Annex 7- Questions & Answers .pdf

ISSUE DATE: January 15, 2025

SUBJECT: Amendment No. 01

REFERENCE: Notice of Funding Opportunity Number No: 7200AA25RFA0000; NPI THRIVE

The purpose of this Amendment No. 01 is to provide USAID’s responses to the questions received by the due date provided in the subject NOFO as detailed in Annex 7.

Sincerely, /s/

Elton Fortson Administrative Agreements Officer

ANNEX 7- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Can a single applicant team apply for both Objectives and, if so, does that mean 2 Concept Papers?

USAID Response: Yes, a single applicant may apply for both objectives. Yes, a concept paper is required for each objective.

2. We are a non-profit, US-based, academic organization with established African partners, that is highly interested in Objective 2 of this solicitation. We are proposing to apply under the Mentoring Awards approach. Can you please confirm that this program eligibility route is appropriate?

USAID Response: Yes, it is appropriate to apply using the mentoring approach.

3. Can you please confirm if the funds available for Objective 2 are total costs or directs (Section 2 on page 5)?

USAID Response: As featured on page 5 of the THRIVE NOFO, in Section 2, the table of estimated funds shows the total amounts expected to be available.

4. Is the manufacturing of HIV monoclonal antibodies (broadly neutralizing antibodies – bnAbs) eligible for support under Objective 2 of NPI THRIVE?

USAID Response: Objective 2 aims to promote efficient manufacturing, preclinical testing, and scientific innovation of HIV immunogens. Monoclonal antibody manufacturing is not eligible for support under Objective 2.

5. It appears that a budget is not required with the Concept Note in Stage 1 submission. May you please confirm whether a budget is required with the Concept Note?

USAID Response: A budget is not required at the Concept Note stage. Applicants should consider the Table: Estimate of Funds Available and Number of Awards Contemplated, in Section 2 of the NOFO when conceptualizing related activities.

6. For Objective 2, while the focus is on US and LMIC manufacturing partnerships, are partnerships with European companies also eligible for support if tech transfer to African partners is involved?

USAID Response: Yes, provided they are positioned to deliver in-earnest tech transfer to African partners.

7. We understand that Eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted. However, for the Concept note application, does the lead applicant have to specify which type of partnership they are applying under B1.1, B1.2 or B1.3 and if they are not sure which category exactly, can they still apply for additional review at a later stage?

USAID Response: An applicant should indicate in the concept notes which type of partnership it anticipates applying under, but it is also possible during the co-creation that a more optional partnership approach will be identified, at which point an applicant could decide to apply under a different type of partnership. Each applicant should indicate in its concept note which specific partnership approach it anticipates utilizing, but it can also mention other partnership approaches that the applicant might consider depending on the results of co-creation discussions.

END OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS