Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services (SIDHAS)

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The United States Government, represented by the Agency for International Development (USAID), Nigeria mission proposes to enter into a Cooperative Agreement for the Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services (SIDHAS) specifically described in Section I of this RFA. To this end, USAID is seeking applications from eligible institutions as described in Section III of the RFA. The authority for the RFA is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. The USAID Mission to Nigeria plans to continue support for the President�s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) by making an award up to a maximum of $225 million over the next five years for a new program to strengthen the delivery of HIV/AIDS services. The program will build upon the successes of the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative Nigeria (GHAIN) project. The new project will be referred to as Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services (SIDHAS) in this and accompanying documents. The SIDHAS program will be implemented nationwide and will take place at all levels of the health system. The project seeks to provide quality HIV/AIDS services and to build the capacity of the public and private sectors in Nigeria to provide these services in a sustainable manner. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring smooth transition of services including delivery of quality HIV/AIDS care treatment, and related laboratory services to patients previously enrolled in the GHAIN program. The applicant will also be required to develop and follow cost-efficient strategies for providing sustainable access to anti-retroviral Treatment (ART) and demonstrate increased leveraging of funds with the GON and other sources. A key focus of SIDHAS will be enhancing the stewardship of the Government of Nigeria (GON) at the national, state and local levels. SIDHAS will measure progress in this area by developing innovative benchmarks to monitor and evaluate expanded capacity of the health system in Nigeria to coordinate, support, deliver and monitor quality HIV/AIDS care, treatment, and laboratory services. SIDHAS will serve as a critical partner within the broader PEPFAR/Nigeria program. Worldwide, PEPFAR programs are transitioning from a context of rapid, emergency response to a context of maintaining the successes of recent years and building sustainable partnerships. In a global environment of leveling resources for HIV/AIDS programs, the successful applicant will develop a program that innovates and adapts based on principles of cost-efficiency and cost-savings. The program will primarily focus on maintaining quality services for those who have been reached during the rapid scale-up phase of PEPFAR, and works collaboratively with the GON, the private sector, and donors to expand sustainable access to services for those whose needs have not yet been met. Pursuant to 22 CFR 226.81, it is USAID policy not to award profit under assistance instruments. However, all reasonable, allocable and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the agreement program and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (22 CFR 226, OMB Circular A-122 or 2 CFR Part 230 for non-profit organizations, OMB Circular A-21 for universities), may be paid under the agreement. This RFA is being issued in accordance with the established format outlined in ADS 303.3.5.2 and the Office of Federal Financial Management Policy Directive on Financial Assistance Program Announcements.

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