ITR/R_EXPLORE_APS | 7200AA24APS00004

FAQs: USAID ITR/R EXPLORE APS (7200AA24APS00004)

What is the USAID ITR/R EXPLORE APS?

USAID's ITR/R EXPLORE APS (Funding Opportunity Number 7200AA24APS00004) is an umbrella Annual Program Statement (APS) that provides a standing framework for USAID to collaborate with the research and higher education community, along with other connected organizations and local institutions. It is designed to build partnerships and strengthen conditions needed to tackle major development challenges in sustainable ways.

Is this a traditional solicitation like an RFA or RFP?

No. This is not a traditional solicitation (such as a Request for Applications or Request for Proposals). Instead, it functions as an umbrella APS that USAID can use over time by issuing specific addenda. Those addenda act as targeted calls for Concept Notes.

How do organizations apply under this umbrella APS?

Organizations do not submit full proposals to the umbrella APS by itself. The practical path is to monitor for specific addenda and respond to a relevant addendum by submitting a Concept Note, following the instructions in that addendum.

What is an addendum in the context of this APS?

An addendum is a specific, targeted call released under the umbrella APS. Each addendum functions like a call for Concept Notes and is the primary mechanism by which USAID invites ideas and potential partnerships under this APS framework.

Do applicants submit Concept Notes or Full Applications first?

The Concept Note stage comes first. USAID reviews Concept Notes submitted under an addendum and then decides which applicants, if any, will be invited to submit a Full Application.

Is an invitation required to submit a Full Application?

Typically, yes. Under this APS approach, an invitation is generally required before moving from a Concept Note to a complete Full Application package.

What kinds of activities may be supported?

At a high level, the APS is focused on science, technology, and broader research and development efforts (CFDA 98.012). The APS describes the types of activities that may be supported under future addenda, with an emphasis on collaborative, partnership-driven work rather than one-off, narrowly defined projects. Specific activity details are expected to be clarified in each addendum.

What is the main purpose or emphasis of this funding mechanism?

The mechanism is intended to give USAID broad flexibility to build partnerships with universities, research organizations, and other connected organizations and local institutions. The emphasis is on creating conditions and partnerships that can address major development challenges sustainably, rather than funding isolated projects without a partnership or collaboration focus.

What types of awards does USAID anticipate making?

USAID anticipates making multiple awards over time, potentially as grants and/or cooperative agreements. The listed instrument type emphasizes cooperative agreements.

What does it mean that cooperative agreements are emphasized?

An emphasis on cooperative agreements generally signals that USAID expects a higher level of involvement during implementation compared with a standard grant. The exact degree of USAID involvement would typically be clarified in each addendum and in eventual award documents.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a broad range of applicants may be able to compete. However, eligibility and any additional requirements may vary based on what a specific addendum states.

Does the umbrella APS guarantee that USAID will issue addenda or make awards?

No. USAID explicitly notes that publishing the umbrella APS does not obligate the agency to issue any particular addenda or to make any awards.

What is the closing date and what does it mean for applicants?

The umbrella opportunity is open over a long horizon, with an original closing date of 2029-03-04. This reflects the standing, multi-year nature of the umbrella APS mechanism. Applicants should focus on the timing and instructions in each addendum, since those are the actionable calls.

Why is the posted award ceiling listed as 0?

The posted award ceiling is listed as 0, which typically indicates that funding levels are not defined at the umbrella APS level. Expected funding levels are anticipated to be specified in each subsequent addendum.

How will submissions be evaluated?

The APS explains evaluation at a high level, including how applications will be evaluated overall. Detailed evaluation criteria and expectations are typically provided in the specific addenda that request Concept Notes.

Where can applicants find submission requirements and reference materials?

The APS describes what the submission process and requirements look like at a high level and indicates where to find additional required or helpful reference materials online. Applicants should also rely on the instructions and referenced materials included or cited in the relevant addendum they are responding to.

What is the most practical way to pursue this opportunity?

The opportunity is best understood as a flexible pipeline. The practical steps are: monitor for addenda, submit a targeted Concept Note when a relevant addendum is published, and be prepared to develop a Full Application if USAID invites the team to proceed.

What sector or domain does this APS fall under?

The APS sits in the science, technology, and broader research and development space and is associated with CFDA 98.012.

Does this APS support standalone projects?

The structure is designed to encourage collaborative, partnership-driven work rather than one-off, narrowly defined projects. Specific expectations would be set out in each addendum.