ITR/R_EXPLORE_APS | 7200AA24APS00004

Opportunity Information: Apply for 7200AA24APS00004

USAID's ITR/R EXPLORE APS (Funding Opportunity Number 7200AA24APS00004) is an umbrella Annual Program Statement designed to give USAID broad flexibility to collaborate with the research and higher education community, along with other connected organizations and local institutions, to build partnerships and strengthen the conditions needed to tackle major development challenges in sustainable ways. The focus sits in the science, technology, and broader research and development space (CFDA 98.012), and it is structured to encourage collaborative, partnership driven work rather than one off, narrowly defined projects.

A key point is that this is not a traditional solicitation like a Request for Applications (RFA) or Request for Proposals (RFP). Instead, USAID uses this umbrella APS as a standing framework and then releases specific addenda over time, where each addendum functions like a targeted call for Concept Notes. Organizations do not submit full proposals directly to the umbrella APS by itself; they respond to particular addenda when those are published. After reviewing Concept Notes submitted under an addendum, USAID decides which applicants, if any, will be invited to submit a Full Application. In other words, the concept note stage is the front door, and an invitation is typically required before moving to a complete application package.

The APS explains several things at a high level: the types of activities that may be supported under future addenda; how funding will work and what the submission process and requirements look like; how applications will be evaluated overall; and where to find additional required or helpful reference materials online. USAID notes that it anticipates making multiple awards over time, potentially as grants and/or cooperative agreements, with the listed instrument type emphasizing cooperative agreements. That generally signals that USAID expects a higher level of involvement during implementation compared with a standard grant, though the exact degree of involvement would usually be clarified in each addendum and eventual award documents.

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a broad range of applicants may be able to compete, depending on the specific requirements stated in a given addendum. At the same time, USAID is explicit that publishing the umbrella APS does not obligate the agency to issue any particular addenda or to make any awards. The opportunity is open over a long horizon, with an original closing date of 2029-03-04, reflecting the standing, multi year nature of the umbrella mechanism. The posted award ceiling is listed as 0, which typically indicates that funding levels are not defined at the umbrella level and will instead be specified in each subsequent addendum.

In practical terms, this opportunity is best understood as a flexible pipeline for USAID to engage universities, research organizations, and partners in collaborative R and D oriented efforts, where the actionable steps are to monitor for addenda, respond with a targeted Concept Note when a relevant call appears, and be prepared to develop a Full Application if USAID invites the team to proceed.

• The Agency for International Development in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "ITR/R_EXPLORE_APS" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.012.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-03-05.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2029-03-04.
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for 7200AA24APS00004

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