Expression of Interest

Partnership Window - Cost-Sharing Grants

May 2012

Closing Date & Time: 30th June, 2012, 1700 hours

USAIDs Agribusiness Project Agribusiness Support Fund www.asf.org.pk

Table of Contents
Table of Contents...................................................................................................2 Introduction..........................................................................................................3 On-farm Support Initiative for Farmers / Corporate Farming.................................4 Agriculture Associations and Cooperatives Support Program..................................5 Challenge Grants Program.....................................................................................6 Lead Company Grants Program..............................................................................7 Private Sector Extension Services Initiative...........................................................8 Research & Development Support Program............................................................9 How to Apply.......................................................................................................10 Other Award Steps: Survey, Grant Agreement and Disbursement Mode................11 List of Annexes....................................................................................................12 Annex-A: Expression of Interest (EOI) Format.....................................................13 Annex-B: Ineligible Applicants, Activities and Unallowable Costs.........................20

Expression of Interest - Partnership Window Cost-sharing Grants

Introduction
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. 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 To strengthen the capacity in horticulture and livestock value chains to increase sales to domestic and foreign markets; To strengthen the capacity of smallholders and farmer enterprises to operate autonomously and effectively; and To increase agriculture efficiency and productivity through adoption of new farming techniques and technological innovation among targeted beneficiaries.

One of the key components of the project is the cost-sharing grants program, offering a wide range of customized grant products to all the actors, across the target value chains, including input suppliers, farmers, farmer enterprise groups, associations, processors, transporters, cool-chains, exporters, research institutions, agri-extension service providers etc. This document contains information about the grant funding opportunities available under the following sectors:

1. Horticulture (including fruits, vegetables, floriculture) 2. Livestock (including dairy, meat, fisheries)
The following cost-sharing grant funding opportunities are available under the program:

a) On-farm support initiative for farmers / corporate farming

b) Agriculture associations and cooperatives support program

c) Challenge grants program d) Lead company grants program e) Private sector extension services initiative f) Research & development support program

Expression of Interest - Partnership Window Cost-sharing Grants

On-farm Support Initiative for Farmers / Corporate Farming

Nature of Funding This category of grant support aims to assist new and existing producers with start up or expansion costs related to the target high value horticulture and livestock sectors, with special focus on value-addition and innovation. This program offers cost-sharing grants for procurement of technical and business planning services, and for equipment, infrastructure or other capital improvements needed to implement strategies recommended through the planning process. The support will be provided to assist farmers and corporate producers to develop their farms into commercially viable operations and to diversify into the high-value agriculture sectors. The matching grants will enable participating farmers to access innovative agricultural production technology, inputs (such as seed, feed, fertilizer and machinery), post-harvest practices/technology, storage and output delivery mechanisms and linkages to market. All activities supported under this subcomponent will primarily be carried out at the farm level. Examples of possible activities include dairy production and processing, private sector input supply enterprises (such as nurseries), livestock production and processing, production, postharvest handling and processing of high-value fresh fruits and vegetables, and on-farm storage and production. Who can apply? Eligible applicants include farmers and enterprises interested in setting up and / or enhancing on-farm production and allied facilities. Available Funding & Cost-sharing Requirements Depending on the nature of project, the applicants can apply for funding between the Pak Rupees equivalent of $1,000 to $15,000. In exceptional cases ASF may consider requests for higher funding. In any case, the total grant funding will not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs. Applicants will be required to finance at least 50% of the cost of project from their own resources. Applications where applicants proposed cost share is more than 50% will be preferred. Applications will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.

Expression of Interest - Partnership Window Cost-sharing Grants

Agriculture Associations and Cooperatives Support Program

Nature of Funding This category of grant support aims to provide assistance for up-scaling, strengthening and building on already existing agriculture networks (such as mango, date and citrus associations, cooperatives and other similar registered platforms) as well as clusters of ongoing farmer enterprise group programs. The unregistered grower, producer groups proposing to register themselves into legally registered entities (associations, cooperatives etc.) and developing their managerial, organizational and representation capacities and then implementing commercially viable agribusiness activities will also be eligible to apply. This support component focuses on development of structured umbrella organizations in the agribusiness sector that are able to play an enhanced role in priority setting and decision-making for the benefit of their members. The associations will engage in greater commercially-oriented activities and sustainability will be ensured through integration of value adding activities including input supply, extension services, collection of produce, storage, processing, and marketing to maximize the returns on the investments of their members. Examples of possible activities include establishment of common facility centers, association-based extension services, marketing groups, on-farm cold storages & packhouses, small scale processing etc. Who can apply? Eligible applicants include farmer enterprise group clusters, farmers associations, cooperatives, business associations and other relevant registered platforms. Other similar establishments, including farm service centers, proposing to register themselves into legally registered entities (associations, cooperatives etc.) will also be eligible for support. Available Funding & Cost-sharing Requirements Depending on the nature of project, the applicants can apply for grant funding between the Pak Rupees equivalent of $5,000 to $20,000. In exceptional cases ASF may consider requests for higher funding. In any case, the total grant funding will not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs. Applicants will be required to finance at least 50% of the cost of project from their own resources. Applications where applicants proposed cost share is more than 50% will be preferred. Applications will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.

Expression of Interest - Partnership Window Cost-sharing Grants

Challenge Grants Program

Nature of Funding This category of grant support aims to provide support to new and/or existing agribusinesses (processors, exporters, cool- chains, packagers, transporters, valueaddition activities etc.) that have an innovative approach to agri- business/agriculture but are having difficulty in finding investors or obtaining financing to turn their idea into a working product. Challenge Grants will focus on support for the introduction of new methods to improve the ability of industrial and other off-farm agricultural processors to add value to agricultural commodities. This grant will also provide support to suppliers of goods and services to agricultural producers and processors, who are attempting to reach new clients in difficult to serve or underserved regions. Finally, these funds may be used to increase access or gain entry to new high-value domestic and export markets. Examples of possible activities include vegetable and fruit canning, juice production, fish processing, frozen vegetables, meat processing (sausages, canned), abattoir etc. Who can apply? Eligible applicants include start-ups/expansions by partnership concerns, private limited companies, public limited companies engaged in agribusiness activities. Available Funding & Cost-sharing Requirements Depending on the nature of project, the applicants can apply for grant funding between the Pak Rupees equivalent of $10,000 to $100,000. In exceptional cases ASF may consider requests for higher/lower funding. In any case, the total grant funding will not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs. The applicants will be required to finance at least 50% of the cost of project from their own resources. Applications where applicants proposed cost share is more than 50% will be preferred. Where deemed appropriate and depending on the nature of project, the challenge grants might be structured to provide grant support in combination with a variety of participatory support mechanisms including facilitation of Buyer-Seller Contracts and Quasi-Equity instruments such as Revenue Participation Agreements. Allied fee-based intermediary services might also be provided to leverage additional funds from financial institutions, investment agencies and third-party providers in order to facilitate maximum scalability of the venture. Applications will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.

Expression of Interest - Partnership Window Cost-sharing Grants

Lead Company Grants Program

Nature of Funding This category of grant support will provide companies with the additional capital needed to grow and expand their enterprise. Lead grants will primarily focus on the stimulation of large-scale private sector investment in the agribusiness sector (off-farm ventures) with specific focus on high potential underserved regions of the country. An essential prerequisite for partnership under this support category will be the need to demonstrate that the investment will integrate smallholder farmers into the value chain, create job opportunities, enhance incomes and effectively contribute to reducing overall poverty. This category of grant encourages Leads to invest in high-risk marginalized zones and establish linkages to farmers in those areas. The program targets agroprocessing companies with interest in innovative and market driven investment opportunities, and it will serve to mitigate the costs and risks for prospective investors. Examples of possible activities include milk processing in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, fruit collection / processing in Baluchistan and dates processing in Sindh. Who can apply? Eligible applicants include start-ups/expansions by partnership concerns, private limited companies, public limited companies engaged in agribusiness activities. Available Funding & Cost-sharing Requirements Depending on the nature of project, the applicants can apply for grant funding between the Pak Rupees equivalent of $500,000 to $1,500,000. In exceptional cases ASF may consider requests for higher/lower funding. In any case, Grant funding will not exceed 25% of the total eligible project costs. Applicants will be required to finance at least 75% of the cost of project from their own resources. Applications where applicants share is more than 75% will be preferred. If applicants contribution/equity also includes land then it should not constitute more than 50% of applicants cost share. Where deemed appropriate and depending on the nature of project, lead grants might be structured to provide grant support in combination with a variety of participatory support mechanisms including facilitation of Buyer-Seller Contracts and quasi-equity instruments such as Revenue Participation Agreements. Allied fee-based intermediary services might also be provided to leverage additional funds from financial institutions, investment agencies and third-party providers in order to facilitate maximum scalability of the venture. It is expected that a series of meetings and discussion sessions with the applicant will be held for finalization of proposed project as well as the funding mechanism. Applications will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.

Expression of Interest - Partnership Window Cost-sharing Grants

Private Sector Extension Services Initiative

Nature of Funding This category of grant support aims to provide support to individuals/entities which are involved or seek to be involved in the provision of extension services to farmers as part of their business. The support will cover infrastructure development, equipment, capacity building, overheads, and other related costs incurred by the service providers in delivery of agriculture extension services. The private sector extension services may be stand-alone commercial services or part of an integrated services program encompassing the entire value chain (inputs, production, packing, logistics and market access). The services may include (but not be limited) commercially based training and development of farmers in good agriculture practices (GAPs), training and development of farmers in good animal husbandry practices, market linkages and access, bulk buying facilities for inputs, market intelligence services, advice on livestock and dairy production and products, and advice on crop and pest management etc. Who can apply? Existing private sector extension service providers, farmer associations, individuals or firms proposing to commence private sector extension services, processors, exporters, brokerage firms, lead retailers and electronic/print media and information dissemination service providers. Available Funding & Cost-sharing Requirements Depending on the nature of project, the applicants can apply for grant funding between the Pak Rupees equivalent of $10,000 to $50,000. In exceptional cases ASF may consider requests for higher funding. In any case, the total grant funding will not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs. Applicants will be required to finance at least 50% of the cost of project from their own resources. Applications where applicants proposed cost share is more than 50% will be preferred. Applications will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.

Expression of Interest - Partnership Window Cost-sharing Grants

Research & Development Support Program

Nature of Funding This category of grant aims to support demand-driven research by private or public sector research institutions leading to increased and better quality production and improved production processes, or to meet an identified market demand. Examples of potential projects/activities may include: pilot scale processing units, experimentation with new varieties and participatory on-farm research. For research projects, applicants will compile a complete guidebook that will describe all processes and steps involved during project. ASF can use this guide to further fund projects of similar nature Who can apply? Eligible applicants include individual farmers/growers, private sector research institutions and other relevant private sector entities. Applicants can also collaborate with academic institutions for R&D grants. Available Funding & Cost-sharing Requirements Depending on the nature of project, the applicants can apply for grant funding between the Pak Rupees equivalent of $10,000 to $50,000. In exceptional cases ASF may consider requests for higher funding. In any case, the total grant funding will not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs. Applicants will be required to finance at least 50% of the cost of project from their own resources. Applications where applicants proposed cost share is more than 50% will be preferred. Applications will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.

Expression of Interest - Partnership Window Cost-sharing Grants

How to Apply
Step 1 Review Program Information The first step of applying for grants under this announcement is to review the program objectives and eligibility criteria described in this document and also available on the program website at www.asf.org.pk. Step 2 Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) The interested applicants, who meet the eligibility criteria and their proposed project is in line with USAIDs Agribusiness Projects objectives, should prepare and submit an expression of interest (EOI), as per format provided in Annex A, to ASF by post at 144 CCA, Sector DD, Phase IV, DHA, Lahore or by email at EOI.Grants@agribusiness.org.pk. This Call for EOI will remain open till 1700 hours, 30th June, 2012. EOIs must reach ASF/UAP by the mentioned deadline. EOIs received after the closure of Call will NOT be entertained. Step 3 EOI Evaluation Review, assessment and final decision on the EOI may take a minimum of four weeks. Applicants whose EOIs are evaluated successful, will be invited through a Request for Application (RFA) to submit a full application. This invitation to submit a full application will NOT be an indication that the proposed project has been approved. Since only shortlisted applicants will be contacted; therefore, in case any applicant does not hear from ASF within six weeks after the submission of EOI, it would mean that their EOIs were not shortlisted for the next stage of application process. Kindly refer to Annex A for EOI Selection Criteria. Step 4 RFA Response - Submission of Detailed Application The shortlisted applicants will submit detailed application along with supporting documents as per format and instructions provided in the RFA. All the applications will be reviewed by the Grants Evaluation Committee and will be subject to the final approval of USAID. All the applicants will be notified of final decision on their application. The successful applicants will be provided guidance on next steps including signing of an appropriate grant agreement in accordance with findings of capacity assessment / pre-award review.

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Other Award Steps: Survey, Grant Agreement and Disbursement Mode

Before making an award, the project will determine whether the applicant has the capacity to successfully perform all the grant activities with adequate management, financial and administrative oversight. This is called making a responsibility determination. The means to determine responsibility may vary depending on the nature of the grant and applicant. Depending on the result of the responsibility determination, ASF/ USAIDS Agribusiness Project may make an award, deny the award, or make an award with "Special Award Conditions". For large awards where there is a concern that the recipient lacks the necessary management and technical competence to plan and carry out an assistance program, a formal pre-award survey (i.e. financial and administrative assessment) of the prospective recipient may be commissioned. After all the above mentioned due diligence is completed, ASF will sign an appropriate grant agreement with the successful applicants. Grant funds will be disbursed in accordance with the Mandatory Standard Provisions Payment Advances and Refunds and, as applicable, Payment Advance or Payment Reimbursement, which will be included in the grant agreement. ASF at its sole discretion will decide to provide in-kind Grants instead of making payments where and when it feels appropriate. All grants will be subject to environmental assessment / compliance and will be administered according to the relevant USAID rules & regulations. ASF/USAID reserves the right to conduct financial reviews or audits and to otherwise ensure the adequate accountability of organizations expending grant funds. ASF/USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.

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List of Annexes
Annex A: Annex B: Expression of Interest format Ineligible applicants, activities and unallowable costs

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Annex-A: Expression of Interest (EOI) Format

1. General information a. b. Name of the applicant: Type (Individual, Association, Partnership concern, Private Ltd Co., Public Ltd Co., / others specify). Specify the relevant law under which the entity is registered. Name of head of the organization Postal address: Office phone numbers - landline: Fax: Email: Website: Key contact person Cell number of the key contact person Mohammad Rasheed Individual

c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j.

Mohammad Rasheed Village And PO Kohala Paeen Tehsil & District Haripur KPK Pakistan NA NA Khail_74@YAHOO.COM NA Mohammad Rasheed 03225175184/03335945505

2. Executive Summary Please provide concise summary of the proposed project in not more than one page Sheep and goat farming has a great scope in KPK due to climatic conditions, forest areas, pastures within valleys, grass along mountains and road sides, and efficient labour force. The rearing of small animals has greater advantages over other livestock. This business not only supplements the farmers income but also compliments crop production by providing means of subsistence and employment in rural area. The province is home to many important sheep and goat breeds. Small ruminants for various reasons play an important role in agriculture since they do not require costly inputs. Their meat, milk and the converted dairy products are valuable goods. The products of small ruminant such as wool and skin are of secondary importance. Small ruminant farming is an integral part of agricultural production system. These provide protein, particularly to those living in rural areas. Goat and sheep flocks are maintained through traditional production system. Their feeding requirement is met through grazing. Their main management is climate, vegetation, resources, disease control and feed supplement.
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PROJECT PROFILE The project is related to setting up a Fully Intensive Goat Breeding Farm in promising areas of Haripur KPK. The document highlights all the marketing, management, and financial aspects required for the establishment and successful running of the project. Project Brief The farm will serve as breeding and rearing farm for goats. The project can be established in promising areas for goat breeding where abundance of fresh water is available. The proposed farm will ensure the breeding of disease free animal as it will overcome the disadvantage of bringing the diseases from the animal markets (Mandi). The project will attain a completely new breed through the cross of the female local goats with the crossed male goats, like Beetali etc. By this, after two breeding cycles the project will develop its own breed that is most suitable to the local environment. Key Success Factors/Practical Tips for Success Livestock is one of the Major Strength of KPK. It is an integral part of the rural Traditional Farming is in practice in the province for Centuries. There is a great demand of livestock especially in Middle Eastern countries. Northern and central KPK have the ideal climate for razing our local species of Goat and Sheep. Fully intensive farming is relatively economical with better results. Fully intensive breeding farm has lesser chances of diseases in the animal, as only the parent breed is purchased one time at the start of project. Availability of Trained Labour for Farming Local Availability of Raw material and own green fodder at almost 1/3 of the market rate Strategic Recommendations Establishment of the farms in areas where cheap land is available, but still not very far from the animal markets. The farming should be done on scientific grounds taking care of Vaccination, Medicine etc. Healthy and attractive local female without horn should be selected, as it has better characteristics compatible with the local environment. Healthy and quality male stock should be selected for breeding. New feeding techniques including concentrate feeding and preparation of urea molasses blocks, wheat straw treatment should be used for better results. Well-trained/experienced staff adding in the efficiency of the farm.

In a study, it was found that the majority 59 per cent animals are fed from fields, 20 per cent use stall feeding and 21 per cent grazing as well as stall feeding. About 51 per cent feeding is dependent on tree leaves, cut fodder and kitchen waste - 29 per cent on tree leaves and 20 per cent on cut fodder. The major portion of milk is consumed by kids/lambs and the remaining quantity by the family. A very small quantity of milk is marketed after mixing it with cow and buffalo milk. The sheep producer use traditional method of shearing i.e., cut by simple scissor. A majority of the 92 per cent respondents said that they shear their animal twice a year while eight per cent did it once. About 56 per cent sell wool on per sheep basis while 44 per cent on per kg base. On an average, sheep wool is sold for Rs8 per kg and Rs10 per animal.

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Multiple birth rates indicate that 60 per cent of sheep give single birth while remaining of 40 per cent twin births. Same 60 per cent goat give twin births while 29 per cent single, whereas 11 per cent goat give birth to triplets. Small ruminants are affected by bacterial disease with seven per cent reporting viral disease and six per cent, both bacterial and viral diseases in the study area. About 67 per cent get their animals vaccinated while 33 per cent are unaware of it. Almost every household uses family labour for milking. Similarly, for manure gathering 38 per cent use family male labour and 14 per cent hire male, whereas 40 per cent use family female and eight per cent children. Marketing comprises movement of livestock and their products (food and raw material) from the farm to final consumer. In case of products, the marketing continued through processing which changes the nature and form or use of the product. It includes processing, grading and packing. The livestock markets are locally called Mall Mandi held weekly in nearby towns where buyers and sellers strike deals. Such markets are held daily in big cities located in consumption areas. These offer good business for brokers and agents of big traders and marginal traders. Producers often hesitate to sell their animals in these markets because of the exploitation by agents, transportation problem, huge expenses involved in the form of marketing charges and feeding and the time consumed during visits. There are no standards to weigh livestock and their carcasses. The deal is struck through estimation which becomes the basis of price offered by a buyer. The brokers and agents are clever in bargaining while guessing the helplessness of a seller. Almost all livestock producers are simple and illiterate people. A primary market is a patch of ground near a village where livestock from same or surrounding villages is brought for sale. These are also designated as local or producer market. Secondary markets are located in towns to which livestock traded at village markets is brought for sale. These markets are also called transit markets. Local town committees control these markets. Tertiary markets are located in large cities where animals are usually brought from secondary or primary markets. These are also designated as regional markets. Import and export of livestock occurs internationally from one country to the other from the national markets. The purchaser directly contacts the seller and negotiates the price without the help of intermediary, while at other times a broker serves as a catalyst for settlement of prices. In KPK, sheep and goat wealth is in the hands of poor people. Goat farming is carried out as a way of life instead at commercial scale. The goat farming units are not operated efficiently due to poor knowledge of modern practices. The system needs improvement. 3. Project Description a) Project Title :Goat Forming b) Duration (months):36 months c) Project Location: Village &PO Kohala Paeen Tehsil and District Haripur KPK. d) Sector (please insert tick mark): Dairy Meat Horticulture Livestock Fisheries Floriculture

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e) Profile & Prior Experience of the project team: 4. Project Background & Focus (Innovation/Value Addition) Briefly describe, in not more than one page, the situation/circumstances which have led to the need to develop the proposed project and how it will add value. 5. Project Goal and Relevance to ASF/ UAP Objectives Describe, in not more than half a page, the overall goal of the project and how it is in accordance with ASF objectives. Also briefly explain what will be the short and long-term impacts of the project on agri economy? 6. Measurable Project Objectives/Milestones and Key Activities Please briefly mention all project objectives with key activities to achieve these objectives. Project Objectives/Milestones 1) 2) 3) Key Activities Deadlines for each Activity

7. Project Implementation & Sustainability Methodology Provide, in not more than one & half page, a well-articulated implementation methodology with special focus on community involvement in the design and implementation of proposed project, mechanism for procurement of goods & services, conflict resolution, systematic flow of activities, data management and monitoring etc.). Also provide information on projects self sustainability after support from external sources cease to exist. 8. Potential Project Beneficiaries Please provide details, in not more than half a page, on potential beneficiaries (number of people benefiting, gender balance, new jobs creation, increase in household income, improvement in skills of existing workers, etc.)

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9. Tentative Budget Please attach a brief breakdown of the cost or tentative budget in Pak rupees (PKR). This is an essential part of the EOI. The tentative budget can be presented on the following format: Unit Cost Total Estimated Cost Funds requested from ASF Applicant Cost Share

Cost Head

Unit Type

Unit

Total

While grant may cover complete cycle of project implementation, the total grant support, however, will not be for a period of more than 36 months. Budget should reflect the prevailing market prices. Shortlisted applicants will be required to submit a detailed budget along with narratives at the RFA stage.

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Indicative Criteria for EOI Evaluation Criteria Innovation/Value Addition Description The project focuses on new and innovative ideas / products / services which can add value to the existing process or system Project is beneficial for the Agri-economy of Pakistan. Maximum Score

15

Benefit to Agri- economy

10

Objectives and Milestones

Objectives & Milestones are clearly defined and are in accordance with ASFs objectives Project will create some new jobs / will improve the skills of existing employees. Project Project will increase the current household income of beneficiaries

15

Job Creation or/ and Increase in Income level

15

Gender

Project encourages and has female participation/beneficiaries Applicants are highly encouraged to come up with projects that can benefit the underdeveloped areas of Pakistan Applicant has prior experience of handling similar/agri related projects

10

Focus on Rural or Underdeveloped areas

10

Past Experience

Sustainability

Probability that the project/activities will be

10

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sustainable over the long term without continued external support Financial contribution Percentage of financial contribution from applicant. Higher the better 10

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Annex-B: Ineligible Applicants, Activities and Unallowable Costs

The following will not be considered for funding under any category of grants: Applicants involved in USAID-prohibited activities or having existing defaults on other assistance programs; If the proposed project involves USAID-prohibited activities or procurement of prohibited goods and services; Proposals that involve the production or processing of alcohol, tobacco or any other commodity identified as prohibited by USAID or Government of Pakistan; and the proposals that incorporate activities in the following sectors: tobacco and alcoholic beverages; toxic or otherwise unsafe products such as toxic pesticides or hazardous chemicals; Proposals aimed solely at increasing the volume of existing production, except where the applicant can clearly identify a new market niche or a shortage in an existing market that he/she would supply from increased output; Projects for which an enterprise has already received or is currently in the processing of applying for grant funding from sources other than ASF/ USAIDs Agribusiness Project; If the applicant is bankrupt or being wound up, is having their affairs administered by the courts, has entered into an arrangement with creditors, has suspended business activities, is subject to court proceedings in relation to those business activities, or is in any analogous situation arising from a similar procedure provided for in the laws and regulations of Pakistan or any other country; If the applicant has been convicted of an offence concerning professional conduct, fraud, corruption, involvement in a criminal organization or any other illegal activity by a judgment that has the force of res judicata (against which there is no right of appeal); If the applicant is found guilty of grave professional misconduct proven by any means that ASF/ USAIDS Agribusiness Project can justify; If the applicant has not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of taxes or social security contributions provided for in the laws and regulations of Pakistan; If the applicant has been declared to be in breach of contract for failure to comply with contractual obligations in connection with any procurement or grant procedure similar to that offered by ASF/ USAIDS Agribusiness Project; If the applicant is subject to any conflict of interest arising from the application or the subsequent implementation of the activity financed by an ASF/ USAIDS Agribusiness Project grant;
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If the applicant is found guilty of misrepresentation in supplying information in any ASF/ USAIDS Agribusiness Project grant application; If the applicant has tried to influence the USAIDs Agribusiness Project staff in the process of evaluation of their application; If the applicant is for any reason deemed to be ineligible for receipt of ASF/ USAIDS Agribusiness Project grant support by the Government of Pakistan or USAID; If the applicant is a public-sector entity or an organization which is subject to majority ownership by the government; If the applicant is a member of the General Body, Board of Directors or the staff of ASF/ USAIDS Agribusiness Project; Payment of fines and/or penalties are not allowed under grant funds; Creation of endowments out of grant funds is not allowed; Payment of previous obligations and/ or bad debts out of grant funds is not allowed; Utilization of funds to influence the outcome of elections or other political processes; Any purchases or activities deemed unnecessary to accomplish purposes as determined by ASF/ USAIDs Agribusiness Project; Purchases of restricted goods, such as agricultural commodities, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, contraceptive products, pesticides, used equipment and fertilizers without the prior approval by USAID through the Agreement Officer; Prohibited goods under USAID regulations, including but not limited to: police or law enforcement equipment, abortion, equipment and services, weather modification equipment, luxury, goods, and gambling equipment; Purchases of goods or services restricted or prohibited under the prevailing USAID source/origin/ nationality and other regulations; or from countries or suppliers as may be identified by USAID's consolidated list of debarred, suspended, or ineligible subcontractors at http://epls.arnet.gov (Excluded Parties List System); If the applicant appears on the master list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, maintained by U.S Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/t11sdn.pdf; If the applicant is designated by United Nations Security Sanctions Committee established under UNSC Resolution 1267 (1999) (the 1267 Committee) [individuals and entities linked to the Taliban, Usama bin Laden, or the Al Qaida Organization] http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/committees/1267/1267ListEng.htm; and If the applicant is included in any supplementary information concerning prohibited individuals and entities which may be provided by USAID.

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