The funding opportunity titled "HIV Prevention Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women and Other Vulnerable Youth Populations - DREAMS South" (Funding Opportunity #72067425RFA00002) aims to substantially reduce HIV incidence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10-24 in areas with high HIV incidence and prevalence in South Africa. The program will achieve this by providing a comprehensive package of age-appropriate, evidence-based prevention interventions addressing biological, behavioral, and socio-economic determinants of HIV risk. It supports South Africa's government in achieving the 95-95-95 goals and ending HIV by 2030. Key focus areas include contraception, STI treatment, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and community leadership in HIV prevention.

The program is geographically targeted to four provinces in South Africa: KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. It includes four main objectives: strengthening community and youth leadership in behavior change services, increasing access to biomedical HIV prevention, improving social protection access, and providing technical assistance to South African government departments for sustaining and integrating DREAMS interventions into local plans. The program emphasizes meaningful youth participation, gender equality, human rights, and local leadership to improve service quality and impact.

USAID plans to award one cooperative agreement with funding between $52 million and $58 million over a five-year period. Eligible applicants are restricted to local South African entities, including nonprofits, for-profits (without profit under the award), and faith-based organizations, provided they meet specific criteria, including being majority-owned and managed by South African citizens or lawful permanent residents. Cost-sharing of at least 10% is required from the recipient.

Applications follow a multi-phase process: a concept paper submission (limited to six pages), an oral presentation for shortlisted candidates, and a full application with detailed budgets and plans for the selected applicant. Applicants must address specific technical objectives, demonstrate sustainability, and include partnerships with local organizations. USAID requires all applicants to be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Evaluation criteria prioritize technical merit, management capabilities, past performance, and the feasibility of the proposed approach within South Africa’s context. Applications are due by February 18, 2025, with questions accepted until January 21, 2025. USAID emphasizes collaboration with South African government stakeholders, local organizations, and private sector entities for sustainability and alignment with local priorities.

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