The USAID Global Health Security (GHS) Activity in Guatemala is a five-year initiative with an estimated budget of $40 million. The primary goal of this activity is to strengthen One Health systems in Guatemala, building resilience and self-reliance to prevent, detect, mitigate, and respond to emerging infectious diseases. The initiative focuses on enhancing collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health systems while addressing capacity gaps identified in recent health security analyses. Targeted technical assistance will be provided to support health systems at national and subnational levels, particularly in high-need areas such as the Western Highlands, Alta and Baja Verapaz, and Peten.

The program's objectives are structured around three core areas: prevention, detection and mitigation, and response. Under prevention, the activity aims to strengthen long-term health systems resilience, with particular emphasis on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through improved surveillance, laboratory capacity, and regulation of antimicrobial use. In the detection and mitigation area, the focus includes enhancing laboratory systems, workforce development, and disease surveillance capabilities to ensure the timely identification and control of outbreaks. The response objective prioritizes emergency preparedness and risk communication systems to manage public health emergencies effectively.

Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity are not restricted, and USAID encourages submissions from faith-based organizations and entities that have not previously received USAID funding. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate the capacity to meet organizational, technical, and financial management requirements, including compliance with U.S. laws prohibiting transactions with entities associated with terrorism.

Applicants must also commit to a cost share of at least 15%, which can be met through financial contributions, in-kind support, or donations from other stakeholders, such as local organizations or private sector partners. Cost-sharing commitments must be documented as part of the application process.

The application deadline for the USAID/Guatemala GHS Activity is January 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM Guatemala time. Applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process early to ensure compliance with submission requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and completing registration in SAM.gov.

Applications will be evaluated based on technical merit, management and staffing plans, and cost realism. A technical score of at least 80 points is required to advance to the cost review phase. USAID will prioritize proposals that demonstrate a clear theory of change, an understanding of Guatemala's health security challenges, and alignment with existing USAID and Government of Guatemala health security programming.