A -- RFI - HIV/AIDS Applied Research

USAID/GH is seeking to gauge the level of interest and capabilities of contractors, universities, research organizations, and new partners in implementing operations and applied research and field evaluations in the HIV/AIDS sector. One of the awards is expected to be for a US Small Business Set Aside. The requested information will also assist USAID/GH to plan future procurements. This announcement is a Request for Information (RFI), not a Request for Proposals (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the USAID/GH to issue any solicitation or ultimately to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or otherwise to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. It is highly recommended that firms/organizations that intend to submit proposals when USAID subsequently issues an RFP respond to this RFI to enable USAID to determine the level of interest and available capabilities for the subsequent procurement. However, it should be noted that responding to this RFI will not give any advantage to any firm/organization in the subsequent procurement. USAID is interested in receiving responses from a wide range of firms/organizations world wide, including Africa, Europe, and other places outside the United States. Goods and Services Required. In the context of HIV/AIDS research: (a) Design research that has direct applicability to developing country needs; (b) Submit all proposals to investigational review boards in US and in the Host Country as appropriate; (c) Disseminate lessons learned and best practices both in-country and internationally, with results, wherever possible, submitted to peer-reviewed publications; (d) Work collaboratively with public health sector and policy makers in county; (e) Have experience developing in-country capacity building, especially in training developing country investigators. Requested Information: USAID/GH requires brief - Yes or - No answers to and/or information on issues raised by the following questions. (Please note we are not seeking a full description of your capabilities at this time.). In the context of HIV/AIDS research: Does your company, university and/or organization have the (1) interest in contracting with USAID to design and undertake research activities that address the needs of developing countries? (2) Capacity to analyze and disseminate research results in a timely manner as well as submit manuscripts for publications in peer-reviewed publications? (3) Capacity to operationalize research results by working with public health experts and public policy makers? Also, for each and every possessed capacity, please indicate the country in which your firm has that capacity. The information provided in response to this RFI should not exceed one (1) page. Your brief, precise responses should be addressed to Mr. Sherif Mowafy, Contracting Specialist, USAID/M/OAA/GH, Room 7.09-34, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20523 - smowafy@usaid.gov. All responses should be received electronically by COB November 29, 2005.