Frequently Asked Questions

Concept note creation and submission

1. How and when do you submit concept notes for proposals? Digital Square will release Calls for Proposals which will begin the Digital Square Open Proposal Process, the first step of which is the Concept Note Phase.
2. When Digital Square is ready to accept new proposals, will you release guidelines or templates on how to develop them? Yes! Concept notes and proposals both have templates that you should follow.
3. Are vendors and consortia submitting new proposals now/in the near future or is the focus solely on existing concept notes? Each open proposals process will have a call for proposals which will specify what global goods may apply (both new and existing).
4. When proposing new concept notes, should this be done as a team or as individuals? In the spirit of reducing duplication of work and fragmentation, we encourage collaboration.
5. How often will Digital Square issue calls for proposals? As often as funding permits. We anticipate twice a year.
6. What is the Open Proposal Process? Visit the Open Proposal Platform for more information.
7. Are global goods specifically software? Review our definition of global goods.

Proposal co-creation and review

1. What does it mean if a proposal is labeled green-lit, amber-lit, or red-lit? Green: The proposal is recommended to the Governing Board for investment. Amber: There is potential investment risk, and it is recommend that the authors are supported by Digital Square to address specific issues. Red: The proposal is considered out of scope and is not recommended for investment or additional support from Digital Square.
2. Who determines if a proposal is green-lit, amber-lit, or red-lit? The PRC.
3. What is the process to move Green-lit concept notes forward? Green-lit and amber-lit proposals may be submitted to the Board to be vote on for investment during the Board Review Phase. Once approved by the Board, Digital Square will begin contracting/awarding, according to Board guidance.
4. What are the next steps for green-lit proposals which do not have identified funding? The Digital Square Board can vote to mandate Digital Square to secure funding for the proposal.
5. Will Amber-lit proposals that were not approved for investment by the Board be revisited? You can submit an updated amber-lit note. Digital Square can work with submitters to improve their proposal.
6. Can teams revised and re-submit red-lit concept notes? Red-lit notes are out of Digital Square’s scope, so we do not recommend resubmitting a red-lit note unless it has changed significantly in scope.
7. What will the process be to ensure alignment and avoid duplicate HIS investment for concept notes that will be re-reviewed for relevance? Part of Digital Square’s mandate is to avoid this duplication. We are addressing this through the Peer Review Committee and Governing Board.

Awards and funding

1. Who sits on the Governing Board?
2. How does the Board select which proposals will receive funding? This depends on the investment made by donors for the specific call for proposals. Those parameters will be shared as part of the call for proposals.
3. Does funding come from PATH or USAID? Digital Square funding comes from USAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other donors in the future who co-invest into Digital Square. Awards are issued by PATH.
4. Will awards be subcontracts or subagreements (i.e. grants)? Once the proposal is approved by the Board, the Scope of Work will help Digital Square and the recipient determine the appropriate mechanism.

Currently funded global goods

1. Where can I find written resources explaining components? (Such as the Tech Registry). Visit the current investments page.
2. Are you expecting buy-in from specific countries? Yes. We will share that information when it is announced on this Wiki.
3. Will contracts be with PATH? Yes. Awards will be made by PATH.

Roles and relationships

1. Who sits on the PRC? Visit the PRC Wiki page.
2. What is the relationship between DIAL and Digital Square? Learn more here.
3. Who is Digital Square? Visit the Digital Square website.