Q&As OFOP0001152.pdf

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

Questions and Answers for Wastewater-based surveillance system of illicit drug consumption in Mexico

OFOP0001152

Date: July 20, 2023

Question #1:

May we have the official solicitation document/ is there one available?

INL Response #1:

Funding Opportunity Number: OFOP0001152 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=348784

Question #2:

Who will be sampling from the plants in Mexico?

INL Response #2:

Each prospective applicant’s proposal should include sample collection activity.

Question #3:

How many samples per site will be collected?

INL Response #3:

The number and frequency of sample collection is part of the technical proposal we expect to receive from applicants.

Question #4:

What is the project time (1, 2 or more years)?

INL Response #4:

Project Implementation Length is 36 months.

Question #5:

We understand the methodology used and that you are looking for the parent compounds to pinpointing the source but, is one of the goals also looking for the metabolite compounds (daughter products) as well?

INL Response #5:

Yes, the intention of the study is not only the identification, but also the characterization of the substances.

Question #6:

When is the proposal due to this work assignment review board?

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=348784

INL Response #6:

August 16, 2023

Question #7:

Which is the expected resource ministration schedule? Is the total funding expected to be granted at the start of the project? Or is there a ministration schedule expected according to defined stages, for example, three stages each one of 12 months?

INL Response #7:

The number and percentage of the ministrations should be consistent with the phases described in the proposal as well as the deliverables committed to in the proposal.

The total funding is NOT to be provided at the start of the project. Funding will be disbursed on either an advance or reimbursement basis via an SF-270 based on an organization’s financial needs. Typically, this is on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Question #8:

For the papers derived from the project, how will the open access fees be covered? Do we have to consider these fees as other direct costs in our budget?

INL Response #8:

This funding opportunity does not include publication fees derived from the research.

Question #9:

Regarding Strategic Objective 1, could you kindly provide the names of the eight synthetic drugs that are outlined?

INL Response #9:

1. Amphetamine

2. Methamphetamine

3. MDMA

4. Benzoylecognine

5. Cocaine

6. THC-COOH

7. Ketamine

8. 6-acetylmorphine

9. Fentanyl

10. Norfentanyl

Question #10:

In Deliverable #2, it mentions a "partial report including estimation of drug consumption in WWTP catchment areas and geographical and time variations." Could you verify what time variations are being referred to? Is it related to different hours or something different?

INL Response #10:

Yes, it refers to the schedule; time and frequency that samples will be collected.

Question #11:

We are also interested in obtaining more information regarding employee safety-related risks.

We have reviewed the Appendix B and the Project Risk Analysis attachment, but we would like to know if these activities pose any potential increased safety risks for the staff working on this project. Additionally, is there any precedence or evidence regarding tangible impact in this area?

INL Response #11:

In our experience there are no additional risks on the standard safety procedures for the staff working in collecting the samples.

Question #12:

In the Project Proposal section of the application, there is mention of a "Theory of Change & Implementation Plan." We are curious to know if this is different from the "Change Map" mentioned in the document and the attachment.

INL Response #12:

Yes. Theory of Change is different from the Change map. The Change Map is the tool we use to design the project based on the theory of change methodology, which is illustrated through indicators. Please review the Change Map attachment.