Strengthening Political Parties Program (SP3) | SOL 669 17 00007

Strengthening Political Parties Program (SP3) - FAQs

1) What is the Strengthening Political Parties Program (SP3)?

SP3 is a USAID/Liberia grant opportunity focused on improving how political parties in Liberia function and compete in democratic processes. The intent is to help parties become more effective, credible, and constructive actors in Liberia's electoral and broader political landscape.

2) What is the main goal of SP3?

The overall goal is to strengthen political parties as institutions so they can participate more effectively in democratic processes, engage the public more constructively, and compete in a more issue-based and credible way during elections and in ongoing political engagement.

3) Which elections or political milestones does SP3 emphasize?

The opportunity highlights the 2017 presidential and legislative elections as a central focus, with support intended to contribute to the credibility of that electoral cycle. It also explicitly references the 2020 senatorial elections cycle, indicating interest in longer-term party capacity building beyond a single election period.

4) Does SP3 only focus on election periods?

No. The program is framed around strengthening party participation during election periods and through ongoing political engagement outside elections, with an emphasis on issue-based competition and more productive interaction among parties and with the public.

5) What kinds of activities are typically associated with SP3's objectives (based on the description provided)?

Based on the description, activities commonly aligned with SP3's goals typically include strengthening internal party systems, improving policy platforms and messaging so they are more issue-driven, encouraging transparent and democratic internal processes, and supporting voter engagement approaches that reduce misinformation and increase public confidence.

6) Is the program expected to have a long-term impact beyond the 2017 elections?

Yes. The reference to the 2020 senatorial elections cycle signals a longer-horizon effort intended to help parties develop lasting capabilities rather than providing one-off election support.

7) Does SP3 include work related to a constitutional referendum?

Yes. The opportunity anticipates engagement around a potential Constitutional Referendum during the project period. This implies the implementer may be expected to support informed, peaceful, and policy-oriented participation by parties and stakeholders in constitutional debate if such a referendum occurs.

8) What type of funding instrument is SP3?

SP3 is offered as a discretionary Cooperative Agreement. This generally means USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation, such as collaborative planning, approvals tied to key activities, and ongoing technical input.

9) Which USAID office is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is posted by USAID Liberia, with the USAID Mission located in Monrovia.

10) What is the activity category listed for this opportunity?

The activity category is listed under Law, Justice and Legal Services, reflecting that political party strengthening is being treated as part of a broader democracy and governance agenda.

11) Who is eligible to apply for SP3?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted. The description indicates the opportunity is open to a broad range of applicants, including both U.S. and non-U.S. non-governmental organizations.

12) Does the information provided indicate whether local organizations can compete?

Yes. Since eligibility is described as unrestricted and includes non-U.S. NGOs, local implementers with relevant political party assistance experience may be eligible to compete.

13) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) for SP3?

The award ceiling is listed at USD 6,800,000. This represents the maximum amount USAID would provide under this solicitation.

14) How many awards does USAID expect to make under this solicitation?

The expected number of awards is not specified in the information provided. In many cases, the full solicitation text clarifies whether USAID anticipates a single award or multiple awards.

15) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for SP3?

The Funding Opportunity Number is SOL-669-17-00007.

16) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 98.001.

17) What is the official title of the funding opportunity?

The Funding Opportunity Title is Strengthening Political Parties Program (SP3).

18) When was the opportunity created and when was it originally due?

The creation date is listed as 2017-04-03, and the original closing date is listed as 2017-04-28.

19) What does SP3 aim to improve in Liberia's political landscape?

SP3 is designed to professionalize and strengthen political parties as institutions, improve the quality and credibility of electoral competition (especially around the 2017 elections), and encourage sustained, issue-based political engagement between parties and the public.

20) How does SP3 relate to credibility and public confidence during elections?

The description links the program to contributing to the credibility of the 2017 electoral cycle. It also describes support that typically encourages voter engagement approaches that reduce misinformation and increase public confidence.