Foundational Learning | SSN 621 24 EDU 00001

FAQs: USAID Tanzania Sources Sought Notice (SSN 621 24 EDU 00001) - "Foundational Learning"

1) What is this opportunity?

This is a USAID Tanzania Sources Sought Notice (SSN 621 24 EDU 00001) related to an anticipated education activity titled "Foundational Learning." It is a market research step where USAID is gathering information to identify capable local implementers before potentially launching a formal competition.

2) Is this a full funding announcement or an open application right now?

No. The notice is not a full request for applications. It is a sources sought notice, meaning USAID is collecting information from organizations to understand who may be able to implement the activity if a future competitive process is launched.

3) What is USAID trying to learn from this sources sought notice?

USAID is using this step to identify Tanzanian local organizations that appear capable of leading implementation, managing programmatic and fiduciary responsibilities, and coordinating effectively with government counterparts and the public school system for a large-scale foundational learning activity.

4) What is the anticipated program called?

The anticipated education activity is titled "Foundational Learning."

5) What technical area does the activity focus on?

The activity is in the Education sector and is intended to improve foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes.

6) Which grades or learners are expected to be targeted?

The planned activity is intended to improve outcomes for learners in grades 1 through 5.

7) Where would the activity likely operate?

The activity is anticipated to cover all public primary schools within up to four selected regions across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The specific regions are not named in the notice.

8) Is the activity expected to be nationwide?

No. The notice indicates the footprint is expected to be concentrated in up to four selected regions (across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar), rather than nationwide.

9) What kind of instructional approach is central to the planned activity?

A central feature is the use of a "Targeted Instruction" (TI) approach, described as a learner-centered method that prioritizes foundational skills and reorganizes reading and mathematics instruction around what children can actually do, rather than only what the grade-level syllabus expects at that point.

10) What does "Targeted Instruction (TI)" mean in this notice?

In this notice, TI is described as instruction driven by evidence of learner performance. Practical elements commonly include assessing learners to determine current skill levels, grouping or differentiating instruction accordingly, and focusing teaching time on specific foundational competencies that enable later learning.

11) What foundational competencies are mentioned as examples?

The notice provides examples such as letter-sound knowledge, decoding, fluency, basic number sense, and operations.

12) Why is the TI approach being emphasized?

The notice emphasizes that instruction should be driven by evidence of learner performance, with the goal of accelerating progress for students who are behind grade expectations and ensuring all students master the basics needed for continued schooling.

13) Who is collaborating in the development of the planned activity?

The planned activity is being developed in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania.

14) Who is eligible to respond to this sources sought notice?

Eligibility is restricted to Tanzanian local organizations as defined under USAID policy (ADS 303).

15) What does the local organization restriction signal about USAID's intent?

It indicates USAID is specifically looking to identify Tanzanian entities that can lead implementation, manage responsibilities, and coordinate with government counterparts and the public school system.

16) What type of award is anticipated if USAID moves forward?

If it moves forward, the opportunity is expected to be funded through a cooperative agreement.

17) What does a cooperative agreement typically imply?

A cooperative agreement typically means substantial involvement by USAID during implementation, such as close collaboration on technical direction, monitoring, and learning.

18) How many awards does USAID anticipate making?

The listing shows USAID anticipates a single award (ExpectedAwards: 1).

19) Is there an award ceiling or maximum funding amount stated?

No award ceiling is provided in the notice (AwardCeiling: 0), which usually means the funding level has not been finalized or is not being disclosed at the sources sought stage.

20) What is the assistance listing number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA/Assistance listing number shown is 98.001.

21) What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is Education.

22) What is the submission closing date mentioned for the sources sought notice?

The notice lists an original closing date of 2024-11-19 for submissions to the sources sought notice.

23) Does this notice confirm a future competition will definitely be released?

No. A sources sought notice is a market research step. It signals potential intent to launch a formal competition, but it does not confirm that a subsequent solicitation will definitely be issued.

24) What scale of implementation is suggested by the notice?

The scope is described as ambitious in system reach, anticipating coverage of all public primary schools in up to four selected regions across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

25) What kinds of capabilities is USAID likely scanning for in potential implementers?

Based on the notice, USAID is scanning for local organizations with operational capacity, technical expertise in foundational literacy and numeracy (including TI), and systems experience to implement at scale across multiple regions, while coordinating effectively with government and the public school system.