The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) CDC-RFA-JG-25-0099 supports the implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment programs in Zimbabwe under PEPFAR. It aims to sustain epidemic control by providing technical assistance and direct support to the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and other stakeholders. This NOFO builds on recent gains in HIV control, emphasizing improved testing, treatment retention, and prevention services. It also targets key populations such as men, adolescents, children, and individuals at high risk of HIV, focusing on addressing diagnosis and treatment gaps, scaling up cervical cancer screening, reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission, and integrating tuberculosis (TB) and HIV services.

This cooperative agreement will fund 1-2 recipients with a total Year 1 funding of $10 million. Activities include differentiated service delivery models, engaging faith-based organizations and communities, and setting up community posts for HIV services. The NOFO prioritizes local organizations meeting the PEPFAR definition of a local partner, granting 30 additional points during merit review. Organizations from diverse backgrounds, including governments, nonprofits, for-profits, and foreign entities, are eligible, provided the work is conducted in Zimbabwe.

Eligible activities must align with program objectives, such as scaling up HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), addressing barriers to prevention, improving viral load monitoring, and enhancing retention in treatment. The application process involves multiple steps, including securing registrations on SAM.gov and Grants.gov, preparing detailed project narratives, and adhering to strict formatting and submission guidelines. Applications are due by February 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Evaluation criteria include the approach (30 points), organizational capacity (45 points), and data, monitoring, and evaluation plans (25 points). Applicants must demonstrate experience in delivering HIV-related services, managing large budgets, and employing qualified staff. Successful recipients must submit detailed work plans, financial and performance reports, and ensure compliance with data management, security, and public health standards.

The five-year award period expects to achieve critical outcomes such as sustained HIV treatment coverage, improved viral load suppression, enhanced prevention and treatment for comorbidities like TB and cervical cancer, and strengthened public health systems. Reporting requirements include annual performance evaluations, financial reports, and data sharing with stakeholders, ensuring progress toward epidemic control and sustainability.