Preference for Maximum Competition. Consistent with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, USAID encourages unrestricted competition in the award of discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. USAID expects unrestricted competition in the award of discretionary grants and cooperative agreements, unless otherwise restricted following the requirements and procedures of sections 303.3.6.4
Preference for Maximum Competition. Consistent with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, USAID encourages unrestricted competition in the award of discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. USAID expects unrestricted competition in the award of discretionary grants and cooperative agreements, unless otherwise restricted following the requirements and procedures of sections 303.3.6.4 and 303.3.6.5. Competition serves to identify and fund the activities that best achieve Agency objectives. As such, it is USAID policy to allow all eligible organizations to compete for assistance awards unless there is a strong programmatic rationale to restrict eligibility that outweighs the benefits of a competitive process. Following the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, USAID may provide assistance to any U.S. or non-U.S. organization, individual, non-profit, or for-profit entity. When specific program requirements call for restricted eligibility, USAID must identify and describe the restriction in the Assistance Listing, NOFO, or other notice, as required by 303.3.5. The AO must protect the integrity of the competitive process by ensuring fair and impartial consideration of all applicants. The AO has the ultimate authority to make award decisions for grants and cooperative agreements on behalf of USAID. 303.3.6.5 Restricted and Unrestricted Eligibility Effective Date: 09/20/2023
