Minority Serving Institutions Request for Application (MSI-RFA)

Calls for innovative research and associated research translation that would benefit from new research components
Will utilize a systems-level frameworks to identify the development challenge and research gaps
Development Sectors of Interest: Any USAID target sector, except for certain activities that fall under global health
Region/Countries of Interest: All USAID partner countries

Alternative Method for Download of RFA Materials

The above button is a packaged (zip) file of all materials necessary to complete the RFA application process. To download individual components, please click on the numbered files to the right.

Summary

Who?

MSI Researchers are eligible to apply

What?

RFA for Research Awards Issued by LASER PULSE

When?

MSI RFA will be released in November 2021

Where?

36 Countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America / Caribbean

Why?

To help deliver research-driven solutions to field-sourced development challenges

Timeline & Information

RFA Release of MSI RFA: Week of 8 November 2021
Webinar to cover the following topics: 1) introduction to the LASER PULSE program and the RFA requirements, 2) information on how to complete the LOI template, and 3) a brief review of the LASER PULSE SLA method: 19 November 2021
- Supplemental FAQ’s with Answers from Webinars
Webinar to Address Submitted Questions by Applicants: 2 December 2021
Letter of Intent Deadline: 17 December 2021
- Note: only Applicants that meet the submission requirements of the LOI are eligible to submit a Full Application
Notice of eligibility status to submit Full Application: 12 January 2022
Application Deadline: 14 February 2022
Selected Applications sent to USAID for approval: May 2022
Expected award status notification: July 2022
Awards Number and Size: Up to five (5) awards for a maximum of $150,000 each
Awards Timeframe: 1 year (12 Months)

Successful Applications: Key Characteristics

Must have collaboration between researchers and development practitioners

Practitioners serve as translation partners to ensure that the proposed research will be applied as a solution to the challenge

Includes a research translation strategy or plan

Describes how outputs of the research will be translated into appropriate and usable products

Address considerations and impacts of gender in all aspects of the application

Process

Please follow the numbered steps below to complete eligibility requirements and submit your application.

STEP 1

Download Materials

*All necessary materials and templates are here. Materials are located in a zipped folder and numbered by reading/completion order.

Please also view the Systems Level Analysis (SLA) Approach Video below if you plan to use the LASER PULSE SLA to identify research gaps.

Minority Serving Institutions Request for Application (MSI-RFA)