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he FETP graduates, staff and trainees are important assets and help build sustainable public health capacity in their countries. Through public health conferences they share field epidemiology experiences and present work investigations through oral and poster presentations. This collaboration reinforces best practices in applied epidemiology, training, surveillance, and response and introduces new tools, concepts, and training materials. However, the region’s FETPs can be more effective if their collaboration extends beyond scientific conferences. Network development can enhance surveillance, investigation and response capacity globally through regular communication and exchange of information and allow for more robust response to regional and national public health threats. In 2009, the FETPs in the East Mediterranean Region (EMRO) began to organize a network in the Middle East that partner with MOH FETP representatives, CDC and EMRO closely collaborate to strengthen existing national FETPs and regional disease surveillance. This close collaboration and networking among programs is critical as the globe faces new and re-emerging public health threats. The recent outbreaks of Ebola and Zika viruses clearly demonstrate the need for strong local and regional programs that can mobilize rapid response teams quickly and assist countries and global partners to control disease and strengthen public health infrastructure.

This single-source funding opportunity announcement (FOA) Enhancing Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacities in the Americas in Collaboration with the National Center for Prevention Programs and Disease Control (CENAPRECE) in Mexico invites an application for a five-year cooperative agreement between the Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the U.S.-Mexico Foundation for Science (FUMEC) to support CENAPRECE (an agency within Mexico Secretariat of Health [SALUD]). The envisioned ASPR-FUMEC-CENAPRECE collaboration sustains and advances the long-standing relationship between the United States and Mexico aimed at safeguarding each country from public health threats and fulfilling the goals of multiple international frameworks and agreements, including the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) (http://www.who.int/ihr/publications/9789241580496/en/). Projects and activities proposed by CENAPRECE for this agreement will combine strategic coordination of public health preparedness and emergency response programs as well as technical collaborations to strengthen the capacities of both countries and the region to prevent, detect, report, and respond to public health emergencies of all types, focusing on pandemic influenza, other emerging infectious diseases, and chemical, biological, and radiological (terrorism) hazards.

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to strengthen the capacity of the Government of Haiti (GOH) to effectively prevent HIV infections; improve care and treatment of HIV/AIDS and co-infections with emphasis on tuberculosis; build the capacity for the local and regional collection of strategic information and its use for program management and development; and increase the Government of Haiti's capacity to lead and manage a sustainable response to the HIV epidemic. The awardee will work directly with the GOH (and their local implementing partners) to identify the country's needs and priorities in managing a sustainable country-led response to the HIV epidemic. By the end of five years, the awardee will have provided sufficient technical assistance and capacity building in the identified priority areas to achieve an increased ability for the partner country to sustainably lead the activity. The recipient (grantee) of these funds is responsible for activities in multiple program areas designed to target underserved populations in Republic of Haiti. The grantee must show a measurable progressive reinforcement of the capacity of indigenous organizations and local communities to respond to the national HIV epidemic, as well as progress towards the sustainability of activities.

The national response to the HIV epidemic in Swaziland has undergone dramatic changes and achieved major milestones up to date. As the epidemic matures in Swaziland and the country shifts from emergency response to scale-up of prevention interventions and universal access to care and treatment, the technical needs of the country are also evolving. Monitoring trends, identifying and addressing knowledge gaps, and strengthening the country's long-term capacity to use epidemiological tools to produce strategic information are now recognized as important priorities moving forward. Currently, Swaziland lacks coordinated infrastructure and capacity to formulate and address research questions that will inform programmatic and policy decisions. In addition, the country needs a robust epidemiological surveillance system for communicable and non-communicable disease to enable the detection of and efficient response to disease outbreaks. The overall goal of this FOA is to strengthen the capacity of Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MoEPD) to produce and effectively use epidemiological, surveillance, and research data in the Kingdom of Swaziland.

The United States Government represented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Afghanistan is issuing the subject Request for Information (RFI) in order to obtain information and inputs from all interested public and private parties on the attached concept paper for the Urban Health Initiative (UHI) Activity in Afghanistan. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and is not a solicitation or call for proposals. Therefore, responses to this RFI are not considered as proposals and will in no way be deemed to form any contracting relationship with the RFI issuing authority. The information (comments and feedback) received in response to this RFI will be used to improve the understanding of Government requirements and industry capabilities. It should be noted that responding to this RFI will not give any advantage to any organization in any subsequent procurement. It is the responsibility of potential offeror/applicants and interested parties to monitor the www.fbo.gov and www.grants.gov websites for the release of any further information and solicitation related to this procurement opportunity.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in coordination with the Government of Liberia (GOL) and local and international partners, actively supports timely detection and response activities to control disease outbreaks at their source and neutralize other public health threats, including breaking the chain of transmission of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) during the 2014-2016 outbreak. Building on capacities developed during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak response efforts, CDC has continued to support the GOL and partners in maintaining an active alert system to ensure rapid detection and response to infectious diseases with epidemic potential. In order to maintain vigilance against potential outbreaks of disease and other public health threats, CDC and partners on the ground must work to ensure that specimens collected for testing are rapidly transported to a designated laboratory for advanced diagnostics. Timely confirmation of infectious diseases allows for rapid isolation of patients, reducing the number of contacts and reducing the risk of widespread transmission. Timely disease detection also decreases the number of resources required for contact tracing, quarantining, and monitoring. When infectious diseases strike, getting fast and accurate laboratory diagnoses is critical to stopping an outbreak from becoming a widespread epidemic.

The United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to help the Côte d'Ivoire Ministry of Health meet key International Health Regulation (IHR) requirements through implementation of priority Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) activities. The objectives of this program are to strengthen Côte d'Ivoire's health system capacities to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies. This program emphasizes further improving core GHSA priority capacities in disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, emergency preparedness and response, public health workforce development, and strengthening of anti-microbial resistance stewardship. This program includes a particular focus on strengthening disease surveillance through the establishment of an event-based surveillance system in high-risk border districts, reinforced through public health staff training and supervision. Surveillance and response capacities will be bolstered through improved laboratory point of care diagnostics and the integration of epidemiologic and laboratory data. This program will also support building Côte d'Ivoire's capacity to respond to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies through the training and mentoring of a cadre of public health workers in each of the 101 districts in Côte d'Ivoire in field epidemiology and emergency preparedness and response, reinforcing these capacities via field simulation exercises.

Nigeria has a projected estimated population size of 203,452,505 (July 2018), which makes Nigeria the most populous nation in Africa. The country's National Health Act 2014 (NHA 2014) was signed into law on October 31, 2014 and provides a legal framework for the regulation and management of Nigeria's national health system, however, much work is needed to operationalize the law. Monitoring and mitigating recurring infectious disease outbreaks, as well as detecting and controlling emerging infectious diseases, will be impacted by multiple factors that include inadequate surveillance and response systems, weakened or non-existent infrastructure and health systems and poor coordination among stakeholder agencies. Nigeria is a major gateway to many global destinations. In July 2014, the index case in the Nigeria Ebola Virus disease outbreak arrived at the international airport in Lagos, Nigeria. This index patient potentially exposed 72 persons at the airport and the hospital where he was admitted. The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), with guidance from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), declared an Ebola emergency and rapidly implemented a response using all available public health assets and resources. An Ebola Incident Management Center (a precursor to the current Emergency Operations Center) was established to rapidly respond to the 2014 outbreak. Using an Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate the response and consolidate decision making, largely contributed to helping contain the Nigeria outbreak early.

Consolidating and organizing public health expertise and systems within a National Public Health Institute (NPHI) is a successful way for countries to carry out essential public health functions and improve their accountability and efficiency. The CDC, with over 70 years of experience as the U.S. NPHI, is helping countries around the world increase surveillance, laboratory, and outbreak response capacity to improve recognition of and response to health threats. An NPHI coupled with stronger local outbreak detection and response capabilities offers a sustainable solution for building global public health capacity, achieving global health security, and increasing public health impact. This Notice of Funding Award (NOFO) seeks to build upon activities supported by CDC through partnerships with Ministries of Health, National Public Health Institutes, and organizations that have capacity by providing technical assistance supporting the establishment and development of strong NPHI's globally. The CDC seeks to continue strengthening NPHI's so that they are credible, technically expert, apolitical and prioritize the protection of the publics' health.

he United States Agency for International Development, Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA) is in the process of designing a new program to support microenterprise development in Lao PDR., including, but not limited to, agriculture sector. This is a Request for Information (RFI) which intends to provide public information to parties interested in USAID's support in the sector, as well as to collect any information and suggestions about the USAID's planned programming. Information collected is intended to help in the Mission's activity design and development for an intended future solicitation which is anticipated to be issued in the mid 2018. Requested Action: At this time, USAID is seeking responses to the questions of this RFI as detailed below. Please note USAID is not seeking technical or cost applications/proposals at this time. Responses to this RFI are voluntary and USAID will not pay respondents for any information provided in response to this RFI. If a future solicitation is issued, it will be announced on the Federal Business Opportunities website at www.fbo.gov or at www.grants.gov at a later date. Thank you for your assistance and interest in USAID programs. Sincerely, /s/ Gregory Wang Regional Agreement/Contracting Officer USAID/RDMA, Bangkok, Thailand

This notice of funding opportunity supplemental expansion will support foreign governments through their ministries of health or other responsible entities for human health or public-health emergency preparedness in Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives, Mali, Mozambique, Republic of Tunisia, and South East Europe (a multi-country proposal from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro). The principal purpose is this additional year of funding is to extend support of routine influenza surveillance and build capacity to respond to and contain a highly pathogenic virus transmissible among humans in the above-referenced countries. A second intent is to support the development of epidemiologic, virologic, and related capacity to detect, respond to, and monitor changes in influenza viruses, as well as identify outbreaks of severe respiratory illness syndromes. A third intent is to increase participation in the World Health Organization Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) and capacity to share specimens and clinical/epidemiologic data on the circulation of influenza in the identified countries.

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), anticipates issuing a request for applications (RFA), early-May 2013, inviting applications for a Cooperative Agreement to implement the Strengthening Democratic Local Governance Program in South Sudan to strengthen democratic local governance through improving local government's ability to perform its core functions and supporting the development of strong and credible state and local systems. Specifically, the program will engender a bottom-up and inclusive public participatory approach in the decision-making, implementation and accountability of government service delivery and further strengthen linkages within national, state, and local (payam) governments and International/NGOs for better coordination, delivery of services and accountability to the people. Subject to the availability of funds, this competitively awarded five-year, Cooperative Agreement shall focus on implementing projects primarily in high conflict, disaster prone and low resource areas. USAID will advise applicants of project objectives and desired outcome; however, applicants must provide the methodology or approach for implementation of the project. Applicants will have the opportunity to propose a sound, cost effective approach for the Program. Additionally, Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider implementation through a consortium with other organizations including PIOs and local organizations; however, principal responsibility for implementation of the program should rest with the applicant who should act as prime and have final responsibility for implementation and performance monitoring of the program.

Subject to the availability of funds, this competitively awarded five-year, Cooperative Agreement will focus on strengthening the independence, professionalism, production capacities, self-sustainability and regulatory framework of the media sector in South Sudan. Media assistance will build on the transition to self-sustainability of five currently USAID-supported local partner radio stations. Due to its unique potentials for communicating with virtually the entire population, media can enable a much needed national conversation to vitally contribute to the building of this new nation. The media, be it print, broadcast, internet, or other form, represent an integral part of accountability systems that, in turn, are critical to the effective functioning of democratic governance. USAID will advise applicants of project objectives and desired outcome; however, applicants must provide the methodology or approach for implementation of the project. Applicants will have the opportunity to propose a sound, cost effective approach for the Program. Additionally, Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider implementation through a consortium with other organizations including but not limited to PIOs and local organizations; however, principal responsibility for implementation of the program should rest with the applicant who should act as prime and have final responsibility for implementation and performance monitoring of the program.

Issuance Date: 3 February, 2015RFA Clarification Questions Due: 19 February, 2015; 1600 Closing Date and Time for Application Submission: 12 March, 2015; 1600 Addis Ababa Local Time Subject: Request for Applications (RFA) Number: USAID-Ethiopia- RFA-663-15-000006 RFA Title: Social and Behavior Change Communication for Health (SBCC- Health Project) EthiopiaLadies and Gentlemen: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for Assistance Agreements from all U.S. and non-U.S. qualified organizations (other than those from foreign policy restricted countries) for funding to support a program entitled Social and Behavior Change Communication for Health (SBCC- Health Project) Ethiopia. The overall goal of the program is to build the capacity of Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) with regards to SBCC interventions while also developing effective messages and coordinating SBCC messaging across stakeholders. The authority for the RFA is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and the Grants and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977. While for-profit firms may participate, pursuant to 22 CFR 226.81, it is USAID policy not to award profit under assistance instruments such as cooperative agreements. However, all reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the grant program and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (22 CFR 226, OMB Circular A-122 for non-profit organization, OMB Circular A-21 for universities, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 for-profit organizations), may be paid under the Cooperative Agreement.USAID expects to award one Cooperative Agreement based on this RFA. Subject to the availability of funds, USAID intends to allocate approximately $22.2 million funding to be allocated over a Five (5) year period. USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.The Government of Ethiopia laws require prior regist

T hrough this Addendum, USAID/Philippines invites eligible organizations to submit concept papers/applications for funding that will carry out activities aimed to enhance democratic governance in the Philippines, specifically respect for human rights. Interested Applicants must comply with and be fully responsive to the process and requirements for submitting concept papers and potentially full applications as detailed in the Annual Program Statement (APS) NFO No. 72049219APS00001 Initiatives for Democracy, posted in Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov and this Addendum. Any questions regarding this Addendum must be submitted by email to manila-roaa-rfa@usaid.gov, with subject line "Questions on USAID/Philippines DG APS Addendum #2 submitted by [Organization Name]" by the deadline indicated above. USAID's responses to questions and amendments, if any, will be posted under this Addendum.

The attached CN presents the current draft objectives and key elements of the activity. USAID/El Salvador may significantly revise this proposed activity and any planned solicitation based upon the comments received and further internal discussions. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Notice of Funding Opprotunity (NOFO). Responses to this RFI shall not be portrayed as applications, and will not be accepted by the U.S. Government (USG) to form a binding agreement. This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment by the USG to issue any solicitation or ultimately award of a Cooperative Agreement on the basis of this RFI, or to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.

The U.S. Agency for International Development seeks information to create new pathways to work with local civil society and religious organizations in our disaster preparation, relief, and recovery activities. This announcement is a Request for Information (RFI), not a Request for Applications (RFA) or a Request for Proposal (RFP), and is not a commitment by USAID to issue a solicitation, contract, grant, or cooperative agreement or otherwise compensate an organization or individual for any information submitted as a result of this RFI. This RFI is not funded and does not imply a commitment of funding from the U.S. Government. The issuance of this RFI in no way obligates USAID to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the requested information. Please do not submit proposals or statements of qualifications in response to this request. USAID will not provide answers to any questions submitted in response to this request. USAID/Haiti may use feedback and comments from this RFI to develop future programs.

The purpose of this agreement is to enhance the capacity of Central American institutions responsible for preventing and addressing corruption by strengthening relevant legislative frameworks; building the capacity of judicial institutions and public servants responsible for preventing and fighting corruption; enhancing civil society engagement; and increasing regional information sharing on anti-corruption and anti-impunity efforts. The successful implementer will seek qualified professionals with a strong background and demonstrated success in increasing the capacity of institutions in the areas of legal reform, and investigation and prosecutions of corruption cases. The awardee will work with Central American judicial institutions to develop and implement necessary policies and processes to guarantee transparency in government and the active participation of civil society, and strengthen the ability of institutions and actors to effectively prepare and sentence cases.

USAID intends to make two (2) awards (one each for Burkina Faso, and Republic of Niger) to the applicant(s) who best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements and selection process. To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO. This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, and may be amended. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this notice of funding opportunity and to ensure that the NOFO has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

In 2012, the Ministry of Public Security of Costa Rica designed a model of the police service implemented by quadrant, which aimed to improve the quality of service provided to citizens by assigning specific responsibilities to police officers who serve in a small geographical area, called a quadrant. However, seven years later the police service model is not being implemented in all police stations in the country and, where it is being implemented, there is no evidence that the model has achieved its main objective. For this reason, the Directorate of Public Force has expressed the need to optimize this police service model by incorporating the principles of the problem-oriented policing (POP) and evidence-based policing. This will enable evidence with targeting and scientific methods to improve the quality of police services, reducing crime rates and increasing the confidence and perception of security in Costa Rica. The specific problem is that the current management model for the police force is ambiguous, inadequate and has no scientific basis, which makes the model urgent to be optimized in order to improve the police force's response to the population's security needs.