Pacific RISE-CTIP | 72049221RFA00005

Pacific RISE-CTIP Grant Opportunity FAQs

1) What is Pacific RISE-CTIP?

Pacific RISE-CTIP (Pacific Regional Initiative and Support for More Effective Counter Trafficking in Persons) is a USAID-funded grant opportunity focused on reducing trafficking in persons affecting Pacific Island countries. It targets both domestic and cross-border trafficking challenges through a coordinated, regional approach.

2) What problem is this opportunity trying to address?

The opportunity aims to reduce trafficking by addressing the underlying conditions that increase vulnerability to trafficking, strengthening prevention systems, improving protection and support services for survivors, and expanding access to legal assistance and remedies. It is designed to strengthen anti-trafficking responses that are durable, coordinated, and effective across the Pacific region.

3) What geographic region does the activity focus on?

The activity focuses on Pacific Island countries and trafficking challenges that affect them, including issues that occur within countries (domestic trafficking) and those that involve movement across borders (cross-border trafficking).

4) What approach does the solicitation emphasize?

The solicitation emphasizes a holistic, multi-sector approach. Rather than supporting only one part of the anti-trafficking response, it encourages programming that connects government institutions, civil society organizations, service providers, and other key stakeholders to improve coordination and long-term impact.

5) What are the "four pillars" referenced in the opportunity?

The opportunity is grounded in the U.S. Government counter-trafficking framework, which is organized around four pillars:

• Prevention: activities that help stop trafficking before it happens by reducing vulnerability and strengthening prevention systems.
• Protection: improved identification of victims and survivor-centered care and services.
• Prosecution: strengthening legal and justice responses and accountability.
• Partnerships: building collaboration among institutions and across borders.

6) What types of activities are expected under the prevention pillar?

Based on the opportunity description, prevention-focused work would address conditions that increase vulnerability to trafficking and strengthen systems intended to prevent exploitation before it occurs.

7) What types of activities are expected under the protection pillar?

Protection-focused work is expected to improve victim identification and strengthen survivor-centered services, including protection and support services for survivors.

8) What types of activities are expected under the prosecution pillar?

Prosecution-focused work is expected to strengthen legal and justice responses, including accountability measures related to trafficking in persons.

9) What types of activities are expected under the partnerships pillar?

Partnerships-focused work is expected to improve collaboration among institutions and stakeholders, including coordination across borders. The solicitation highlights connecting government, civil society, and service providers as part of a coordinated response.

10) How does this opportunity align with USAID policies and U.S. Government guidance?

The opportunity aligns with the USAID Trafficking in Persons Policy and draws on recommendations for Pacific Island countries reflected in U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons reporting. This signals that proposed activities should reflect documented gaps and priority needs recognized for the region.

11) Is this award a standard grant or something else?

This is a discretionary award funded through a cooperative agreement. The description notes that a cooperative agreement typically involves substantial involvement and ongoing collaboration with USAID during implementation compared to a standard grant.

12) Who is the funding agency and issuing office?

The funding agency is USAID, and the opportunity is issued by USAID-Manila, Philippines.

13) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of applicants may apply, subject to the full solicitation terms and standard U.S. government eligibility and compliance requirements.

14) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA listing?

The opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number 72049221RFA00005 under CFDA 98.001.

15) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is listed as up to $10,000,000.

16) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The posting was created on April 19, 2021, and the original closing date for submissions was May 24, 2021.

17) What outcomes does the program ultimately aim to achieve?

Based on the description, the program aims to reduce trafficking risks and incidence while improving systems that prevent exploitation, protect survivors, and enable effective legal action. It also aims to strengthen regional coordination so anti-trafficking responses are more durable and effective over time.

18) What would a strong proposal likely demonstrate?

The solicitation’s emphasis suggests strong applications would likely demonstrate coordinated programming across multiple institutions and service areas, and clearly link activities to measurable improvements across the prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships framework in Pacific Island contexts.