7200AA19APS00001 LON APS Q&A.pdf

Local Organizations Network Project (LON) No. APS 7200AA19APS00001

The responses below address questions received by February 20, 2019; 5:00 pm Washington DC local time. Any questions received after this date and time will be addressed in the future.

1. Are local organizations which previously received or are currently receiving USAID funds (as prime recipients and/or sub-recipients) eligible under this APS?

Yes. The above mentioned local non-governmental organizations are eligible to submit Concept Papers and Applications under LON APS. USAID welcomes Concept Papers/Applications from local non-governmental organizations which have received USAID funding as well as from local non-governmental organizations which have not received USAID funding.

2. Can we apply for this grant as a consortium?

Yes. Local non-governmental consortia as well as independent local non-governmental organizations are welcome to submit Concept Papers/Applications under this APS.

3. Kindly clarify if assistance in the areas of TB related infrastructure building is covered under the LON Project, e.g., setting up/strengthening of laboratories and diagnostic including equipment and infrastructure?

There is no restriction in this regard, and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

4. Is there a limit to the number of organizations that can constitute a consortium?

No.

5. If our organization intends to submit an application as a consortium, will each organization needs to submit a commitment letter/MOU/MOA on behalf of the consortium?

A commitment letter/MOU/MOA is not required and should not be submitted at the Concept Paper phase, however it will be required at the full application phase.

6. Do we need to select implementation partners now or afterwards?

The Concept Paper should describe the implementing partners, beyond the primary application to clearest extent possible. If the Concept Paper cannot firmly identify any or all potential partners at this stage, it is possible to make this determination at a later phase of the process.

7. Can a local organization partner with an international organization under this

APS?

Yes. Eligibility for recipients of LON awards is restricted to local non-governmental organizations, as defined in the APS in Section C; however prime recipients are not restricted from partnering with international organizations as sub-recipients.

8. Can a local organization partner with governmental and/or quasi-governmental organizations?

No. Eligibility for LON is restricted to local non-governmental organizations.

9. Are US academic institutions eligible to submit a concept paper in response to this

APS?

No, however local non-governmental organizations can partner with US based organizations as sub-recipients, as appropriate.

10. Do international and regional organizations also registered and working in a priority country count as Local Organization eligible for applying to this fund?

Eligibility for LON recipients is restricted to local non-governmental organizations in the country receiving assistance. Please see Section C of the APS for further details. The local organization recipient must meet the full definition in the PAS, not merely have an office in the country receiving assistance.

11. Can a local NGO working on HIV apply for this grant?

Please see Section A Program Description of the APS for the limitations of the scope of awards envisioned under LON.

12. Can religious organizations submit a Concept Paper under this APS.

Yes. Local faith-based organizations are eligible to apply.

13. If the applicant applies as a sub-recipient on an application where another institution is the prime, does that count as the sub applicant’s one application?

There is no limit to the number of Concept Papers that an organization can submit. Applicants may apply as a prime and be considered as a sub on a separate application.

14. Can we submit a concept paper for activities in countries not identified as priority countries in the APS?

No. Only concept papers for priorities countries specified in Section A, page 10 of the APS will be considered.

15. Should the proposed project cover an entire country or a region?

The Concept Paper does not need to propose activities covering the entire country or a region, but instead should specify the expected geographic focus of activities.

16. Can an organization be part of one or more applications in each country?

Yes.

17. Do we have to plan interventions within the existing PEPFAR geographical area?

LON awards are not PEPFAR funded and should specify a geographical area for proposed activities. Concept Papers should consider USAID country mission geographic priorities and/or restrictions in proposing a geographic area. Please see Section A.4 Technical, Strategic and Geographic Areas of Emphasis of the APS.

18. Can a single organization apply under the program for different projects in multiple countries and its local branch?

There is no limit to the number of Concept Papers that an organization may submit. Each Concept Paper must meet the eligibility criteria listed in Section C of the APS.

19. Please specify which countries constitute East Africa for the purpose of this APS.

For specific information on East Africa region, please visit https://www.usaid.gov/east-africa-regional.

20. Can a Concept Paper or application cover multiple priority countries?

https://www.usaid.gov/east-africa-regional https://www.usaid.gov/east-africa-regional

Yes.

21. What are the start and end dates for this activity?

Concept Papers should propose start and end dates. There is no minimum duration period, but no longer than five years. The specific start and end date will be determined at a later phase of the procurement process.

22. Does the Concept Paper need to be sent by email as an online application form?

Concept Paper needs to be submitted by email in the format specified in Section D.2.1 of the

APS.

23. What is the APS number?

7200AA19APS00001

24. Is APS available in a language other than English?

Currently the APS is available only in English.

25. Can we submit a Concept Paper or application in a language other than English?

As specified in Section D.5, on page 28 of the APS, the Concept Paper must be written in English.

26. Do we need to specify team/staffing at the Concept Paper stage?

27. Can we apply for more than one intermediate results in one Concept Note?

Yes, when the applicant intends to apply for more than one IR, it is highly recommended it is done in one Concept Paper.

28. Would stigma reduction campaigns be acceptable interventions under IR1?

29. Will proposals including a larger number of the four Intermediate Results (e.g. 3-4) be better rated than those with a smaller number (e.g. 1-2)?

Each will be considered based on the listed merit review criteria outlined in Section E of the

APS.

30. Do you envision IR4 encompassing the development and/or wide-scale deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to improve diagnosis?

It is likely that such activities could be considered under IR4, but it would depend on the specifics in the Concept Paper.

31. Would the use of geospatial mapping to identify hamlets that have been missed by program be relevant to IR4?

It is likely that such activities could be considered, but would depend on the specifics in the Concept Paper.

32. Is engaging the private health section an obligatory element of IR2, or shall it be understood to be customized according to the need in the country? It is relevant to engage private sector delivery of TB services?

This will depend on the specific context to which the Concept Paper relates, but it is not an obligatory requirement.

33. During the operational phase of the program- will USAID determine what scope of work under IR1-4 will be implemented or will this be left to the implementing partner?

The scope of the work will be finalized through a multi-phase process (Concept Paper, Co-

Creation, Full Application) and it will be set before any award is executed.

34. Using the Social and Behavior Change lens can an organization respond to the bid in relevant areas across IR 1, 3 and 4?

Yes.

35. Do we require a DUNS number and SAM registration before sending the Concept Note?

No, however the DUNS number and SAM registration will be required before sending the full application.

36. Do all participating Local Organizations need to have the DUNS and NCAGE identities or is it just the prime?

Yes. According to RAA5. Universal Identifier and System of award Management (July 2015) the requirements to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and maintain a current registration in the System of Award Management (SAM) do not apply, at the prime award or subaward level, only when:

(1) Awards are made to individuals;

(2) Awards are less than $25,000 and are issued to foreign recipients to be performed outside the United States (based on a USAID determination);

(3) Awards where the AO determines, in writing, that these requirements would cause personal safety concerns.

37. Can an organization submit multiple Concept Notes and in different rounds?

38. Can a local entity submit its own Concept Paper in addition to being part of a regional Concept Paper submission?

Yes.

39. Is there an established maximum ceiling amount per award?

No. There is no established ceiling for maximum funding received per award.

40. Are there limitation on funding requests for the Concept Paper stage?

41. What does Programmatic Focus Area refer to under the Concept Paper Template?

The reference to the Programmatic Focus Area is incorrect in the Concept Paper Template. The correct reference is “Strategic Objective/Intermediate Result”.

42. Is there a limit in the number of awards issued per country?

43. Is the $1M award per year or for the entire 5 year period?

The $1 million minimum is for the entire duration of the award, and therefore the proposed budget can be set for less than $1 million per year.

44. Is there a preference in value, duration or geographic scope?

There is no established preference in value, duration or geographic scope. These will depend on the specific context of the Concept Paper.

45. Our company hasn’t worked in TB programs; however, our team of Medical Doctors and Specialists hold vast experience and are conversant with TB care systems. Will our company’s history of non-participation in TB programs affect our eligibility to apply for this opportunity?

Experience working with TB programs in the past is not a requirement for eligibility.

46. Could a US-based nonprofit serve as the fiscal sponsor or applicant for a local nonprofit organization?

Please see above for restrictions to eligibility.

47. If a local organization does not have audited books of accounts showing that they have ever managed over $1m, is it eligible to apply?

There is no requirement for recipients to have previously managed over $1 million, however as described in Section C.1 organizations “will be required to undergo a Pre-Award Responsibility Determination - a pre-award survey to determine fiscal responsibility (i.e. whether the prospective recipient has the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills – or ability to obtain them – in order to achieve the objectives of the project and comply with the terms and conditions of the award).”

48. Can we have partners write our proposals on our behalf?

Please refer to Sections C and D of the APS for restrictions on eligibility and instructions for Concept Paper submission.

49. Does USAID envision international NGOs providing capacity building and strengthening local prime organizations that will implement these programs?

There is no restriction or requirement in this regard, and it will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on specific context of the proposed activities.

50. Can the Project benefit the refugee community? I mean is it possible to prepare a concept note that can address the refugee community?

Yes, there is no restriction on beneficiaries.

51. Does this activity target the LGBT community?

Yes, there is no restriction on beneficiaries.

52. Can applying organizations go for direct implementation to reach communities and beneficiaries or it has to use community level partners for implementation?

There is no restriction in this regard.

53. Are we required to send a detailed budget with the Concept Paper?

No.

54. The $1M for individual awards will be per country or can include several countries?

The minimum level of funding for an award is $1 million for the full award period. Awards of $1 million or more will be considered, but not less than $1 million over the full duration of the award.

55. Is the budget distribution of the budget per country the same or can it vary depending on the extent of the problem of TB?

There is no restriction in this regards, although funding is subject to availability.

56. Will funding come to this grant from USAID TB Account or also from PEPFAR?

Funding will be GH-C account funds.

57. Will this project fund the procurement of diagnostic equipment and TB specific services?

There is no restriction in this regard, and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

58. Are there restrictions on the purchase of diagnostic equipment and consumables for TB diagnosis and treatment for the further implementation of the project?

The purchase of equipment and pharmaceuticals is subject to standard provision M6. USAID

ELIGIBILITY RULES FOR PROCUREMENT OF COMMODITIES AND SERVICES (JUNE

2012) found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303mab.pdf.

59. Will the LON project pay for the provision of free TB services to beneficiaries across the entire TB care cascade?

There is no restriction in this regard, and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission, based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

60. Does the project require a call center?

There is no such requirement and would depend on the specific context of the Concept Paper.

61. In order to bring more patients under the TB program and ensure treatment adherence, would the TB patients get any kind of incentives?

There is no restriction in this regard, and it will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on specific context of the proposed activities.

62. Can we include some income generating scheme for the TB patients?

There is no restriction in this regard, and it will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on specific context of the proposed activities.

63. If Public Private Partnership (PPP) is allowed, do you want to see PPP cost share?

Technical or programmatic contributions?

There is no cost share requirement for LON awards and it would depend on the specific context of the Concept Paper.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303mab.pdf

64. Will Concept Notes with significant construction activities be considered?

According to USAID Implementation of Construction Activities Mandatory Reference for ADS Chapter 303https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303maw.pdf construction activities shall meet the following criteria under assistance awards:

1) can only be a portion of all award activities;

2) the estimated cost of construction activities at a single project site is less than $500,000; and,

3) the total aggregate estimated cost of construction activities under the award is less than $10,000,000.

65. Where and when will the co-creation workshop take place?

This will be determined upon completion of the Concept Paper phase and may be flexible depending on the specific context of each successful Concept Paper.

66. Section A, “9. Staffing Structure” mentions that the project shall utilize a staffing structure that can not only meet technical objectives, but also remain adaptive and flexible to meet the needs that arise at both central and field levels. Would USAID clarify if this means that applicants are allowed to propose specific key staff as they see fit during the initial phase or would they have to wait until the co-creation phase for the key roles to be determined by USAID as specified in Section B, # 3.2?

There is no restriction in this regard and will be considered pas part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

67. Does this grant also support development of new diagnostics and communication technologies that also work to improve impact on the program outcomes?

There is no restriction in this regard and will be considered pas part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

68. Could you indicate when Round 2 will be and if will have a different strategic objectives compared to Round 1.

Please see Section D for illustrative information on potential future rounds. The strategic objectives are not expected to change in potential future rounds.

69. Will test-and-proven approaches in other settings be considered innovative if first-tried in the setting of the proposed LON Project?

70. Does Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance Act. (PLGHA) is applicable to this activity?

Yes. Prime and sub-recipients are subject to Standard Provision RAA29. PROTECTING LIFE IN GLOBAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE (MAY 2017) found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303mab.pdf.

71. Is financial assistance the same as grants?

For the purpose of this program, yes.

72. What is the difference between vendors and sub-grantees?

Vendors provide goods or services while sub-grantees implement part of the program.

73. Could you please clarify the funding for the mechanism? Will funds be provided By the country missions directly or will the funds go to USAID TB Program HQ and then given to countries to implement specific SOWs?

The specifics of the funding distribution will be determined in later phases of the award process.

74. Has this mechanism been included in PEPFAR USAID country COPs for 2019?

No.

75. We are a CDC funded PEPFAR partner in South Africa. Will we be eligible to bid to USAID SA TB especially if PEPFAR funding is the mission buy-in source?

Yes. There is no related restriction to eligibility with regards to funding sources related to any USAID awards an organization may have.

76. Do we need to have a gender strategy as part of concept note and then an action plan as part of the work plan/deliverables once we are selected?

Please see Section D of the APS for specific instructions on requirements for inclusion in the Concept Paper.

77. Could you elaborate on the assessment process during the programs?

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303mab.pdf

Please refer to Sections D and E of the APS for more details.

78. We generally conduct awareness on HIV/AIDS and also about Tuberculosis as it's an opportunistic Infection. Would we be receiving more information regarding the recent advancement, and a platform to share the common issues faced by the Community Based NGOs. and a common way to resolve it?

There is no additional information at this stage of the process; however it may be considered during the co-creation phase.

79. Would we be able to combine with the project that we are currently working on or should it be a separate project altogether?

LON awards are separate agreements, but can build on work performed under other projects.

80. Will LON support demand creation?

There is no restriction in this regard and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

81. Since USAID awards are subject to funding availability out of a fund pool of $300,000,000, do applicants have a higher chance or probability of receiving funding in earlier application rounds?

No.

82. To what extent are pilot interventions allowed by USAID on this LON? What proportion of total funding sum is allowable for piloting approaches?

There is no restriction in this regard and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

83. What is USAIDs definition of the repeatedly used terminology in the Annual Program Statement (APS) – “locally adapted health solutions”?

As used on page 14 of the APS, the term “locally adapted health solutions” refers to interventions that are specifically tailored to succeed in the particular context in which they will be implemented.

84. While projects aim to contribute to decreasing TB incidence recorded globally (2% annual decreases with a goal to attain annual 4% decreases) and whilst also recognizing that the burden of TB is higher in Nigeria than previously estimated.

The current indicator extracted from the APS for LON (increases in number of TB cases diagnosed and put on treatment) does not factor into consideration the possibility of declining TB incidences across project locations with increasing years of project activities and increasing investments in project locations. Will USAID permit a future revision of the indicators of success of the LON project (say in the third or fourth year of project implementation) owing to situational changes as a result of time? How flexible is USAID?

There is no restriction in this regard and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

85. Is there a different USAID funded system strengthening project for TB?

Please visit www.usaid.gov for more information about existing projects.

86. Are investigators permitted to submit concept papers proposing randomized interventional TB treatment trials for drug-resistant TB?

There is no restriction in this regard and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

87. Please, what is the current closing Date for the funding Opportunity as outlined in the Subject Matter above. Reason being that we are not quite clear about the closing date of the "Life Impacting opportunity" within the communities.

There is no closing date and the Concept Papers will be reviewed in rounds, the first round of Concept Papers will include all Concept Papers submitted by March 8, 2019, as described in the

APS.

88. The APS under Tuberculosis mentions engagement with private health sector. Are we expected to create technologies for the private sector for notification of cases and monitoring of treatment adherence or would the existing government notification systems may be utilized? For example, India already has a platform called Nikshay, however, this kind of platform may not be available in other countries.

There is no restriction in this regard and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

http://www.usaid.gov/

89. Communication about TB is important to raise awareness and education. There is a need for a strategic plan to ensure effective communication on TB as a disease as well as USAID’s TB program. a) Since commcare has moved in to commercial model most of their advanced logic do not work in the free version. Would there be a need to build a common monitoring application that will work across countries and can be integrated to centralized dashboard? b) Should there be a centralized dashboard for effective data analysis?

There is no restriction in this regard and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

90. Development of drugs might typically be done regionally, not within a country, is that correct?

There is no restriction in this regard and will be considered as part of the Concept Paper submission based on the specific context of the proposed activities.

91. Can the applicant provide goods and services to national or sub-national government agencies (e.g. National TB Control Programs) to further the Intermediate Results of the proposed LON Project?

Yes.

92. I am unable to apply when I try to add a organisational profile it does not accept the duns number.

Assuming that you are referring to the www.grants.gov platform, if you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the solicitation, please contact www.grants.gov Help Desk via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

93. We are a Non Governmental Development Organization. Working in R.D.Congo and who wants to have a NCAGE code. In plain registration process our electrical address (comoaasbl@gmail.com et guillainmulimbwa1@gmail.com) is invalidated.

Do you have specific characters?

As described in Section D of the APS, international registrants can go to Quick Start Guide for International Registrants on www.sam.gov https://sam.gov/SAM/transcript/Quick_Guide_for_International_Entity_Registration.pdf

In addition to that international organizations can find more information here:

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samInternationalUserGuide.jsf http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/SAM/transcript/Quick_Guide_for_International_Entity_Registration.pdf https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samInternationalUserGuide.jsf

94. USAID received multiple questions from organizations inquiring about their organization’s eligibility. We encourage you to review the eligibility requirements outlined in Section C.1 of the APS and to submit a Concept Paper if you believe that your organization is in compliance with the requirement. USAID will determine eligibility on a case by case basis after the deadline for submission of Concept Papers on March 8, 2019.

95. The APS provides USAID’s definition for a “local entity”. Can USAID provide additional clarification on the listed requirements, specifically regarding the governance of such local entity? Is there a detailed reference document that can be used to determine eligibility under the laws of the eligible countries?

According to ADS 303.3.6.5.b(2) “the definition of “local entity” means an individual, a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or another body of persons that:

(1) Is legally organized under the laws of;

(2) Has as its principal place of business or operations in;

(3) Is majority owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of; and

(4) Is managed by a governing body the majority of who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the country receiving assistance.

For purposes of this section, ‘majority owned’ and ‘managed by’ include, without limitation, beneficiary interests and the power, either directly or indirectly, whether exercised or exercisable, to control the election, appointment, or tenure of the organization's managers or a majority of the organization's governing body by any means.”

96. Will all TB commodities and tools including HIV test kits for LON come through the public sector?

This will be determined in the future.

97. Are there any restrictions pertaining to how expenditures for the project can be used in US versus non-US settings?

This will be determined in the future.

98. In our proposal, we are planning to engage community health workers (CHWs) for task shifting and project implementation for a select number of activities. These CHWs are contractors with district health authorities or with the General Department of Population and Family Planning within the Ministry of Health. We plan to pay them a small fixed stipend plus performance-based incentives, which may be paid through government authorities. Would these constitute eligible payments under the guidelines of the LON?

This will be determined in the future.

99. Is participation in this bidding process exclusive?

We are unable to respond based on the provided information.

100. Can you clarify if the one application applies to the institution or the PI?

101. At what level should the program work with the implementing partner, knowing that it is the titular program?

102. Je voudrais savoir si les ONG locales de lutte contre la tuberculose sont éligibles l'annonce dont les references sont objet : 7200AA19APS00001.

1. Are local organizations which previously received or are currently receiving USAID funds (as prime recipients and/or sub-recipients) eligible under this APS?