Module 8-Key Proposal Tools

Technical Questions

1. For the Phase 2 schools, will the 1740 schools to be targeted be drawn only from
government primary schools (GPS), or will it also include madrasahs, RNGPS, and
other primary education providers?

2. On page 7, the RFA states that improved reading skills among early grade students
will be “measured by an increase in oral reading fluency,” while on page 13, the
proposed indicator for the activity objective is “proportion of students who by the end of
2nd grade of primary school, demonstrate that they can read with sufficient fluency and
comprehension to understand grade level text.” Does USAID have a preference
between these two possible measures of improved reading?

3. Can we get clarification on the scope of work for the EdData II task order for
Bangladesh referenced on page 11? Will the Ed Data project already begin
development of EGRA or EGMA tools and conduct a nationally representative
EGRA/EGMA study? Will the EdData work precede the READ project, or will it be
implemented alongside READ activities?

4. On page 12, Section IV. Overview of Proposed Activity and Results Framework, there
are actually 5 Intermediate Results with the inclusion of Improved Advocacy and
Technical Assistance to Government of Bangladesh Education Sector Program. Can
USAID please confirm that this is a cross-cutting intermediate result or a 5th
intermediate result?

5. On page 14, the first sentence says that READ will build teacher capacity to provide
“quality reading and math instruction.” Does USAID require activities that also focus on
early grades math assessment and instruction, apart from early grades reading? Please
confirm that the project will only work on reading assessment.

6. On page 15, under proposed indicators, does the term administrator include only
upazila level DPE officials (Upazila Education Officer and Assistant Upazila Education
Officers) or does it also include Head Teachers?

7. On page 18, Implementation Phase, Phase Two, can USAID confirm that all schools
in Phase Two will be equipped with multi-media sets procured by the Government? Or
should the applicant include funds to procure the multi-media sets in their budgets?

8. Can USAID please confirm that as per page 30, the estimated start date of the award
is USAID’s 4th quarter (April-June 2014) and not the 4th quarter in the calendar year
(October-December 2013)?

For internal use only-April 2014

 Module 8-Key Proposal Tools

9. Can USAID clarify the third bullet under the technical approach on page 34: “criteria
for selecting outlets to be assisted and an illustrative list of partners, as well as
benchmarks that would signify graduation from assistance”?

10. Can USAID please confirm that only a 6 month mobilization plan is required as an
annex and not a 4-year implementation plan?

11. Is a draft Branding Strategy and Marking Plan required for submission as part of the
technical application? It is not listed among the suggested annexes under item vii on
pages 36-37.

11. On pages 43-44, under proposed evaluation criteria, the bullets that describe what
the expected qualifications/areas of expertise for key personnel are slightly different
from what was outlined as required for key personnel on pages 24-26. For example, the
text under key personnel on pages 43-44 references expertise/experience in distance
learning, design and development of mass media, materials linked with life skills
enhancement, and production and airing of television episodes. These are areas that
were not mentioned in prior sections of the RFA. Should proponents be guided by what
is listed on pages 24-26 in proposing key personnel candidates, or should it be guided
by what is stated on pages 43-44?

12. Under proposed evaluation criteria, please confirm that key personnel will take up a
separate 20 points, and will also be part of the 10 points allocated to the management
approach. (Key personnel is included as a second bullet under item 2 - Management
Approach)

Cost Questions

1. Please confirm that applicants can align their cost categories with either those listed
in the SF424A (referenced and link provided in the RFA) on page 37 or those listed on
pages 37 and 38.

For internal use only-April 2014