The document relates to Amendment 1 of the Social Behavior Change Research Award under the Agency for International Development (USAID) program. It addresses corrections to links provided in responses to certain questions—specifically questions 4, 19, and 24—in a previous communication. The corrected link is aimed at clarifying information about locally led development initiatives. This amendment highlights the importance of accurate information dissemination in federal grant processes, ensuring potential applicants have access to up-to-date resources related to social behavior change research. Such clarity is vital for stakeholders involved in submitting proposals aligned with federal grants and requests for proposals (RFPs) within the context of governmental aid programs. Overall, the document emphasizes the commitment to transparency and effective communication in managing grant-related inquiries and updates.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) invites submissions for Concept Papers concerning Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Research as part of Round 1 under the Annual Program Statement (APS No. 7200AA21APS00008). This initiative aims to strengthen the generation and utilization of SBC evidence to promote healthy behaviors in USAID priority countries. The submission deadline is May 14, 2021, following a question deadline on April 23, 2021. The primary objectives of this funding opportunity include generating new evidence through innovative SBC interventions, enhancing the monitoring and evaluation of SBC programs, and improving the research utilization of SBC evidence in health and development initiatives. Round 1 emphasizes understanding individual and community agency that influences health behaviors, with a funding ceiling of $38 million projected for potentially two awards. Participants must compose a Concept Paper addressing all three targeted outcomes and adhere to strict formatting rules, including a maximum six-page technical section. A co-creation workshop will follow the submission to refine solutions and foster partnerships. This process reinforces USAID’s commitment to evidence-driven strategies to enhance health and wellbeing in developing countries.

The Social Behavior Change Research Award APS Round 1 document outlines the guidelines and considerations for organizations applying for funding from USAID to improve maternal and child health through social behavior change (SBC) interventions. It emphasizes nurturing care as a critical component to health and nutrition, allowing applicants to focus on one or more of the three designated results without requiring comprehensive coverage of all. Priority behaviors targeted include enhancing healthy practices, improving research utilization among local actors, and fostering partnerships with local entities, with at least 25% of funding encouraged for local organizations. The document stipulates no specific geographic restrictions or maximum number of countries for project implementation. It clarifies submission guidelines, emphasizing a six-page limit for concept papers with no annexes allowed, and reiterates the importance of demonstrating technical expertise and connectivity to local institutions. The funding structure is a cooperative agreement, with implementation and research activities both permissible. Overall, the document serves as a foundational guideline for organizations aiming to engage in USAID's efforts to address maternal and child health through SBC strategies, emphasizing collaboration, local capacity building, and practical implementation of health principles.