NOFO72048225RFA00001 Amendment #2.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development c/o American Embassy 110 University Avenue Kamayut Township 11041 Yangon Tel: (95-1) 536 509 | www.usaid.gov

Issue Date: November 22, 2024

Subject: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number: 72048225RFA00001, Amendment No. 02

Title: BURMA: Resilient Tuberculosis Response in Myanmar (RTBR) Activity

The purpose of this Amendment No. 02 is to: 1) extend the closing date of the NOFO from December 17, 2024 to January 7, 2025 and, 2) provide USAID/Burma’s responses to the questions received by the deadline provided in the subject NOFO.

Specifically, the changes are as follows:

1. Cover Page, DELETE “Closing Date: December 17, 2024” and REPLACE with “Closing Date: January 7, 2025”.

2. Attachment 1 to this Amendment is provided for your assistance.

Thank you for your interest in USAID Programs.

Sincerely, S/ Bruce Gelband Agreement Officer USAID/Burma

Attachment 1: Questions and Answers http://www.usaid.gov/

NOFO 72048225RFA00001, Amendment No. 02 BURMA: Resilient Tuberculosis Response in Myanmar (RTBR) Activity

ATTACHMENT 1: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

SECTION A – BASIC INFORMATION

1. Will a specific percentage of funding be allocated to local organizations and international organizations?

USAID Answer: No. The prime recipient of funds must be a local organization. This means that 100% of the funding for such an award is allocated to a prime local organization that meets USAID’s eligibility criteria for “local partners”. International organizations may be a sub-awardee.

2. Can this award be considered as a continuation of the AIS/TB grant or as a separate one?

USAID Answer: This is a new activity for USAID/Burma and has a different Program Description as well as Goal and Objectives.

SECTION B – ELIGIBILITY

3. Is there a recommended number of international organizations to include within the consortium?

USAID Answer: No. The composition of the consortium, including the role and number of international organizations, should align with the goals of the award and the capacity and complementarity of participating organizations.

4. What level of commitment, exclusive or non-exclusive, is expected from INGOs and local organizations?

USAID Answer: USAID does not impose a requirement or encourage exclusive teaming arrangements.

5. Is a sub-sub-recipient arrangement permitted?

USAID Answer: Yes. 2 CFR 200 provides guidelines on managing federal awards, including subawards to lower-tier subrecipients. The prime recipient of federal awards has the responsibility to manage and oversee subrecipients.

6. While USAID policy does not allow to award profit to recipients and subrecipients under assistance instruments, it allows the procurement of services (that have a profit margin) from companies. If a consortium is planning to use the services of a company that has a unique value proposition in Myanmar for the project and would make the bid stronger, is it possible to add a service provider (company) into the consortium already in the bidding phase?

USAID Answer: See answer to Question 4 above.

7. If a company is participating as a subrecipient in the consortium, we understand that the company is not allowed to charge any profit margin. This is fine for our company for this project. While the case is straightforward for directly incurred costs in the project, how can we technically charge for the usage of our platform at cost, where we invested over the past years into development, IP, onboarding and retention of a strong network of doctors? Costs are difficult to attribute for the usage of a platform.

USAID Answer: An organization would use an indirect cost rate or de minimis rate not to exceed 15% of modified direct costs to capture cost pools that must be spread and shared among various projects. Indirect costs are costs that cannot be attributed to any one project.

8. We understand that USAID is exploring innovative approaches to tackle the TB challenge in Myanmar and encourages concept papers from potential new partners to the US government. Can we submit a concept paper describing our innovative approach even if we are not planning to be the prime/consortium lead and even if we are not covering the entire project scope? The submission of such a concept note could help USAID to recognize the innovative approach of a potential new partner and to suggest the partner to be included in the co-creation process of the apparently successful consortium.

USAID Answer: Unsolicited applications may be submitted via https://www.workwithusaid.gov/unsolicited-submissions .

9. Are there any limitations on the teaming agreements of sub-recipients? In other words, will there be any restrictions on a local or international organization to involve in more than one consortium?

USAID Answer: See answer to Question No. 1 above.

10. Within the teaming model, is it possible for a Prime Recipient to engage both Subrecipients and Sub-Subrecipients?

USAID Answer: Yes. 2 CFR 200 provides guidelines on managing federal awards, including subawards to lower-tier subrecipients.

11. Can an organization currently serving as a local prime under a USAID project also lead and apply as the prime organization for the RTBR activity?

https://www.workwithusaid.gov/unsolicited-submissions

USAID Answer: Yes, this is possible.

12. We are currently partnering with local organizations under our existing LEAD-TB grant. We would like to know whether we can include one of our local partners in the consortium for the concept note submission.

USAID Answer: Yes, this is possible.

SECTION C – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

13. Is there a requirement to align RTBR activities with ongoing USAID TB initiatives in Burma, such as AIS and LEAD TB?

USAID Answer: RTBR activities should be responsive to the Program Description, Goal and Objectives stated in the NOFO, as well as be in line with the USAID Global TB Strategy.

14. As this award is focused on private sector providers, is there any expectation on linkage/coordination with NTP? Or is the consortium supposed to work without any linkage to NTP?

USAID Answer: There is no specific requirements or guidance on coordination of the RTBR activities with the NTP, however, the private sector does not mean there will be a parallel system, the technical approaches for diagnosis and treatment should be in line with the WHO recommended National algorithms and guidelines. it would be important to avoid duplication of activities performed by the Global Fund grant by the RTBR.

15. If there will be linkages with NTP, will USAID consider facilitation for approvals?

USAID Answer: Yes, USAID will consider facilitation for approvals according to the USAID Burma Mission policy.

16. Will USAID supply commodities or allow local/international procurement of them?

USAID Answer: Local procurement of commodities are allowed under this activity. It will be up to the prime recipient to make the final decision on the needed procurements.

17. Due to the current situation, some public and private facilities are not fully functioning in the non-permissive environment (NPE)s and to catch up the hidden TB cases, diagnostic facilities (sputum examination, CXR, Gene Xpert testing, True Net etc.) are essential to set up.. Shall partners include a) the cost for diagnostic tools in the budgeting b) whether USAID will support for procurement of those tools or partners should arrange for procurement?

be up to the prime recipient to make the final decision on the needed procurements, while avoiding duplication of activities supported by the NTP and the Global Fund grant.

18. Similar concept as diagnostic facilities, anti TB treatment is essential to provide for the non-permissive environment (NPE) where linkage with NTP or request from NTP cannot be possible. Shall partners be included a) the cost for anti-TB treatment in the budgeting b) whether USAID will support for procurement of drugs or partners should arrange for procurement?

USAID Answer: Applicants should plan for needed diagnostic tools and supplies, which would be necessary to achieve the Goal and Objectives of the RTBR. Local procurement of commodities are allowed under this activity. It will be up to the prime recipient to make the final decision on the needed procurements.

19. For reporting of the indicators, whether 100% of reports should be shared to NTP (National TB program) or should partners adjust the reporting for activities done in the non-permissive environment (NPE)?

USAID Answer: Required reporting will be discussed upon award of the RTBR activity.

20. For Geographic, the state and region are mentioned in NOFO however not for township level.

USAID Answer: It is assumed that health-related activities can only happen at the level where patients receive care.

21. Can the non-permissive environment (NPE) and special regions in Kachin, Shan, and Sagaing be included in the proposal?

USAID Answer: Applicants should propose what applicants believe is most responsive to the solicitation.

22. Will there be support available for the procurement and transportation of medicines and commodities in a non-permissive areas?

USAID Answer: Such information will be included in the award, once it's signed between USAID and the prime recipient.

23. Since these are private sector-focused activities, how will the supply of TB medicines be managed?

USAID Answer: It’s up to the prime recipient to decide on the ways to implement proposed activities.

24. Regarding project activities, can we integrate some of the existing service provision activities funded by other donors? Would collaborative activities (such as TB/HIV, TB/DM, or ICMV) be allowable within the scope of this proposal?

USAID Answer: It is important to avoid duplication of activities. The RTBR activities can complement other efforts, or expand what is already funded. Activities with the focus on TB comorbidities are allowed under RTBR, with the exception of TB/HIV work, as it is managed separately.

25. In non-permissive environment (NPE), we will manage the forecasting, quantification, supply planning, storage, and distribution of required commodities. Given the limitations in cross-border transportation and challenges with import licensing, we propose including strategic purchasing by incorporating commodity costs within the treatment costs under service providers. Could you confirm if this approach would be feasible?

USAID Answer: Applicants are encouraged to use best judgment and most effective methods for planning and delivering interventions in response to the Goals and Objectives on the NOFO..

26. RTBR is expected to cover the following geographic regions: Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago, Mandalay, Sagaing (Magway), Kachin state, Shan state, and Tanintharyi. Given that some non-permissive environments (NPE), how does USAID envision the consortium's engagement with the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP)?

USAID Answer: Given the rapidly changing operating environment and location of non-permissive environment (NPE), specific location of activities implemented under RTBR will be discussed at the Phase 2: co-creation stage with the selected applicant.

27. Could USAID provide specific guidance on the geographic boundaries or defining characteristics of the “non-permissive environment (NPE)” that should be covered under the RTBR activity?

USAID Answer: Given the rapidly changing operating environment and location of non-permissive environment (NPE) and areas, specific location of activities implemented under RTBR will be discussed at the Phase 2: co-creation stage with the selected applicant.

28. Does USAID have specific guidelines or preferences for implementing the strategic purchasing model with private providers? Would USAID require detailed pre-approval of specific providers and service packages, or is there flexibility in defining these partnerships?

USAID Answer: Applicants are encouraged to use best judgment and most effective methods for commodity planning, considering the current context in Myanmar. Adherence to USAID guidance, specifically ADS Chapter 310 Source and Nationality Requirements for Procurement of Commodities and Services Financed by USAID and ADS Chapter 312 - Eligibility of Commodities, are crucial.

29. The NOFO references new diagnostic technologies, such as molecular testing, to enhance TB diagnosis. Are there specific technologies or testing methods that USAID recommends or prefers? Additionally, should all selected technologies be compatible with NTP systems or meet specific reporting requirements?

USAID Answer: USAID has no preferred technologies or testing methods for this opportunity. USAID typically emphasizes solutions that are evidence-based (included WHO recommended and in the waitlist of WHO recommendation), locally relevant and sustainable, innovative and scalable.

30. Could USAID clarify the extent and mechanism of coordination expected with existing USAID-funded TB programs or other health initiatives in Myanmar?

USAID Answer: Close coordination is expected for all USAID-funded activities, as well as coordination with the Global Fund-funded projects.

31. Are there specific requirements or preferences regarding the involvement level of each partner, particularly in decision-making and reporting to USAID?

USAID Answer: Once the award is signed between USAID and the prime recipient (PR), most if not all discussions related to the implementation of the award will be done between USAID/Burma Mission and the prime recipient.

32. On page 13 section C, USAID/Burma TB Program, 3 rd paragraph: There is a phrase about procurement and supply chain management and technical assistance to the NTP. Could USAID please clarify what this is referring to? Will RTBR be expected to work with the NTP in these areas?

USAID Answer: It’s up to the implementing partner to propose the way they would like to work and this will be discussed upon award of the RTBR activity.

33. On Page 15 in Objective 1: the NOFO mentions procurement of equipment and commodities. Does USAID envision RTBR procuring equipment such as CXR or GeneXpert, Truenat, laboratory reagents/cartridges or TB drugs?

be up to the prime recipient to make the final decision on the needed procurements. The

Applicants should plan for needed diagnostic tools and supplies, which would be necessary to achieve the Goal and Objectives of the RTBR.

34. On page 15-16 in Objective 2: from where does USAID envision that private hospitals will access DR-TB drugs? Would those be NTP procured second line drugs?

USAID Answer: It’s up to the implementing partner to propose the best means to accomplish the activity objectives.

SECTION D – APPLICATION CONTENT AND FORMAT

35. Will the COP be required to have Spanish language proficiency in both written and spoken forms?

USAID Answer: No. Correction was made through Amendment No. 1 of the NOFO that the COP “Must be professionally proficient and fluent in written and spoken Burmese and English”.

36. Could you please clarify the language requirements for the Chief of Party position mentioned on page 26? Specifically, does the candidate need to be professionally proficient and fluent in both written and spoken Spanish and English? Is fluency in Spanish mandatory?

USAID Answer: See the answer to Question 35 above.

37. On page 26, under the Chief of Party subheading, the second paragraph indicated that the Chief of Party must be professionally proficient and fluent. Would this intended to mention Burmese?

USAID Answer: See the answer to Question 35 above.

38. Is there a specific funding allocation breakdown required between local and international partners in the consortium?

USAID Answer: No. The prime recipient of funds must be a local organization. This means that 100% of the funding for such an award is allocated to local organizations that meet USAID’s eligibility criteria for “local partners”. International organizations may still be included in the role of sub-awardee.

SECTION E – SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

39. Our Myanmar-incorporated company is a 100% subsidiary of a Singapore company. The

Singapore company is owned 100% by Myanmar nationals. Does the Myanmar subsidiary count as a local entity according to USAID's definition? The Singapore parent company has a SAM registration. Does the Myanmar subsidiary need an additional SAM registration?

USAID Answer: The eligibility requirement for this NOFO is restricted to local organizations. 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 Myanmar;

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

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

Myanmar; and

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

For purposes of this definition, “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 local organization that is expected to be the prime applicant be registered in SAM.gov before submitting an application.

40. For Entity Registration in SAM.gov, there are two different entity registration 1) All Award

2) Financial Assistance Award. Could you please provide more information about difference between “All award” and “Financial Assistance award”? And which entity should partners choose if they need to do the procurement of drugs and diagnostic tools?

USAID Answer: An “All Award” registration allows you to bid on contracts and other procurements, as well as apply for financial assistance. This type of registration requires more information about your entity. A “Financial Assistance Awards” registration allows you to apply for financial assistance, for example grants and loans, only. Please watch this purpose of registration video. The prime applicant should be registered in SAM.gov before submitting an application. First-tier subrecipients must obtain a UEI in order to receive a subaward, but are not required to complete full SAM registration. Please see “Get a Unique Entity ID (UEI) in SAM.gov”

41. For budget submission, is only a one-page summary required, or is it required to provide the budgets for each partner as well?

USAID Answer: Only one-page summary budget is required as per Section D.2.D.

Subaward costs at any tier can be included under “Other Direct Cost” category. Also, https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0070539 https://www.workwithusaid.gov/resource-library/get-a-unique-entity-id-in-sam-gov https://www.workwithusaid.gov/resource-library/get-a-unique-entity-id-in-sam-gov

Applicants must itemize those major subrecipient(s) budgeted in excess of $3,000,000 in the summary budget.

42. Within the "Equipment & Supplies" budget line, is it allowed to include a budget for medical equipment and drugs?

USAID Answer: Yes, for the prime recipient. If subrecipients are to procure medical equipment and drugs, such costs should be budgeted in accordance with the answer to Question 41 above.

SECTION F – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

43. On page 24, on the ***section which indicated that “major subrecipient” includes only those subrecipient(s) budgeted in excess of $3,000,000 in the summary budget over the entirety of the performance period, but on page 31, it mentioned that “major subrecipient” includes only those subrecipient(s) budgeted in excess of $1,500,000. Could USAID please confirm which figure is correct as it relates to the definition of “major subrecipient” and further align that definition throughout the sections of the NOFO for consistency?

USAID Answer: Correction was made through Amendment No. 1 of the NOFO that “***For the purpose of this section, the term “major subrecipient” includes only those subrecipients(s) budgeted in excess of $3,000,000 in the summary budget over the entirety of the performance period”

SECTION G – AWARD NOTICES

44. On page 33, on the last paragraph which read “Pre-award costs are only allowed when specifically included in the award terms, or otherwise approved in writing by the Agreement Officer. Without such written authorization, any costs incurred for application development or program performance prior to an award period of performance start date are at the applicant’s own risk; do not assume that the AO will approve them as pre-award costs in the award.” Would pre-award costs also include the costs associated with hosting the co-creation if requested by USAID?

USAID Answer: Generally, costs associated with the participation in co-creation are not reimbursable.

OTHERS

45. Is USAID willing to consider alternative fund flow mechanisms considering the banking situations in Myanmar?

USAID Answer: USAID recognizes the challenges and remains committed to ensuring the effective and compliant use of USG funds. Discussion regarding specific challenges will be conducted with the successful applicant.

- End of NOFO Amendment 0002, Attachment 1_Questions and Answers –