Amendment03 7200AA18RFA00004 LASER.pdf

RE: USAID Notice of Funding Opportunity 7200AA18RFA00004 for Long-term Assistance and SErvices for Research (LASER)

Amendment: 03 - Clarification Statements on Question and Answer Period, Appendix

References, and LMIC Functional Link; Questions and Answers December 06, 2017 - December 20, 2017

Issue Date: January 03, 2018

Clarification Statement re: Question and Answer Period:

USAID received many phone inquiries and requests for meetings during the question and answer period. Per directives on pages 1 and 22 (Section D) of 7200AA18RFA00004, all questions were to be submitted per the following:

Agency Point of Contact Trenae Bonner, Acquisition & Agreement Specialist, tbonner@usaid.gov

Questions and Answers: All questions regarding this RFA should be submitted in writing to the e-mail address listed above as the Agency Point of Contact with a cc: to Roderick

Watson, Agreement Officer, rwatson@usaid.gov. Questions regarding this RFA should be submitted via email no later than December 20th, 12pm EST to provide sufficient time to address the questions and incorporate the questions and answers as an amendment to this solicitation. Any information given to a prospective Applicant concerning this RFA will be furnished consistently to all other prospective Applicants as an amendment to this

RFA, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective Applicant.

Any inquiries received after this deadline, via phone, or outside of these guidelines did not and will not receive a response. To maintain fairness during this open and competitive process, questions submitted within these parameters were compiled and answered in a public format via amendment to the RFA.

USAID will not be answering any additional questions but refers you to these amendments in hopes that they clarify your concerns. Thank you and we welcome all eligible and interested parties to apply here.

Appendix References

The only reference provided by USAID for the RFA is Appendix A – Past Performance Information.

Throughout the LASER RFA and the Questions and Answers, there are several references to an

“Appendix B”. Please replace all references to USAID's major technical sectors and geographic areas

“Appendix B” with the following links:

Overview of USAID’s Technical Sectors: https://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do

Overview of Where USAID Works: https://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work

With this Amendment, consider all references to “Appendix B” to have been removed in their entirety mailto:tbonner@usaid.gov https://usaid-hesn.forms.fm/LASER https://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do https://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 2 and replaced with the preceding references.

LMIC Functional Link

The link included in the response for the question clarifying the LMIC definition was not functional. The complete link is http://www.oecd.org/dac/stats/daclist.htm and has been updated in the response to question 8 in the Technical/Clarifying section of Amendment 01 below as well.

TECHNICAL/CLARIFYING:

Question 1: Does USAID require applicants to name key personnel in the concept note submission?

USAID Response:

While the RFA does not explicitly require applicants to name key personnel in the concept note phase, the qualities and strengths of the proposed key personnel to support the LASER prime are considered in the evaluation of Concept Notes so it is likely that applicants who propose a strong group of key personnel will be evaluated more favorably in this criteria than those applicants who do not fully address key personnel or their management plans.

Specifically, on page 27 of the LASER RFA under the “Concept Note Format” section, USAID indicates that applicants should use their Concept Notes to describe, “How the relevant strengths of the Prime and any partner institutions, including institutional resources, relationships, and past experience, will contribute to accomplishing the goals of this RFA.” Further, on page 33 of the LASER RFA under

“SECTION E: REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS” section, USAID indicates that “The following criteria will be used to evaluate both the concept notes and the full applications. Applicants are highly encouraged to develop their concept notes with these criteria in mind.” As noted under Factor 2

(Management Approach), USAID indicates that it will be evaluating applicants on “The extent to which proposed personnel have the appropriate background, knowledge and skills in research and international development to successfully reach program goals and objectives.”

Question 2: If USAID requires applicants to name key personnel, are CVs required? If CVs are required and/or allowed, will USAID confirm that they may be included in the appendix which will not count against the total page limit and/or the current page limit of the Appendix?

CVs are not required at the concept note phase. See answer #1 for additional information.

During the full application phase, per page 27 of the LASER RFA, applicants will be required to submit

2-page resumes for each proposed key personnel if they are invited to submit full applications, “Applicants should provide 2-page (max) resumes of the proposed management team through hyperlink or as attachments. Longform academic curriculum vitaes (CV) should be summarized in resume form.” These 2-page resumes will NOT count against the 20-page Appendix Limit noted on pages 29-30 of the RFA in the Appendix section.

Question 3: On page 11 of the RFTOP. In Figure 1: LASER Process, USAID lays out a process that illustrates key roles for the Prime, USAID and the Laser Network. In the third circle - entitled http://www.oecd.org/dac/stats/daclist.htm

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 3

Research Implemented, only the Laser Network is noted. In this figure 11 and in the terminology, “Laser Network” does USAID include the Prime?

Please note that this is not a “Request for Task Order Proposals (RFTOP)”; rather this is a “Request for

Application (RFA).”

Regarding the role of the Prime in the third circle of this diagram, yes, the Prime is involved in that they are responsible for the management and oversight of the subawards issued to accomplish the research.

Additionally, researchers associated with the Prime are allowed to be a part of the LASER Network, propose research solutions, and receive subawards to implement research projects.

Question 4: Depending on which entity is awarded the contract, it may be that the Prime includes a diverse group of researchers that could serve as lead researchers or as research team members, will a Prime be excluded from implementing the research?

No, the Prime will not be excluded from having its own researchers apply for consideration as potential implementers of research projects under LASER. Please see the answer to question #3 above.

Question 5: On page 14-15 of the RFTOP, USAID outlines the role of the Recipient and USAID.

Since USAID is substantially involved in the Review and Selection Process, will the Recipient be eligible to receive subawards, assuming that the process is transparent, open and meets other

Selection Process Standards.

If the process is transparent, open and meets other standards as indicated in the eventual Cooperative

Agreement, the Recipient will be eligible to receive subawards. Please see the answer to question #3 for additional information.

Question 6: On page 16, in the experience and qualifications, will USAID allow for a J.D. in lieu of a

Ph.D. and/or Master’s Degree for the Program Director and the Technical Director, plus the other related experience?

Yes, any terminal degree (PhD, JD, MD, etc) will be accepted provided that the proposed person has the appropriate expertise and experience necessary to successfully fulfill that role.

Question 7: On Page 23 and 24 of the RFTOP, the Concept Note is described. Will USAID please confirm that the Concept Note uses the structure outline for the full technical narrative in Section 3 on pages 26-28, specifically from 3.a. -3.b.iv. and does not include #4-6 (Institutional Capacity, Past

Performance and the Attachment Section)?

Yes, the body of the Concept Note should be structured according to the full Technical Narrative (sections

3a-3b.iv). However, please note that within this structure, applicants are asked to “pay particular

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 4 attention to...how the relevant strengths of the Prime and any partner institutions, including institutional resources, relationships, and past experience, will contribute to accomplishing the goals of this RFA” (pg

23 of the RFA). So, while applicants are not asked to draft stand-alone sections on Institutional Capacity or Past Performance, elements of these sections should be addressed in Concept Note. The Attachment section of the full RFA is not required for the Concept Note.

Amendment: 02 - Clarification Statement on Question and Answer Period, Questions and

Answers December 06, 2017 - December 20, 2017

Issue Date: January 03, 2018

Clarification Statement re: Question and Answer Period:

USAID received many phone inquiries and requests for meetings during the question and answer period. Per directives on pages 1 and 22 (Section D) of 7200AA18RFA00004, all questions were to be submitted per the following:

Agency Point of Contact Trenae Bonner, Acquisition & Agreement Specialist, tbonner@usaid.gov

Questions and Answers: All questions regarding this RFA should be submitted in writing to the e-mail address listed above as the Agency Point of Contact with a cc: to Roderick

Watson, Agreement Officer, rwatson@usaid.gov. Questions regarding this RFA should be submitted via email no later than December 20th, 12pm EST to provide sufficient time to address the questions and incorporate the questions and answers as an amendment to this solicitation. Any information given to a prospective Applicant concerning this RFA will be furnished consistently to all other prospective Applicants as an amendment to this

RFA, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective Applicant.

Any inquiries received after this deadline, via phone, or outside of these guidelines did not and will not receive a response. To maintain fairness during this open and competitive process, questions submitted within these parameters were compiled and answered in a public format via amendment to the RFA.

USAID will not be answering any additional questions but refers you to these amendments in hopes that they clarify your concerns. Thank you and we welcome all eligible and interested parties to apply here.

Question 1: What is about maximum and minimum duration of each project?

As noted on page 8 of the LASER RFA, USAID envisions expanding its “support of long-term research mailto:tbonner@usaid.gov https://usaid-hesn.forms.fm/LASER

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 5 efforts (typically > 1 year) that address specific development needs via the LASER Award”. Implementation of these long-term research efforts will be typically between three and five years.

Question 2: Is there a minimum and/or maximum number of partners? Can these partners come from countries other than our own country and the USA?

There is no minimum or maximum number of partners to meet for this RFA. However, as noted in the

Technical Evaluation Criteria section (page 33), applicants will be evaluated on, “The extent to which the proposed Network implementation plan has the capability for rapid initial stand-up, recruits universities and researchers (U.S.-based and overseas including LMICs) that have expertise in each of USAID's major technical sectors and geographic areas (see Appendix B) AND demonstrates an individual and institutional capacity strengthening approach that fosters and leverages a high rate of inclusion and engagement of female, MSI, and LMIC researchers / HEIs in the network to result in sustainable engagement amongst members of the Network following the end of the award.”

Partners can come from countries other than the country of the higher education institution applying for the

RFA and the United States.

BUDGET/COST:

Question 1: What is about project budget (max and min values)?

As noted in Section A1 of the RFA, “The anticipated budget includes a ceiling of $70,000,000 (estimated up to $14,000,000 per year). Under that ceiling, and subject to the availability of funds, core funds from

LAB/CDR are anticipated to be $10,000,000- $20,000,000 over five (5) years ($2,000,000 - $4,000,000 per year) with any additional funds beyond that coming from other Centers within the Lab as well as other

USAID Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices based on their programmatic needs.

Question 2: Is it possible to have investment in the budget of this project? The construction of a building or office, for example?

USAID does not envision allowing construction under this Cooperative Agreement.

[END AMENDMENT 02 OF 7200AA18RFA00004]

Amendment: 01 - Questions and Answers December 06, 2017 - December 20, 2017

Issue Date: December 22, 2017

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 6

Question 1: What is the anticipated number of awards available? It is blank on the FOA.

USAID anticipates making one (1) award under the LASER RFA. However, USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.

Question 2: I was wondering if this topic might be of interest for applying for funding under the above cooperative agreement announcement?

I have an ongoing USAID supported project on the evaluation of a vaccine for the prevention of Rift Valley

Fever in livestock in Tanzania and will end Sept, 2018. Therefore, I am looking for additional funding opportunities preferably to do research in developing countries and since I have an infrastructure established in Tanzania, I would like to stay there at the Sokoine University of Agricultural (SUA) with my collaborator – my idea, would be to continue research at SUA, where we have an ABSL 2 large animal holding facility and the virology lab, was thinking about research project to improve the health of livestock and livestock dairy products as a source of food for Africa. My idea would be that we do a preliminary study to collect baseline data on say 1000 goat, 1000 cattle and 1000 sheep to determine their health status and quantify the amount and quality of dairy products from the these animals. The SUA large animal holding facility would be used to do health assessment and dairy product evaluations and selected diagnostic test to determine the health of the animals, like estimates of parasitic and bacterial infections would be done in the virology lab and other observation like weight estimates, volume of milk, pregnancy rates, abortion rates, time required to develop to a mature animals or an animals of offspring bearing age, age for being ready for slaughter, etc could all be done in the holding facility. Then after a year or so, these same animal would be treated based on the result of monthly health examinations, fed with different type of available local food, etc, This is not at all the entire scope of my idea as I would plan to invite other institution with expertise in large animal health, including veterinarian, animal nutritionist, etc. If this approach was successful, then the idea would be to establish 4 or 5 animal health clinics in Tanzania and make available to the owner of the livestock to bring their animal for health check every so often as a community outreach program with the overall goal of improving the quantity and quality of food rich in protein that will improve animal and human health – then we would do an assessment once or twice a year to see if animal health was improving– this could be extended to poultry also – am thinking this would be about a 5 year project - 2 year as a controlled experimental study on the SUA campus and then establish animal health clinics, say at least 4 in Tanzania and then evaluate the use of the clinic and assess the outcome on the quantity and quality of the animal health and as a food source – overall outcome, if it works as a model in Tanzania, then we expand to other countries in Africa. This proposed project will provide the critically needed source of food, especially protein that is one of the most important challenges in the future that is required to sustain the health of the people throughout the African continent.

LASER is not intended to support individual researchers. Rather than supporting one specific research problem/project, LASER aims to, “support an implementing partner whose workplan includes the creation, engagement, and/or growth of a large, international network of university researchers, centers, and institutes across disciplines that can 1) independently identify and address new and impactful

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 7 research questions with high relevance to the international development community AND 2) partner with

USAID Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices (M/B/IOs) to address unique research needs identified by USAID.” (page 5 of the LASER RFA, emphases added in response).

Question 3: Is plant sciences considered a high enough priority in the LASER RFA? I could not see any mention there or agriculture; plant sciences or food sciences.

As noted in the Technical Evaluation Criteria section (see page 33 of the LASER RFA) applicants will be evaluated on, “The extent to which the proposed Network implementation plan has the capability for rapid initial stand-up, recruits universities and researchers (U.S.-based and overseas including LMICs) that have expertise in each of USAID's major technical sectors and geographic areas (see Appendix B)

AND demonstrates an individual and institutional capacity strengthening approach that fosters and leverages a high rate of inclusion and engagement of female, MSI, and LMIC researchers / HEIs in the network to result in sustainable engagement amongst members of the Network following the end of the award.” In addition, applicants will be evaluated on, “The extent of the Applicant's current available scientific and research core competencies, unique institutional resources, and global reach (as relevant to the current RFA) will support the achievement of LASER’s objectives and results.” Applicants who feature expertise in only one technical area or are limited in their geographical scope are not likely to be competitive under this RFA.

Question 4: Is an international research institute like CIMMYT (http://www.cimmyt.org/) able to apply? (our headquarters is in Mexico but we have offices all over the world. We are an international agricultural research institute (not for profit) – part of the CGIAR network http://www.cgiar.org/)

As indicated in the Eligibility Information Section (Section C), “only higher education institutions are eligible to apply to serve as the Prime for the LASER agreement…” For purposes of LASER, higher education institutions is defined as follows, consistent with guidance provided by USAID/E3/Education: “A tertiary education institution is an organization that provides educational opportunities that build on secondary education, providing learning activities in specialized fields...Tertiary education includes what is commonly understood as academic education but also includes advanced vocational or professional education. This may include public or private universities, colleges, research institutes, training institutes

[including teacher training institutes], etc.” Because this RFA is restricted to higher education institutes,only those international or independent research institutions that offer, or are officially associated with, a recognized educational or training program (not inclusive of informal extension services) will be considered as “higher education institutions”.

Question 5: My proposal idea is to build the gender in agricultural research capacity in sub-

Saharan countries. It is very hard for our national agriculture research partners to recruit gender and agricultural experts as many universities do not offer this as a specialization. Moreover, the countries are not teaching qualitative or participatory research methods so there is an over reliance on quantitative methods only in agricultural research (and this limits in-depth gender understanding). Even when sex disaggregated data is collected, many scientists struggle to fit the http://www.cimmyt.org/) http://www.cgiar.org/)

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 8 results within the literature/theory as they are not trained in this and thus considerable capacity building and guidance is required.

Thank you for sharing your proposal idea. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please follow the instructions for submitting a Concept Note starting on page 23 of the LASER RFA.

Question 6: I would like to send a proposal for LASER but am currently not affiliated with any academic institution. I have, however, applied to a number of fellowships, including at Harvard and

Stanford, for next year. Please let me know how the proposals work: would these institutions be appropriate partners from which to send a proposal or are you looking for more developing country based institutions?

As indicated in the Eligibility Information Section (Section C), only higher education institutions (HEIs) are eligible to apply to serve as the Prime for the LASER agreement. Such institutions can come from anywhere across the globe.

Eligibility for LASER is not limited to developing country institutions. As noted in the RFA, “Only higher education institutions are eligible to apply to serve as the Prime for the LASER agreement. Consortia applications that include non-HEI organizations are allowed and encouraged; however, these applications should identify an HEI as the Prime recipient of the award. For purposes of LASER, higher education institutions is defined as follows, consistent with guidance provided by USAID/E3/Education:

“A tertiary education institution is an organization that provides educational opportunities that build on secondary education, providing learning activities in specialized fields. It aims at learning at a high level of complexity and specialization. Tertiary education includes what is commonly understood as academic education but also includes advanced vocational or professional education. This may include public or private universities, colleges, research institutes, training institutes [including teacher training institutes], etc.” (page 22 of the LASER RFA).

Question 7: In terms of country eligibility, can middle-income countries like the Dominican

Republic participate in this funding mechanism?

Higher education institutions are eligible to apply to serve as the Prime for the LASER agreement. Such institutions can come from anywhere across the globe. Please refer to question #6 for additional information related to this question.

Question 8: I am hoping that you might please clarify the meaning of the acronym LMIC, which is of critical importance to defining eligible partners within LASER.

The solicitation states that it supports university networks between the US and LMIC. The acronym LMIC, however, has two different definitions within the document. If the first definition below is correct, then it stands to reason that Gabon, Africa (as one of two types of middle-income countries) would be eligible.

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 9

In the acronym list (p. 4) and on p. 7, LMIC is defined as “low and middle-income countries.”

On page 5, LMIC is defined as “lower-middle income countries."

Thank you for identifying the editorial error on page 5. For the purposes of this RFA, LMIC is defined as low and middle-income countries. With regards to the list of countries that is categorized as an LMIC

(low and middle-income countries), applicants may refer to the definition set by the Organization for

Economic Co-operation and Development, which can be found here.

Question 9: Would research networks in upper middle-income countries, specifically Gabon, be eligible for LASER?

As indicated in the Eligibility Information Section (Section C), only higher education institutions (HEIs) are eligible to apply to serve as the Prime for the LASER agreement. Such institutions can come from anywhere across the globe. Consortia applications that include non-HEI organizations are allowed and encouraged; however, these applications should identify an HEI as the Prime recipient of the award.

(Please refer to question #6 for additional information related to this question.)

Question 10: Would they be eligible if networks of researchers from a lower-middle income country were also incorporated into a program?

As noted in the Technical Evaluation Criteria section (see page 33 of the LASER RFA) applicants will be evaluated on, “The extent to which the proposed Network implementation plan has the capability for rapid initial stand-up, recruits universities and researchers (U.S.-based and overseas including LMICs) that have expertise in each of USAID's major technical sectors and geographic areas (see Appendix B)

AND demonstrates an individual and institutional capacity strengthening approach that fosters and leverages a high rate of inclusion and engagement of female, MSI, and LMIC researchers / HEIs in the network to result in sustainable engagement amongst members of the Network following the end of the award.”

Question 11: First, LMIC is defined in two different ways in the RFP, first as “Lower Middle Income

Countries” and second as “Low and Middle Income Countries.” As you know these are not the same categories. Could you please clarify which group USAID has in mind as the target partner population?

Please see response to Question 8.

Question 12: If an organization bids (and wins) a LASER contract as either a prime or sub, would that undermine that organization’s chances for a successful bid on RTAC? Related, given that

RTAC seems to mainly have a sub-contracting function, does USAID envisage it as a university-based activity or will bidding be open to USG contractors?

http://www.oecd.org/dac/stats/daclist.htm

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 10

LASER was released as a “Request for Application (RFA).” Accordingly, if an ultimate LASER award is made it will be made as a Cooperative Agreement (and not as a contract). Currently, RTAC is envisioned to be released as a “Request for Proposals (RFP).” Final eligibility has not yet been determined for the potential RTAC RFP; however, interested parties should continue to check fbo.gov for potential updates and postings.

Question 13: Please clarify the eligibility requirements and restrictions concerning submission of a concept paper. Is the eligibility specific to a legal entity as defined by DUNS/TIN/SAM(CCR) identifiers or is it representative of a larger network? Specifically, The Texas A&M University System is comprised of 11 distinct educational institutions and 7 agencies, each is designated a separate legal entity by the State of Texas and the U.S. Federal Government. Per the Federal NICRA, each is classified as a public institution of higher education, They are also each designated a distinct Texas

State Agency.

A major portion of the USAID activities to date have been led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

Would Texas A&M AgriLife Research be deemed eligible for review if one of the other A&M System

Members also applied for LASER?

As indicated in Section C3, “HEI applicants (organizational and/or proposed project director) are restricted to submitting one concept note as the lead applicant. If more than one application is received with the same lead HEI or has the same proposed project director, none of the applications submitted will be evaluated for consideration of award as they will be deemed non-compliant with the conditions of this RFA. HEI’s can serve as sub-awardees or consortium members on multiple applications, however.”

This means that multiple submissions may not be received and deemed eligible by the same legal entity

(for example, multiple academic departments within one University). However, multiple universities within one state-wide university system are eligible to submit individual applications (one application per individual university within the system is permissible, provided that unique Project Directors are also submitted for each application).

Question 14: Regarding the USAID LASER NFO, I would like to clarify the text on page 11:

“Specific LASER activities that USAID seeks to support…

1. Formation and curation of a technically and geographically diverse network with the following characteristics:

a. Contains the expertise needed to co-create research projects with USAID across all the major technical sectors and in all the major regions in which USAID programs activities.”

Is the text in bold above (“…across all the major technical sectors and in all the major regions…”) a STRICT requirement, in that the Concept Note should describe research expertise in all 11 technical sectors, and in all 6 major regions? Or can there be emphasis on one or two technical sectors and regions?

Please see response to Question # 3

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 11

Question 15: Are we, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands (Dutch institution) is eligible to submit our proposal together with the US university?

Please refer to question #6 for the answer to this question.

Question 16: Are HEIs from OECD countries eligible? And, could you provide us with a complete list of countries that USAID categorizes as LMIC?

Please refer to questions # 6, #8 for the answers to this question.

Question 17: Is it USAID’s intention to make one or multiple awards through this mechanism?

Please refer to question #1 for the answer to this question.

Question 18: The University of Connecticut is in the process of developing a collaboration with the

Vietnam National University (VNA) and a series of affiliated research NGOs in Hanoi that would focus on academic exchanges and enhancement of research in environmental, social, human rights and health issues. Is there the opportunity within the LASER grant for an application that would focus on a bilateral relationship with UConn and VNU? Are there other USAID programs in which this developing relationship would fit?

Consortium applications are welcome, especially those involving LMIC universities. However, USAID seeks to fund a partner who will create a global network of researchers to address development challenges. As such, applications that propose a geographically restricted network are not likely to be successful. Please refer to questions #3, 6, 9, and 10 for the answer to this question. With respect to other USAID programs, we suggest you visit to https://www.usaid.gov/vietnam to find specific contacts.

Question 19: the LASER solicitation indicates that only Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are eligible to apply to serve as the Prime for Laser. Are the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine considered a HEI?

No, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) are not considered an HEI.

For purposes of LASER, higher education institutions is defined as follows, consistent with guidance provided by USAID/E3/Education: “A tertiary education institution is an organization that provides educational opportunities that build on secondary education, providing learning activities in specialized fields...Tertiary education includes what is commonly understood as academic education but also includes advanced vocational or professional education. This may include public or private universities, colleges, research institutes, training institutes [including teacher training institutes], etc.” NAS utilizes volunteer researchers and experts from other institutions, the public, and the private sector, to provide input on challenges of interest to the Academy, but conducts no research and has no formal educational http://www.usaid.gov/vietnam

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 12 programs of their own. Please refer to questions #4 and #6 for more information related to this question.

Question 20: I’ve been reviewing the LASER Program Request for Applications on behalf of a group of researchers here at the University of California, San Diego. Our center is involved in interdisciplinary research and education program to remedy global environmental impacts from cultural, behavioral, economic and science perspectives. Sustainable seafood (food security) and coastal protection are big issues around the world and very much in our “wheel-house.” However, we are concerned that we may not have research collaborators in your “lower-middle income countries

(LMIC)’ that may inhibit our ability to complete a proposal by the deadline. Could you send a list of countries that meet your definition?

Please refer to questions #3 and #8 for additional information related to this question.

Question 21: CIP, an International Agricultural Research Center (IARC) and member of the CGIAR consortium, is designated by USAID as a Category 1 Public International Organization (PIO) under

ADS 308 (which sets forth USAID’s mandatory policies and required procedures on assistance awards to PIOs). Could you kindly verify that should CIP participate as a sub-awardee under a prime applicant/HEI, in accordance with ADS 303.3.21 (c) “for sub-awards to PIOs”, it would be subject to the terms and conditions contained in the “Standard Provisions for Cost-Type Awards to PIOs in

ADS 308”?

Yes, according to ADS 303.3.21 (b), a subaward to a PIO would be subject to ADS 308mab “Standard

Provisions for Cost-Type Awards to PIOs.”

Question 22: Would a proposal that includes all major technical sectors but is limited to the sub-

Saharan Africa region be considered responsive to the funding opportunity announcement, or are you considering only those proposals that include all of USAID’s major regions?

Please refer to question #3 for the answer to this question.

Question 23: How is it envisioned that LASER will leverage or engage with PEER/PIRE awards, which share similar goals on a university to university basis?

It is currently envisioned that LASER (once awarded) will be a part of the university-based portfolio of higher education programs managed by USAID’s Global Development Lab (Lab)’s Center for Development

Research. The Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program is also a part of this portfolio that specifically supports individual researcher-to-research partnerships. USAID anticipates that some of the PEER researcher’s institutions would apply to participate in the LASER Network once it’s established by the LASER awardee. As such, the Lab envisions that projects supported by PEER could ultimately transition into broader research questions or projects of interest for the LASER program. Finally, Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 13

USAID envisions that research and approaches coming out of both the PEER and other CDR higher education programs will help complement and leverage the research coming out of the LASER program.

Question 24: How is LMICS to be defined? Can the network include institutions that are not

LMICS? (Is it inclusive of or exclusive of?) Does it matter if the implementing partners are

LMICS?

Please see answer #8 for the definition of LMIC.

Yes, the network can include institutions that are not LMICs (yes, it is “inclusive of” and NOT

“exclusive to”.)

As per page 10 of the LASER RFP, “: LASER is designed to achieve these outcomes through an emphasis on building strong, equitable partnerships between USAID, U.S. universities, and LMIC institutions of higher education.” Accordingly, USAID anticipates that LMICs will be involved in the implementation of LASER, but, the RFP does not prescribe that LMICs are the only eligible recipients”.

Question 25: There seems to be significant overlap in the scope outlined for LASER and RTAC, particularly around building a network and translation of research to policy and programming impacts. Other than the different in duration of research projects (over one year, under one year), are there other differentiators between these two programs that should be noted?

While a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the potential Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) has not ye t been released, it is currently envisioned to serve as a “sister” program to the LASER implementing partner in that both programs would be enabling USAID to better leverage the academic expertise of the university community globally. LASER is envisioned to leverage the intellectual and research capacity of both researchers and university networks/platforms in a co-creative fashion whereas

RTAC (if released/awarded) is envisioned to primarily support individual researchers in a more traditional consultancy type model. As such, it is expected that the LASER implementing partner will simultaneously propose and implement their own research program while also addressing USAIDs research agenda whereas the RTAC Prime will be responding exclusively to short-term needs and requirements identified by USAID.

Also please refer to the answer to Question #12.

Question 26: Will the names of institutions requested to submit full applications be made public after Stage One?

No. Submission of concept notes and proposals are considered to be proprietary. Protection of a respondent’s intellectual property is standard business practice and it is USAID’s intent to maintain procurement integrity throughout this process.

Question 27: I'd to inquire about the possibility/eligibility of my university (Deraya University) participation in the Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) program, since we

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 14 are a private higher education institution based in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Yes, Deraya University is eligible for application. See question #6 for more information.

Question 28: USAID concentrates on 11 sectors. Is the intent of this Program (Long-term Assistance and Services for Research – LASER) to touch on all 11 sectors or can the focus be limited to a narrow scope such as ‘Agriculture and Food Security’ systems or a combination of ‘Agriculture and Food

Security, and Environment and Global Climate Change’?

Please see the response to question #3.

Question 29: How great is the emphasis on inclusion of women and minority groups in the management and technical processes?

Gender equality and strengthening the role of women in developing countries is a central tenet to USAID’s development goals and a necessary component of every operating program. To this end, USAID strongly recommends the inclusion of women in all aspects of project design and execution and will give preference to concept note applications that make those efforts of inclusion clear. As noted in the Technical Evaluation

Criteria section (see page 33 of the LASER RFA) applicants will be evaluated on, “The extent to which the proposed Network implementation plan... demonstrates an individual and institutional capacity strengthening approach that fosters and leverages a high rate of inclusion and engagement of female, MSI, and LMIC researchers / HEIs in the network to result in sustainable engagement amongst members of the

Network following the end of the award.”

Question 30: What does a successful conclusion to this phase of the LASER program look like?

With respect to a successful submission to the Concept note phase of the LASER application: As stated on page 22 of the RFA “Within 60 calendar days following the submission deadline, USAID anticipates requesting full applications from applicants who meet the evaluation criteria outlined in Section E of this

RFA and who best demonstrate their ability to achieve the stated goals of LASER. USAID currently anticipates requesting full applications from approximately 10 Concept Note submissions, but reserves the right to request more or fewer full applications depending on the total number and quality of Concept Notes submitted as well as the availability of funds. A request for a full application does not constitute a promise of funding.”

A successful LASER program will successfully implement their Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation and

Learning Plan as outlined in section A6 of the RFA, as related to the overall program objectives as outlined in section A3.

Question 31: Do we need to include a letter of intent from collaborators at concept note stage?

No, letters of intent are not required at the concept note phase.

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 15

Question 32: Is the Prime institution or consortium eligible to apply for funding in response to

LASER-issued RFPs?

Researchers from the Prime or consortium institutions are NOT excluded from participating in the ensuing

LASER Network research requests. The LASER Network should be characterized by “Inclusive recruitment via rolling or periodic open admission process to promote the inclusion of new members and expertise, with eligibility and ultimate approval subject to review by the Recipient and USAID. USAID may also elect to recommend researchers, universities, and / or institutions to be considered for inclusion in the Network”

(see page 11 of the RFA).

Also please see the response to question #2.

Question 33: Is the research intended to be carried out by local partners in-country only or can any network partner implement the research?

Please see the response to question #10.

Question 34: How does USAID define “network” for the purposes of LASER?

The LASER Network that this RFA supports is composed of all the individual researchers and higher education institutions that the LASER Prime or Consortium recruits which have a verifiable interest/commitment to working with the LASER Prime to:

1) independently identify key development challenges;

2) convene key stakeholders to co-design and conduct high quality research activities to address those challenges, as well as others identified by USAID M/B/IO's;

3) translate the results of that research into development-relevant policy recommendations, program modifications, or implementation plans;

4) increase the human and institutional capacity of LMIC HEI’s to serve as equitable partners in these activities.

This Network must be composed solely of researchers formally affiliated with an HEI and should include universities and researchers (U.S.-based and overseas) that have technical and sectoral expertise in the areas in which USAID works. Please see pages 10-11, 33 of the RFA for a more detailed description of the characteristics that this Network should have.

Question 35: Given the diversity of research questions that could arise from the Missions, will there be a common thread(s) defined globally/thematically by USAID?

See the response to Question #3.

Question 36: While recognizing that the RFA calls for “projects [...] across all the major technical sectors and in all of the major regions in which USAID programs activities”, is there any

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 16 prioritization of either technical sector or geographic region for LASER?

See the response to Question #3.

Question 37: Page 22 of the RFA states: “HEI’s can serve as sub-awardees or consortium members on multiple applications, however.” Is the same true for non-HEI research organizations?

Yes, they may serve in the same capacities.

Question 38: Does USAID have a current list of lower-middle income (LMIC) countries? Please provide the list.

Please see the response to question #8

Question 39: If there are HEIs in low-income countries or upper-middle income countries with strong research capabilities, is it acceptable to include those in the consortium?

Yes, please see the response to question #6 and #7.

Question 40: Will second tier subawards be allowed in this project? Will LMIC sub-awardees be able to subaward to partners themselves? What kind of funding mechanisms will be allowed out to partner organizations?

Yes, second tier subawards can be proposed. There is nothing in the LASER RFA that precludes LMIC

Prime or sub-awardees from proposing that they may also issue sub-awards. Any subsequent subawards granted under the Award would be subject to the same provisions and regulations as the Prime

Cooperative Agreement and are subject to USAID approval before award.

Question 41: Is there an emphasis on building research capacity in Universities as institutions or is the focus more on strengthening faculty capacity for research?

Yes. From Section A of the RFA: “As part of the Cooperative Agreement, USAID will support a recipient to identify new research questions, fund research activities, translate research results into development impact, and build capacity of local higher education institutions and researchers.”

Question 42: Can this grant fund PhD/ graduate students or post-docs in the US or in LMIC partner universities?

LASER is intended to bring development solutions to a wide variety of development questions. To the extent that training, stipends, bursaries, etc. are within the identified sub-awarded project scope, support for these

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 17 efforts would fall under appropriate use of funds.

Question 43: Are there known countries or regions that will be emphasized or that should be focused on?

Please see the response to question #3.

Question 44: Are there known sectors/topic areas that will be emphasized or that should be focused on?

Please see the response to Question #3.

Question 45: Does the lead have to be a US based institute?

No.

Question 46: Your definition of HEI states that may include public or private universities, colleges, research institutes, and training institutes. However in other parts of the document you mention that Prime applicant has got to be a University. Are non-degree awarding research institutes that provide PhD and Post-doctoral opportunities eligible?

For the purposes of LASER eligibility, higher education institution is the defining criteria, not university.

As referenced in question #4, because this RFA is restricted to higher education institutes, only those international or independent research institutions that offer, or are officially associated with, a recognized educational or training program (not inclusive of informal extension services) will be considered as “higher education institutions”.

Question 47: Our organization APHRC started in 1995 as a fellowship program of the Population

Council, with funding from Rockefeller Foundation. The goal was for the program to become an independent regional entity in five years and for it to bring African scholars together to undertake research that would inform home-grown policy response to development challenges in sub-Saharan

Africa. In preparation for its independence from the Population Council, APHRC was registered in the State of Delaware, USA, in April 1999. Subsequent to this registration, APHRC obtained tax exempt status in June 2001 under Section 501(c)3 of the US Internal Revenue Code. In 2001, APHRC, Inc. registered in Kenya as a branch of the US-registered entity and subsequently entered into an agreement with the Government of Kenya for the establishment of its headquarters in Kenya. This agreement with the Government of Kenya provided the Center with diplomatic status, including exemption from all forms of taxes in Kenya, both for the Center and its expatriate employees. The

Center has established its head office in Nairobi, Kenya, from where it coordinates all its work across sub-Saharan Africa. All the Center’s operations are in sub-Saharan Africa.

Would our registration make us ineligible - we do not offer degrees but we offer PhD and postdoctoral opportunities within our networks including through the Consortium for Advanced Research

Amendment 03 to 7200AA18RFA00004 –Long-term Assistance and Services for Research (LASER) | 18

Training in Africa (CARTA)

Please see the response to Questions #4 and 46.

Question 48: Page 5 lists the focus of the LASER program as “lower-middle income countries,” whereas page 7 lists it as “low and middle income countries.” Could you please clarify which economic classification(s) LASER intends to focus on?

Thank you; please see the response to Question 8.

BUDGET/COST:

Question 1: Is there a maximum management fee/shared cost/overhead limit (e.g. our overhead/shared costs are 15% and many funds from donors have a 10% cap)

A maximum management fee/overhead limit has not been established for this RFA. However, please note on page 22 of the LASER RFA that, “USAID looks to support strong partners who leverage their capabilities towards development challenges and cost-share is highly encouraged as a means to extend the development impact of the application, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.306. Therefore, applications that contain cost-share will be looked upon favorably when competing applications approach technical equivalence. Cost-share levels will also be considered in the cost evaluation.”

Question 2: Should the proposed budget be based off the core funds available from LAB/CDR ($2-

4M/year), or should the budget also include additional funds from USAID M/B/IOs up to the anticipated budget ceiling of $14M/year?

The proposed budget should…