USAID Jordan Competitiveness Program (JCP) Annual Program Statement (APS) Competitive Partnership Fund (CPF) / Grants

Transcription

1 USAID Jordan Competitiveness Program (JCP) Annual Program Statement (APS) Competitive Partnership Fund (CPF) / Grants USAID JCP is a five-year economic growth program implemented by Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI). JCP aims to increase the competitiveness of three of Jordan s knowledge economy sectors Clean Technology, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and ICT. Success will be measured in terms of new employment generated, growth in exports, and attraction of foreign direct investment. The program s goal is to help generate 40,000 new jobs, attract $700 million in foreign direct investment, and increase exports in targeted clusters by 25 percent by the end of the project (2017). Achieving these ambitious targets will require close collaboration with the private sector, sector associations, the government and academia, and will require new and innovative ways of collaboration. *****Please read carefully and follow the application instructions beginning on page 10-13***** Program Objectives: The USAID JCP program has established a Competitiveness Partnership Fund (CPF) to help with the achievement of its objectives. The purpose of the CPF is to expand the reach of the program and create partnerships with organizations that share common objectives. The CPF aspires to make a concrete impact in terms of job creation, export expansion and FDI attraction in three targeted sectors: Clean Technologies (CT), Healthcare and Life Sciences (HLS) and Information & Communication Technology (ICT). Moreover, the CPF seeks to leverage existing institutional capacity and knowledge and provide partners with the tools and resources they need in order to expand their reach; achieve a scale needed to make systemic change; incorporate world class standards, processes, and knowledge into their operations; promote innovation, entrepreneurialism and creativity; and foster international and local public-private partnerships. USAID JCP is requesting applications from eligible organizations that can support the goals of improving Jordan s economic stability and growth. Projects funded through the Competitiveness Partnership Fund should address at least one of the following activities: Provide policy and regulatory reform support to drive competitiveness, innovation and trade; Improve Jordanian workforce readiness in JCP s targeted clusters through an approach that strengthens Career Development Centers, establishes Centers of Excellence, and creates quality internship and training programs all focused on market needs and competitive growth areas; Engage private sector stakeholders in a collaborative process to develop and implement plans and growth strategies in the three sectors based on approaches that capitalize on competitive advantages and bring to bear global best practices being developed around the world ensuring that Jordan is one of the lead countries in designing these new practices; Increase access to finance for Jordanian businesses and entrepreneurs by creating awareness of available financing, developing programs to build capacity of firms to offer and access financing, and supporting the development of innovative public private partnerships and angel investment networks to create new market financing. Increase the efficacy of the innovation process from R&D through commercialization. In addition, JCP may provide funding to support greater participation of women, youth and diaspora as they relate to the above activities. All projects related to grants must have quantifiable goals and results that can be measured and reported on. Specific targets for project activities must be indicated in the grant application. Failure to reach project targets may result in cancellation of the grant award. 1

2 The issuance of this APS does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of JCP, nor does it commit JCP to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. DAI reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Further, JCP reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this APS. Technical Scope of the APS: Component I: Supportive Enabling Environment Supportive Enabling Environment (SEE) works towards strengthening local institutions to pursue reforms that increase competitiveness and foster an enabling business environment that promotes innovation and growth, with specific focus on the JCP targeted sectors; HLS, CT, and ICT. To achieve these objectives, the SEE Component works in close partnership with public and private sector agencies, in a collaborative approach based on joint ownership and sustainability. The SEE Component s work covers three broad areas: Policy and Legislation Reform; Capacity Building and Institutional Reform, as well as Increasing Trade and Investment Opportunities. Under this APS, JCP will support either cross-cutting activities within the SEE areas of work or those innovative activities that are linked to developing the JCP competitive sectors enabling environment and/or taking advantage of export opportunities. Below are examples of the types of activities for which applications will be considered. Promote Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) for Business Enabling Environment Reform International experience has shown that strong and constructive dialogue between government and the private sector plays a vital role in promoting and implementing lasting reforms; open and transparent dialogue prevents policy-making through back-room deals involving a select few that does not serve the best interests of private sector growth as a whole. To encourage sustainable economic reforms, JCP is looking to support civil society organizations in developing whitepapers and holding public private dialogues around policies and legislation issues that promote economic growth and are relevant to JCP s targeted sectors. Over the course of the next year, JCP anticipates awarding up to four grants, up to US$80,000 in total, for the development of four whitepapers and the implementation of four PPD sessions around them. Applications proposing to implement all four activities are welcome. Increasing Women Employment Despite making remarkable strides in education and gender parity, Jordan is one of the Arab countries with the lowest employment rates of women at 14.9%. To improve conditions of women s engagement in the labor market, JCP aims to support civil society organizations in the development and implementation of legal educational materials and media campaigns, to enhance the awareness of employers, especially at the SME level, on practices such as flexible working hours and working from home, as well as promoting equal pay. The campaign must include dissemination/discussion sessions and reach out to the governorates. JCP anticipates awarding a single grant to an organization, or a consortium, with up to US$70,000, for the development of the materials and implementation of the campaign with a focus on JCP s targeted sectors. Meeting International Standards and Certifications JCP welcomes applications that would support medium sized Jordanian enterprises to meet international standards and receive recognized certifications (in order for them to achieve better integration in the local and global value chain, and/or increase foreign trade opportunities for them). Such activities have to target and/or benefit companies working within JCP s targeted sectors. 2

3 JCP anticipates awarding up to three grants, with up to US$150,000 in total, to interested entities or consortiums. JCP requires a minimum cost share of 50% for awards under this activity. Through its office in Irbid, JCP will open the door for grant applications for women-focused NGOs to perform an analysis of the successes and failures of the small office-home office (SOHO) experience in Amman and advocate to introduce similar regulations through work with the Irbid municipality. We anticipate the NGO to hire a private firm under the grant to assess the Amman experience in SOHO. The private firm is expected to conduct the analysis as well as submit recommendations as to how to address some of the potential challenges. The NGO would take these results and use them to advocate with the Irbid Municipality. JCP reasons that women focused NGO s are the ideal grantee/s as women would be the greatest beneficiaries form this activity. Cost sharing is not anticipated under this activity as the limited resources available to women s NGO would make it unlikely for them to contribute substantial financial resources to the implementation of such an initiative. Component II: Workforce Development JCP s Workforce Development Component (WFD) brings together representatives of private sector companies, educational institutions, and relevant government sponsors to strengthen Jordan s workforce. JCP supports internship programs and develops job placement strategies that help enhance graduates employability in JCP s targeted sectors. Furthermore, WFD assists universities in developing solutions that anticipate and respond to market needs, with the aim of increasing employment for graduates with degrees relevant to JCP s targeted sectors. Career Fairs As part of its efforts to link senior university students and fresh graduates with employers, and exposing them to employment possibilities in the market, JCP will implement three career fairs in three geographic areas (North, Center, and South of Jordan). The career fairs should focus on JCP s targeted sectors and must exert serious efforts to target young women and encourage employers to consider recruitment of individuals residing outside of Amman. JCP anticipates up to three awards, with a total value of US$80,000. JCP requires a 25% minimum cost share for this specific activity. Applications proposing to implement all three fairs are welcome. Interventions to Bridge the Technical Skills Gap in the Jordanian Market As part of its efforts to identify and bridge the Technical Skills gap between labor supply and demand in the ICT, Clean Tech, and Healthcare and Life Sciences sectors, JCP will support interventions that aim to introduce: 1. Certified technical training courses, and/or 2. Track specialization programs, which would include developing new or upgrading current curricula adopted by Jordanian universities. JCP anticipates multiple awards, with a total value of US$400,000. JCP requires a 10% minimum cost share for this specific activity. Component III: Cluster Development Clean Technology Sector There is a global trend towards the transition to a green, low carbon and resource efficient economy in achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. By leveraging clean technologies, this emerging Green Economy presents a major opportunity for employment creation in Jordan and for the development of indigenous enterprises and will contribute to securing sustainable economic growth. Recent developments in the sector position Jordan uniquely to capitalize on this opportunity by developing the foundation of the industry. The CT sector has huge potential for bringing FDI and creating new green jobs. 3

4 During Year One, JCP defined the CT sector in Jordan to encompass Renewable Energy (RE), Energy Efficiency (EE), Water Resources Management (WRM), and Solid Waste Management (SWM), and conducted an in-depth diagnosis of the competitiveness potential and hurdles facing each of these four sub-sectors. The diagnosis process entailed intensive stakeholder engagement and consultation and resulted in the creation of strong momentum and breakthroughs in public-private-academia dialogue around key sector challenges. Over the course of the next year, the CT sector is looking to fund the below grants: Support for the Implementation of Strategic, Transformative Pilot Projects in the Clean Energy and Solid Waste Management Subsectors An essential part of JCP s CT strategy is to support the implementation of new and innovative pilot projects that can demonstrate value and in the process, identify technical, financial, and regulatory issues to be addressed that pave the way for others to follow. A pilot approach will demonstrate specific hurdles that the private sector is already facing and will provide a platform for new innovative mechanisms that will boost the sector and its competitiveness. JCP will ensure that the pilots are driven by sector champions who will steer the pilots implementation. Below are the pilots JCP has already identified and started to support. Other pilots might be added later based on the request from stakeholders: Solar enabled Smart Campus pilot at King Hussein Business Park, converting it into an innovation hub for clean energy and ICT. Integrated Clean Energy and Solid Waste Management solutions in the Dead Sea Development Zone. Clean Energy (Energy Management) pilot for industries in El Hassan Industrial Estate Irbid. Greater Irbid Municipality Clean Energy project Solar charging stations and green infrastructure for electric vehicles in Amman JCP anticipates awarding up to two grants to organizations, or consortiums, with up to US$100,000 in total, to support the implementation of one of these strategic pilots. Promote Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Investment Prospects Based on the result of an investment potential and readiness assessment conducted by JCP, RE and EE possess high FDI potential. However, much still needs to be done to attract and guide investors to increase the number of deals in these two sub-sectors. Therefore, JCP is looking to support promotional efforts to package investment opportunities in order to attract investors in the RE and EE sub-sectors and guide them through the right process and to the right opportunity. JCP anticipates awarding up to two grants to organizations, or consortium, with up to US$70,000, for the promotion of RE and EE investment opportunities. Support to Boost the Clean Tech Sector Development The Clean Tech sector encompasses tremendous opportunities for economic growth in Jordan. Market-oriented approaches and creative public-private partnerships among local and international playersto boost private sector competitiveness in the EE, RE, WRM, and SWM carry huge potential for job creation, increased exports, green financing, and FDI. Innovation and cutting edge technologies, as well as confidence boosters, form a major enabler for the CT sector. Moreover, women employment in the sector seems to be a challenging, but a promising opportunity. JCP is welcoming any applications for support that are in line with JCP s overall objectives (job creation, export increase and FDI attraction), and that tackle the sub-sectors and cross-cutting enablers that JCP has identified throughout its diagnostic stage, namely: Sub-sectors: Renewable Energy (Centralized and Decentralized/Distributed) Energy Efficiency (including the construction and engineering sectors) Solid Waste Management Water Management (both on municipal and agricultural levels) 4

5 Cross-cutting Enablers: Gender Innovation and Technology Transfer Linkages between universities and private firms JCP anticipates awarding up to three grants to organizations, or consortiums, with up to US$250,000 in total. Healthcare and Life Sciences The Jordanian Healthcare and Life Sciences (HLS) industry is among the most competitive in the region, with a wide spectrum of sectors and sub-sectors. These sectors include a robust pharmaceutical and supporting services (e.g. hosting the largest generics manufacturer in the region), a highly capable healthcare provider network (one of the largest medical tourism destinations in the region), and a well-respected and high performing healthcare education system. The high level of competitiveness in the HLS industry drives significant employment, resulting in 120,000 direct employees today, not including healthcare educators. However, expenditures on healthcare in Jordan have significantly increased both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the country s economy, where healthcare spending has reached about 9 percent of its GDP relative to an average of 5 7 percent for other MENA countries. The trend will likely continue in the near future due to an increasingly aging population, longer life expectancies, and inorganic population growth. In addition, the industry is facing challenges and needs to adapt in order to maintain its competitive edge. Support for Nurse Bridging Program Jordan has a highly performing healthcare education system graduating doctors, allied health professionals, and nurses that serve Jordan and the region, yet there is a gap in the clinical and practical skills of these graduates as they enter the work force, especially in the nursing profession. In Jordan, nurses need 6 9 months of practical experience before being able to have patient contact and fully enter the work force. In addition, there is a shortage in highly skilled and specialized nurses. To address these gaps, JCP HLS proposes to support interested institutions to implement a Nurse Bridging Program (NBP) that would be available for all nursing students, graduates, and current practitioners. The program would offer training and multi-disciplinary certifications for nursing professionals in line with international standards. The program will increase the number of trained Jordanian nurses, helping to reduce the existing shortage of nurses. It will also welcome foreign nurses who would then practice their profession in foreign countries. Welcoming foreign nurses to the program would ensure that it is financially stable, and will increase the exports of Jordanian services abroad, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Jordan. JCP anticipates awarding up to three grants to interested organizations, or consortiums, with up to US$100,000 for each, to implement an NBP module. JCP requires a 50% minimum cost share contribution for this specific activity. Specific Evaluation Criteria: The curriculum developed by the NBP should enhance students practical skills and prepare them to enter the Jordanian labor market, in order to address the current gap between supply and demand of nurses in Jordan and reduce the length of the post-graduate training that hospitals currently have to provide to the nurses they hire. The program will need to accommodate a sufficient number of nurses that would address the skills gap. Training has to be delivered in a centralized training center in collaboration with hospitals in close proximity. The center is expected to adhere to international standards in order to qualify for international nurse training accreditation. The NBP should also provide links to employment and match trainee skills with market demand. JCP encourages consortiums of teaching hospitals, nursing schools, and nursing councils/associations to develop the NBP. The program will welcome foreign and Jordanian nurses alike. Support the Expansion of Clinical Research Organization (CROs) 5

6 Jordan s pharmaceutical industry is one of the strongest in the MENA region. It is the second largest national exporter as an industry resulting in US$900m in revenues. The pharmaceutical industry is mainly generic-based and enjoys collaboration with CROs to conduct bio-equivalence studies on their generic products. The CROs emerged as a group, capable of supporting services to the pharmaceutical industry. That industry has the potential to grow and conduct studies beyond bio-equivalence. Jordanian CROs have significant growth potential, realizing this potential would benefit the global competitiveness of Jordan s pharmaceutical supporting services and help position Jordan as a key player in conducting phase II, III and IV clinical studies. Thus, JCP will focus on building capacities of CROs to conduct more phase II to phase IV clinical studies and expand business development to reach international pharmaceutical companies (direct contracting) and international CROs (sub-contracting). JCP will also focus on providing support to upgrade Clinical Management Systems, develop marketing strategies, and to help support efforts to obtain US FDA to accredit CRO s to conduct and carry out clinical studies. JCP anticipates awarding up to three grants for a maximum combined total of US$400,000, to interested Clinical Research Organizations JCP requires a 50% minimum cost share contribution to this specific activity. Home Care Services Hospitals in Jordan operate at a 90% bed capacity where in general, international standards require hospitals to operate at a maximum of 75% bed capacity. In many cases, bed capacity comes from the local terminally ill who occupy hospital rooms due to families not being equipped to provide care for them at home. This increases the costs for the system. In order to improve the efficiency of the health care system, patients should be shifted to lower cost settings, such as home healthcare services. The home healthcare market in Jordan is still very nascent with little service offering, it also suffers from a highly fragmented and under regulated landscape. Though the demand for home care is increasing, the population is wary to solicit such services due to the lack of trust in the quality of these service provided and misconceptions around the nature of home care. The establishment of a high quality home care industry could significantly reduce the average length of hospital stays and free up hospital capacity. It would also reduce the financial burden on the families when patients are being cared for at home. JCP seeks to advance the home care services industry in Jordan by building awareness and educating the public on the benefits of home care services, including regulators and payers. This is in addition to conducting training to doctors and allied health professionals to provide quality home care services. To this end, JCP anticipates awarding a single grant for a pilot that proves the concept of the business model of up to US$150,000. Evaluation Criteria: The duration of the pilot will be for 6 months. Innovative partnership models are highly encouraged. Applicant s cost share commitment (including in-kind) is an important factor in the success of the envisioned pilot. Monitoring and evaluation of impact including reporting on the outcomes is necessary. Service providers in the consortium must show sufficient pool of staff to accommodate the demand for home care services. The consortium must propose a comprehensive home care training program for the staff to ensure providing quality home care services, which may include QC mechanism. The consortium must propose a comprehensive mechanism to ensure quality home care services will be provided. The consortium must propose a sound business model and feasibility study to ensure their home care service pilot program is sustained for 6 months. Information and Communications Technology 6

7 The ICT industry is one of Jordan s most competitive sectors in terms of exports and its linkages to a wide variety of other user industries that can serve as a catalyst for the competitiveness of other industries through IP generation and its knowledge creation potential. For example, ICT can serve as an enabler of competitiveness for JCP s other two target sectors, healthcare and clean technology. With targeted capacity building, export promotion and support for emerging clusters with high potential, the ICT sector is well positioned to bounce back from the impact of recent regional and global events. Accordingly, JCP's approach to the sector focuses on: 1) revising and aligning JCP's approach to ICT sector competitiveness with Jordan's National ICT Strategy ( ); 2) designing an Export Development and Readiness Program in response to ICT companies needs; and, 3) exploring new innovative areas and niche sub-sectors under ICT, such as the electronics design sub-sector, in addition to introducing new areas that will support innovation and IP as well as corporate maturity and readiness to build on exports and investments opportunities. The ICT sector is looking to fund the below grants: Innovative Partnerships in ICT Models for pilots that encourage private sector consortiums or public-private based consortiums to design and develop innovative offerings that will enable better market access for participating companies contributing to an increase in exports or enabling their expansion and growth for more job creation. The pilots should focus on new niche areas under ICT in HLS and ICT in CT. JCP anticipates awarding up to three grants to consortiums, with up to US$500,000 in total. Specific Selection Criteria: Applicants should specify the pilot idea, competitive edge, and how it will contribute to an increase in exports and job creation. Applicants should demonstrate all consortium participants capabilities and track record. Applicants should clearly state the selection/admission criteria and methodology to be used for consortiums participants, and identify the leading partner. Applicants should demonstrate the consortium plan to implement the pilot. Applicants should state if they plan to get further funds to support in the development and implementation of this pilot. R&D and Commercialization R&D constitutes a critical driver of innovation and a necessary factor in securing competitive advantage for a nation such as Jordan. JCP will focus on working with key entities to improve the R&D environment and its impact on economic growth in Jordan. To advance R&D and Commercialization potential grants will: Support development of and advocacy for research and IP policies and regulations which support R&D commercialization. Improve the quality, quantity and relevance of applied research and develop the capacity of researcher and research centers. Strengthen the capacity and reach of Technology Transfer Units. JCP anticipates awarding up to three grants to organizations, or consortiums, with up to US$300,000 in total. Component IV: Access to Finance (A2F) Start-ups and knowledge-based enterprises lack the assets, social connections, cash flow histories and business plans required for traditional loans in Jordan or to attract investment funds. The Access to Finance (A2F) Component leverages best practices in the global financial markets to support the development and roll out of risksharing mechanisms, tailored financial products, expanded sources of finance, and improved information and business plans for Jordan s SME ecosystem. For debt financing, the ATF Component also seeks to improve awareness among SMEs of the availability of different financing mechanisms and the ways to access them. The ATF Component is also working to improve the capacity of existing Jordanian angel investor networks in order to create a more robust, consistent pipeline of investment ready SMEs for angel and venture capital investors. The 7

8 following matrix summarizes key current and prospective activities that drive the component s objective to help companies grow through easier access to financing: Demand Supply Early Stage / Start-Ups Investment Readiness Program Provide tools & platforms to help them scale their business Develop angel investor networks & groups Develop new angel investors & training for existing investors Collaborate with regional crowdfunding platforms & fund managers SME Financing Target awareness & match making sessions for SMEs and public & private sector financiers SME investment readiness programs Develop sector-specific banking solutions (including Islamic Finance) Advise financiers on making more loans & investments Support SME structured financing (including for diaspora) To achieve its objectives, the A2F component works in collaboration with the key public and private sector stakeholders from Jordan s SME financing ecosystem, including: regulated financial institutions, equity investors in early stage businesses, development finance institutions and government guarantee schemes, SME advisory firms, other USAID economic development programs, and local incubators and accelerators. For newly designed and launched activities, the ATF Component focuses on confirming interest and commitments among key public and private-sector financing partners, launching new pilots, scaling already launched pilots, and testing both technical product development and capacity-building initiatives. The A2F Component s key objective is to design activities that are scalable and sustainable, with particular focus on local partners that will take management ownership of successfully-launched products. The ATF Component provides cross-cutting support to each JCP sector through several initiatives, including, but not limited to, the following: A variety of awareness and matchmaking events that link companies, financiers, and supporting stakeholders (such as business associations and consulting companies) in order to increase the probability for investment facilitation; Start-up and SME investment readiness training to increase access to debt and equity financing; Stimulating angel investments and improving angel ecosystem capabilities; Expanding access to public sector-sponsored financing and guarantee schemes, such as the current Central Bank of Jordan Credit Facility, to all JCP target sectors; and Supporting the enactment of investment-friendly regulations and capital markets infrastructure, such assisting the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in their efforts to help launch Jordan s first Movable Collateral Registry. The aforementioned set of activities should help the A2F component tangibly improve SME access to finance throughout the life of JCP, while also providing a solid foundation for more scalable gains across all sectors going forward. In delivery of these the aforementioned A2F component-driven activities, JCP anticipates awarding up to four grants to organizations, or consortiums, with up to US$400,000 in total. Cross-cutting Areas of Intervention Incentivize the Creation of New Companies: Similar activities are currently being provided by several local actors under different terminologies, such as Boot Camps, Internships or Entrepreneurship Labs/Camps. The current opportunities available are ICT focused, and while JCP will welcome applications to support existing activities, it strongly encourages applicants to venture 8

9 into JCP s two other sectors; namely HLS and CT. At minimum, applicants should consider incentivizing new companies providing ICT services for the HLS and CT sectors. JCP anticipates awarding up to four grants to organizations, or consortiums, with up to US$600,000 in total. By doing so, JCP aims to implement 15 activities during a period of 12 months, with at least 80 participants in each activity. A minimum 20% cost share is required. Specific Selection Criteria: Incentivizing activities should present a combination of capacity building, mentoring, coaching and networking actions, with a balanced time allocation of theoretical and practical learning. Incentivizing activities should provide access and exposure to the sector specific business eco-system and expertise to allow exposure to new business needs and ideas. Incentivizing activities must demonstrate scalability, and applicants must show historical success rates in establishing new businesses, and creative frameworks. The designed program must consider actions to recruit women and participants residing outside of Amman. Acceleration Programs: Jordan has a wide base of start-up companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In most cases, these companies require assistance to achieve growth, through access to financing or new markets. The growth of such companies would mean creating jobs for more Jordanians, and possibly increasing Jordan s exports. Therefore, this grant activity is targeted towards established startups and/or SMEs with existing products in JCP s three targeted sectors and is open to different types of acceleration if it will lead to: 1. More investments in the participating companies; or 2. Increased exports through opening of new markets to support companies expansion. JCP anticipates awarding up to three grants to organizations, or consortiums, with up to US$500,000 in total. By doing so, JCP aims to accelerate companies during a period of 12 months. A minimum 20% cost share is required. Specific Selection Criteria: The acceleration program should detail how it will support participating companies to grow and mature. The acceleration program should allow for the consideration of Pre-acceleration requirements to include before running the full program. The acceleration program should clearly state the selection criteria and methodology to be used to ensure the most relevant companies are selected, to achieve growth. The acceleration program should provide access and exposure to the sector specific business eco-system and expertise. The acceleration program must demonstrate scalability, and applicants must show historical success rates in attracting investments and closing deals, as well as innovative frameworks of doing business. Applicants are encouraged to submit acceleration program applications presenting opportunities for investment matchmaking and/or market soft landing. The designed program should consider actions to recruit women led start-ups and SMEs, and companies based outside of Amman. Bridging Programs: Jordan has a wide base of start-up companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In most cases, these companies require assistance to achieve growth, through access to financing or new markets. The growth of such companies would mean creating jobs for more Jordanians, and possibly increasing Jordan s exports. Therefore, this activity is targeted towards established startups and/or SMEs, with existing products in JCP s three targeted sectors that possess the corporate readiness to be bridged/linked with multinational companies. It is open to different models of bridging if it will lead to: 1. More investments in the participating companies; or 2. Increased exports through opening of new markets to support companies expansion 9

10 JCP anticipates awarding up to three grants to organizations, or consortiums, with up to US$400,000 in total. By doing so, JCP aims to bridge companies during a period of 12 months. A minimum 20% cost share is required. Specific Selection Criteria: The bridging program should detail how it will support participating companies to grow and mature, especially in terms of being hosted and/or incubated and/or represented in the markets outside Jordan. The bridging program should clearly state the selection criteria and methodology to be used to ensure the most relevant companies are selected, to be successfully bridged, and achieve growth. The bridging program should provide access and exposure to the sector specific business eco-system and expertise. The bridging program must demonstrate scalability, and applicants must show historical success rates in attracting investments and closing deals, as well as innovative frameworks of doing business. Applicants are encouraged to submit bridging program applications presenting opportunities for investment matchmaking and/or market soft landing. The program design should consider actions to recruit women led start-ups and SMEs, and companies based outside of Amman. Support Innovation Centers: Whether called an innovation center, innovation lab, entrepreneurship center, or a Center of Excellence, these establishments tend to provide a conducive environment for the generation of innovative and creative ideas that can be turned into new businesses and create jobs, and foster beneficiaries/client linkages with relevant stakeholders in the private sector. Innovation Centers deliver a combination of training, internships, incubation, and entrepreneurship empowerment services and linkages to job markets. JCP anticipates awarding up to four grants to organizations, or consortiums, with up to US$$500,000 in total, to support existing innovation centers delivering services in JCP s targeted sectors. A minimum 20% cost share is required. Specific Selection Criteria: Applicants should detail and clearly explain their services and clarify the process followed. Applicants should demonstrate actual numbers and statistics regarding their achievements, and their impact. In addition to their future development plans and targets. Applicants should clearly state the selection/admission criteria and methodology to be used. Applicants should provide access and exposure to the sector specific business eco-system and expertise. Applicants should demonstrate how its services are linked to the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and stakeholders. The program design must consider actions to recruit women and individuals residing outside of Amman. ************************************************************************************* APS Application Instructions Instructions for Applicants Concept Paper: Prospective applicants must submit a concept paper to the following address: [email protected] All interested applicants will have to first submit a concept paper. If the concept paper is considered acceptable to JCP, the organizations will be requested to submit a full grant application. The concept paper should not be more than five (5) pages long and should include: Description of the organization and its mission and main activities (maximum one page); Detailed description of the grant activities proposed and how they will further JCP support to the economic development projects (maximum a page and a half); The expected results from this activity and who will benefit from it (maximum one page); Why JCP grant funding is needed for this activity; what is the total amount of funding needed to implement the proposed activity; and what is the cost share the applicant proposes (maximum half a page); 10

11 How the activity will benefit and be sustained after JCP funding has ended (maximum one page). Organizations with approved concept papers will be notified, and will be invited to submit a complete Grant, application. Only then will applicants have access to the grant application form; budget template, work plan template and M&E template. Grant Evaluation and Award Process: JCP grant requests will be reviewed and selected according to the following process: 1. A short, 3-5 page concept paper must be submitted electronically to [email protected] (preferable) or to the JCP office by the potential grantee for an initial review of the minimum eligibility criteria. 2. If the concept paper is approved by the JCP Team, JCP will request a full grant application, which must be completed by the organization and submitted to JCP (electronically and in hard copy). The full application form requests additional and more in-depth information than the concept paper. 3. Based upon the completed application, JCP staff will conduct reviews and evaluations to determine further eligibility to receive a grant. Reviews include environmental impact of the grant project and financial management capability, among other criteria. 4. Once all reviews are completed, the grant application will be sent to USAID for award approval; 5. Whether approved or not approved, the applicant will receive written confirmation of the result from the JCP Grants Team; 6. Applications that are not approved may be modified by the applicant based on JCP s feedback and resubmitted; 7. Approved grantees will sign a Grant Agreement in order to receive the award. Following selection to receive a grant, the successful applicant will receive written notification from the JCP office, through the JCP Grants Team, informing the organization of the award and providing information required for results and impact reporting. Timing: This APS is valid until November 30, Additional APSs will be issued by JCP for subsequent years. Grant projects should generally last no more than one year, however longer project periods may be approved at the discretion of JCP. Under no circumstances will any project be approved to operate past July 31, Grant awards may be made for activities implemented in all governorates. There is no specific deadline for application submissions; JCP will accept and review grant applications on a rolling basis (open-continuous acceptance) throughout the validity period of the APS. The time required to process a grant award may take up to 45 days or more from date of receipt of full application, depending on circumstances related to procurement, applicant documentation, application processing, USAID approval, and other factors. Awards will be subject to availability of funds. There is no guarantee a grant application submitted will be awarded. Grant Amount: Awards typically range from US$20,000 to $300,000 for Jordanian organizations and up to $100,000 for U.S. organizations. Project awards above $300,000 will be considered only if required for success on a large scale. Grants may be provided either in direct material or equipment (In-Kind Grant), cost reimbursable funds (Simplified or Standard Grant), or where funds are disbursed based on specified milestones or deliverables (FAA Fixed Amout Award). Eligibility: To be considered a recipient, the organization must meet the following criteria: 1. Be either a U.S. or a Jordanian registered organization (either for-profit or non-profit). Jordanian organizations should be registered in accordance with Jordanian law. Applications from individual citizens will not be accepted. 2. The organization must demonstrate commitment to the activity based on its own financial contribution. However, if an organization does not have the resources to contribute to the project, the JCP Review Panel will have the discretion to approve the project if the application is strong and the activity leads 11

12 substantively to the project s goals, and benefits are locally sustainable, both financially and operationally. 3. Projects are able to generate value to the beneficiaries within an adequate time frame. 4. The proposed activity is in line with JCP objectives and the Project Scope of Work. 5. Presents evidence of technical, managerial, and financial capacity to accomplish the proposed tasks. 6. Capable of implementing and monitoring the proposed grant project. 7. Demonstrates that it adheres to basic accounting and management principles. 8. Budget calculations are correct and all prices are realistic given local market conditions. 9. Costs are allocable and allowable, per USAID rules and regulations. 10. Qualified to receive support by not appearing on the U.S. Government exclusion lists (including terrorism, money laundering, or other disbarment). In order to receive an award, the applicant, and any partner, must have a SAM registration. For more information on SAM registration please visit Moreover, the applicant must have a DUNS number, if they have received more than $300,000 in revenue during the previous tax year. This is not required at the time of application, but must be completed prior to award. For information about DUNS numbers see: If the applicant s revenue was less than $300,000 in the previous tax year, the DUNS requirement will be waived following signing a self-certification. The following types of entities may apply for JCP grants: Business Associations Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) For-Profit Companies, given they forego any and all profit for awards under this APS. Non-for-Profit Companies Business Advocacy Groups Capital Funds Career Development Centers Business Incubation Centers Technical and Vocational Schools Universities Research institutions Applications from consortiums demonstrating new and creative partnerships are highly encouraged. Only organizations legally registered in Jordan and / or the United States of America are eligible for CPF awards. Examples of goods and services that may be funded include but are not limited to: Training services, technical assistance in the areas of legal or regulatory reform; curriculum design; studies; research activities; surveys; and funding of technical specialists and policy, equity financing, business planning, promotion and linkage advisors; study tours, trade missions and trade fairs; procurement of marketing materials, branding and marketing support, advertising, communication strategies; International Standards Certification support (e.g., ISO); and procurement of materials and equipment relevant to achieving JCP s objectives through the issuance of in-kind grant agreements and purchase orders. Examples of In-Eligible Activities: Private ceremonies, parties, celebrations, or representation expenses; Fundraising and/or profit generation; Promotion of political parties, religions or commercial interests; Other activities deemed to be inherently religious; Development of revolving credit funds, creation of endowments or creation of new organizations. Examples of Restricted Goods: Agricultural commodities Motor vehicles Pharmaceuticals and contraceptive items Pesticides Fertilizer Used equipment, or 12

13 U.S. government-owned excess property. JCP and/or the grantee must not procure any of the above mentioned goods without the prior written approval of the USAID Contracting Officer (CO). Examples of In-Eligible Goods: Military equipment Surveillance equipment Police and law enforcement and support equipment Abortion equipment Luxury goods Gambling equipment Weather modification equipment. This provision is applicable when the costs for commodities will be paid for with USAID funds. This provision is not applicable if the recipient is providing for the goods or services with private funds as part of a cost-sharing requirement. Evaluation Criteria: Applications that meet minimum eligibility criteria in response to this APS, based on the submitted concept paper, will be reviewed and awarded based on the following general criteria (in addition to the specific criteria noted above): 1. Impact on JCP Goals: a. Activity is in line with JCP objectives and Project Scope of Work or outputs. b. Activity is tied directly to a work plan activity or task or can contribute directly to JCP objectives. c. Activity is innovative and takes into account the local specificities. d. Activity demonstrates beneficiary buy-in and a high probability of measurable success. 2. Sustainability: a. Project s efforts and/or benefits are locally sustainable, both financially and operationally. b. Projects are able to generate value to the beneficiaries within an adequate time frame. c. Project does not demonstrate evidence of negative environmental impact. 3. Quality of Deliverables: a. All training, capacity building and/or educational materials developed under this APS must meet international standards, and reflect international best practices. b. All certification and accreditation programs supported under this APS must be services of well-known, well-respected international certification and accreditation bodies. 4. Capacity of Grantee: a. The grantee, presents evidence of technical, managerial, and financial capacity to accomplish the proposed task. b. The grantee is capable of implementing and monitoring the proposed project. c. The grantee, demonstrates that it adheres to basic accounting and management principles. 5. Activity Budget: a. Budget calculations are correct and all prices are realistic given local conditions. b. Costs are allocable and allowable and conform to USAID rules and regulations. 6. All Specific Selection Criteria identified above, as part of the activity scope, will also apply. Cost Share/Leverage Requirements: Unless stated otherwise in the activity scope above, awards under this APS do not require a cost share from applicants; however, cost-share contributions from applicants are strongly encouraged In-kind contributions (such as meeting space, labor, vehicles, or other grantee assets) towards the grant project may be used as a cost-share contribution. 13

14 Grant Application: Full grant application and its attachments will be shared with shortlisted applicants. Other Conditions: 1. JCP will not reimburse organizations for any pre-award expenses paid by the grantee. 2. DAI and USAID reserve the right to fund any or none of the grant applications submitted. 3. All questions regarding the JCP Competitiveness Partnership Fund should be addressed to the JCP office listed in this APS. 4. All USAID regulations will apply to awards, including those related to terrorism financing, trafficking of persons, environmental approvals, and other regulations. A complete list of all relevant regulations will be provided to awardees and certifications will be signed to ensure acknowledgement and understanding of the specific language. 5. All questions regarding the JCP Competitiveness Partnership Fund should be addressed to the Grants Team, at JCP s main office: King Hussein Business Park, Building 3, Ground Floor, Amman, Jordan [email protected]; Telephone: This Annual Program Statement (APS) was prepared by DAI as part of the USAID JCP. 14