USAID/Pakistan Inclusive Partnerships for Climate Resilience (IPCR) Activity | 72039124RFA00001

FAQs: USAID/Pakistan Inclusive Partnerships for Climate Resilience (IPCR) Activity

What is the USAID/Pakistan Inclusive Partnerships for Climate Resilience (IPCR) Activity?

IPCR is a USAID-Islamabad funding opportunity focused on strengthening how Pakistani universities respond to climate risks. It emphasizes building climate-resilient and gender-inclusive approaches to water management by improving the capacity of Pakistani public universities to lead practical solutions in the water sector.

What is the main goal of this opportunity?

The main goal is to help Pakistani public universities become stronger frontline institutions for climate adaptation in the water sector. This includes supporting applied research, training future practitioners, and convening networks that connect government, communities, and technical experts, while advancing gender equity and broader social inclusion.

Which sector or technical area does IPCR emphasize?

The activity places a specific emphasis on water management under climate stress, with an expectation that approaches will be climate-resilient and gender-inclusive.

How are universities expected to contribute to climate resilience through this activity?

Universities are positioned as hubs for innovation and problem-solving. IPCR highlights roles such as producing applied research, training the next generation of practitioners, and serving as conveners of networks that link policymakers, communities, and technical experts to advance evidence-based policy and practice in the water sector.

What does “gender-inclusive” mean in the context of this activity?

Based on the opportunity description, “gender-inclusive” means ensuring that women are meaningfully included in planning, leadership, and benefits related to climate-resilient water management efforts. It also aligns with broader social inclusion goals for underserved or marginalized groups.

Who is the activity intended to benefit?

The activity is designed to strengthen Pakistani public universities and expand knowledge and leadership opportunities for women and underserved or marginalized groups, particularly in the context of climate-resilient water management.

What is the partnership model described in the opportunity?

A key feature is a partnership model between U.S. and Pakistani higher education institutions. USAID intends to leverage U.S. university expertise to help Pakistani counterparts strengthen technical, institutional, and collaborative capabilities relevant to climate-resilient, inclusive water management.

Can Pakistani universities apply as the prime applicant?

No. Eligibility is narrowly defined: the prime applicant must be a U.S. higher education institution. The work is centered on strengthening Pakistani public universities, but U.S. universities must lead the application and structure partnerships to carry out the activity objectives.

What types of Pakistani institutions are specifically mentioned?

The opportunity specifically references building the capacity of Pakistani public universities.

Does the opportunity mention work beyond university campuses?

Yes. It emphasizes building networks and communities of practice, including those supporting underserved groups. This suggests connecting universities with local stakeholders such as community organizations, practitioners, and potentially public-sector entities involved in water governance.

What is meant by “networks and communities of practice” in this opportunity?

In the context provided, networks and communities of practice refer to collaborations that link universities with government, communities, practitioners, and technical experts to strengthen an inclusive ecosystem for climate-resilient water management and expand participation for groups often excluded from decision-making.

What type of award is this?

This is a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

The opportunity notes that cooperative agreements typically involve substantial involvement by USAID during implementation compared to a standard grant.

Is this a new opportunity or a continuation?

It is described as a continuation opportunity funded through a cooperative agreement.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is 72039124RFA00001.

What CFDA listing is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 98.001.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is USD 1,500,000.

How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID expects to make one award.

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2024-06-07.

When is the application closing date?

The original closing date for applications is 2024-08-09.

Which USAID mission is associated with this opportunity?

This is described as a USAID-Islamabad funding opportunity (USAID/Pakistan).

What policy is cited as the reason for the eligibility restriction?

USAID notes the restriction follows ADS 303.3.6.5 and applies to the IPCR addendum.

What is the central idea behind IPCR?

The central idea is that universities can play a frontline role in helping Pakistan adapt to climate impacts by producing applied research, training practitioners, and convening networks that connect government, communities, and technical experts, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and gender-responsive approaches in water management.