private sector commitment can include cash and in-kind contributions, as well as other measurable resources such as assets, networks, technology, distribution channels, or similar forms of co-investment and operational support.
16) What does it mean that USAID funding should be "catalytic"?
USAID is signaling that its funding should not be the primary engine of project financing. Instead, USAID funding should act as a catalyst that helps unlock larger pools of private capital, capabilities, and capacity to implement and sustain the work.
17) What is the expected application format?
The APS approach described here invites concept papers. Applicants are expected to submit concept papers proposing creative, market-based solutions aligned with Mission priorities.
18) How will concept papers be evaluated, based on the description provided?
Concepts will be assessed on their alignment with the USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission's programmatic objectives and priorities, and on whether the approach credibly advances those priorities through market-based methods. The description emphasizes that the development rationale must be explicit and that the pathway to measurable results should be clear and credible.
19) Do proposed activities have to align with specific Mission objectives?
Yes. Proposed activities must contribute to one or more of the Mission's programmatic objectives. While the short description does not list those objectives, it makes clear that alignment with defined Mission priorities for Guinea and Sierra Leone is a key requirement.
20) Does this opportunity prescribe a specific project model or sector?
No single narrow project model is prescribed in the description provided. The APS format is meant to encourage creative concepts, as long as they are market-based, private sector-led, and aligned with Mission objectives.
21) What countries are covered by this addendum?
This addendum is specifically for Guinea and Sierra Leone under the USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission.
22) When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on 2022-05-09.
23) What was the closing date under the original posting timeline?
The original closing date is listed as 2023-12-31, meaning concept submissions were accepted up to that date under the original posting timeline.
24) What makes a proposal a strong fit for this opportunity, based on the description?
Based on the description provided, strong-fit proposals are likely to (a) be private sector-led, (b) operate in real market conditions, (c) show credible and measurable leverage that matches or exceeds USAID funding, (d) clearly align with USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission objectives, and (e) present a believable pathway to measurable development outcomes that can continue beyond USAID support.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Piedmont South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Previous opportunity: SMART FY 2022 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 72067522APS00003
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (72067522APS00003) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2022 - National Maritime Heritage Grant Program - Preservation Grants Apply for P22AS00347 Funding Number: P22AS00347 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| FY 2022 - National Maritime Heritage Grant Program - Education Grants Apply for P22AS00355 Funding Number: P22AS00355 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| 9/11 Memorial Act Grant Program Apply for P22AS00371 Funding Number: P22AS00371 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,750,000 |
| FY2022 Battlefield Restoration Grants Apply for P22AS00623 Funding Number: P22AS00623 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Ukraine: USG Exchange Alumni Small Grants Program Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2022 10 Funding Number: PAS UKRAINE 2022 10 Agency: U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2022 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program Apply for DHS 22 MT 047 00 99 Funding Number: DHS 22 MT 047 00 99 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ARDF-Africa Regional Democracy Fund, POL/ECON, U.S. Embassy Yaounde Apply for AFYDE ARDF GR POLECON 2022 Funding Number: AFYDE ARDF GR POLECON 2022 Agency: U.S. Mission to Cameroon Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Civil Society Activity Apply for RFI1 Funding Number: RFI1 Agency: Jordan USAID-Amman Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Civil Society Activity Apply for RFI TUNISIA CSO Funding Number: RFI TUNISIA CSO Agency: Middle East Regional Platform USAID-MERP Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2023 National Geological & Geophysical Data Preservation Program Apply for G23AS00011 Funding Number: G23AS00011 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Entrepreneurial & Economic Empowerment (E3) Hub Apply for OPAPDFY22005 Funding Number: OPAPDFY22005 Agency: U.S. Mission to Jerusalem Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Reducing Violent Extremis through strengthening of Youth Political Participation at the local level Apply for PAS LOME FY2022 05 Funding Number: PAS LOME FY2022 05 Agency: U.S. Mission to Togo Category: Other Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| LWCF State Assistance Formula Grants - Construction - FY22 Cycle 2 Apply for P22AS00412 Funding Number: P22AS00412 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| LWCF State Assistance Formula Grants - State Planning - FY22 Cycle 2 Apply for P22AS00411 Funding Number: P22AS00411 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Grand Canyon and Flagstaff Monuments Fuels Reduction Apply for P22AS00413 Funding Number: P22AS00413 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Apply for P22AS00645 Funding Number: P22AS00645 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Addressing Sustainability in Alternative Development (AD) Value Chains in Peru Apply for 72052722RFI00004 Funding Number: 72052722RFI00004 Agency: Peru USAID-Lima Category: Other Funding Amount: $12,000,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund Program Apply for TBD STORM Funding Number: TBD STORM Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Apply for NEAAC22MERC1001 Funding Number: NEAAC22MERC1001 Agency: Assistance Coordination Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| F23AS00028 National Outreach and Communication Program Apply for F23AS00028 Funding Number: F23AS00028 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $70,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "72067522APS00003", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.