LON Addendum 06 - Burma -LEAD TB -ENGLISH.pdf

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

CALL FOR CONCEPT PAPERS

BURMA: USAID Local Engagement and Development for TB (USAID LEAD TB)

Addendum No. 06

Under Existing

TB LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS NETWORK (LON) ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT

APS No.: 7200AA19APS00001

ISSUANCE DATE: October 21, 2022 CLOSING DATE OF QUESTIONS: November 10, 2022, 3:00pm Local Burma Time CLOSING DATE OF CONCEPT PAPERS: December 16, 2022, 3:00pm Local Burma Time

PLEASE NOTE: This is an Addendum to an existing announcement. All interested organizations should carefully review both this addendum AND the full announcement, Amendment 05, which can be found here: Important information contained in the full umbrella APS is not repeated in this specific Addendum.

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 BURMA to improve access to high-quality, patient-centered care for Drug Susceptible Tuberculosis (DS-TB), Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB) and TB/HIV services in Burma, as further provided in this Addendum.

Subject to the availability of funding, USAID anticipates supporting a fixed amount Cooperative Agreement of up to $8Million for a period of 5 years. However, actual funding amounts are subject to availability of funds. Publishing this Annex does not commit 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

TB is among the top ten causes of morbidity and mortality in Burma. As the country contends with health service delivery disruptions caused by COVID-19 and the ongoing political crisis, case notifications dropped by a staggering 50% between 2021 and 2019.

Civil society plays an important role in the acceptance, utilization, and delivery of healthcare in Burma, including TB and HIV prevention, diagnostic, and treatment services. Civil society in Burma has been critical to engaging local stakeholders, including the private, both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, in active TB case finding, treatment support, prevention efforts, and advocacy throughout the patient pathway. Strong and well established CSO networks bolstered by health providers from an array of service delivery channels can advance the national TB agenda and achieve progress in TB control.

There is an urgent need to support and strengthen the capacity of civil society in Burma to reach underserved populations with data-driven community-led TB and HIV monitoring, and effective community-level advocacy for better services.

II. PURPOSE

The activity will address programmatic challenges to sustain and expand the national advocacy network of civil society players for a community-led response to the TB and HIV epidemics.

A. Background:

Burma is one of ten countries on the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) three high-burden country lists: tuberculosis (TB), multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), and coinfection of TB and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (TB/HIV). The 2020 WHO Global TB Report highlighted Burma as one of three high-burden MDR-TB countries with a treatment success rate above 75%, and confirmed that Burma reached the 2020 milestone with a 35% reduction in TB deaths between 2015 and 2020.

According to the data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, TB remains among Burma’s top ten causes of morbidity and mortality. In 2020, TB incidence was 308 per 100,000. Out of an estimated 167,000 incident cases in 2020, 103,373 (62%) were notified, including 2,368 MDR-TB cases.

In 2021, case notifications declined by 34% (67,837 cases notified) compared to 2020 and by 50% compared to 2019. These declines were driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing political crisis, resulting in just 41% of estimated TB cases out of estimated 167,000 cases nationwide notified. In Q3 of 2021, during the Delta wave of COVID-19, case notifications dipped to the lowest level in many years to 11,654. Notifications increased by 88% in Q4 of 2021, which was still 18 percent below the 26,723 cases notified in Q3 of 2020. Historical program data indicate that men comprise a majority of TB case notifications.

Approximately 30-40% of TB case detection is conducted outside of the public sector. In 2021, 40% of DS-TB cases were notified by implementing partners, a significantly higher portion than in 2019.

Although adopted as national policy, mandatory TB notification in the private sector has only been partially implemented as case notification from private hospitals dropped significantly from 852 in 2019 to 135 in 2021.

B. Civil Society Engagement:

While Burma has established civil society actors, community engagement needs to be strengthened to improve the public’s response to the TB and HIV epidemics. The country would benefit from increased participation of patient groups and CSOs in the development of strategies for TB case finding, management and referrals. The current TB LON project in Burma, Local Action To TB-free Myanmar (LATT-M) is implemented by a local organization, Pyi Gyi Khin (PGK). LATT-M is focusing on community mobilization, behavior change, and policy development strategies to form a Myanmar TB community network. The network is (i) engaging and mobilizing people affected by TB and local health CSOs; and (ii) expanding networks, partnerships, community engagement and communication according to the National TB Strategic Plan. LATT-M aims to build the capacity of local TB organizations that give voice to those affected by TB through social and behavior change activities targeting barriers to health-seeking behaviors. LATT-M is also leading implementation of the PEPFAR-funded Community Led Monitoring (CLM) program to provide a structured, community-level approach to improve the client experience and overall quality of services - by gathering information from people on their experiences with and preferences for service delivery at health facilities. The USAID LEAD TB activity will build upon the successes of the LATT-M award by continuing to support the network of CSOs, strengthen the capacity of TB survivors and civil society to promote participation, transparency, and accountability on behalf of patients and their families.

C. Private Sector Engagement:

The private sector continues to play an important role in the TB response, providing both screening and treatment through local pharmacies and informal providers. However, private pharmacies and service providers play a more active role in TB referrals and drug distribution in many townships in Burma, and increase their contributions to national reporting and M&E efforts. Key questions remain on the extent to which the private sector can expand access to critical TB services, including TB diagnosis, and the detection and management of DR-TB.

D. USAID/Burma TB program:

USAID/Burma’s health programming is closely aligned with the goals of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2021-2025 for Tuberculosis in Myanmar, the TB Catch-up Plan, and TB Action Plan as well as the global End TB Strategy. The National Strategic Plan 2021-2025 for Tuberculosis aims to reduce TB incidence by 50% by 2025, and end the TB epidemic in Burma by 2035. USAID/Burma aims to institutionalize improvements in policy development, data use, financial risk protection, supply chain management, and human resource development of health providers to improve delivery of TB detection, prevention, and treatment services. USAID’s current TB program consists of eight implementing mechanisms which cover the technical areas described above. USAID LEAD TB will fill an important gap by strengthening and expanding civil society linkages to TB advocacy and TB prevention, detection and service delivery while also strengthening locally led development.

USAID/Burma's TB program covers the States and Regions of Yangon (catchment area including Bago and Ayeyarwaddy), Mandalay, Sagaing, Kachin and Shan State (North) with national level support for Procurement and Supply Chain Management and technical assistance to the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP). See Annex 02 found in the link below for a full breakdown of USAID's TB programming in Burma and here:

https://www.usaid.gov/global-health/health-areas/tuberculosis/resources/news-and-updates/global-acceler ator-end-tb/tb-roadmaps/burma.

E. USAID/Burma’s key TB priorities:

USAID/Burma will build upon recent program adjustments (including engaging more with the non-governmental sector) to maximize TB prevention, diagnostic, and treatment services amidst staffing shortages and other crises that are expected to continue in the current political situation. The program will prioritize finding missing cases to catch up to the case notification targets set forth by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and in the Burma National Strategic Plan for TB, and will work to ensure that all notified cases receive treatment services. USAID/Burma will work to link community-based case finding activities with contact investigation and promotion of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT), and will tailor interventions to the needs and preferences of clients, with a special focus on understanding how to make services more male-friendly, as there are a higher number of males affected by TB in Burma. The Mission will bolster TB services in high-burden areas, by involving the private sector and strengthening NGO-supported service delivery. USAID LEAD TB will play an important role in helping to achieve 2023 TB Roadmap priorities.

F. USAID/Burma’s HIV program:

USAID Burma's health programming harnesses funding from the President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to help Burma achieve HIV epidemic control. USAID supports a large community-based network of peers from key populations (i.e. men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender women and people who inject drugs) and clinics for the prevention, care and treatment of HIV in five high HIV burden areas: Yangon, Mandalay, Kachin, Sagaing and Northern Shan States.

USAID LEAD TB will implement community-led monitoring (CLM) of USAID Burma's HIV and TB programming. CLM is a process initiated, led, and implemented by local community groups, networks, and people living with and affected by HIV and TB to voice their needs and have a deep impact on how HIV and TB services are delivered in Burma. Through community-led monitoring, community groups will gather quantitative and qualitative data about HIV and TB services and develop and advocate for solutions to the gaps identified. Through quantitative and qualitative indicators, community monitoring initiatives will monitor a range of issues that are associated with effective and quality HIV and TB service delivery. The focus is on getting input from recipients of services, especially key populations and underserved groups, in a systematic manner that will translate into action and change. CLM is central to USAID's person-centered approach because it puts communities, their needs, and their voices at the center of the HIV and TB response.

G. Donor Support and Other Partners:

USAID is working closely with the WHO, and the Global Fund principal recipients (PRs) and the Access to Health Fund to advance the TB and HIV response. Global Fund and Access to Health also work with local organizations such as the Myanmar Medical Association and the Myanmar Anti Tuberculosis Association to implement community-based TB care (CBTBC) activities led by trained community volunteers.

H. Coordination with other Health Activities and Development Partners:

USAID LEAD TB will work with all relevant USAID health projects and other development partners implementing TB activities in Burma. USAID LEAD TB will implement creative approaches to mobilize and organize civil society to strengthen patient referral networks, increase and sustain funding for TB, and conduct community-led monitoring for HIV and TB to improve the quality of services. USAID LEAD TB will also work to generate demand for services and act as a resource to shape patient-centered policies for TB care. The local organization’s program that successfully receives an award must be able to scale up innovative approaches from TB technical best practices. USAID LEAD TB will also support the USAID Burma HIV program through community-led monitoring to improve quality of HIV and TB services.

I. LEAD TB Expected Geographic coverage in Burma:

LEAD TB will be expected to cover the same geographic regions as covered by LATT-M, including Yangon (including Awewaddy and Bago), Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, Tanintharyi, Shan, Kachin and Mon.

J. Objectives:

Through this Addendum, USAID seeks Concept Papers (CPs) to achieve the following objectives:

Objective 1. Expand the national network of local CSOs and non-government organizations in Burma to engage in the TB and HIV response.

USAID LEAD TB will expand the network of CSOs, NGOs, private sector, self-help groups and other member organizations at the national, regional, and provincial levels, coordinating across stakeholders working in TB and HIV. USAID’s vision for the expanded network is to increase the number of CSOs engaged in TB advocacy, prevention, care and treatment service delivery. This will be based on a solid understanding of the key opportunities for leveraging existing CSO and NGO actors to add TB-specific programmatic capacity among underserved populations. Approaches that engage NGO/private sector actors must be tailored to the unique dynamics in the local market, and based on clear analysis of motivations and facilitating factors.

The expanded network will establish mechanisms and processes that foster sustainability and active engagement of all members after the end of the project period. This will require a participatory strategic planning process that establishes clear, attainable goals for the long-term structural and financial viability of the civil society and private sector TB and HIV response.

Objective 2. Improve technical and institutional capacity of existing CSOs supporting TB response

Existing CSOs involved in the TB response require additional technical expertise to contribute to epidemiologically prioritized activities that reach underserved populations and advocate for improved patient-centered care. This includes the need for technical assistance to improve the quality of direct community-level TB prevention, contact tracing, and TPT follow-up services. Local CSOs also require capacity building and ongoing technical support for community-led monitoring and effective advocacy approaches. The prime USAID LEAD TB recipient will improve the ability of CSOs to raise awareness and change risk behaviors at the community-level, document and elevate the voices of underserved populations affected by TB, and ensure that community perspectives are included in strategic planning at the national and local levels.

USAID LEAD TB will provide technical trainings and institutional strengthening support for CSOs and NGO members based on a data-driven assessment of capacity building priorities and needs , including but not limited to, updated strategic planning, diversified fundraising approaches, strengthened internal financial and operational control measures, and improved governance structures.

Objective 3. Expand community-level TB and HIV services and community-led monitoring

USAID LEAD TB will manage and monitor the expansion of community-level services implemented by the award recipient or through any identified sub-award recipients. This will include targeted support for the expansion of community-level TB contact tracing, screening, case finding and referrals, as well as expansion of community-based TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) adherence support and follow-up. USAID LEAD TB will assist community-based TB implementers to establish clear service data collection and monitoring systems and will establish a routine data sharing forum to allow for joint identification of existing service gaps and the development and/or adaptation of existing implementation plans.

In addition to service data monitoring, USAID LEAD TB will facilitate the creation of community-led monitoring (CLM) approaches that are adapted to the local context and informed by underserved population representatives and beneficiaries. CLM support will inform community networks, local civil society groups and self-help groups to more effectively implement and monitor TB services, including a comprehensive TB care package and community case finding.

Engaged CSOs will assist patients and their families to receive appropriate TB and HIV care and provide needed client-level advocacy & support to ensure client-centered care at the health facility-level.

As a result of improved service data monitoring and expanded CLM activities, supported CSOs and private sector partners will contribute to increased TB case finding and treatment completion. Community mobilization and advocacy activities will work in partnership with public and private health providers to ensure patient-centered TB care is offered consistently and effectively in all program-supported areas.

In addition, all activities will aim to fulfill the main purpose and achieve the stated goals by contributing to one or more of the project’s four intermediate results (IRs):

IR 1: Improved access to high-quality, person-centered TB, DR-TB, and TB/HIV services IR 2: TB service delivery platforms strengthened IR 3: TB disease transmission and progression reduced IR 4: TB research and innovations accelerated with improved impact on program implementation

K. Guiding Principles:

The following Guiding Principles for the USAID LEAD TB project shall be applied in this Addendum:

● People-centered approach. Civil society will play a role to enable TB patients and TB-affected communities to exercise their rights and fulfill their responsibilities with transparency, respect and dignity, by giving due consideration to their values and needs. Patient-centered care treats the patient as a partner instead of just a recipient, empowering patients and providers.

● Gender sensitive and gender transformative. Approaches will be adopted to strengthen civil society’s capacity to promote gender equality in developing policies, guidelines and strategies to eliminate TB. The approach should ensure participation of all stakeholders, including women and men’s groups and networks in the development of strategies to eliminate TB.

● Collaboration and coordination. This asserts the importance of civil society cooperation within the TB response to effectively implement the National Strategic Plan for TB. The approach should coordinate and collaborate with all actors of civil society, and other non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations as well as other development partners and implementing partners.

L. Anticipated Results:

The activity will contribute to national efforts to end TB and control the HIV epidemic in Burma.

Applicants are expected to propose activities that are appropriate and relevant to the situation and needs of the underserved priority populations.

Specifically, at the end of five years, LEAD TB will have contributed to the following:

● Expanded, fully functioning, and financially sustainable national civil society network linking TB patients, their families and TB-affected communities

● Nationwide TB advocacy activities conducted via multiple communication channels on an annual basis

● Increased public and private sector funding and attention paid to achieving the goals of the

National TB Plan nationwide

● At least 10 civil society organizations have enhanced capacity to offer quality community based

TB care services

● At least 10 civil society organizations providing quality community based TB care in

TB-affected communities and having stronger organizational capacity to sustain activities

● PEPFAR supported non-government sites in Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing, Kachin and Shan North complete Community Led Monitoring of HIV programs on an annual basis

III. ELIGIBILITY

Organizations are eligible to submit a Concept Paper in response to this Addendum that are local organizations in Burma, as defined in the umbrella APS Section C.

Only local organizations as defined below are eligible for the 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, 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 subrecipients 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.

IV. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

A. Prior to submitting a Concept Paper, applicants should ensure that submissions are in line with the US Government Global TB Strategy found here:

https://www.usaid.gov/global-health/health-areas/tuberculosis/resources/news-and-updates/global-acceler ator-end-tb. Successful Concept Papers will also align closely with the broader priorities of USAID.

B. USAID is especially interested in promoting new partnerships or projects, as well as existing partnerships that have not been funded by USAID previously.

C. There is no cost share requirement for this Activity.

D. Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan

This Activity will collect data on its progress towards the identified outcomes, as well as intermediate objectives, focusing on the set of indicators required by USAID and custom indicators agreed upon at the signing of the award:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Navigating_TB_Indicators_-_A_Guide_for_TB_Prog rams_MS-21-197_TB.pdf.

Collection and analysis of data with granular disaggregation is essential in order to identify specific sub-groups (age, sex, geography, facility type etc.) who must be prioritized for interventions to assure access to TB and HIV services by vulnerable populations. Routine monitoring of custom indicators will be used to test the hypotheses underlying the development of new innovations. In order to enable constant learning and reflection, followed by strategic adaptation, this activity will conduct Quarterly Portfolio Review (QPR) sessions. The QPR is an exercise in Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) used to examine data from routine monitoring, compare notes, aggregate and prioritize challenges, consolidate learning, and facilitate the application of meaningful findings directly back to intervention design. This process operationalizes the use of MEL beyond quarterly reporting, and into the day-to-day adaptive management of the activity.

The implementing partner may need to adapt data collection methods and systems in order to accurately track the impact of project interventions. The full MEL plan will be jointly developed during the program description co-development phase.

E. Substantial Involvement

A successful applicant under this funding opportunity should anticipate a fixed amount cooperative agreement award involving substantial involvement and payments based on meeting agreed upon measurable goals or milestones. In accordance with ADS 303.3.11, USAID/Burma will be substantially involved during the implementation of this Cooperative Agreement, through the Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR)’s approval of the following:

a. Approval of recipient’s Annual Implementation Plans.

b. Approval of the specified Key Personnel:

c. Agency and Recipient Collaboration or Joint Participation:

(i) Collaborative involvement in selection of advisory committee members, if the program will establish an advisory committee that provides advice to the recipient. USAID may participate as a member of this committee as well. Advisory committees must only deal with programmatic or technical issues and not routine administrative matters.

(ii) Concurrence on the substantive provisions of sub-awards.

(iii) Approval of Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plans

(iv) Agency monitoring to permit specific kinds of direction or redirection because of the inter-relationships with other projects.

V. APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS

USAID/Burma 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 Papers should address the objectives and criteria presented herein.

A. Agency Point of Contact

Name: Gregory S. Wang Title: Agreement Officer Email: burmaoaa@usaid.gov

The above is only for informational purposes. The APS, this Addendum and any subsequent amendments can be found at www.grants.gov. All questions and applications must be submitted according to instructions contained in this Addendum.

B. Questions and Further Assistance

Questions regarding this Addendum should be submitted to burmaoaa@usaid.gov no later than the date and time indicated on the cover letter. Any information given to a prospective applicant concerning this Addendum will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as an amendment to this Addendum, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective applicant.

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”.

C. Overview of Concept Paper and RFA Process

USAID/Burma will follow the following application selection process.

1. Phase I- Concept Application, Summary Budget and History of Performance: Content and Form of Submission

The Applicant must submit a concept paper not to exceed seven pages (excluding the cover page, the Summary Budget Information and History Of Performance ). The Concept Application should be written from a comprehensive viewpoint that shows innovations and approaches proposed by the Applicant and lays out how the Applicant is uniquely capable of achieving the Activity outcomes and results set forth above. Applications must be submitted in a Microsoft Word compatible file in legible font.

Any pages submitted beyond the seven-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 may be in English or Burmese language. The applicant must also submit a Summary Budget and History of Performance as a separate document in the format described below and must be submitted in English language only.

Applications must be submitted by email to burmaoaa@usaid.gov. Email submissions must include the APS and Addendum number and applicant’s name in the subject line heading. In addition, for an application sent by multiple emails, the subject line must also indicate whether the email relates to the technical/concept application or the Summary Budget and History of Performance submission, and the desired sequence of the emails and their attachments (e.g. "No. 1 of 4", etc.). For example, if your Summary Budget and History of Performance submission is being sent in two emails, the first email should have a subject line that states: "[APS #/Addendum #], [organization name], Summary Budget and History of Performance Submission, Part 1 of 2".

After submitting an application electronically, applicants should immediately check their own email to confirm that the attachments were indeed sent. If an applicant discovers an error in transmission, please send the material again and note in the subject line of the email or indicate in the file name if submitted via grants.gov that it is a "corrected" submission. Do not send the same email more than once unless there has been a change, and if so, please note that it is a "corrected" email.

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: Local Engagement and Development for TB (LEAD TB)

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, not more than $8 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 and place of incorporation, etc.): ____________________________________________________

8. Name(s) of Partner(s) (Applicants that are Implementing Partners will name Resource Partner(s) (if any) here): __________________________________________

9. Country of performance: Burma

10. Unique Entity Identifier from System for Award Management (SAM): ___________ Note: USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable requirements in www.sam.gov to get the Unique Entity Identifier from System for Award Management (SAM). The applicant is required to:

1. Provide a Unique Entity ID for the applicant.

2. Be active in www.sam.gov before the award.

The registration process may take many weeks to complete. If your organization does not have a Unique Entity ID or is not registered in SAM when submitting a concept paper, the applicants are encouraged to begin the process early. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements above by the time USAID is ready to make an award, USAID may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

b. Concept Paper -

Proposed Technical Approach (3 pages)

Applicants must identify the TB problem or focus area(s) it would like to address, linked to one or more of the USAID Intermediate Results reference above in Part II.J, as well as in the APS, Amendment 05, Section A.6, and develop a technical approach to achieve USAID LEAD-TB’s objectives and anticipated results.

The concept application must describe the types of benefits the intervention will produce and the types and range of people who will benefit from this intervention, being mindful of relevant gender specific considerations, that can be scaled up to allow a wider reach among both women and men. The concept paper must specify in what location(s) the proposed intervention will be implemented and why, describing any challenges or opportunities that led to that decision (Please see Part II.I above).

The technical approach should: (1) demonstrate a thorough understanding of the current context and policy environment in Burma in the selected geographic areas and ensure that proposed approaches are viable to achieve the objectives and results of this funding opportunity within the timeframe; (2) describe a Theory of Change for how the proposed approach will address the TB problem or produce the desired impact in the focus area(s) identified noting related critical barrier(s) or problem(s); (3) describe the strategic vision, why the approach is creative or innovative, how it is potentially scalable and sustainable with a high likelihood of success to achieve significant development impact, resilience to conflict, the potential for this idea to create and/or resolve conflicts and how the approach and partners can adapt to these circumstances.

The concept paper should demonstrate current knowledge of the primary challenges related to TB implementation within the relevant context, and a strong understanding of the opportunities for and barriers to achieving the activity’s purpose. The proposed approach should outline links between the proposed results, conceptual approach, performance milestones, and a realistic timeline for achieving the semiannual, annual and end-of- project results.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan (2 pages)

The Applicant must describe how it will utilize sufficient data with appropriate disaggregations to adaptively plan, implement and manage interventions, identify people who are still under-served as the Activity progresses, and identify innovative methodologies where appropriate.

As specifically as possible, describe the anticipated participatory strategic planning process that establishes clear outputs, outcomes, results and/or impact of the proposed intervention for long-term structural and financial viability. 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? The Applicant should describe anticipated data collection sources and frequency, a proposed data management system, a proposed level of granularity for analysis of key indicators, and a data quality assurance methodology.

Management Plan (2 pages):

The Applicant must propose a management and staffing plan, including Key Personnel (and their roles and responsibilities), that is capable of successfully implementing the activity. This should clearly describe a clear and feasible approach that will ensure results-oriented implementation in the selected geographic areas. 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.

The management structure should be conducive to achieving all LEAD-TB objectives and results. The Applicant should clearly show a streamlined and effective management structure of the activities across states/regions and technical areas and also describe clearly how the proposed Activity will sustainably build capacity for individuals and organizations to independently continue development efforts by the conclusion of this Activity. The Applicant must describe how it will ensure timely start up and implementation. The Applicant must describe how its management plan intends to operate in the current context, and describe planned practices for monitoring and reporting on financial expenditure, program performance, and legal and policy compliance.

Additional Information:

Summary Budget Information (1 Page)

The summary budget information must indicate the requested USAID funding amount, inclusive of all program costs broken out by major budget category for planned activities implemented by the applicant and any potential sub-applicants for the entire period of the program. Basic cost and budget assumptions applied must be provided in support of the summary budget. The Summary Budget Information must follow the format / template below.

Summary Budget Information Line Item Total Amount (USD) Cost / Budget Assumption Applied

Personnel

Example: “The total amount accounts for salaries of X number of long term (expatriate/local/third country) personnel and contracted labor.”

Travel and Transportation

Example: “The amount covers the cost of X number of in-country travel and X number of international travel for programmatic purposes. Etc…”

Equipment & Supplies

Example: “The amount covers the cost of office equipment for X number of staff in X number of field offices (eg., X laptops, X copy machine, etc.)

Other Direct Cost

Example: “The amount covers the costs of rental of venues for facilitating training/workshops and office space.”

Indirect Cost

Example: “The amount is based on the organization’s NICRA dated xx-yy-zzz” or “The amount is based on a de minimis rate of X%”.

Total Estimated Amount (TEA)

Proposed Cost Share (if any)

Total Program Amount (TEA + Cost share)

History Of Performance (No More Than 3 Pages)

Applicants must provide information regarding its recent history of performance for up to three of its contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements involving similar or related programs, in the past 3 years, as follows:

Client Organization Information

1. Client Organization:

2. Contract/Award Number:

3. Contract/Award Type (prime award or subaward - contract or grant):

4. Contract/Award Value (USD):

5. Client Contact Information (Name, Title, email):

6. Activity Title:

7. Primary location(s) of Work:

8. Period of Performance:

9. Brief Description of Product/Services Provided (Scope of Work or complexity/diversity of tasks):

VI. CONCEPT PAPER MERIT REVIEW INFORMATION

a. Overview of Merit Review Process for Concept Papers and Full Applications

All concept papers received by the deadline stated on the 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 outlined in Section C of this document.

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 below. USAID will not provide feedback on concept papers that do not pass. USAID does not anticipate providing feedback to those applicants that pass as they will be invited for co-creation; however, it reserves the right to provide written feedback. Should such feedback be provided it will be provided to all applicants that pass.

b. Concept Paper Merit Review Criteria

Concept Application

USAID will conduct a merit review of all concept applications received that comply with the instructions in the Addendum. Concept applications will be reviewed and evaluated in accordance with the following criteria which are shown in order of decreasing importance:

Criterion Criterion Name

Criterion 1 Technical Approach:

Criterion 2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan:

Criterion 3 Management Plan

1. Technical Approach: The extent to which the application demonstrates current understanding of and an effective and viable approach to addressing the challenges faced by potential program beneficiaries, and the opportunities for and barriers to achievement of each of the activity’s outcomes, described in the Problem Statement and Concept Paper instructions.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan: The extent to which the MEL Plan describes a clear performance monitoring plan, including proposed indicators and disaggregation levels (age, sex, geography, type of service delivery channel, etc.) including data collection sources and frequency, data management system, a robust data quality assurance methodology, and the MEL system’s adaptive capacity to adjust to changes in indicators and disaggregation levels as required by USAID in Section V(b) , and speaks to how MEL data will contribute to improvements in programming based on lessons learned

3. Management and Staffing Plan: The extent to which the Applicant convincingly demonstrates a feasible and efficient management and staffing approach and plan that will support timely start up and implementation in the current operating context and will effectively organize, mobilize, and manage resources to implement the proposed interventions to achieve the objectives and anticipated results.

Summary Budget

The summary budget will be evaluated to assess and understand the scope of the applicant’s proposed technical approach in terms of cost. This will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

History of Performance

Information provided will be reviewed and evaluated to determine the applicant’s institutional capacity and experience in implementing similar work. Applicants must provide a past performance history that would demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed program. This will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

2. Phase II - Oral presentation (as required)

The most highly ranked applicants may be required, as determined by USAID, to provide an oral presentation. The specific format and timing of the oral presentation will tentatively consist of a virtual meeting of one hour or one and a half hours. This will include a presentation of the applicant’s Concept Application then followed by questions from USAID requiring a response by the applicant. Oral presentations will be evaluated on the quality of the oral presentation and applicant’s ability to successfully elaborate on the proposed concept.

3. Phase III - Co-creation and Full technical and cost application submission

The Apparently Successful Applicant will be invited to the co-creation and collaboration process to identify and develop the activities that will help achieve the results desired under this Addendum; identify and incorporate additional partners; and determine respective roles and responsibilities related to the implementation of those activities. The co-creation process builds on a Concept Paper that has strength and potential; it is not intended to supplant Applicants initiative or build new concepts from the ground

up. USAID envisages a product of the co-creation process is a strong draft project description for the full application phase, as well as quantitative and/or qualitative indicators or performance milestones. If an Applicant does not succeed at the co-creation phase, the process ends for that Applicant.

Following completion of the co-creation activities, the Apparently Successful Applicant must submit a full technical and cost application accounting for conclusions of the co-creation. Details on the submission of the full technical and cost application will be provided following the co-creation.

Technical Application:

At this stage, the USAID will evaluate the Final Technical Application of the Apparently Successful Applicant as “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable.” In the event that negotiations fail to improve the Apparently Successful Applicant’s Final Technical Application/Program Description, the Agreement Officer (AO) may determine the application as “unacceptable.”

Cost Application Review:

The Agency will evaluate the cost application of the applicant(s) under consideration for an award as a result of the merit criteria review to determine whether the costs are allowable in accordance with the cost principles found in 2 CFR 200 Subpart E.

The Agency will also consider (1) the extent of the applicant’s understanding of the financial aspects of the program and the applicant’s ability to perform the activities within the amount requested; (2) whether the applicant’s plans will achieve the program objectives with reasonable economy and efficiency; and (3) whether any special conditions relating to costs should be included in the award.

Proposed cost share, if provided, will be reviewed for compliance with the standards set forth in 2 CFR 200.306, 2 CFR 700.10, and the Standard Provision “Cost Sharing (Matching)” for U.S. entities, or the Standard Provision “Cost Share” for non-U.S. entities.

The Agreement Officer (AO) will perform a risk assessment (2 CFR 200.205). The AO may determine that a pre-award survey is required to inform the risk assessment in determining whether the prospective recipient has the necessary organizational, experience, accounting and operational controls, financial resources, and technical skills – or ability to obtain them – in order to achieve the objectives of the program and comply with the terms and conditions of the award. Depending on the result of the risk assessment, the AO will decide to execute the award, not execute the award, or award with “specific conditions” (2 CFR 200.207).

4. Funding Restrictions

a. Profit is not allowable for recipients or subrecipients under this award. See 2 CFR 200.331 for assistance in determining whether a sub-tier entity is a subrecipient or contractor.

b. Construction is not authorized under this award.

c. Pre-award costs for supporting co-creation/co-development activities with the successful applicant may be considered. Specific costs and details that may be considered include venue, logistics, etc. that may be incurred in hosting an in-person event for co-creation/co-development.

d. Except as may be specifically approved in advance by the AO, all commodities and services that will be reimbursed by USAID under this award must be from the authorized geographic code specified in Section B.4 of the Amendment 5 to the APS and must meet the source and nationality requirements set forth in 22 CFR 228.

[END OF ADDENDUM 06 TO LON APS]