PILCEE | 7200AA24RFA00013

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - PILCEE (Promoting Impact and Learning with Cost-Effectiveness Evidence)

1. What is PILCEE?

PILCEE (Promoting Impact and Learning with Cost-Effectiveness Evidence) is a USAID worldwide funding opportunity focused on strengthening how USAID uses economic evidence, especially cost-effectiveness evidence, to improve program decision-making. The overall intent is to help USAID use existing cost-effectiveness findings more consistently and to generate new evidence where major gaps remain, so limited development resources can be allocated for greater impact.

2. What is the main purpose of this opportunity?

The purpose is to strengthen USAID's ability to apply economic theory, practical tools, and credible evidence in programming and broader engagement. PILCEE is designed to improve the consistent use of cost-effectiveness evidence and expand the cost-effectiveness evidence base where it is currently insufficient.

3. Which USAID office is leading PILCEE?

The activity is led by USAID's independent Office of the Chief Economist (OCE). OCE is responsible for bringing stronger economic theory, practical tools, and credible evidence into USAID programming and broader engagement.

4. What type of funding opportunity is this?

This opportunity is issued as a Request for Applications (RFA) under the authority of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

5. What type of award will be used?

USAID plans to fund this opportunity through a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements typically involve substantial USAID involvement during implementation, meaning the awardee should expect to collaborate closely with USAID on priorities, methods, and learning while delivering technical work.

6. How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID expects to make a single award.

7. What is the planned award structure (Leader with Associate Award)?

USAID plans to make the award using a Leader with Associate Award (LWA) structure. Under an LWA, a central "leader" award supports the overall worldwide approach, and additional "associate awards" may be added later to address specific buy-ins or country and regional needs.

8. What does "substantial involvement" mean for applicants?

Because this is a cooperative agreement, USAID anticipates substantial involvement during implementation. In practical terms, this means the awardee would not only deliver technical work but also work closely with USAID on priorities, methods, and learning throughout the activity.

9. Is this opportunity worldwide or limited to certain countries?

PILCEE is described as a USAID worldwide funding opportunity. The LWA structure also indicates that future associate awards may be used to address country or regional needs.

10. What kinds of evidence does PILCEE emphasize?

PILCEE emphasizes economic evidence, with a particular focus on cost-effectiveness evidence. The activity aims to improve both the use of existing cost-effectiveness findings and the generation of new cost-effectiveness evidence where gaps exist.

11. Is inclusive development a requirement for this opportunity?

Yes. USAID explicitly emphasizes inclusive development as a core expectation. Applicants are expected to proactively and intentionally design and implement work that supports participation and inclusion of all people in programming, including groups that have historically been marginalized.

12. How is inclusive development framed within PILCEE?

The opportunity frames inclusion as more than a general principle. It indicates that evidence production, interpretation, and application should reflect inclusive approaches and should not systematically overlook populations that are underrepresented in data, evaluation design, and decision-making.

13. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is unrestricted, meaning any organization that meets standard eligibility requirements may apply.

14. How will USAID select the awardee?

USAID will select the awardee based on the merit review criteria laid out in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The selection will also be subject to a risk assessment.

15. What is the funding opportunity number for PILCEE?

The funding opportunity number is 7200AA24RFA00013.

16. What was the original closing date listed for this opportunity?

The original closing date listed is June 4, 2024.

17. What is the award ceiling?

The award ceiling is $74,900,000.

18. What category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is categorized under science and technology and other research and development, reflecting its evidence-generation and analytic focus.

19. What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this opportunity?

The CFDA (now often referenced as the Assistance Listing) number is 98.001, indicating it falls under USAID foreign assistance.

20. Where should applicants look for the detailed technical requirements and deliverables?

Applicants should rely on the full RFA and the program description for specifics on goals, expected results, deliverables, and how USAID defines and prioritizes cost-effectiveness evidence in decision-making. Those details will shape what a competitive technical approach and management plan should include.