Through this umbrella APS, USAID aims to provide broad flexibility for the research and higher education community and connected organizations to collaborate with USAID, each other, and local institutions to build partnerships and support an enabling environment for addressing key development challenges in a sustainable manner. This umbrella APS: (A) describes the types of activities for which Applications will be considered under any forthcoming Addenda; (B)describes the funding available and the process and requirements for submitting Applications; (C) explains the overall criteria for evaluating Applications; and (D) refers prospective applicants to relevant documentation available on the internet.USAID/ITR anticipates awarding multiple grants and/or cooperative agreements as a result of this APS through the use of published subsequent Addenda (specific calls for Concept Notes). However, publishing this APS does not commit USAID to publish any specific Addenda or make any awards.The EXPLORE APS is not a Request for Applications (RFA) or a Request for Proposals (RFP). Rather, the EXPLORE APS requests Concept Notes in response to Addenda published to this APS. Based on Concept Note(s) submitted in response to specific Addenda opportunities, USAID will determine whether to request a Full Application from an appropriate partner.