Addendum02_LON APS_India.pdf

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

CALL FOR CONCEPT PAPERS

‘IMPROVING THE CASCADE OF TB CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES AMONG

TRIBAL POPULATIONS IN INDIA’

ADDENDUM 02 TO

TB LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS NETWORK (LON) ANNUAL PROGRAM

STATEMENT

APS NO.: 7200AA19APS00001, AS AMENDED

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTICE ASSISTANCE (CFDA NUMBER: 98.001)

ISSUANCE DATE: DECEMBER 16, 2020

CLOSING DATE OF QUESTIONS: JANUARY 4, 2021

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF THE CONCEPT PAPERS: JANUARY 20, 2021

PLEASE NOTE: This is an Addendum to an existing announcement. All interested organizations should carefully review both this addendum AND the full announcement, as amended, which can be found here: Important information contained in the full umbrella APS is not repeated in this specific Addendum.

“Questions specific to this Addendum and Concept Papers must be submitted by the respective closing dates to the Agreement Officer at email address indiarco@usaid.gov with a copy to lon@usaid.gov”.

This program is authorized in accordance with Part 1 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Through this Addendum to the TB Local Organizations Network (LON) Annual Program Statement (APS) No. 7200AA19APS00001, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks to capitalize on the expertise, ingenuity, and passion of local organizations working in India on improving access to the cascade of TB services among tribal populations.

Subject to the availability of funding, USAID anticipates supporting one Cooperative Agreement or Grant with a total estimated ceiling price of up to $6,284,000 for four years. However, actual funding amounts are subject to availability of funds. Publishing this Annex does not commit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=Local%20organizations%20network mailto:indiarco@usaid.gov mailto:lon@usaid.gov

USAID to make any awards. USAID also reserves the right not to create a co-creation process and request full application from the applicants successful at concept paper stage. Unless otherwise stated herein, all terms and conditions of the LON APS apply.

I. Problem Statement

India’s tribal population of 104 million primarily lives in hilly, forested areas that are difficult to access. A large majority of tribal people are scattered across Central India (Southern Rajasthan, Eastern Gujarat, Northern Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha) and the Northeast (Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram). There is a vast disparity between the health outcomes of India’s tribal population and its non-tribal population. Maternal mortality, under-five mortality, and malnutrition rates are much higher among tribal groups, in addition to a higher incidence of malaria, tuberculosis, and several other communicable diseases. Deficiencies in government health systems as well as the relative lack of private health systems are major barriers to improving the situation. Such deficiencies include a lack of basic infrastructure, shortage of health workers, poor quality of services, lack of access, and poor accountability and governance practices. Moreover, there is an almost complete lack of tribal-specific health data, making poor tribal health a particularly challenging and unique problem. In addition, there is a lack of community representation decision making that affects their health.

India has the highest burden of TB in the world with an estimated incidence of 2.69 million cases in 2019. Each day, over 4,000 people lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people contract this preventable and curable disease. The numbers are worse for people residing in tribal areas of India: the incidence of tuberculosis is 703 cases per 100,000, five times higher than the non-tribal population. The India TB Report 2020 indicated that 10.38 percent of all TB patients in India were from tribal communities. The high susceptibility among tribal communities could be attributed to poor living conditions, smoking, malnutrition, and anemia, compounded by poor access to health care. Furthermore, the stigma associated with TB acts as a barrier to health-seeking behavior.

While the number of new cases of TB has been declining steadily in recent years, the burden remains high among low-income, tribal, and marginalized populations. With India’s aim to eliminate TB by 2025, government and non-government stakeholders will need to collaboratively expedite the processes and interventions that strengthen TB notification, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, especially in tribal areas.

II. Purpose

In publishing this Addendum, USAID is seeking Concept Papers from eligible local organizations in India proposing to address the challenges described in section I above. The purpose of this activity is to strengthen the ability of the Government of India (GOI) and state governments to provide TB services to tribal populations across the country as articulated through the National Strategic Plan of India’s National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) (formerly RNTCP) (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tbcindia.gov.in/index1.php?lang%3D1%26level%3D1% 26sublinkid%3D5448%26lid%3D3528&sa=D&ust=1607348897550000&usg=AOvVaw37wJg AMzGK-g30n32yTJhx)

The activity has five objectives: 1) facilitate interventions that increase diagnosis, notification, and the initiation of treatment and ensure treatment adherence and treatment completion; 2) create a better understanding of TB among tribal communities by generating evidence and creating platforms for disseminating best practices; 3) support the development and deployment of technology-based interventions to improve notification rates, diagnosis, data-sharing, and monitoring of the progress of the NTEP; 4) build partnerships to design, curate, and plan the scale-up of innovative models to reduce the burden of TB; and 5) advocate for policy changes based on findings.

Outcomes from this activity are expected to be limited to high TB burden tribal populations and include: i) improved access to rapid molecular TB diagnostic testing; ii) increased notification rates for TB among tribal populations through hospital-based and community-based notification systems; and iii) improved treatment adherence and treatment success.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Local non-governmental entities are eligible to submit a concept paper. USAID welcomes concept papers/applications from organizations which have not previously received financial assistance from USAID as well as from local non-governmental organizations which have received USAID funding.

Only local organizations as defined below are eligible for award. USAID defines a “local entity” as an individual, a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or another body of persons that:

(1) Is legally organized under the laws of; and

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

(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, https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tbcindia.gov.in/index1.php?lang%3D1%26level%3D1%26sublinkid%3D5448%26lid%3D3528&sa=D&ust=1607348897550000&usg=AOvVaw37wJgAMzGK-g30n32yTJhx https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tbcindia.gov.in/index1.php?lang%3D1%26level%3D1%26sublinkid%3D5448%26lid%3D3528&sa=D&ust=1607348897550000&usg=AOvVaw37wJgAMzGK-g30n32yTJhx https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tbcindia.gov.in/index1.php?lang%3D1%26level%3D1%26sublinkid%3D5448%26lid%3D3528&sa=D&ust=1607348897550000&usg=AOvVaw37wJgAMzGK-g30n32yTJhx to control the election, appointment, or tenure of the organization’s managers or a majority of the organization’s governing body by any means.

The recipients must be responsible entities and must have the necessary organizational experience, accounting, 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.

Concept papers from organizations that do not meet the above eligibility criteria will not be reviewed and evaluated. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this APS.

USAID strongly encourages concept papers from potential new partners to the US government who meet the above eligibility requirements. Such organizations are advised that they 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).

While for-profit firms may participate, pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400(g) it is USAID policy not to award profit to prime recipients and sub-recipients under assistance instruments. However, while profit is not allowed for sub-awards, the prohibition does not apply when the recipient acquires goods and services in accordance with 2 CFR 200.317 -326, “Procurement Standards.” This is discussed more specifically in ADS 303sai “Profit Under USAID Assistance Instruments'' which can be found at this link: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303sai.pdf.

If an organization does not submit a successful concept paper and is not invited to the co-creation process/submit a full application in Round 1, that organization still may submit another concept paper in another future round if one occurs. The organization may be evaluated by the same evaluation criteria specified in Section E, or the evaluation criteria may be revised to the specifics of the Round’s results. Another submission in another Round does not guarantee a successful concept paper and invitation for co-creation process and/or submission of a full application.

It shall be the responsibility of applicant organizations to be compliant with the local Government’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), if required, for receiving US Government funds through a federal assistance program.

IV. Additional Considerations

Prior to submitting a Concept Paper, applicants should ensure that submissions are in line with the US Government Global TB Strategy and the Government of India’s National Strategic Plan 2017-https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303sai.pdf https://tbcindia.gov.in/WriteReadData/NSP%20Draft%2020.02.2017%201.pdf

2025 for TB Elimination in India. Successful Concept Papers will also align closely with the broader priorities of USAID including those outlined in USAID’s Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PRO-IP).

USAID is especially interested in promoting new partnerships or projects with local organizations.

USAID/India is only interested in concept notes from organizations that have extensive prior experience working with tribal populations to deliver healthcare services.

Though leveraging of resources is not mandatory and is not an evaluation criteria. USAID/India would welcome leverage in cash or kind.

The resulting award from this Addendum to the TB LON APS will be administered in accordance with ADS 303mab, Standard Provisions for Non-U.S. Nongovernmental organizations (http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303mab).

Prohibition on Certain Telecommunication and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (August 2020)

a. The Recipient is prohibited from using grant funds, including direct and indirect costs, program income, and any cost share to:

1. Procure or obtain;

2. Extend or renew a contract to procure or obtain; or

3. Enter into a contract (or extend or renew a contract) to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

b. Telecommunication costs and video surveillance costs incurred for telecommunications and video surveillance services and equipment such as phones, internet, video surveillance, and cloud servers are allowable except for those referenced in paragraph a. above.

c. Definitions. The terms used in this provision have the following meanings:

1) “Covered telecommunication equipment or services” as defined in Pub. L. 115-232, Section 889, means any of the following:

i. Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).

ii. For the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303mab

Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).

iii. Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment.

iv. Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country.

2) “Covered foreign country” is defined in Pub. L. 115-232, Section 889 as the People’s Republic of China.

3) “Telecommunications costs” as defined in 2 CFR 200.1 means the cost of using communication and telephony technologies such as mobile phones, land lines, and internet.

d. This provision must be incorporated into all subawards.

SPECIAL AWARD REQUIREMENT FOR NON-U.S. ORGANIZATIONS

Special Award Requirement Relating to the Prohibition on Certain Telecommunication and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (November 2020)

USAID has been granted a temporary waiver under Section 889(d)(2) that will allow the recipient to use award funds through September 30, 2022, to procure certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment as specified in the standard provision “Prohibition on Certain Telecommunication and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (AUGUST 2020).” Based on this waiver, all costs incurred for covered telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment will be allowable through September 30, 2022, without regard to the standard provision “Allowable Costs” and the cost principle at 2 CFR 200.471. Procurements made on or after October 1, 2022, will be unallowable in accordance with the standard provision “Allowable Costs” and 2 CFR 200.471.

V. Application and Review Process

USAID/ India is responsible for the review process and management of any awards issued under this Addendum.

Concept Papers, Full Applications, and management of any awards issued under this Addendum will be managed in accordance with the process described in the umbrella LON APS announcement. Information provided in the Concept Paper Template described in the umbrella LON announcement should address the objectives and criteria presented herein.

Concept Paper Application Content and Template

The Concept Paper must be specific, complete, presented concisely and written in English. The Concept Paper must demonstrate the Applicant’s capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the objectives.

Based on the activities proposed by the Applicant, the proposed award size and duration must be specified in the Concept Paper. The duration of the award cannot exceed four years.

All Concept Papers must be submitted by the closing date listed on page 1 of this Addendum.

Submissions received after the specified closing date will not be eligible for review.

Excluding the cover page described below, the Concept Paper must not exceed five (5) pages, using Times New Roman 12-point font, on standard 8.5” x 11” sized paper, and single spaced with no less than one inch margins and pages numbered consecutively. 10 - point font can be used for graphs and charts. Any pages submitted beyond the five-page limit will not be evaluated.

Additional documentation, such as annexes, charts and graphs that exceed the five pages will not be reviewed. USAID will not review any information provided in links in the Concept Paper.

The Concept Paper must be submitted in PDF format.

USAID TB LON CONCEPT PAPER TEMPLATE

A. Cover Page – to the extent possible or applicable, please complete the following questions below: [Note that #1-10 shall be submitted as a cover page, not included in the five-page limit for the Concept Paper.]

1. Proposed Activity Name/Title: __________________________________________

2. Proposed Period of Performance (i.e., start date and end date):________________

3. Overall Estimate of Funding Requested (in USDs, no less than $1 million):____________________

4. Applicant Organization Name: __________________________________________

5. Applicant Contact Person (name, title, phone, email): ________________________

6. Full Address for Applicant Organization: _________________________________

7. Type of Organization (e.g., non-US, multilateral, private, for-profit, non-profit) date of incorporation, etc.): ____________________________________________________

8. Name(s) of Partner(s) (Applicants that are Implementing Partners will name Resource

Partner(s) (if any) here): __________________________________________

9. DUNS number if available: _________________________________

10. Country of performance: _________________________________

B. Concept Introduction: (approximately ½ page) Identify the TB problem you will address, linking it to the problem statement described above and briefly describe your intervention for tackling this problem. Describe why there is a strategic need for your concept, how it differs from alternatives and any relevant gender specific considerations for the problem or solution.

C. Ultimate clients: (approximately ½ page) Describe the types of benefits the intervention will produce and the types and range of people who will benefit from this intervention. Does this concept meaningfully engage tribal populations in all stages of the proposed concept so as to enhance their ability to determine their own priorities? Has it or can it be adapted to reach both women and men? How can the concept be scaled up to reach more people?

D. Authorized Geographic Code The authorized geographic code for the procurement of services and commodities is 937.

E. Geographic Location: (approximately ½ page) In what location(s) (e.g., province, district, city) are you proposing to operate under this proposed partnership? Describe key elements of and actors in the value chain or intervention in the geographic location(s) in which you propose to work. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities?

F. Intervention approach: (approximately 1½ pages) Building on the introduction, propose a Theory of Change for how this intervention will produce the desired impact in the focus area(s) identified. Briefly describe critical barrier(s) or problem(s), related to on your focus area(s) that your concept addresses. Be sure to include information describing why the approach is creative or innovative, how it is potentially scalable, and evidence to support it as a tested solution or as an intervention likely to have a significant development impact, and how it will be sustained. The analysis should consider population demographics, disease burden, geography, and present a reasonable theory of change. The concept paper should demonstrate current knowledge of the primary challenges related to TB implementation within the tribal populations, and a strong understanding of the opportunities for and barriers to achieving the project purpose.

G. Intervention results: (approximately 1 page) As specifically as possible, describe the anticipated outputs, outcomes, results and/or impact of the proposed intervention. What are the key, quantifiable metrics related to your project’s performance or expected performance? What is the scale needed to achieve results sufficient to address the problem? What are the baselines that you will measure before the project begins?

H. Partner roles: (approximately ½ page) If applicable, describe and define the role of any other entities in the partnership. This must include a description of how roles will be divided and managed efficiently. This should also discuss partnerships with the private sector.

I. Applicant capacity: (approximately ½ page) Describe organizational capacity – technical, managerial, financial, etc. – to carry out the proposed intervention. What is the business model for your innovation?

Concept paper e-mail submissions must include the APS number, Addendum Title ‘Improving the cascade of TB care and support services among Tribal Populations in India’, and applicant’s name in the subject line.

Concept Papers must be submitted to the Agreement Officer at email address indiarco@usaid.gov with a copy to LON@usaid.gov.

VI. Merit Review Process for Concept Papers

All concept papers received by the deadline stated on the Addendum cover page will be reviewed for eligibility and compliance with the instructions for submission prior to evaluation against the merit review criteria listed in this section. The Agreement Officer will forward to the Selection Committee (SC) those concept papers that are complete and comply with the instructions for submission. The SC will then conduct a merit review of the concept papers.

The final selection of successful concept papers will be determined by the AO. A concept paper is determined to be successful if it receives a “Pass” based on the merit criteria specified in the relevant Addendum.

VII. Merit Review Criteria

The following criteria will be considered when reviewing concept papers, and are weighted equally:

a. The degree to which the concept paper proposes a strategic vision to achieve quantifiable results related to all objectives and outcomes described in the Sections I and II above and the APS Program Description, and demonstrates a strong understanding of challenges related to TB intervention(s) among tribal populations.

b. The degree to which the proposed activity is evidence-based, technically sound, feasible with regards to cost and capacity, and engages the appropriate stakeholders

c. The degree to which the concept paper clearly exhibits innovative, practical, and sustainable strategies.

mailto:indiarco@usaid.gov mailto:LON@usaid.gov

d. The degree to which the concept paper demonstrates institutional capability, technical and financial management capacity, and relevant technical expertise needed to achieve the proposed results.

Note: This Addendum serves primarily to outline the goals and priorities of USAID in making an award under the LON APS. More comprehensive information regarding the application and review processes (including Concept Paper submission, co-creation, Full Application, and Evaluation stages) can be found in the umbrella LON APS, Amendment #6, located here. Applicants are advised to refer extensively to both documents in preparing Concept Notes.

V. Questions and Further Assistance

Questions regarding the substance and objectives of this Addendum should be directed to the Agreement Officer at indiarco@usaid.gov with a copy to LON@usaid.gov.

Questions regarding the substance and terms of the LON APS umbrella should be directed to LON@usaid.gov using the subject line “Question - LON APS Umbrella”.

[END OF THIS ADDENDUM TO LON APS]

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=Local%20organizations%20network mailto:indiarco@usaid.gov