Funding available Coggeshall in Massachusetts

The USAID Bureau for Global Health (GH) issued Request for Information (RFI) Number 7200AA24RFI00017, titled "Accelerating HIV Vaccine Research and Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC)," to gather expert inputs for information-gathering and planning purposes. This RFI is a pre-solicitation step intended to inform the design of future activities related to accelerating HIV vaccine research and development in LMICs. The overarching mission alignment is clearly focused on global health security and advancing scientific solutions to one of the world's most persistent public health challenges, consistent with USAID's mandate to support development and global health initiatives. The RFI seeks to identify priorities and strategies to maximize the impact of future programming in this critical area. The intended target beneficiaries are the populations residing in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) who are most affected by the HIV epidemic and who stand to benefit directly from advancements in accessible HIV vaccines. The central impact goal is to significantly accelerate the research and development pipeline for HIV vaccines, specifically tailored to and implemented within these vulnerable regions. By gathering input on potential roadblocks and innovative solutions, USAID aims to design future activities that are locally relevant, scientifically sound, and capable of generating tangible progress toward eradication or control of the disease in high-burden settings. While the RFI does not yet outline definitive grant program priorities, it focuses on obtaining information that will shape future strategic priorities. The key focus area is the acceleration of research and development efforts, implying priorities will likely revolve around overcoming scientific, logistical, regulatory, or ethical challenges unique to conducting vaccine research in LMICs. The theory of change underpinning this RFI process is that soliciting diverse, expert public input will lead to a more robust, effective, and strategically sound design for subsequent funding opportunities. This preparation is critical for ensuring that any future investment effectively addresses complex development challenges and aligns with best practices in vaccine science and global health equity. The RFI is a foundational step toward defining expected outcomes and measurable results for future programs. While specific metrics are not defined in this preliminary stage, the implicit goal is to identify strategies that yield measurable advancements in the HIV vaccine pipeline—such as progress in clinical trials, capacity building within LMIC research institutions, and the establishment of sustainable research collaborations. Ultimately, the successful deployment of a future activity informed by this RFI would lead to demonstrably accelerated progress toward the availability and accessibility of an effective HIV vaccine for populations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.