ETOILE - Addendum to YouthPower 2 (YP2) - 7200AA20APS00007 | 72066022APS00001

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72066022APS00001

The ETOILE opportunity is an addendum issued by USAID in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the broader YouthPower 2 (YP2) Annual Program Statement (APS). Its full name, Enseignement Technique pour Opportunites Inclusives, Lucratives et Equitables (ETOILE), signals the core focus: technical education and training that leads to more inclusive, equitable, and income-generating opportunities, with an emphasis on youth. Rather than being a standalone notice with entirely new rules, this addendum sits under the FY 2020 YP2 APS framework, meaning applicants are expected to follow the YP2 APS terms and conditions unless the addendum specifically changes them.

USAID/DRC is using a staged application approach. Interested organizations first submit a Concept Note that outlines the proposed approach and how it fits the ETOILE objectives. USAID then reviews those Concept Notes and, if one is promising and responsive to the instructions, may invite the organization to submit a Full Application. This is important because submitting a Concept Note is not the same as being guaranteed funding; it is essentially the entry point into a competitive selection process. USAID also emphasizes that the addendum itself is not a promise of an award and does not reimburse costs associated with preparing or submitting Concept Notes or applications. Any eventual award decisions depend on funding availability and the strength and feasibility of the applications received.

The addendum explains what kinds of activities USAID is willing to consider, how much funding may be available, how to submit, and how submissions will be evaluated. While the notice does not list detailed activity examples in the excerpt provided, it clearly places the work in the education sector, specifically around technical education tied to livelihoods and equitable economic outcomes. The funding instrument USAID anticipates using is a cooperative agreement, which typically means USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation (for example, collaborating on technical direction, monitoring, or coordination), rather than simply issuing a grant with minimal ongoing engagement.

In terms of scale and timing, the opportunity is administered by USAID-Kinshasa (USAID/DRC) and was posted on August 8, 2022, with an original closing date of October 7, 2022. The listed award ceiling is USD 25,500,000, indicating a potentially large program scope, although the exact number of awards is not specified and may vary depending on available funds and the quality of proposals received. The CFDA/assistance listing number referenced is 98.001, which corresponds to USAID foreign assistance.

Eligibility is broad. Both U.S. and non-U.S. entities can apply, including public and private organizations, for-profit and non-profit entities, and NGOs, as long as they meet the relevant geographic code requirement (code 937) referenced in the announcement. Another practical flexibility in this addendum is that an organization may participate in multiple Concept Notes as a sub-awardee or supporting partner, even if it is not the prime applicant on each submission. USAID also encourages applicants to build proposals with local partners as sub-awardees, aligning with typical USAID priorities around local engagement and local capacity.

A key compliance point is the explicit reminder about restrictions tied to Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2019. Applicants are warned that award funds cannot be used to procure certain covered telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment. This prohibition applies broadly, covering direct and indirect costs, cost share, and program income. For U.S. organizations, this is reflected in 2 CFR 200.216, and for non-U.S. organizations it is captured through a required USAID standard provision titled "Prohibition on Certain Telecommunication and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (AUGUST 2020)." Applicants are directed to consult USAID guidance resources (the Section 889 partner site) to ensure compliance.

Overall, ETOILE is a competitive USAID/DRC funding pathway under YouthPower 2 aimed at strengthening technical education connected to equitable, inclusive livelihoods for youth. The process begins with Concept Notes, with Full Applications requested only from selected, responsive applicants, and any eventual cooperative agreement award depends on both funding availability and proposal viability, along with strict adherence to USAID requirements including telecommunications procurement prohibitions.

• The Democratic Republic of the Congo USAID-Kinshasa in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "ETOILE - Addendum to YouthPower 2 (YP2) - 7200AA20APS00007" 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 2022-08-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-10-07. (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 $25,500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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