HELIX APS: Technology Partnership for Workforce Development Addendum | 72044220APS00001

FAQs: HELIX APS: Technology Partnership for Workforce Development Addendum (USAID/Cambodia)

1) What is this funding opportunity called?

The opportunity is titled the "HELIX APS: Technology Partnership for Workforce Development Addendum."

2) Who is issuing this opportunity?

It is issued by the U.S. Agency for International Development mission in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (USAID/Cambodia).

3) What is the main purpose of the addendum?

The purpose is to strengthen Cambodia's information technology (IT) workforce and the broader digital ecosystem by supporting an activity that helps Cambodian youth gain practical, employer-relevant IT skills and credentials, while also promoting an open internet and freer exchange of information.

4) What kind of award is USAID using for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which generally means USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation.

5) How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID expects to make one award under this addendum.

6) What is the maximum potential award amount?

The total potential award amount is capped at $15,000,000.

7) What is the overall goal USAID is trying to achieve in Cambodia through this activity?

The overall goal is to help Cambodia build a more self-reliant digital economy by developing local talent and reducing long-term dependence on outside technical expertise and influence.

8) Who is the activity primarily intended to benefit?

The activity is centered on Cambodian youth, with an emphasis on preparing a cohort of young people for modern IT jobs through relevant skills, credentials, and workplace readiness.

9) What does USAID mean by "workforce development tied directly to enterprise needs"?

It means the education and training supported by the activity should be aligned with real market demand, so that graduates develop in-demand technical abilities and qualifications that employers actually recognize and value.

10) What types of skills does the opportunity emphasize?

The opportunity emphasizes in-demand technical IT skills, critical thinking capacity, and professional soft skills, along with credentials that are meaningful to employers.

11) What role does experiential learning play in this addendum?

Experiential learning is highlighted as a key emphasis, including practical exposure such as applied projects, internships, work-based learning, or other hands-on training approaches that help make graduates job-ready.

12) Does the addendum focus only on short-term training, or also on formal degrees?

It includes both. The addendum stresses strengthening IT-related Bachelor's degree programs as well as short-term training programs, with the aim of improving quality and relevance across academic and non-degree pathways.

13) What kinds of improvements are expected for IT-related degree and non-degree programs?

The opportunity describes improvements in quality and relevance so graduates leave with both foundational knowledge and applied competencies that match workplace needs.

14) Are IT certifications and credentials part of the expected approach?

Yes. A major feature is support for internationally recognized certifications and credentials, reflecting a focus on international standards and portable qualifications that can improve employability.

15) Why does USAID emphasize internationally recognized certifications?

The stated rationale is that recognizable, portable qualifications can increase employability for Cambodian workers and help Cambodian firms compete in the digital economy.

16) How does the addendum relate to the broader digital economy context in the Indo-Pacific?

The opportunity is framed within a broader strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region, described as the fastest growing digital economy globally. USAID describes Cambodia as having strong potential to become a more valuable market and partner for U.S. and allied-country companies.

17) What is meant by promoting an "open internet" in this opportunity?

The activity is expected to use and promote technologies that help build the foundations of an open internet. The opportunity links openness to competition, innovation, equal access to information, stronger economic development, and a greater ability for citizens' voices to be heard.

18) What is the opportunity category listed as?

The opportunity category is listed as "Other."

19) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with this opportunity is 98.001.

20) When was this opportunity created?

The posting indicates the opportunity was created on June 9, 2020.

21) What was the original closing date listed for this opportunity?

The original closing date was July 24, 2020.

22) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly described as "Others." Applicants are instructed to consult the eligibility section of the full announcement for specific eligibility requirements.

23) Where can applicants find additional documents or details?

The posting references additional materials in the "Related Documents" section of the full announcement. It also points to a related Request for Information tied to the addendum and to the main HELIX APS listing on Grants.gov, which provides the broader framework the addendum builds on.

24) How does this addendum connect to the main HELIX APS?

This is an addendum to the main HELIX APS. The main HELIX APS listing on Grants.gov is referenced as the broader framework that this addendum builds on.

25) What outcomes is USAID aiming for in terms of employability?

USAID is aiming to produce job-ready graduates with practical skills, recognized credentials, and workplace-relevant experience so they can succeed in modern workplaces and contribute to the growth of local and international businesses operating in Cambodia.