Supporting sustainable, accessible, integrated and quality laboratory systems for HIV/TB and related health threats in the Republic of Kenya under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) "Supporting sustainable, accessible, integrated, and quality laboratory systems for HIV/TB and related health threats in the Republic of Kenya under PEPFAR" is a grant initiative led by the CDC. Its primary aim is to strengthen Kenya's healthcare infrastructure through the development of sustainable and integrated laboratory systems for the diagnosis and treatment of HIV, TB, and related diseases. This initiative aligns with Kenya's goal of achieving universal health coverage and meeting UNAIDS' 95-95-95 targets, which include ensuring that at least 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on therapy achieve viral suppression. The NOFO emphasizes implementing quality assurance programs, enhancing diagnostic networks, improving sample referral systems, integrating laboratory systems into broader healthcare systems, and adopting cost-recovery mechanisms for long-term sustainability. It also aims to promote local production of laboratory diagnostics to strengthen Kenya's public health systems. The project is expected to fund between one and two awards, with a total Year 1 funding allocation of $6,000,000. The program spans five years, with funding amounts for subsequent years contingent upon performance, availability of funds, and federal government interests. Eligibility for this competitive opportunity is open to a wide range of entities, including governments, nonprofits, for-profits, and foreign organizations, provided the activities are conducted in Kenya. Applicants must comply with CDC requirements, including SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations, and applications must be submitted in English by February 20, 2025. The program particularly favors local PEPFAR partners, awarding 30 extra points during the selection process to those meeting specified local partner criteria. Applicants are required to submit detailed project narratives addressing the NOFO's goals, strategies, and expected outcomes, along with an evaluation and performance measurement plan. The submission must also include budget narratives, organizational capacity documentation, resumes of key personnel, and letters of commitment, where applicable. A total of 100 points will be distributed across three evaluation criteria: approach (35 points), organizational capacity (40 points), and data, monitoring, and evaluation (25 points). Applications that meet the criteria will proceed to a merit review, with notifications issued by August 2025. The selected recipients must ensure adherence to U.S. and host country laws, CDC guidelines, and PEPFAR policies. Ongoing performance and financial reporting, site visits, and data-sharing obligations are integral components of the program. Ultimately, this NOFO seeks to improve laboratory service quality, expand diagnostic capabilities, and achieve financial sustainability to support Kenya's health systems in combating HIV, TB, and emerging public health challenges.