The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement USAID Nepali Women in Business. Eligibility for this award is limited to local organizations. The total estimated amount is anticipated at $9.5 million. USAID will hold one online and two in-person information sessions (pre-application conferences) in Nepali language for all interested potential applicants to provide an overview of the NOFO and answer questions that are received before August 25, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Nepal Time. Please send any questions to the points of contact identified in Section D.2. Details for the pre-application conferences are as follows: September 19, 2023 - Virtual October 3, 2023 - Birgunj October 5, 2023 - Surkhet All interested participants are requested to register for the pre-application conference by September 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Nepal Time by sending an email to pdongol@usaid.gov and mgurung@usaid.gov. USAID will provide further information about the pre-application conference upon receiving your email, including time and location. Pre-application notes, including answers to questions, will be posted as an amendment to this NOFO on www.grants.gov. Furthermore, USAID will engage in pre-award co-design and intends to make an award to the applicant who best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements and selection process. To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO. This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, and may be amended. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this notice of funding opportunity and to ensure that the NOFO has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance. Applicants must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application for USAIDs consideration. USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has obtained a Unique Entity Identifier and possesses an active status in SAM. See Section D.7 for more details. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin SAM registration early in the application process using the Registering to Work with USAID: Main Step-by-Step Guide available on the following website: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/get-grant-or-contract/trainings-how-work-usaid/how-work-usaid-registering-to-work-usaid. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or an application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.