The Round 06-BHA Leading through Excellence and Accountability Program under USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance Multi-Year Annual Program Statement seeks to develop and implement sustainable, evidence-based senior leadership programs to strengthen transformative humanitarian leadership. The program is designed to support leaders across the humanitarian sector in enhancing decision-making, driving collective action, and influencing systemic reforms.

The program targets critical gaps in senior leadership through three primary objectives. The first objective focuses on building a cadre of senior humanitarian leaders capable of improving collective humanitarian action. Activities will include senior-level training programs, peer mentoring, and alumni networks to foster knowledge sharing and professional development. The second objective aims to strengthen relationships with local actors and underrepresented groups by empowering local leaders and fostering inclusive leadership programs. This objective includes regional workshops, capacity-strengthening initiatives, and learning systems to ensure leadership inclusivity. The third objective seeks to advance research and thought leadership to improve humanitarian leadership practices through data-driven methods and innovative approaches. Outputs under this objective will include longitudinal research, case studies, and publications to sustain and enhance leadership programs.

The total funding available for this program is eight million dollars over four years. USAID anticipates awarding up to three cooperative agreements. The first objective is allocated five million dollars, while the second and third objectives each receive one and a half million dollars. Applications are open to local, national, and international organizations, including non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and partnerships. There are no restrictions on eligibility.

The submission process consists of two phases. In the first phase, applicants will submit a concept paper outlining the proposed program approach, methodologies, management structures, and budget overview. Concept papers must align with the program’s objectives and adhere to strict page limits. In the second phase, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application, including a detailed technical and cost proposal, work plan, staffing plan, and a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning strategy.

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including technical approach, management and staffing, and institutional capacity. The technical approach will be assessed for feasibility, innovation, and its potential to impact leadership development. Management and staffing will be evaluated for institutional capacity, staffing plans, and subaward management. Institutional capacity will consider the applicant’s experience in leadership training and research, with an emphasis on building local capacity.

The deadline for submission of questions is January 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. The closing date for concept paper submissions is February 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. USAID anticipates that the program will start in August 2025. The overarching goal of the program is to improve the effectiveness, inclusivity, and impact of humanitarian responses through strengthened senior leadership, empowered local partnerships, and innovative thought leadership practices.