RFA Opening date – 00:00 GMT Oct. 1, 2019
RFA Closing date – 23:59 GMT Oct. 31, 2019
RFA Decision date – Nov 18th, 2019
Project start date: As soon as possible after award
Grant close and final deliverable date (no possibility of extensions): Dec. 31, 2020
The Modeling Research Group of the TB Modeling and Analysis Consortium (TB MAC) requests applications from qualified groups to conduct modeling analyses related to the epidemiology and/or economics of TB and UHC.
A list of specific topics of interest includes: (1) incorporating local/country-level UHC plans or systems in epidemiological and/or economic models of TB interventions; (2) models to estimate the impact of UHC on TB outcomes; (3) models to improve the design, optimization, and implementation of primary care or UHC schemes; (4) models to inform financing of TB services in the context of UHC; and (5) models to evaluate and advance ethical and equity aspects of TB-focused interventions. These topics of interest are not meant to limit the scope of applications; any application that involves epidemiologic or economic modeling of TB and UHC will be considered.
The total funding available for this call is US$100,000. We anticipate funding 1 or 2 projects through this call, depending on the quality of applications received. Applications are therefore encouraged to propose budgets of no more than US$50,000 for the highest likelihood of funding, though we will consider applications with budgets up to US$100,000. Funds will be allocated to applications, based on application quality as assessed by independent external reviewers using the assessment criteria below.
We particularly welcome applications from multi-disciplinary teams and teams that include a lower-middle income country and/or High Burden Country (HBC) partner on one of the three WHO HBC lists (see WHO report).
Assessment criteria
– Does the project advance the field of modeling TB and UHC?
– Does the project have relevance to TB policy or practice?
– Can the research definitely be completed before the end of 2020?
– Is the research question and plan well-described
– Is it clear how the project will be managed (for example, who will carry out which element of the work)?
– Is the budget and timeline appropriate for the proposed activity?
– Is the proposal likely to meet the aim, objectives and deliverables?
– Does the research team have the experience and skills necessary to conduct this research to a high standard?
– Does the proposal include a lower-middle income country and/or HBC partner?
– Does the proposal explain how models / data will be shared for maximum public utility?
– Does the proposal show a clear understanding of the limitations of research?
Mechanism
Proposals will be scored by a panel of independent reviewers, as described here. A contract will be issued from LSHTM either to an institution or to an applicant personally in the form of consultancy fees. The details on the awarding procedure can be found here under “TB MAC Modelling Research Group ToR [Final] RFA awarding procedure”.
Eligible costs
You can allocate up to 15% of your budget submission to Indirect Costs that comply with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Policy. These costs must be included in the total cost of your submission, and do not supplement the total cost. See Indirect Cost policy at: https://docs.gatesfoundation.org/Documents/Indirect_Cost_Policy.pdf
Eligibility
Open to anybody, except members of the TB MAC Secretariat, TB MAC Advisory Panel, and TB MAC Committeeat Johns Hopkins University (responsible for drafting this RFA) who are not eligible for this award.
Format
Applications should include a proposal limited to three pages (excluding references, and with a minimum of 11 point font size). Proposals should be written in English and submitted online at http://tb-mac.org/rfa/ .Proposals should include: (i) an introduction to the topic; (ii) description of previous work in the area by the applicants; (iii) description and justification of the intended approach; (iv) deliverables of the project and their potential impact on the field; (v) timeline for the proposed work; (vi) budget and its justification. In addition, the principal applicant should provide a separate short bio-sketch (one page summary of qualifications, research interests, key funding publications and major sources of research support), as well as full contact details and a list of all other co-applicants/team members and their institutions. Note that publication costs will be covered separately, so should not be included in the budget. Receipt of proposals will be acknowledged within 48 hours, and we aim to notify all applicants of the outcome by email within 1 week of the decision date.
Submission guidance:
Once you enter your details into the application and click “APPLY” you will be sent a confirmation email. You can use the link available in the email to update and upload your application. There is no button to submit your final application. All applications will close on the date specified above and no further adjustments will be allowed. You will be sent a email confirming your submission after the application closes.
