Advancing national epidemiologic, surveillance, research and laboratory capacities and systems to support a sustainable and resilient response to HIV/TB and related public health threats in the Kingdom of Eswatini under PEPFAR

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled Advancing national epidemiologic, surveillance, research, and laboratory capacities and systems to support a sustainable and resilient response to HIV/TB and related public health threats in the Kingdom of Eswatini under PEPFAR (CDC-RFA-JG-25-0071) is issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This funding opportunity supports initiatives to strengthen Eswatini’s public health infrastructure, focusing on surveillance, laboratory capacity, research, and preparedness systems, particularly targeting the country’s HIV/TB epidemic. The purpose of this NOFO is to assist Eswatini's Ministry of Health (MOH) and other relevant entities in building the capacity to conduct national-level surveillance, research, and laboratory operations. The program aims to improve HIV/TB epidemic monitoring, address related public health threats, and reinforce the overall public health workforce. Specific goals include enhancing outbreak detection, epidemic modeling, laboratory diagnostics, and emergency preparedness. Additionally, this program aligns with PEPFAR objectives and the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets to sustain and improve gains in controlling HIV/TB incidence and mortality. The expected total funding for the first year is $5,500,000, with one to two awards anticipated. The performance period is five years, divided into 12-month budget cycles. Component funding will be distributed quarterly as funds become available, allowing incremental support of proposed activities. Applications exceeding the Year 1 funding limit will not be considered. The program prioritizes local partners, granting a 20-point funding preference during the selection process for organizations that meet PEPFAR's local partner criteria. Eligible applicants include all types of organizations, including but not limited to governments, nonprofits, higher education institutions, for-profits, small businesses, tribal organizations, and foreign entities. However, all activities must be implemented in Eswatini. Applications must include a detailed project narrative (limited to 20 pages), a work plan, a budget narrative, an organizational capacity statement, financial capability documentation, resumes for key personnel, and supporting attachments. Proposals must address five core strategies: strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing public health research, advancing workforce competencies, improving laboratory services, and building the capacity of the Eswatini CDC to manage public health emergencies. The evaluation criteria include approach (50 points), organizational capacity (25 points), and data, monitoring, and evaluation (25 points). Applications will be reviewed for alignment with program objectives, the strength of proposed strategies, and evidence of organizational readiness. Local organizations that demonstrate strong capacity and meet the PEPFAR local partner definition will receive additional preference points. Award decisions will be based on merit review scores, funding availability, and alignment with PEPFAR priorities. Successful applicants must implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes. Proposed performance indicators include measures of laboratory accreditation, workforce training, outbreak response timelines, and data dissemination activities. Applicants are also required to submit a comprehensive evaluation and performance measurement plan, as well as a data management plan, within six months of award issuance. Annual reporting on financial expenditures, workforce data, and programmatic performance will be required. The application deadline is March 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants must submit proposals via Grants.gov and ensure active registrations in SAM.gov. Award notifications are expected by August 2025, with project implementation commencing on September 30, 2025. This NOFO represents an opportunity for organizations to collaborate with the Eswatini government to enhance the country’s capacity to sustain its progress in combating HIV/TB while preparing for emerging public health challenges.