Tourism as a Leading Edge | APS 182 16 000001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): USAID "Tourism as a Leading Edge" (APS 182 16 000001)

What is the "Tourism as a Leading Edge" funding opportunity?

"Tourism as a Leading Edge" (Funding Opportunity Number APS 182 16 000001) is a USAID grant opportunity, run in collaboration with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), focused on expanding and strengthening sustainable tourism in Albania through practical activities that improve how the tourism sector functions overall.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The intent is to support projects that help tourism become a reliable engine for job creation and local economic development in Albania, with an emphasis on long-term, broad-based economic growth rather than short-term or isolated interventions.

What geographic area is this opportunity focused on?

The opportunity is focused on Albania.

Who is running the program?

The opportunity is a USAID grant program, run in collaboration with Sida (the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency).

What types of projects is USAID looking to support?

USAID is looking for practical activities that strengthen sustainable tourism in Albania by improving sector-wide conditions, such as the tourism business environment and workforce readiness, in ways that can catalyze private sector activity, improve service quality, and expand employment connected to tourism.

What are the two main focus areas (areas of change) for this opportunity?

The opportunity targets two big areas of change: (1) improving the business enabling environment around tourism, and (2) building workforce capacity for tourism and related industries.

What does "improving the business enabling environment" mean in this opportunity?

In this context, it generally includes areas such as better sector coordination, clearer or more supportive policies and regulations, improved standards, and stronger linkages among businesses and institutions that shape the tourism marketplace.

What does "building workforce capacity" mean in this opportunity?

It refers to projects that help develop the skills, competencies, and readiness of workers and potential workers in tourism and related industries.

What outcomes is USAID trying to achieve through these activities?

The underlying goal is for improvements in the enabling environment and workforce capacity to act as catalysts that lead to more private sector activity, higher-quality tourism services, and more employment opportunities connected to tourism in Albania.

Is USAID requesting full proposals or concept papers?

USAID is requesting concept papers at the initial stage rather than full proposals.

What should a concept paper include for this opportunity?

Based on the description, applicants should submit a concise but well-developed project idea explaining what they would do, why it matters, and how it would advance sustainable tourism outcomes in Albania.

Are new or first-time USAID partners encouraged to apply?

Yes. USAID explicitly encourages concept papers from potential new partners, including organizations that have not previously worked with USAID or have limited USAID funding history.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes both U.S. and non-U.S. organizations that are legally recognized entities and authorized to operate in Albania. Eligible applicants include non-governmental organizations (including indigenous and local Albanian NGOs), U.S.-based Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), International Organizations (IOs), for-profit organizations (U.S. and non-U.S.), and U.S. and non-U.S. colleges and universities.

Are individuals eligible to apply?

No. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Does the opportunity allow both U.S. and non-U.S. applicants?

Yes. The listing states eligibility includes both U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, provided they meet the legal recognition and authorization-to-operate requirements in Albania.

What does "all qualified applicants are eligible" imply?

It indicates the competition is open across organization types as long as applicants meet the stated eligibility requirements, including being a legally recognized entity and being authorized to operate in Albania.

What type of funding instrument will USAID use?

The opportunity uses a grant instrument.

Is this opportunity described as mandatory or discretionary?

It is described as a mandatory funding opportunity.

What is the funding activity area/category for this opportunity?

The funding activity area is categorized as "Other."

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 98.001.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $750,000.

How many awards did USAID anticipate making?

USAID anticipated making about five awards under this solicitation.

What was the closing date for submissions?

The original closing date for submissions was October 6, 2016.

When was the opportunity record created?

The opportunity record was created on October 7, 2015.

What is the overall approach USAID seems to prefer for tourism development in Albania?

Based on the description, the program emphasizes strengthening sector-wide conditions that support sustainable tourism and long-term economic growth, rather than focusing on short-term or isolated interventions.