USAID/Morocco: $25 million over a five-year period to build the capacity of Ministry of Education (MEN)

The main purpose of Bridge is to build the capacity of Ministry of Education (MEN) to implement new, student-centered curricula in Arabic and selected STEM subjects (grades 4-9) as well as English (grades 7-9), in ways that have measurable impacts on learning outcomes.

Goal: The goal of the program is to improve the performance of MEN central directorates, education academies (AREFs), provincial directorates (DPs), and schools in employing evidence-based pedagogies that promote continuous learning in select content areas, emphasizing strengthened critical thinking skills.

Objectives: Bridge has three objectives jointly contributing to the achievement of the program goal:

Enhance the Moroccan education system’s ability to improve learning outcomes in upper primary (grade 4-6) Arabic, Math, and Science
Enhance the Moroccan education system’s ability to improve learning outcomes in lower secondary (grade 7-9) Arabic, English, and selected Science subjects (physics/chemistry, taught as one subject, and life/earth sciences, (biology and geology), taught as one subject)
Enhance the Moroccan education system’s preparedness to scale up successful practices in these subject areas and grades

The United States Agency of International Development (USAID) through its Mission in Morocco (USAID/Morocco) seeks concept papers from eligible applicants to implement the Bridge to Middle School Activity.

General informations

Themes

Capacity building

Target population:

Educators / Teachers / Trainers

Period:

5 years. The estimated start date will be upon the signature of the award, which is anticipated on or about March 28, 2022.

Budget:

$25,000,000 in total USAID funding to support one (1) Cooperative Agreement over the course of five (5) years

Funders:

USAID

Eligibility criteria:

Eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted, except individuals and governments.
The Applicant must have established financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal control systems, and policies and procedures that comply with established U.S. Government standards, laws, and regulations. The successful Applicant(s) will be subject to a positive risk assessment by the Agreement Officer (AO).
A positive risk assessment means that the applicant possesses or has the ability to obtain the necessary management competence to plan and carry out the assistance program to be funded, and that the applicant will practice mutually agreed upon methods of accountability for funds and other assets provided by USAID.

How to apply?

The USAID/Morocco Bridge to Middle School Activity will follow a “Three-Phase Merit Review” process of application selection:

● Phase 1 is the submission, review and evaluation of a written concept paper. USAID will acknowledge the submission of Concept Papers within three (3) business days and will review Concept Papers against the merit review criteria detailed in the NOFO. The deadline for submission of Concept Papers is November 15, 2021 at 4:00 PM. Applicants will be evaluated based on the Phase 1 (Concept Paper). The Apparently Successful Applicant (ASA) will be invited to Phase 2, Co-creation, and all other applicants will be notified that were not selected.

● Only the ASA will be invited to participate in Phase 2, Co-creation,. For Phase 2, USAID will convene a co-creation event with USAID, the Applicant and other stakeholders.

● If the Co-creation is successful, the Apparently Successful Applicant (ASA) will be invited to Phase 3 and requested to submit a Full Application. The ASA will develop and submit a Final Application, including a cost application, for final consideration. The Final Application will then be evaluated for determination of the award.

Download the entire call for project here