HIV Prevention Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women and Other Vulnerable Youth Populations - DREAMS North | 72067425RFA00001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is a discretionary health cooperative agreement titled "HIV Prevention Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women and Other Vulnerable Youth Populations - DREAMS North."

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 72067425RFA00001.

3) Which USAID office is issuing this opportunity?

This opportunity is being solicited by the USAID South Africa mission in Pretoria.

4) What is the main purpose of the activity?

The central purpose is to substantially reduce new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) ages 10 to 24 in selected high-burden areas of South Africa.

5) Who is the primary target population?

The primary target population is adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) ages 10 to 24.

6) Does the opportunity include other groups besides AGYW?

Yes. The title references "other vulnerable youth populations," but the central purpose as described focuses on reducing new HIV infections among AGYW ages 10 to 24.

7) What overall approach does USAID expect for HIV prevention in this activity?

USAID describes an integrated, comprehensive prevention approach rather than a single intervention. The intent is to expand access to an evidence-grounded, age-appropriate package of prevention services that addresses key drivers of HIV risk, including biological factors, behavioral risks, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.

8) Is the program intended to be "DREAMS-style" programming?

Yes. The opportunity aligns with DREAMS-style programming, which typically combines clinical services with community and structural supports to reduce vulnerability and make prevention options realistic and sustainable.

9) Are there expectations to tailor programming by age group within 10 to 24?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes improving availability and uptake of interventions designed for different age bands within 10 to 24, recognizing that younger adolescents and older young women can face different risks and barriers to care.

10) Which prevention commodities and services are explicitly prioritized?

Within the prevention package, the opportunity explicitly prioritizes reliable access to contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

11) What does USAID signal by prioritizing contraception, STI treatment, and PEP?

It signals a strong expectation that the implementer will ensure these commodities and services are accessible, appropriately targeted, and delivered in a way that is practical for young people to use.

12) Is this opportunity focused on one specific intervention?

No. The description emphasizes delivering an integrated prevention approach rather than a single intervention.

13) Where in South Africa is the activity expected to operate?

The activity is anticipated to operate in three provinces described as having the highest HIV incidence and prevalence: Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Limpopo.

14) Which districts are anticipated in Mpumalanga?

In Mpumalanga, the anticipated districts are Gert Sibanda, Nkangala, and Ehlanzeni.

15) Which areas are anticipated in Gauteng?

In Gauteng, the anticipated areas include the City of Johannesburg and Sedibeng.

16) Which districts are anticipated in Limpopo?

In Limpopo, the anticipated districts are Mopani and Capricorn.

17) Should applicants assume implementation will be concentrated in these listed localities?

Yes. The opportunity states that applicants should read this as a clear sign that implementation is expected to be concentrated in these specific localities, with programming designed around the needs, service landscape, and epidemic dynamics of these districts.

18) What type of award is being offered?

This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement.

19) What does a cooperative agreement imply about USAID's role?

A cooperative agreement generally means USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation, such as ongoing coordination on work planning, monitoring, and adaptive management, rather than a hands-off grant model.

20) What is the total funding ceiling amount?

The total ceiling amount listed is up to $58,000,000.

21) How many awards does USAID anticipate making?

USAID anticipates making one award.

22) What does "one award" suggest about how implementation will be organized?

It suggests a single prime partner will be responsible for leading and coordinating implementation across the targeted provinces and districts.

23) What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number and sector category?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 98.001 and categorized under health.

24) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to local South African entities, meaning only organizations that meet the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) definition of a local entity are allowed to apply.

25) Where can applicants find the exact eligibility requirements?

Applicants would need to rely on the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the precise eligibility tests and documentation requirements.

26) When was the opportunity created?

The posting indicates the opportunity was created on December 13, 2024.

27) What was the original closing date?

The original closing date listed is February 11, 2025.