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PROJECT SOAR (USAID) Grant Opportunity: FAQs

What is PROJECT SOAR?

PROJECT SOAR is a USAID-funded grant opportunity designed to support a single lead organization to run a large, multi-country operational research program focused on HIV and AIDS.

What is the main purpose of this opportunity?

The purpose is to generate practical, field-oriented evidence that improves how HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs are implemented in real-world settings, and to help ensure that decision-makers and implementers actually use that evidence.

What type of research does PROJECT SOAR fund?

This opportunity centers on operational research. That means studies that answer implementation-focused questions such as what approaches work best, for whom, in which contexts, and how programs can be adapted to perform better.

Does this opportunity fund basic science or clinical trials?

No. The opportunity is explicitly positioned as operational research rather than basic science or clinical trials.

What kinds of implementation questions are expected to be addressed?

The focus is on practical questions like which service delivery approaches work best, which populations benefit most, which contextual factors influence results, and what adaptations can improve program performance.

What are the core expected outcomes of the funded project?

The opportunity emphasizes three connected outcomes: (1) conduct operational HIV and AIDS research, (2) promote utilization and dissemination of data, and (3) build the capacity of local organizations to conduct operational research.

What does “conduct operational HIV and AIDS research” involve under this award?

It implies developing a research agenda, designing studies, collecting and analyzing program data, and generating actionable findings relevant to HIV service delivery.

What does “promote utilization and dissemination of data” mean in practice?

It means the program is expected to go beyond producing reports. It should translate findings into usable guidance, share results with stakeholders, and support uptake by national programs, donors, and implementing partners.

What does “build the capacity of local organizations” mean for this project?

Capacity building is described as strengthening local institutions so they can independently design and carry out operational research over time. This typically includes mentorship, training, hands-on collaboration, and systems strengthening so in-country institutions can lead or co-lead studies, manage data responsibly, and sustain research functions beyond the award period.

How many awards did USAID anticipate making?

USAID anticipated making one award total, indicating a single prime recipient.

What does it mean that there is a “single lead organization”?

It means one prime recipient would be selected to run the overall multi-country program and would likely manage a broader portfolio of research activities, partnerships, and subawards.

What type of award instrument is PROJECT SOAR?

The award is issued as a Cooperative Agreement under USAID.

What does a Cooperative Agreement imply for implementation?

A Cooperative Agreement typically means the recipient carries out the work with substantial involvement from USAID during implementation.

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is Health.

What is the CFDA listing for this opportunity?

The CFDA listing is 98.001, described as USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas.

How much funding was available?

The estimated total funding amount is up to $70,000,000, with an award ceiling of $70,000,000.

Was there a minimum award amount (award floor)?

No minimum was stated. The award floor was listed as $0.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The posting noted no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants were not required to contribute a financial match as a condition of eligibility.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described broadly as “Others,” with applicants directed to the RFA’s Section III and an additional eligibility section for clarification. This suggests USAID intended to allow a range of institution types while still applying specific requirements in the full announcement.

Where should applicants look for the detailed eligibility requirements?

Applicants were directed to the Request for Applications (RFA), specifically Section III and an additional eligibility section referenced in the posting.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on March 7, 2014.

When was the record created?

The record was created on March 28, 2014.

What was the original application due date?

The original due date was April 4, 2014.

Was the deadline extended?

Yes. The due date was extended to April 9, 2014 at 5:00 PM EST (Washington, DC local time).

When was the announcement archived?

The announcement was archived on May 4, 2014.

Is this still an active funding opportunity?

Based on the information provided, it was archived on May 4, 2014, which indicates it is not currently active.

Who was the contact for administrative or access issues related to the full announcement?

The listed contact was Elton Fortson, Agreement Specialist, at efortson@usaid.gov.

What is the program trying to achieve beyond generating research findings?

In addition to producing evidence, the project is expected to actively promote the use of that evidence by decision-makers and implementers, and to strengthen local institutions so they can conduct similar research independently over time.

In plain terms, what was USAID trying to fund through PROJECT SOAR?

A large cooperative agreement to fund one lead organization to generate high-quality, policy-relevant operational evidence on HIV/AIDS, ensure that evidence gets used, and leave behind stronger local research capacity across the countries where the work takes place.