Panama Programme Fund: call for bids 2019
The call for bids for the Panama Programme Fund is now open.
Overview
The Panama Programme Fund will seek to create the right conditions for growth in Panama, seeking to deliver real, measurable outcomes in support of development in the country. Our priorities include supporting smart and inclusive infrastructure development and improving the well-being of citizens. Over time, we expect these projects to create opportunities for international companies, including UK companies.
Project bids
Typical projects should range in value up to USD 15,000 (with a minimum bid size of USD 5,000) and should aim to work with organisations from the government, civil society and the private sector. Projects must have completed 85% of spend by the 31 December 2019, and completed all activities by the 31 March 2020.
Official Development Assistance
All expenditures must qualify as ODA. Official Development Assistance (ODA) is a term created by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to measure aid. ODA should be undertaken by the official sector (official agencies, including state and local governments, or their executive agencies) and has promotion of economic development and welfare as the main objective.
Priorities
We are looking for project bids in the following areas:
Business environment
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anti-corruption and transparency – Supporting Panama’s work to improve transparency in the country, working towards international standards and initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, public procurement, reducing bribery and helping Panama to deliver on its Open Government Partnership commitments
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ease of doing business – tackling bureaucracy and red tape and improving government processes
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using innovation and new technologies to improve the business environment
Financial services
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regulation and enforcement – to provide capacity building and advice on developing and enforcing financial services regulation, including on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorism Financing
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International Standards – to support Panama in the continued adoption of international standards and norms in the financial services sector, implementing recommendations of international organisations such as IMF, Global Forum, GAFI/FATF, etc.
Education
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science – strengthening Panama’s science base, particularly focussed on STEM education
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vocational education – supporting Panama in delivering vocational education, specifically around digitalisation and computer technology
Energy and climate change
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energy policy – helping Panama deliver on its national energy plan (Plan Energetico Nacional: 2015-2050)
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climate change mitigation and adaptation – supporting Panama to meet its COP 21 commitments on climate change
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green finance – helping to support Panama’s development of a Green Finance policy
How to bid: submitting project proposals
The Project Proposal Form (including an Activity Based Budget) should be submitted in English to Panama.Prosperity@fco.gov.uk by 15 May 2019.
Please name both the file and e-mail subject as ”International Programme 2019: XXX name of the implementer.”
Binding agreements
The FCO will sign a standard Grant Agreement/MoU/Commercial Contract with all successful bidders. The terms are non-negotiable.
Project Proposals
Please read all guidance. Ensure that project proposals are designed and submitted in accordance with guidelines. Proposals that do not meet the guidance and the following criteria will be rejected immediately.
Assessment criteria
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value for money
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evidence of local demand/need
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project viability, including capacity of implementing organisation(s)
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project design, including clear, achievable objectives/outputs
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sustainability
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good risk and stakeholder management
GUIDANCE
FORMS
Timeline 2019
| Dates | Activity |
| 24 April 2019 | British Embassy accepting submissions of Project Proposals |
| 15 May 2019 | Implementers to submit Project Proposals (including Activity Based Budget) |
| 14 June 2019 | Embassy announces bidding results to implementers |
| 28 June 2019 | Binding agreements with financial arrangements are set |
| 12 July 2019 | Project implementation commences |
| 31 December 2019 | Implementers to complete 85% of project spend |
| 28 February 2020 | Implementers to complete all project activities |
Updates to this page
Last updated 10 June 2019 + show all updates
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new updates to programme bids
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NEW UPDATE
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First published.