About

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a Cooperative Agreement from qualified entities to implement USAID Ghana Mission’s Teaching and Learning Materials and Classroom Furniture (TLM+) activity.

USAID/Ghana’s short-term (18-month) TLM+ Activity will complement the current USAID/Ghana SAGES Government-to-Government (G2G)1Strengthening Accountability in Ghana’ Education (SAGES) Systems Strengthening (SS) and Advancing Partnerships for Improved Learning (APIL) activities and will be implemented by a local non-government organization (NGO) toward improved learning outcomes. The TLM+ Activity will support GoG efforts to scale up the use of the quality language arts books developed under the previous USAID-supported Learning activity as well as math books that have been developed and approved for use in schools.

USAID will support Ghana’s efforts to improve access to quality teaching and learning materials (TLMs) while providing desks to schools in vulnerable districts. Although it is the onus of the Government of Ghana (GOG), through the MOE, to provide the relevant quality TLMs and classroom furniture, they are often unable to do so for all the millions of pupils due to budgetary constraints. To address this identified gap and to make this short-term activity more sustainable, USAID plans to work closely with the Ministry and relevant agencies, in coordination with SAGES SS and SAGES G2G, toward improved accountability and improved quality services. The Implementing Partner will work in close coordination with the three activities, plus the MOE and other relevant Agencies, to update/revise Ghana’s pre-tertiary textbook policy and develop recommendations on how to improve the country’s TLM supply chain management.

Funding Information

• USAID intends to award one (1) Cooperative Agreement pursuant to this NOFO. Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the Agency, USAID intends to provide $3 million in total USAID funding over an 18-month period.

• The anticipated period of performance is 18 months. The estimated start date will be on or about February 28, 2025.

Activity Outputs/Outcomes

• The following activity outputs/outcomes are envisaged through the implementation of the TLMs and Classroom Furniture toward improved learning outcomes at the school level: 

  • Improved pupil-textbook ratio 

  • Improved access to writing materials (such as pupil workbooks, copy books, pens, pencils, and wall charts) 

  • Increased access to quality classroom furniture (e.g., desks, cupboards, teachers’ chairs and tables) 

  • Improved book and classroom furniture recording and tracking system

  • Increased time-on-task (dedicated instructional time for learning in the classroom) 

• The activity will address issues impeding effective teaching and learning, including the lack of resources critical to performance improvement that are not procured or distributed in a timely manner.

Interventions

• Interventions will include: 

  • Identification of vulnerable schools (as per GES vulnerability criteria) to benefiting schools. 

  • Technical assistance to support the MOE’s supply chain management: using data analytics to predict and address shortages or surpluses and optimize resource allocation. 

  • Development of training programs for school administrators and supply chain managers to improve their skills in resource management, inventory control, and logistics. 

  • Selection, reproduction, and provision of approved teaching and learning materials and furnishings. 

  • Collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Education and other relevant Agencies to review and update policies related management of educational resources to ensure they are aligned with best practices and current needs

Development Objectives and Intermediate Results

• DO 2- Quality Services Delivered with increased accountability 

  • IR. 2.1 The National government leads policy implementation for efficient service delivery. 

  • IR 2.3 Service providers adhere to national quality standards. 

    • Sub-IR 2.3.3 Teachers deliver quality instruction. 

• DO 3 - Sustainable Development Accelerated in Northern Ghana 

  • IR 3.1 Government improves equitable delivery of quality services in agriculture, education, and health. 

  • IR 3.3 Citizens adopt improved practices to advance their well-being and resilience.

Geographic Code 

• The geographic code for the procurement of commodities and services under this program is 937. Code 937 is defined as the United States, the recipient country, and developing countries other than advanced developing countries, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source.

Eligibility

• Eligibility for this NOFO is restricted to local entities. USAID is committed to engaging and working with local development partners. Local partners are strongly encouraged to respond to this NOFO. 

• USAID defines a local entity as an individual or organization that: 

  • Is legally organized under the laws of a country that is receiving assistance from USAID. 

  • Has its principal place of business or operations in a country receiving assistance from USAID. 

  • Is a majority-owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of a country receiving assistance from USAID, and managed by a governing body, the majority of whom are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the country receiving assistance. For purposes of this definition, ‘majority owned’ and ‘managed by’ include, without limitation, beneficiary interests and the power, either directly or indirectly, whether exercised or exercisable, to control the election, appointment, or tenure of the organization's managers or a majority of the organization's governing body by any means. 

• USAID welcomes applications from organizations that have not previously received financial assistance from USAID. 

• Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for federal financial assistance on the same basis as any other organization and are subject to the protections and requirements of Federal law.

Post Date: August 21, 2024