1. Third CALL for PROPOSALS under the
Ref: EUROPEAID/ /M/ACT/MU
under the
DECENTRALISED COOPERATION PROGRAMME II
Programme Coordination Unit for DCP
Ministry of Finance & Economic Development
November 2013

2. Outline of presentation
Important notification
1. Open approach (Concept Note and Full Application submitted at one go, USE ONLY THE FORMS IN THIS GUIDELINES )
2. Two lots : (a) Mauritius (b) Rodrigues & Others
Call for Proposals no.3
Application (Parts A and B submitted together)
Part A : concept note
Part B : full application
Evaluation (done by EC in two steps)
Step 1 : evaluation of concept note only
Step 2 : evaluation of full application
Award of grant
Award / Implementation

3. Grants - Call for Proposals
Direct support (up to MUR 800,000) for poverty alleviation using microprojects (CfP)
Launch date : November 2013
Budget : MUR 25.6 M (19.2 M M)
Deadline for application :
21st January p.m.
Expected award : April 2014

4. What is DCP II’s Third Call about?
General Objective and focus of this first Call for Proposals (CfP) is:
“ direct support to micro projects
for poverty alleviation
through improved delivery of social services and through the provision of complementary resources ”

5. What is DCP II’s third Call about?
Specific objectives :
education, health and social welfare of the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.
creation of opportunities for social inclusion of the disabled and the stigmatised;
women’s empowerment and gender issues.

6. Who will be the final beneficiaries?
Priority will be given to proposals that maximise direct impact on targeted, vulnerable groups.
CfP3 targets women, children and men identified as poor and / or vulnerable
The target group is the entities who will be directly positively affected by the action at the action purpose level.
The final beneficiaries are defined as those who will benefit from the project in the long term at the level of society at large.

7. Possible final beneficiaries…
Individuals living in precarious or dangerous conditions (in particular women and children)
School drop outs and other youth marginalized through lack of skills and illiteracy, lack of care ....
The unskilled or semi-skilled, unemployed, under-employed and those in the informal sector living below the poverty line

8. Final beneficiaries (continued)…
Those in stigmatised groups
Those with Special Needs
The elderly
Asset poor groups living in urban, peri-urban and rural areas unable to sustain an adequate livelihood.

9. What types of actions can be funded?
Any activity that will –
Directly alleviate poverty on sustainable basis
Effectively integrate marginalised groups into the economic mainstream
Actions may involve, for example:
remedial education; adult literacy;
responsible parenthood; sensitisation on social issues;
prevention of substance abuse and social ills;
training for employability, creation of opportunities for improved livelihood and social inclusion.

10. Other action requirements…
Activities may involve infrastructure (but less than 30% of Total eligible cost) or process interventions such as training or other capacity building
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their proposals are demand-driven, and meet a clearly defined priority need, as articulated by the target group /ultimate beneficiaries
Themes excluded : (addressed elsewhere)
internal capacity building of NGOs;
networking of civil society organisations;
advocacy and policy dialogue.

11. What actions cannot be financed?
Actions concerned only or mainly with
sponsorships for workshops/conferences/ training courses;
support to political parties /religion
involving capital expenditure exceeding 30% of Total Eligible Cost (e.g land, buildings, equipment...)
involving discrimination against minorities
Micro-finance, sub-granting, housing
General operations of an organisation
Actions involving land unless lease or letter of intent already granted by authorities
Actions formal education or health sector unless prior approval of authorities obtained

12. Who may apply?
To be eligible for a grant under this CfP, applicants must:
Be legal, non-profit organisations
Be registered in the Republic of Mauritius for more than 2 years
Operate in the public interest
Adhere to democratic structures and exhibit high levels of participation, transparency and accountability
Emphasise empowerment of their beneficiaries

13. Applicant eligibility (continued)…
Be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action
Have demonstrable competences and a strong track record of success in working at grass roots level with vulnerable groups
Fall within the meaning of the term of Non State Actor (NSA)

14. What is an NSA?
According to Article 6 of the Cotonou agreement, NSAs are deemed to include:
“the private sector, economic and social partners, including trade union organisations; and civil society in all its forms according to national characteristics.”

15. Eligible organisations…
In Mauritius, the types of organisations that will be considered eligible for grant assistance will include the following:
local associations and organisations (such as community-based organisations [CBOs], associations representing women, youth, and vulnerable groups);
development-promotion entities (such as associations, non-governmental organisations [NGOs], research institutions);

16. Eligible organisations (cont.)
federative entities and networks (such as labour unions, trade unions, federations, institutions protecting human rights);
private sector groupings, business support organisations, as well as representative organisations and networks.

17. Other requirements for eligibility
Applicants may not participate or be awarded a grant if:
they are bankrupt; guilty of professional misconduct, fraud, corruption, or have been in breach of contract, etc.
they are subject to a conflict of interests; are found guilty of misrepresentation in supplying information; or have attempted to obtain confidential information or to influence the evaluation process

18. Can applicants have Co-Applicants?
Applicants can implement projects singly or with one or more Co-Applicant (New) [partnerships are encouraged]
Co-Applicant must satisfy the same eligibility criteria as applicants.
Co-Applicant can benefit from the grant in return for their role in the formulation and implementation of the action same as the Applicant.
Co-Applicant must sign the Mandate (Part B-Section 4) in the Application Form

19. What other orgn’s can be involved? (1)
Other entities may be involved as ‘affiliated entities’
What can considered as an affiliated entity(ies)
1. must be a legal entity specially established for the purpose of implementing the action; in this case the entity may apply as an applicant or co- applicant whereas the other entity as its affiliated entiy(ies).
2. legal entities having a link with the applicants, notably a legal or capital link, which is neither limited to the action nor established for the sole purpose of implementation on the condition that they satisfy the eligibilty and non-exclusion criteria of the applicant.

20. What other orgn’s can be involved? (2)
affiliated entities cannot benefit from the grant in return for their role in the formulation and implementation of the action, but the cost they incur in the design can be accepted as eligible
affiliated entities must satisfy the same eligibility criteria as applicants and co-applicants
affiliated entities must sign the affiliated entity(ies) statement (Part B-Section 5) in the Application Form

21. What other orgn’s can be involved? (3)
Other entities may be involved as ‘Associate’
Associates can play a useful role in projects, eg. sponsorship, technical support, etc. but they cannot benefit directly from the grant except per diem or travel costs
Associates do not have to meet the same eligibility criteria as grant applicants or their partners, but must be mentioned in Part B, section 6 of the Application Form
Grant beneficiaries may also use Contractors to implement the action (subject to EDF rules on procurement– Annex IV of grant contract)

22. Where should projects take place?
Actions must take place in :
Lot 1 : Island of Mauritius
Lot 2 : Islands of Rodrigues, Agalega or St Brandon.
What size of grants can be obtained?
Total available for CfP3 is Rs 25.6 million
Grant between Rs 400,000 and Rs 800,000
What is the duration of projects?
Projects must last between 6 (min)
and 12 months (max)

23. How many applications can be submitted by an applicant?
Not limited, but no more than one grant may be awarded per applicant
An applicant may also be a co-applicant or an affiliated entity in another application
Co-applicant may not take part in more than 1 application, but will not be awarded more than two grants under this CfP
Applicants are encouraged to concentrate on one or a few good proposals

24. What types of costs are eligible?
Those that:
are necessary for carrying out the action, are provided for in the contract and comply with the principles of sound financial management
have actually been incurred during the agreed implementation period
are recorded in the beneficiaries accounts and are identifiable and verifiable, backed by original supporting documentation
have been incurred whilst respecting EU procurement procedures

25. Examples of Eligible Costs…
costs of staff assigned to the action (including travel)
purchase of equipment and supplies
services and sub-contracting
costs arising from the requirements of the contract (eg. visibility, financial services, printing, etc)
a contingency reserve (up to 5%) of direct cash costs – used only after DCP approval
administrative overheads (up to 7% of overall eligible cash costs) – to be justified upfront

26. Note: Only Eligible costs can be covered by a grant
Eligible costs can be reimbursed on any or a combination of the following forms:
1. actual costs incurred
2. simplified cost options as shown:
Unit costs
Lump sums
Flat-rate financing
(see pg 6 of 15 in the Guidelines) and examples are explained in Annex K

27. What are ineligible costs?
Debts and losses
Interest owed
Items already financed from other sources or other retroactive expenses
Currency exchange losses
Taxes
Purchases of land or buildings
Credits /loans to third parties

28. Contributions required from applicants?
No DCP grant may be below 65% nor exceed 75% of the total costs
Applicants must contribute at least 25% of the total costs from own resources or those of their partners or sponsors
Contributions in kind are allowed within these 25%, but cash contribution must be at least 10% of total costs.
Cash contribution must be deposited in a bank account specifically set up for the action before DCP releases any pre-financing

29. New formula for financing
Any request from this CfP must represent a maximum of 90% of the total eligible costs, the balance, i.e 10% will be a cash contribution by the beneficiary.( Note that previously, the EDF contribution was a maximum of 75% of the eligible costs, but now, it is 90% of the eligible costs.
Example: Accepted or project cost= Rs 125 inclusive InKind. Eligible cost=Rs 100. Funding by EU=Rs 90.

30. Contributions (continued)…
Contributions in kind means the provision of goods and services free of charge by a third party.
It is allowed for co-financing, but do not represent actual expenditure .
Costs of staff assigned to the project can be considered as co-financing when they are paid by the grant beneficiary or partners.
Beneficiary must also manage project and set up a PIC to oversee the smooth implementation of the action.

31. How to apply ? Procedures to follow?
Applications must be made using the new standard application form (No form for CN. Use the headings provided as a guide)
Forms can be downloaded from the DCP website at
CDs with all the necessary files will also be available at DCP offices for those with no or poor access to internet.
Hard copies may also be obtained at the DCP offices, but only for viewing. They should not be used to submit applications.

32. Concept note- a concise overview
1.1 Summary of the action (max 1 page)
Title of the action:
 Location(s) of the action: -
 Total duration of the action (months):
 Requested EU contribution (MUR)
Objectives of the action
Overall objective(s)
 Specific objective(s)
 Target group(s)
 Final beneficiaries
 Estimated results
 Main activities

33. APPLICATION FORM
Part A. CONCEPT NOTE 1 Instructions for the drafting of the concept note 1.1. Summary of the action 1.2. Description of the action (max 1 page) 1.3. Relevance of the action (max 3 pages)

34. Concept Note 1.1 Summary of the action (max 1 page)
Title of the action:
 Location(s) of the action: -
 Total duration of the action (months):
 Requested EU contribution (MUR)
Objectives of the action
Overall objective(s)
 Specific objective(s)
 Target group(s)
 Final beneficiaries
 Estimated results
 Main activities

35. Part B. FULL APPLICATION FORM
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
2 THE ACTION
3 THE APPLICANT
4 CO-APPLICANT(S)
5 AFFILIATED ENTITY(IES)
6 ASSOCIATES
7 CHECKLIST FOR FULL APPLICATION FORM
8 DECLARATION BY THE APPLICANT
ANNEXES to application
1 Budget for the Action (guidelines Annex B)
2 Logical Framework (guidelines Annex C)

36. Concept note- Relevance
1.2 Relevance of the action (max 3 pp) (30/50)
1.2.1 Relevance to the objectives/specific priorities of the call for proposals
1.2.2 Relevance to the particular needs and constraints of the country, region(s) and/or sector
1.2.3 Target groups and final beneficiaries, their needs and constraints and how the action will address these needs
Particular added-value elements (environment, rights, gender, disability, innovation, best practice)

37. Concept note- Design 1.3 Description of the action (max 1 pp) (20/50)
Background to overall design of the action
Objectives
Key stakeholder groups, their attitudes towards the action, and any consultation undertaken with them
Type of activities foreseen and related outputs and results
Broad timeframe for the action

38. Concept note (2)
To respond in the same sequence as the headings in concept note structure
Not to exceed 5 A4 pages of Arial 10 characters with 2 cm margins with single line spacing
Evaluation grid shows importance of relevance (30) and description of action (20)
Evaluation based solely on the information provided in concept note. Be clear and complete.

39. Not to be under-estimated
Concept note (3)
Not to be under-estimated
Competitive: only the best go through
Objectives cannot change
Score for relevance carries forward into full evaluation
Evaluation based solely on its content.

40. Full Application (1)
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
2 THE ACTION
2.1 Description of the action (max 13 pages)
2.2 Methodology (max 5 pages)
2.3 Duration and Action Plan (max 4 pages)
2.4 Sustainability of the Action (max 3 pages)
2.5 Logical Framework (Annex C)

41. Full Application (1) continue..
2.6 Budget (Annex B) -Budget for the Action -Justification (for items and cost ) -Amount requested & sources funding 2.7 Applicant's experience of similar actions 2.8 Co-Applicant(s)’s Experience (if applicable) 2.9 Affiliated entity(ies) experience (if applicable)

42. Full Application (2)
3 THE APPLICANT 3.1. Identity 3.2. Profile 3.3. Capacity to manage and implement actions List of the management board/ committee of organisation 4 CO-APPLICANT (S) of the applicant participating in the action 4.1. Description of the co-applicant(s) 4.2. Mandate (for co-applicant(s))

43. Full Application (3)
5 AFFILIATED ENTITY (IES) PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTION 5.1 Description of the Affiliated Entity (ies) 5.2 Affiliated Entity(ies)’s statement 6 ASSOCIATES OF THE APPLICANT PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTION 7 CHECKLIST FOR THE FULL APPLICATION FORM 8 DECLARATION BY THE APPLICANT 9 Assessment Grid for the Full Application Form (To be used by the DCP only)

44. Full Application (4)
ANNEX : Budget for the Action (3 worksheets) 1 : Budget items, # units, unit rate, cost 2 : Justification of items and cost estimate 3 : Expected sources of funds and Summary of costs ANNEX : Logical Framework

45. Specific objective contributing to OO Key indicators that SO achieved
Intervention Logic
OVI’s achievement
Means of verification
Assumpt’ns
Overall Objective
Broad objective
Key indicators of OO
Sources of info
Specific Objective
Specific objective contributing to OO
Key indicators that SO achieved
Sources and methods used to get info
External conditions needed and Risks
Expected Results
List the Results to achieve the Specific Objective
Key indicators that results achieved
For each result, one Activities table as below.
Result :
Activities
List and sequence of activities
Means: supplies, personnel, equipment, etc.
Progress: how measured?
Costs: by category and full details in budget
Pre-conditions,
Assumptions

47. The procedures (continued)…
Applications must be completed in English using a computer
Hand-written / fax / applications not acceptable
Original + 4 copies and an electronic copy should be sent by the DCP in a sealed envelope to DCP 9th floor EAB or Citronelle.
Either by hand before pm on 21st January Will be rejected if received later.
Or by courier, registered mail as long as it is posted on 21st January 2014 or earlier.

48. How to submit applications?
The sealed envelope should be addressed to :
Programme Coordinator DCP
9th Floor E. Anquetil Building
Cnr SSR and Pope Henessy Streets
Port Louis.
Should be marked with:
<Name and address of applicant organisation>
<title of proposal>
and the following:
“Direct Support for Micro-projects for Poverty Alleviation”
“Not to be opened before the opening session”

49. How will the DCP evaluate applications?
After deadline date:
DCP team will :
open and register all applications
carry out an administrative check for those received on time
Assessors will assess the compliant Concept Notes (Part A), using a standard evaluation grid [See next slide]
Evaluation Committee will consider and finalise list that pass the Concept Note stage

50. The Evaluation Grid for Concept Note
Criteria
Max Score
1. RELEVANCE OF THE ACTION 30
1.1 Relevance to objectives/priorities of Call 10
1.2 Relevance to needs /constraints of country
1.3 Relevance wrt target groups and their needs 5
1.4 Specific added-value elements?
2. DESIGN OF THE ACTION 20
2.1 Coherence of overall design of the action
2.2 Feasibility, and consistency with objectives and results

51. The evaluation process (cont..)
Applications with minimum score of 30 are ranked.
Only the best kept with total requested funds equivalent to 3 x available budget (42m or 14m) for further evaluation. Others are rejected.
For those accepted, the Full Application (Part B) will now be assessed using a more detailed grid. [See next slide]

52. The Evaluation Grid (full applications)
Criteria
Max Score
Financial & operational capacity (eg. technical expertise, management experience and capacity, etc) 20
Relevance (to the objectives of the CfP & needs of beneficiaries, etc) – transferred from CN evaluation 30
Effectiveness and feasibility (appropriateness , ovi’s, consistency with objectives and results,, partnership, etc)
Sustainability (eg. likely impact on target groups, multiplier effects, financial/institutional sustainability, local ownership, etc) 15
Budget & cost-effectiveness (ratio between estimated costs and expected results, etc)

53. Step 2: Full Applications (cont.)
DCP Evaluation Committee considers the work and scores of assessors and decides on the final scores.
Proposals rejected if score less than 12 for “Financial & Operational Capacity”
Drafting of a provisional list for awards and a reserve list
Verification of Eligibility of provisionally selected applicants
Final list of proposals ranked by score and selected within the limits of the budget.

54. Step 2: Full Applications (cont.)
Budget is corrected to remove errors or ineligible costs or corrections identified by the Evaluation Committee
Final list passed on to the Contracting Authority and then the EU Delegation for approval.
Successful applicants are notified and invited to sign their grant contracts with the PCU within 30 days of the offer, and to start implementation within 2 months.

55. What is a grant contract?
A Grant contract is a legally binding agreement setting out the obligations and required contributions of all parties, ie. the DCP, the applicant and any co-applicant or affiliated entity or associates
The contract commits the applicant to carry out the project as described in the approved application in accordance with the approved budget
The contract is subject to standard EC conditions, relating to issues such as financial management, reporting and procurement rules

56. How will the project be financed?
Each grant beneficiary must open an account to be used solely for the financing of the approved project.
Once the grant beneficiary deposits his/her contribution, DCP will effect an advance payment (covering a pre-agreed time frame and amount as set out in the contract).
DCP will deposit the funds in the dedicated project bank account.

57. Provisional Timetable
Clarifications: 30th December 2013
Submission of Applications 21st January
Information on opening & admin checks and concept note evaluation (step 1) 21st February 2014*
Information on evaluation of
Full Application (step 2) st March *
Notification of award
(eligibility check) (step 3) st March *
Contract signature th April 2014*

58. Timetable continued Step 1 : concept notes assessed
Step 2 : full applications assessed for those that pass CN stage
DCP will request the following support documents from applicants:
Certificate of registration of applicant and partners
Statutes or Articles of association of applicant and partners
Copy of latest accounts
Name and address of 3 referees
Documents helping to explain the philosophy and raison d’etre of applicant

59. Timetable continued
At end of Step 2, a provisional list and a reserve list are prepared by the Committee.
Eligibility is then checked on basis of documents submitted by applicants
Provisional list and a Reserve list finalised and approved by NAO and EU Del.
Budget cleaned of errors and ineligible costs
Successful applicants will be invited to sign a Grant Contract (within 30 days of offer)
Thereafter, implementation should commence as soon as possible (deadline of 2 months)

60. Timetable continued The DCP will do a Start-up Check on site
Successful grant beneficiary must set up non-interest-bearing project-specific bank account and present original Financial Identification Form (FIF) / confirm their cash contribution & clearances from authorities / establish a PIC / request prefinancing.
DCP will have 45 days to effect first payment amounting to 80% of grant for year 1 budget . Remainder (estimated at 20%) of grant will be worked out and remitted at closure of project.
Reporting progress and financial status by Beneficiary every 6 months (standard formats)
Regular monitoring by DCP staff.

61. How many applications ? NOTE
In assessing multiple applications, the Evaluation Committee will take into consideration the organisation’s capacity to manage more than one grant simultaneously, and the need to spread DCP resources equitably.
Applicants are encouraged to concentrate on one or a few good proposals

62. Stage 2: Full Applications
After deadline date (21st January 2014):
DCP team will :
open and register all full applications
carry out an administrative check for those received on time
Assessors will assess the compliant applications, using a standard evaluation grid [See next slide]

63. Financing (continued)…
Subsequent requests for pre-financing must be sent with interim financial and narrative progress reports and supporting documentation
Once the project is completed, applicant will request the final balance for the outstanding amount of grant,* along with the final financial and narrative progress reports
Through out the implementation phase, DCP staff will undertake periodic monitoring visits
* Note : approved budget is only a cost estimate. Actual amount of funds provided will be based on actual expenditure on eligible costs

64. Where can additional info be obtained?
Dedicated Guidelines and the application form available from :
DCP Office
(9th Floor, E.Anquetil Building in Port Louis)
DCP Antenna Office
(Citronelle, Rodrigues)

65. Guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from DCP’s website:
For general queries, please call us on :
Tel / / / / in Port Louis
Tel in Rodrigues
OR to

66. Where can assistance be obtained?
The PCU offices are open to callers seeking clarifications with the application forms, the mode of application and administrative aspects of the application
Important : DCP staff cannot write projects for applicants nor can they give an opinion on the merits of an application.
Additional info on the Logical Framework as a planning tool for project formulation can be consulted on DCP’s webpage.

67. Thank you for listening
The Decentralised Cooperation Programme is funded by the European Union