Request for Applications

(RFA) # 04/12
Grant Support Program for Plant Tissue Culture Units
July 2012
Closing Date & Time: 27th July, 2012, 1700 hours

USAIDs Agribusiness Project

Agribusiness Support Fund
www.asf.org.pk

Table of Contents
1.

Project Background.......................................................................................................3

2.

Description of Proposed Initiative.................................................................................3

3.

UAP Support.................................................................................................................3

4.

Specifications and Features of the proposed facility:...............................4

4.1 Expected Results/Outcomes..........................................................................................5

4.2 Project Expected Outcomes...........................................................................................5
5.

ELIGIBILITY AND EVALUATION CRITERIA.........................................................6

6.

AUTHORITY/GOVERNING REGULATIONS..........................................................7

7.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS...........................................................................7

6.1 Full Grant Application.......................................................................................................7

6.3 Required Documents Checklist:........................................................................................9
ATTACHMENT A - GRANT APPLICATION FORM.........................................................12
ATTACHMENT B - ENSURING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR FAITH-BASED &
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS.....................................................................................14
ATTACHMENT C - COST SHARING GUIDANCE...........................................................15
ATTACHMENT D BREAK UP OF EQUIPMENT AND OPERATIONAL EXPENSES 16

1. Project Background
Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF) is a not-for-profit company incorporated under section 42 of the
Companies Ordinance 1984. ASF is currently implementing a 5-year USAIDs Agribusiness Project
(UAP) with the overall goal to support improved conditions for broad-based economic growth, create
employment opportunities and contribute to poverty alleviation through increase in competitiveness of
horticulture and livestock value chains. The project is designed to address the problems and constraints
impeding the development of agriculture sector of Pakistan and to stimulate private sector investment in
the target high value sectors.
The overall goal and specific objectives of UAP are as follows:
Overall Goal:
To support improved conditions for broad-based economic growth, create employment opportunities and
contribute to poverty alleviation through increase in competitiveness of horticulture and livestock value
chains in partnership with all stakeholders.
Specific Objectives:
a. To strengthen the capacity in horticulture and livestock value chains to increase sales to domestic and
foreign markets;
b. To strengthen the capacity of smallholders and farmer enterprises to operate autonomously and
effectively; and
c. To increase agriculture efficiency and productivity through adoption of new farming techniques and
technological innovation among targeted beneficiaries.

2. Description of Proposed Initiative

Recognizing the fact that utilization of the best culture practices, fertilization, plant protection measures
etc. will not give the necessary results without the use of quality planting material and that tissue culture
is now a significant method for mass propagation of high value fruit and ornamental plants and ensures
the availability of true to type disease free stock material, UAP has launched support program for
establishment of commercial tissue culture units (tissue culture labs) by private sector. The USAIDs
Agribusiness Project (UAP) seeks to provide in-kind grant support to horticulture farmers and private
investors who are willing to participate, on a cost-sharing basis (see Annex C for cost share information),
in the program for establishment of Plant Tissue Culture Units.

3. UAP Support
UAP support will be available on cost sharing basis for Lab equipment, tissue culture chemicals,
glassware, office equipment, consultation & training and one year operational expenses. ASF/UAP
anticipates that the total cost of identified incremental components supported for each Plant Tissue
Culture Unit would be up to PKR 6,386,000/-. Successful applicants will be required to contribute a
minimum of percentage of the total cost of the program; remaining cost will be contributed by UAP in
shape of in-kind grant. It is expected that this program will be completed in a period of one (01) year. All
goods and services under in-kind support will be procured and provided by UAP to the grantee. The
following table shows the support available and the cost share required by the grantee.
S.NO

Cost Head

Lab Equipment, Tissue culture

chemicals and glassware etc.

Total Amount (PKR)

3,906,000

Entrepreneur Share
(PKR)
1,171,800

ASF Share (PKR)

2,734,200

2
3

Office Equipment
Consultation and Training Cost
Operational cost including
Salaries
Total (PKR)

500,000
600,000

150,000
600,000

350,000
--

1,380,000

1,380,000

--

6,386,000

3,301,800

3,084,200

Break up of Equipment and Operational Costs is provided in Annex D.

All grant agreements with successful applicants will be negotiated, denominated and funded in Pakistani
Rupees. The Plant Tissue Culture Units will be provided as in-kind support and ASF/UAP will arrange the
supply of the Plant Tissue Culture Units through pre-qualified vendor(s). Other Payments (if any) under
grant support will be made on a reimbursement basis in tranches corresponding to achievement of agreed
upon milestones.
The resources of UAP are derived from, and entirely dependent upon, funding from USAID. Therefore,
any commitments made by UAP under this RFA including any future amendments to this RFA are subject
to the availability of funding from USAID.

4. Specifications and Features of the proposed facility:

The proposed facility will be a micro propagation unit with an annual production capacity of
approximately 1 million plantlets with other specifications as given below.
1. Land Building and Civil Works
The building of about 4000 sq. ft includes clean rooms and areas with comfort AC for laboratory, growth
rooms and office space.

The following facilities would be required in the building.

a) Storage room for chemicals
b) Washing and Media preparation room
c) Sterilization room
d) Inoculation room
e) Culture room
2. Green house
A green house of 3000 sq.ft. and a shade house of 40,000 sq.ft.

3. Equipment
Major equipment and instruments required for the plant are as follows.

Autoclave
Laminar air flow cabinet
Equipment for sterilization
Electronic weighing balance
Water distillation apparatus

Air handling units

Refrigerator
Air conditioners
Stereomicroscope
Digital pH meter
Shelves / racks
Green house material

4.1 Expected Results/Outcomes

The proposed project is expected to result in:
Availability of 1 million High Quality TC plants.
Easy availability of TC plants to farmers at a lower cost.
Availability of disease free plants
True to the type of mother plant under well management.
Pest and disease free seedlings.
Uniform growth, increases yield.
Early maturity of crop enabling maximum land use in low land holding areas.
Round the year planting as seedlings will be made available throughout the year.
No staggered harvesting.
95% - 98% plants will bear bunches.
4.2

Project Expected Outcomes

For One Tissue Cultue Lab: expected direct job creation for 20-25 people.
As a result of this intervention 25 % increase in production is expected which would translate into
at least 20% increase in income of farmers at large scale, thus creating more jobs.

5. ELIGIBILITY AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

Eligible beneficiaries of the program will be relevant horticulture farmers and potential private sector
investors committed to construct a 4000 sq. ft building for establishing the Plant Tissue Culture Unit with
aforementioned facilities on own piece of land. In case number of eligible applications exceeds available
grants, selection will be made on the basis of following criteria.

Sr.
1

Particulars
Experience
Points to be awarded on the basis of any one or a combination of following
heads
Relevant Experience + Agricultural Education = 2 marks per year
Relevant Experience without Agricultural Education = 1.7 marks per
year
General Business Experience = 1.5 marks per year
Agricultural Education with no experience = 5 marks
Ownership Structure
Points to be awarded on the basis of any one or a combination of following
heads
Company = 20
Partnership/ Sole proprietorship = 15
Unregistered individual Farmers = 10
Land Ownership (Equivalent to the size of the project)
Points to be awarded on the basis of any one or a combination of following
heads
Own land in a horticultural area specializing in a specific fruit/
ornamental plant = 20 Marks
Own land elsewhere = 5 - 15 Marks (Based on relevance to project and
horticulture)
Financial Strength
Points to be awarded on the basis of any one or a combination of following
heads
Bank Statement showing own Resources available in excess of the
required cost share =20 Marks
Bank Statement showing own Resources Equal to the required cost
share = 15 Marks
Loan facility with a financial institution = 10 Marks
Other business/ property to be utilized to support the project = 5 Marks
Total Points Available

Maximum
Points
Available

20

20

20

20

80

6. AUTHORITY/GOVERNING REGULATIONS
The grants will be awarded and implemented in accordance with USAID and US Government regulations
governing grants under cooperative agreements and UAP internal grant management policies.
UAP alerts applicants and grantees that USAID may, at its sole discretion, supersede any decision, act or
omission taken by UAP with respect to any grant. Under the UAP grant program, USAID retains the right
at all times to (1) dictate a different decision with respect to the award or administration of any grant; (2)
rectify an omission by UAP with respect to the award or administration of any grant; 3) take over the
administration of any grant awarded hereunder; and/or (4) terminate, in whole or in part, UAPs grantmaking authorities.

7. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
The applicants will submit implementation plan for the implementation of the description of the project
given above introducing innovations that are appropriate to their organizational/ enterprise strengths.

Preparation of Grant Application:

Concerned UAP regional offices will assist applicants in understanding the application process, and can
provide guidance in application development at the request of applicants. Communications between UAP
and applicant should pass through the dedicated focal person at both sides.
Issuance of this RFA and assistance with application development do not constitute an award or
commitment on the part of UAP, nor does it commit UAP to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and
submission of an application. Further, UAP reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications
received.

Information on Application Status

It is anticipated that the evaluation of applications will require approximately six weeks from the date of
submission, and no information on application status will be available until a final decision has been
made. Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of final award decision.

Full Grant Application

Basic information about the applicant should be provided as per Annex A.
The application elements and guidelines are summarized below:

Section I (Basic Information). The Applicant provides basic contact

Section II (Project Implementation Plan) This section covers information

information, information regarding the status of the organization/ enterprise

and about the program.
regarding project implementation, including proposed personnel, CVs of proposed key personnel
1(maximum 5) and descriptions of each task. Each task must be:

Complete and sound.

Integrated and scheduled with dependent tasks.

Assigned to a responsible party.

Defined in terms of resources required.

Concluded with a viable deliverable/milestone of achievement-milestones must be linked

to results.

The tasks listed must show a logical, thoughtful approach to the overall implementation
plan. Tasks should describe actions and be logically sequenced. Each task must contribute
to the achievement of the program objective.

The applicant must describe any relevant material assumptions made and/or conditions
required for the achievement of the grant objective.

The implementation plans may be supported by a bar chart that shows all identified tasks
over the duration of the program.

If the activities might cause a medium to high environmental risk, the implementation
plan must include environmental mitigation measures.

Section III (Experience and Capacity).

Applicant describes previous or

ongoing experience implementing similar activities. This is a critical factor in assessing the
capacity of the grantee to implement the program.
Furthermore, contribution from other donors and Grantees resource commitment will be
investigated and documented. In order to avoid double financing/ billing, UAP will require full
disclosure by grantee.
The application must be signed by an authorized representative of the Applicant.
Grant Application Form (Attachment A) shall be submitted in English.
Applications should be submitted in hard copy to the UAP office at the address below not later
than 1700 hours, 27th July, 2012.
Agribusiness Support Fund
USAIDs Agribusiness Project
144 CCA, Sector DD, Phase IV
DHA, Lahore

In addition an electronic copy of the application clearly stating the RFA reference number and title in the
subject line should also be emailed to: grant.application@agribusiness.org.pk (Kindly note that this
email address should not be used to submit queries. Queries should be sent to the
email address provided in the RFA advertisement and in section 6.3 below).

6.3 Required Documents Checklist:

As per the list below, applicants should attach maximum number of required documents with the grant
application as applicable. ASF/UAP reserves the right to ask for more or less documentation at its
discretion.
Partnership / Sole Proprietorship
Security deposit of Rs.10,000 in shape of
Demand Draft payable to Agribusiness
Support Fund. Security deposit is refundable
to the rejected applicants and adjustable for
successful applicants. Applications without
security deposit will not be entertained.
Copies of CNICs of all partners/proprietor
Bank statement (last six months)
Copy of NTN / Last filed Tax Return
List of major Customers / Suppliers (with
contacts) Audited Financials (last 3 years)
Copies of Title Document/ Rent agreement &
utility bills of office premises
Ownership/ Lease documents for piece of land
where the Tissue Culture Unit
will be
established
Letter(s) of commitment for matching the
funds (cost share) in cash or in-kind over the
life of grant from applicant or third party duly
signed by the Authorized Organizational
Representative stating the exact amount of the
matching funds or value of the in-kind support
that will be contributed
Letter authorizing ASF/UAP to approach
applicants bank for information
Letter of proprietorship from bank (for sole
proprietorship)
Copies of other Registration certificates, if any
(Sales Tax, Chamber Registration etc.)
Partnership Deed (for partnership)
Form C(if registered firm)
Any other information / document that
ASF/UAP may demand at any time

Public / Private Ltd Company

Security deposit of Rs.10,000 in shape of
Demand Draft payable to Agribusiness
Support Fund. Security deposit is refundable
to the rejected applicants and adjustable for
successful applicants. Applications without
security deposit will not be entertained.
Copy of CNICs of all directors.
Board resolution for applying for the grant.
Certified copy of Articles & Memorandum of
Association.
Certificate of incorporation of business
Certificate of commencement of business (For
Public Ltd Companies only)
Certified copy of latest Form-29
Audited Financials (last 3 years)
Bank Statement (Last 6 Months)
Ownership/ Lease documents for piece of land
where the Tissue Culture Unit
will be
established
Letter(s) of commitment for matching the
funds (cost share) in cash or in-kind over the
life of grant from applicant or third party duly
signed by the Authorized Organizational
Representative stating the exact amount of the
matching funds or value of the in-kind support
that will be contributed
NTN / Last filed Tax Return
List of Major Customers & Suppliers (with
contacts)
Letter authorizing ASF/UAP to approach
applicants bank for information
Copies of other registration certificates (if any),
Sales Tax, Chamber Registration etc)
Any other information / document that
ASF/UAP may demand at any time

Individual Grower
Security deposit of Rs.10,000 in shape of
Demand Draft payable to Agribusiness
Support Fund. Security deposit is refundable
to the rejected applicants and adjustable for
successful applicants. Applications without
security deposit will not be entertained.
Copy of CNIC
Copies of Title Document/ Rent agreement of
Land cultivated
Bank statement (last six months)
Ownership/ Lease documents for piece of land
where the Tissue Culture Unit
will be
established
Letter(s) of commitment for matching the
funds (cost share) in cash or in-kind over the
life of grant from applicant or third party duly
signed by the Authorized Organizational
Representative stating the exact amount of the
matching funds or value of the in-kind support
that will be contributed
List of major markets served with Customers /
Suppliers with contacts
Letter authorizing ASF/UAP to approach
applicants bank for information
Copies of other Registrations/ Memberships, if
any (Local Growers Association etc)

Association/ Cooperative
Security deposit of Rs.10,000 in shape of
Demand Draft payable to Agribusiness
Support Fund. Security deposit is refundable
to the rejected applicants and adjustable for
successful applicants. Applications without
security deposit will not be entertained.
Documents defining the legal status of
association (Cooperative/ Society registration
certificate)
Charter Document /By- Laws
Names of members of Governing body (the
council, committee, trustees, or other body)
Copies of CNIC of all members of Governing
body
Resolution of the Governing body to apply for
membership
List of Members of Association
Bank statement (last six months)
Accounts Audited by relevant authority (last 3
years)
Ownership/ Lease documents for piece of land
where the Tissue Culture Unit
will be
established
Letter(s) of commitment for matching the
funds (cost share) in cash or in-kind over the
life of grant from applicant or third party duly
signed by the Authorized Organizational
Representative stating the exact amount of the
matching funds or value of the in-kind support
that will be contributed
Letter authorizing ASF/UAP to approach
applicants bank for information

In addition to the above the grantees must be willing to sign the following required certifications prior to
receiving a grant. UAP will provide the certifications to applicants.
-

Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing (all grants)

Recipient Certificate of Compliance (all grants)

Please submit all queries concerning this RFA to

queries.tissueculture@agribusiness.org.pk.ANNEXES:
A. Grant Application Form
B. Equal Opportunity for Faith Based and Community Groups provision and survey
C. Cost Sharing Guidance

ATTACHMENT A - GRANT APPLICATION FORM

To be filled by the applicant.
Concerned UAP regional offices are available to answer any questions you may have and to assist you in
completing this grant application, if necessary.
This application is in response to RFA No. 04/12 entitled Grant Support Program
for Plant Tissue Culture Units.
Section I (Basic Information)
1. Name of Applicant:
2. Date of Registration (required for all applicants other than individuals farmers) :
3. Contact information:
Name of key contact person, Qualification and title:
Name:
Title:

Qualification:

Office address:

Office phone:

Mobile:

Fax:

E-mail:

Website:

4. Key Management:
List the full names and title of legal representatives, owners, board members or
founding members if you do not have a formal board of directors, chief
executives and key staff (president, directors, treasurer, etc), as applicable.
Name

Qualification

Title

5. Experience of the applicant (Nature & Years):

6. Describe your enterprise/ organization, its current activities and overall purpose in detail:
7. Location of proposed activity:
8. Objective of proposed activity:

9. In addition to your organization/ enterprise who else will be the beneficiaries of this program. Mainly
how you expect to target women, increase employment opportunities and entrepreneurship.
10. Anticipated Start and end date (day, month, and year)of your activity:
Section II (Project Implementation Plan)
11. Implementation plan: Main tasks, with estimated start and end dates for each task. Please include all
events, trainings, publications, etc.
Description of Main Tasks

Name of staff responsible

Start
Date

End
Date

Task 1:
Task 2:
Task 3:
Task 4:
Task 5:
Task 6:
Task 7, etc: (please add rows as needed)
Section III (Experience and Capacity)
12. List personnel who will be involved in implementing this project (CVs & salary history sheets are
required for all project personnel):
13. If available, please attach an organizational chart and organizational profile.
Section IV (Cost)
1.

Estimated cost in Pakistani Rupees per the attached budget :

Amount requested from UAP program:

PKR_________________

In-kind or other contribution from your organization:

PKR _________________

Other donors or third-party resources:

PKR _________________

Total Estimated Cost

PKR _________________

By affixing my signature below, I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information provided in
this application is accurate and correct:
Submitted by (Name and title): ____________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________ Date: __________________________

ATTACHMENT B - ENSURING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR FAITH-BASED

& COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Complying with requirements of Executive Order 13279, Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith-Based
and Community Organizations, USAID ensures equal protection and opportunity for faith-based and
other community organizations in administering social service programs supported with Federal financial
assistance following these fundamental principles:
(1) Federal financial assistance for social service programs must be distributed in the most effective and
efficient manner possible;
(2) All eligible organizations, including faith-based and other community organizations, must be able to
compete on an equal footing for Federal financial assistance used to support social service programs;
(3) No organization may be discriminated against on the basis of religious character or affiliation in the
administration or distribution of Federal financial assistance;
(4) Faith-based organizations may not be required as a condition of Federal assistance to sacrifice their
independence, autonomy, expression, or religious character. Accordingly, a faith-based organization
that applies for or participates in a USAID program may retain its independence and may continue to
carry out its mission, including the definition, development, practice, and expression of its religious
beliefs, provided that it does not use direct federal financial assistance to support any inherently
religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization. Among other things,
faith-based organizations may use their facilities to provide social services supported by USAID,
without removing or altering religious art, icons, scriptures, or other symbols from these facilities. In
addition, a faith-based organization may retain religious terms in its name, select its board members
on a religious basis, and include religious references in its mission statements and other chartering or
governing documents.
USAID collects data regarding the participation of faith-based and community organizations in social
service programs that receive Federal financial assistance through the attached Survey on Ensuring
Equal Opportunity for Applicants.
Applicants completion of the survey is voluntary, and will not be a requirement of the RFA. The absence
of a completed survey in an application will not be a basis upon which the application is determined
incomplete or non-responsive. Applicants who volunteer to complete and submit the survey under a
competitive or non-competitive action will be instructed within the text of the survey to submit it as part
of the application process. The information collected through the survey is intended for data collection
purposes only. UAP will provide USAID survey data, including:
1. How many applications were received under the RFA?
2. How many applicants identified themselves as faith-based/religious organizations (FBOs)?
3. Has the recipient proposed for this award indicated it is a FBO?
Equal opportunity for faith-based and community organizations does not provide for set-asides or
evaluation preferences for faith-based and community organizations, and data collected will not to be
used for purposes of funding decisions. Therefore, UAP will not:
provide for set-asides, reservations or evaluation preferences for faith based/community
organizations in RFAs.
Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
The survey is available at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/surveyeo.doc.

Applicants who chose to submit the survey shall include it in the technical application in the annexes
section.

ATTACHMENT C - COST SHARING GUIDANCE

All contributions, including cash and in-kind contributions like office space, equipment, staff-time etc. are accepted
as part of the recipients cost-sharing when they meet the criteria established in the standard provision governing
recipient contributions. A reasonable and fair market value should be assigned by the applicant to this contribution
so that it can be properly recognized. Grant cost-sharing must be in conformance with applicable USAID guidance:
specifically, the Required as Applicable Standard Provision entitled Cost Sharing.
Cost share are allowed ONLY if these:

Are verifiable from records

Are not included in another USG project

Are necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of objectives

Are allowable under applicable USAID regulations and cost principles

Are not paid by the USG under another award

Are provided for in the approved cost share budget

Are verifiable through audit

Further guidance on Cost Sharing can be found in ADS 303.3.10 (for information related to meeting cost
sharing requirements, see ADS 303.3.10.4).
All types of contribution cash or in kind need to be substantiated by copies of bona fide receipts and,
as mentioned earlier, are subject to audit. If the recipient does not meet its cost sharing requirement, it can
result in questioned costs. The UAP has the authority to reduce the amount of incremental funding in the
following funding period or to reduce the amount of the agreement by the difference between the
expended amount and what the recipient agreed to provide.

ATTACHMENT D BREAK UP OF EQUIPMENT AND OPERATIONAL

EXPENSES
Equipment Detail

S. No
1

Equipment
Electric Autoclave

Capacity & Specs

100 liters, Electrical:
220V, 50/60Hz

Estimated Cost
Rs: 85,000/=

Laminar Flow cabinet

Vertical
Size: 2 x 4 (Feet)
Electrical: 220V,
50/60Hz

Rs: 325,000/=

Hot Air Oven for sterilization

80 liters
Digital display of
temperature and
time
Electrical: 220V,
50/60 Hz

Rs: 175,000/=

Water Distillation Apparatus

Automatic
Capacity: 10 liter/hr
Electrical: 220V,
50/60Hz

Rs: 60,000/=

. Refrigerator No Frost

300 liters
Electrical; 220V,
50/60Hz

Rs: 60,000/=

Air Conditioner (2 Nos. one for

inoculation room and one for
incubation room)

2 tons Heat &

Cool
Electrical: 220V,
50/60Hz

Growth Chamber

400 liters
Digital display
Rack with automatic
temperature control
Electrical: 220V,
50/60Hz

Rs: 460,000/=

Stereo microscope

Rs;65000/=

Digital pH Meter with electrode

Electrical,220V,
50/60Hz
Portable

10

Digital Micropipette

Set of 7 (0.5ul to
1000ul)

Rs: 100,000/=

11

Culture Media (Tissue Culture

Chemicals)

12
13
14

Laboratory Glassware
Magnetic stir with hot plate
Digital electronic balance (for
measuring chemicals up to g
level)
Soil sterilizer (Local made)
Electric Generator
Magnetic contractor, timer,
humidifier, Tube light rods with
frams, glass sheets and racks etc.

15
16
17
Total

Rs.170,000/=

Rs: 26,000/=

Rs: 800,000/=
Lump sum

Lump sum

Rs. 300,000/=
Rs. 50,000/=
Rs. 80,000/=
Rs. 100,000/=
Rs. 800,000/Rs. 250,000/=
Rs.3,906,000/-

Operational Expense
S.No
1
3
4
7
8
9

Cost Head

No

Biologist
Technician

1
1

Guard
Fuel
Marketing (Brochures etc.)
Communication
Total

1
Misc
Misc
Misc

One year Cost

Monthly Cost

720,000
240,000

60,000
20,000

120,000
120000
120000
60,000
1,380,000

10,000
10,000
10,000
5,000