RIGHT TO CARE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) MARCH 2017 PROGRAM AREA: PREVENTION PROGRAMS FOR MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE (MSM & TG)

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1 RIGHT TO CARE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) MARCH 2017 PROGRAM AREA: PREVENTION PROGRAMS FOR MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE (MSM & TG) GLOBAL FUND FOR AIDS, TB AND MALARIA (GFATM) SUB-RECIPIENT (SR) APPLICATION GUIDANCE NOTES RFA NUMBER: RFAGF11RTC17/02 PLEASE NOTE: Any changes to the RFP and documents will be posted on the Right to Care website please check this regularly on Page 1 of 16

2 Table of Contents List of Acronyms Foreword Introduction Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) Grant Award Status Minimum requirements of Sub-recipients: Purpose of the Request for Proposals Program Descriptions Background of Prevention Programs for MSM/LGBTI Program Components Program Area Geographic Location... 9 Table 1: Districts Location Program Coordination Indicators Budget & Deliverables Proposal Submissions General Applicant Information Application Timeframes Application Questions and Briefing Session SR Selection Process Selection Criteria Sources of information RTC Application Forms and how to complete them Attachments and supporting documentation: Technical/Narrative Application... Error! Bookmark not defined Section A:... Error! Bookmark not defined Section B:... Error! Bookmark not defined. 19. Final Comments Page 2 of 16

3 List of Acronyms AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ART Anti-Retroviral Treatment BBBEE Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment CCM Country Coordinating Mechanism CD4 Cluster of Differentiation 4 CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CEO Chief Executive Officer DoH Department of Health DSD Department of Social Development EoI Expression of Interest GFATM Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria HCT HIV Counselling and Testing HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus HR Human Resources ICDM Integrated Chronic Disease Management IEC Information, Education and Communication KP Key Population LGBTI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex M&E Monitoring & Evaluation Officer MD Managing Director MSM Men having Sex with Men NDOH National Department of Health NPO Non-Profit Organisation NSP National Strategic Plan PA Programme Areas PR Principal Recipient RFP Request for Proposal RTC Right to Care SA South Africa SARS South African Revenue Services SANAC South African National AIDS Council SR Sub-Recipient STI Sexually Transmitted Infection TA Technical Assistance TB Tuberculosis TCS Treatment, Care and Support TG Transgender ToR Terms of Reference Page 3 of 16

4 1. Foreword These guidance notes have been prepared to assist potential sub-recipients to improve the quality of applications. Reporting of grant implementation will require the use of templates which include word and excel formats, access to internet and the use of . Given that this will be a requirement of the grant administration, applicants are therefore expected to be familiar with their use and only applications that meet these electronic submission requirements will be accepted. These notes are a guide only as it is recognised that applicants might come from a diverse range of backgrounds and levels of grant application experience. Applicants must use their own discretion about what should be included in the application to increase the chances of success. 2. Introduction Right to Care (RTC), as one of the Principal Recipients (PR) for Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) ( is seeking to appoint suitably qualified and experienced civil society organisations to act as sub-recipient (SR) to implement activities addressing the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in South Africa, and more specifically in relation to key population program interventions. Right to Care is seeking non-government Sub-Recipient (SR) organisation with local presence from previously disadvantaged groups to support implementation of Prevention Programs for Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender People (MSM & TG). The RFA will be implemented in the following components of the Program Area (PA): 2.1. Program Area 1 Support implementation of programmes to increase coverage and uptake of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and TB screening through comprehensive integrated HIV prevention services for men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender (TG) people. At least one (1) Sub-recipient is expected in this program support intervention in one selected priority districts. 3. Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) Grant Award Status Right to Care was selected as a Principal Recipient (PR) of the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) by the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC). The selection of RTC was endorsed by the GFATM and implementation of phase III of the programme commenced on 1 April 2016 and will run till 31 March The full country application (including RTC component) is available on the SANAC website at Further information on the GFATM is available at Page 4 of 16

5 4. Minimum requirements of Sub-recipients: The current core of expected applicants must meet the objective of the Black Economic Empowerment Act (2003), whose aim is to promote economic transformation in order to enable meaningful participation of black people in the economy, increase access of workers and collective enterprises to skills training, infrastructure and finance and to realise a substantial change in the racial composition of ownership and management structures of existing and new enterprises. Emerging organisations with community level experience are encouraged to apply and capacity building training will be provided to selected SR prior to and during implementation. In order to successfully assume quality and timely implementation and accountability for projects proceeds, SRs need certain minimum institutional and technical capacity requirements before the signing of a Service Level Agreement (SLA). Before entrance into agreement, a nominated SR should have a detailed work plan and budget for the intended period of the agreement. Institutional and technical capacity requirements include: Legal status. Management and organisation Infrastructure and information systems Health (HIV/AIDS, and/or TB) and cross-functional expertise (finance, procurement, legal, Monitoring and Evaluation M&E) A. Legal Status 1. The applicant SR should be a currently legally registered organisation with relevant South African bodies. 2. The applicant SR should have the necessary authority to enter into the project cooperation agreement. 3. The applicant SR should have or apply for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the relevant national program regarding coming planned activities. B. Management and Organisation 1. The applicant (potential) SR should preferably have a good track record for timely and results based implementation of project activities. 2. If the applicant SR is a civil society organization, it should have a board that meets regularly and has statutes for its function. 3. The applicant SR should have sufficient management capacity (quality and quantity) to implement the proposed program. 4. The applicant SR is preferably required to have a clear organisational leadership with clear accountability system to implement the proposed project. 5. The applicant SR should coordinate and participate in/seek advice from the relevant national program and technical committees related to the project. 6. The applicant SR has the administrative capacity to forecast, recruit, select, and retain human resources effectively. 7. The applicant SR should have written personnel policies and procedures. 8. The applicant SR should use or follow annual plans (e.g. work plans, M&E, etc.) as part of routine management actions, benchmarking, and variance analysis, and share these documents internally and with key partners. Page 5 of 16

6 9. The applicant SR should make available performance reports (e.g. audit reports) for external review by stakeholders including the public. 10. The key individuals who will be responsible for implementing the program should have written job descriptions that incorporate responsibilities associated with the Project. 11. The applicant SR should have demonstrated capacity for programmatic management, including any training or other assistance required to implement the project. 12. Able to demonstrate commitment to gender, equity and non-discrimination/ principles 13. Able to demonstrate the acceptance within the local communities where the intervention is proposed, or a plan to ensure they will obtain local leaders and communities support. C. Infrastructure and Information Systems 1. The applicant SR should have a functional IT system for internal and external communication. 2. The current SR s information system should have the capacity to collect and provide programmatic reports for the proposed activities, including reports to PR. 3. The applicant SR should have the ability to work in targeted areas (geographical coverage) where proposed field activities will be implemented. 4. The applicant SR s management should meet periodically to review/analyse performance and share performance outcomes with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. CCM, partners, etc.) 5. The applicant SR should have internal coordination mechanisms to facilitate collaboration with other coordination mechanisms or bodies. 6. The applicant SR should have adequate physical facilities, office equipment, minimum logistical arrangements, etc. to implement current programs D. Technical Expertise 1. The applicant SR should recruit full time personnel with the required, HIV and AIDS, or TB expertise necessary to implement the project. 2. The applicant SR should have the required, specialised staff in finance and M&E necessary to implement the project and to recruit other necessary staff (legal etc.). This is a pre-request in line with the Global Fund Code of Conduct for Recipients Emerging applicants who are also able to demonstrate previous working history in the intervention coverage area, history of managing similar technical, target and/or scale of projects, ability to provide matching funds, and aim to include project beneficiaries (particularly PLHIV) in their organisations, will have a favourable advantage in the selection process. 5. Purpose of the Request for Proposals As a Principal Recipient RTC s role is to manage and coordinate the implementation of the grant, disburse funding and support to implementers and to report to the Global Fund and in-country authorities such as the country co-ordinating mechanism (CCM) and Provincial AIDS Councils The implementation of the programs will be done Page 6 of 16

7 through selected civil society SRs or Service Providers with the required structures and skills. The role of the SR is to: Implement programme activities and deliverables as contracted Use funds in accordance to the agreement with the PR and maintain accounting books and records in accordance to standards agreed in writing with the PR Submit reports outlining service delivery progress and financial activities tied to each service on a monthly and quarterly basis Monitor and evaluate the impact of the activities of the programme The purpose of this document is to explain the objectives and stated deliverables of the Key Population (KP) Programme in order to enable prospective sub recipients to apply for the grant in the district where they are active. The document also provides information on SR selection procedures. 6. Program Descriptions 6.1. Background of Prevention Programs for MSM/LGBTI Men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa have a high risk of contracting HIV. Various studies in South Africa have found HIV prevalence rates in the MSM population of between 10 and 34%. There is a general lack of competent sexual health services and prevention programmes targeting MSM in South Africa. This is particularly true among populations of MSM in township areas. In terms of HIV prevention, there is a need for approaches that address MSM specific HIV risk. This is important because research has demonstrated a lack of knowledge about the basics of HIV risk reduction among MSM in South Africa. Research by the Anova Health Institute has found a lack of knowledge about the use of water-based lubricant among MSM in Cape Town and, where knowledge exists, access to appropriate lubricant is often limited. At the same time, MSM in South Africa report low levels of condom use for anal sex. Further, there is a widespread lack of MSM-related knowledge, and sensitivity in the public health sector which contributes to the inability of MSM to access relevant prevention messaging and materials. While there is a clear need to focus on HIV prevention for MSM in South Africa in general, it is also important to understand the relative HIV transmission risks within the broader category of MSM. Some MSM may be at particularly high risk of HIV infection due to their specific risk behaviours and the risk situations in which MSM engage in these behaviours. For example, MSM who use drugs, injecting drugs in particular, may have a much higher risk of contracting HIV than other MSM. A study with drug-using MSM in three South African cities found that drug use was associated with a range of HIV risk behaviours including: having unprotected sex, having multiple partners, and sharing and reusing injecting equipment. A third of the sample of MSM reported injecting drug use. Surveillance data for the transgender population are not uniformly collected hence information is lacking on how many transgender people there are and also how many are infected with HIV. Page 7 of 16

8 Information published by CDC indicates that findings from a meta-analysis of 29 published studies showed that 27.7% of transgender women tested positive for HIV infection (4 studies) but when testing was not part of the study only 11.8% of transgender women self-reported having HIV (18 studies). In one study, 73% of the transgender women who tested HIV-positive were unaware of their status. RTC has been implementing services as prioritised by the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, STIs and TB. In this regard the combination prevention approach has been implemented with the focus area population. The goal of the combination prevention approach is to reduce the transmission of HIV, STIs and TB by implementing a combination of behavioural, bio-medical and structural interventions that are carefully selected to meet the needs of LGBTI people. Combination approaches help ensure that people have access to the types of interventions that best suit their needs at different times Program Components Program Area 1 The components and services that will be offered as part of Program Area (PA1) that should be demonstrated in the application form, for Supporting implementation of programmes to increase coverage and uptake of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and TB screening through comprehensive integrated HIV prevention services for men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender (TG) people in selected priority district are described below. Outreach and behaviour change communication: Peer Outreach Workers are trained to address needs in health awareness, HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) and TB symptom screening and linkage with health and social services. Outreach efforts are aimed at providing innovative and tailored approaches for delivering HIV testing and TB screening to the target populations with special consideration given to different testing models. The intervention also makes use of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, mobi sites and billboards, updated in line with current national priorities, to promote behaviour change. Materials provide information on safer sexual practices, risk reduction strategies and directories of local health services for the continuum of care. Commodity procurement and distribution: RTC procures and distributes male condoms to MSM and transgender people (as well as the wider LGBTI population) as a preventative measure and as a way of addressing individual and structural barriers that may limit MSM/Transgender access to these commodities. The intervention seeks to increase the availability, accessibility and acceptability of condoms within the user population. The current programme also distributes water-based lubricant to the target population. The programme also defines objectives for commodity distribution, key indicators and how these data are collected. Creating an enabling environment (advocacy, sensitisation): The programme seeks to forge partnerships with key stakeholders in the community for successful implementation. Since homo-prejudice is widespread it is necessary to engage and sensitize the broader community on the programme objectives in order to achieve its buy-in. Sensitisation workshops Page 8 of 16

9 with the broader community and target population are conducted. Workshops with MSM and Transgender populations focus on their rights and how they can respond to crisis situations. Community engagement: Community involvement is an accepted pillar of global HIV policy. The programme reinforces the capacity of communities to provide support, protection and care to match the scale and long-term impact of HIV and TB specifically in the context of LGBT awareness and responsiveness. Community mobilisation and sensitisation workshops are an essential component of the programme and are the frontline of effective responses. Lower levels of organisational capacity within potential SRs is, in some cases, attributable to discrimination and stigma from the wider community and further underscores the need for the organisational capacity development programme provided by RTC. Linkages to care, treatment and social services: The MSM and TG programme is responding to the need to make treatment of HIV, TB and STIs accessible to service users. Through its health workers and outreach workers the target population is referred to health and social services to ensure continuum of care and treatment. SRs are implementing the MSM and TG programme in 6 provinces namely Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Free State. Northern Cape is envisaged in the current RFA. Although there is a single partner in each province resources are insufficient to provide universal access to the programme. Clinical services for STIs and Primary Health Care: Clinical services, which include STI screening and treatment, HCT, TB screening, HIV Care and Treatment are planned and delivered primarily with the support of Department of Health (DoH) facilities. Facility accreditation is achieved through clinical and broader facility staff capacity development (training and mentoring) with a particular focus on competency development (including attitudes, knowledge and practice towards LGBTI people) for clinical assessment, treatment and care. Community outreach worker (Peer Educator) networks support clinical services by building linkages between individuals, families and communities and health care facilities (and other local support services and institutions) with the goal of rendering a continuum of care through a basket of services and strengthening relationships with all stakeholders in the community. 7. Geographic Location The priority of the grant is provision of combination prevention services to MSM & TG in the identified 10 priority districts located in 7 provinces of South Africa as indicated in Table 1 below. The grant will be implemented in these districts for a 3-year period, that commenced on 1 April 2016 and ending on 31 March This RFA is for implementation in Northern Cape (Frances Baard District) only. Page 9 of 16

10 Table 1: Districts Location Eastern Cape Amathole District Free State Gauteng KwaZulu Natal Mangaung City of ethekwini District Johannesburg District District Mpumalanga Ehlanzeni District Northern Cape Frances Baard Western Cape City of Cape Town Metro Buffalo City District City of Tshwane uthukela District 8. Program Coordination The main coordination arrangements of the Prevention Programs for Men who have sex with men and Transgender People (MSM & TG) is mapped on Figure 2. The map details the programme s design and process from receipt of funds to beneficiary-level activity. In summary it shows that: RTC receives 100% of the total allocated Prevention Programs for Men who have sex with men and Transgender People (MSM & TG) program funding from GFATM. SRs implement at district level and link with local and district based AIDS Councils by providing information and data as required. SRs link with relevant government departments at district level, most notably the Department of Health. The SRs link with SRs (funded by RTC and/or other PRs) through referral systems and attending quarterly CSS consultative meetings. SRs receive capacity building from RTC and appointed training providers. SRs gain information from their beneficiaries (MSM/LGBTI and general population) as well share information with them as planned. The RTC Programme Management Unit coordinates the Prevention Programs for Men who have sex with men and Transgender People (MSM & TG) program SRs through quarterly SR meetings and individual planning/monitoring meetings with SRs to discuss grant matters with a focus on monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The RTC Programme Management Unit provides quarterly reports to the CSS unit for dissemination to the relevant Provincial AIDS councils (PCAs). RTC shares information with SANAC and the MSM/LGBTI sector RTC reports to the CCM and its Oversight Committee. RTC reports on the Prevention Programs for Men who have sex with men and Transgender People (MSM & TG) program to the Global Fund in its periodic reports. RTC provides Prevention Programs for Men who have sex with men and Transgender People (MSM & TG) program information to the LFA who reports to the Global Fund Page 10 of 16

11 Figure 1: MSM & TG Implementation Arrangement Map Presidency SANAC MSM/LGBTI Human Rights MSM & TG Implementation Arrangement Map Coordination Advocacy TA CCM Implement, Train, M&E, Advocacy & TA Donor 100% GFATM PR 38% 48% SR Grant management oversight LFA Coordination Management Advocacy Monitoring Oversight, Monitor, Review, Compliance, Audit, Verification NDOH PDOH Abbreviations NDOH National Department of Health PDOH Provincial Department of Health DHA Department of Home Affairs PHC Primary Health Care PAC Provincial AIDS Council DAC District AIDS Council LAC Local AIDS Council GFATM Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria PR Principal Recipient SR Sub-Recipient PLHIV People Living with HIV CCM Country Coordinating Mechanism LFA Local Fund Agency SANAC South African National AIDS Council DSD Department of Social Development DoE Department of Education DDOH District Department of Health MSM Men who have sex with men TG Transgender RTC Right to Care QA Quality Assurance QI Quality Improvement NHLS National Health Laboratory Services DSD Department of Social Development DHA Department of Home Affairs ART Anti retroviral therapy SAPS South African Police Service TA Technical Assistance M&E Monitoring and Evaluation LGBTI Lesbian, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex PAC DDOH Referrals, Linkages, Coordination, Manage, Service Delivery, & Advocacy DSD DoE DHA SAPS DAC LAC Coordination PHC Service Delivery 100% Beneficiaries MSM & TG and General Population Coordination Transfer of funds Transfer of assets Data Flow Reporting Referral 9. Indicators The following output indicators are the main outputs that must be reported to the Global Fund: KP-1a: Number of MSM reached with HIV prevention programs - defined package of services KP-1b: Number of TG reached with HIV prevention programs - defined package of services KP-3a: Number of MSM that have received an HIV test during the reporting period and know their results KP-3b: Number of TG that have received an HIV test during the reporting period and know their results 10. Budget & Deliverables Right to Care is seeking non-government Sub-Recipient (SR) organisation with local presence from previously disadvantaged groups to 1. Support implementation of programmes to increase coverage and uptake of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and TB screening through comprehensive integrated HIV prevention services for men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender (TG) people. At least one (1) Sub-recipient is expected in this program support intervention. The expected award value for the Prevention Programs for Men who have sex with men and Transgender (MSM & TG) in Northern Cape Frances Baard is R5,8484,184 from 1 April 2017 until 31 March Page 11 of 16

12 11. Proposal Submissions Any South African civil society organisation (CSO) with relevant experience who want to apply for the grant must complete the Application Template. The completed template together with any annexes must be submitted electronically to RTC by Wednesday, 24 March 2017 at 17: General Applicant Information 1. Applicants are strongly advised to read the guidance notes and scoring criteria. 2. DO NOT ALTER THE APPLICATION TEMPLATE IN ANY WAY. The template have been designed to allow for ease of comparison between applicants and to ensure fairness when reviewing applications received. 3. All un-shaded sections of the application MUST be completed. 4. The closing date and time for this application is 17h00 (SA time) on 24 March Applications received after the deadline and incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications well in advance of the closing time to avoid the risk that electronic submissions may be delayed during the transmission process. 5. Applications consist of Technical/Narrative and Budget Application. A highlevel budget must be provided to indicate the cost categories summary budget for program implementation. 6. Applications must be submitted by to gfsrapps@righttocare.org with the following subject heading EOI for SR services RFA number: RFAGF11RTC17/ All costs incurred in completing applications will be for the applicant s expense. Specifically, Right to Care, the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria nor the South African National AIDS Council will cover or reimburse any costs incurred in the application process. 8. Lobbying of Right to Care staff, SANAC staff/or CCM members or others who may be involved in the selection and award process will result in applicants being disqualified. 9. Any form of incentive (financial or otherwise) which seeks to influence the outcome of the evaluation or award process will result in immediate disqualification of the applicant and may lead to prosecution. 10.The evaluation and selection process will be led by Right to Care with support from external stakeholders. Applicant organisations will be subject to approval and confirmation by the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria. Right to Care cannot give any assurance that selected applicants will be approved. 11.Right to Care reserves the right to change/amend or terminate the application process either in full or in any part at any time. Any changes will be notified on the Right to Care website Potential applicants are advised to consult the website regularly. No costs incurred by potential or actual Page 12 of 16

13 applicants will be reimbursed (as above) including whether resulting from changes/amendment or cancelation. 12. All information received will be treated as confidential. 13. The anticipated contract duration (subject to satisfactory performance) is from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2019, and program indicators are to be fulfilled within the allocated timeframe subject to the GFATM Performance Based Funding Model. All program indicators and targets will be discussed with shortlisted applicants. 13. Application Timeframes The following timeframes are indicative only and subject to change. GFATM and CCM approval may be required at different stages of the process, if necessary. 1. Acknowledgment of receipt of application: within 2 working days of submission 2. Administrative compliance assessment: within 1 week of the application deadline. Applicants who are (a) administratively non-compliant with the application process will be advised and/or (b) who have audit qualification issues may be contacted for clarification. 3. Technical and budget evaluation: within 4 weeks of the application deadline. Applications will be awarded 2 assessment ratings (a) pass score and rank placement or (b) unsuccessful. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of the evaluation as soon a practically possible. The rank placement will determine selected and reserve applicants. 4. Pre-Award Assessments and grant negotiations with selected applicants will be undertaken within 4 weeks of the evaluation outcome. Selected applicants may be eliminated during this process and other ranked organisations may be substituted. 5. Contract signing: For completed grant negotiation/pre-award assessed organisations within 1 month of completion of the pre-award assessment. Unsuccessful, but ranked, organisations will then be notified of the outcome. It is anticipated that contracts will be agreed during April SR Appeal: Right to Care will not provide any provisions for an appeal of the SR application outcome. 14. Application Questions and Briefing Session 1. In order to ensure consistency and equal access to information, application questions may be submitted in writing to gfsrapps@righttocare.org. 2. Responses to written questions and questions raised at the briefing sessions will be posted on the RTC website (expected date of posting is 10 March 2017). 15. SR Selection Process Applicants have 10 working days to respond to the RFA from the date of publication of the advertisement. Page 13 of 16

14 The selection of SRs will take place within 10 days of the closing date for proposals and is carried out by a selection committee consisting of RTC staff and other relevant experts. SRs will be notified of the outcome of their application no later than 30 days after the date of publication of the advertisement. Onsite assessment of selected new organisations will take place within 2 weeks of notification of selection. All efforts will be made to sign contract with selected SR in April However processes that promote fairness and accountability will be followed at all stages before this can be done. Contracts with new SR will be signed within a week of successful assessment Selection Criteria The following criteria will be used to assess and select sub-recipients for the programme: Evaluation Criteria Eligibility Please refer to the Application Template for the administrative compliance criteria being used in the Application Template. Points Eligible/Not eligible All of these are important indications of merit but the following criteria is a pre-requisite to continue to the formal scored evaluation process of the proposal: -Evidence on being registered as a legal entity -Evidence of being a registered NPO with the Department of Social Development (DSD) - Emerging organisations should also provide the following in the absence of an AFS - Unaudited annual financial statements - The latest set on management accounts (including a Balance Sheet and an Income Statement) - Letter of good financial standing if AFS are unavailable (Applicable to emerging SRs) Technical merit of proposal 80 Financial merit 20 TOTAL 100 Page 14 of 16

15 16. Sources of information Applicants are encouraged to draw information from as many sources as possible. However, in addition to the RTC website other useful links are: SANAC: South African National Department of Health: GFATM: UNAIDS: World Health Organisation: United States Agency for International Development (USAID): Centers for Diseases Control: RTC Application Forms and how to complete them The application consists of two sections both of which must be completed: Part A: ORGANISATION DETAILS, EXPERIENCE IN EACH FOCUS AREA, AND SR ABILITY Part B: MORE DETAILED SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RELATED TO ABILITY TO FULFILL REQUIREMENTS OF A SR Consortium applications are welcome but these must be led by a single organisation. The lead organisation, if contracted, will be 100% responsible for the programme performance, grant implementation and, importantly, fund management and accountability. If lead applicants are applying on behalf of partners, then a Partnering Organisations Form for each organisation is required see Part 1 of the Section A application. Applications will only be accepted from legally registered organisations (with a company registration number). Applications from individuals will not be accepted. The following is the programme area (PA) for which applications are being requested: PA: Support implementation of programmes to increase coverage and uptake of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and TB screening through comprehensive integrated HIV prevention services for men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender (TG) people. No other geographical areas will be considered other than the one stipulated in the Expression of Interest (EoI). Only the province indicated is available for this call for proposal no other geographic focus areas will be considered. 18. Attachments and supporting documentation: Only applications in the required format with the specified attachments should be submitted. No other attachments are required at this stage. Audited accounts, registration documents etc. will only be required after the evaluation. Any organisation that fails to provide the required documentation within 2 weeks of a request to do so Page 15 of 16

16 will be disqualified. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it meets the requirements and has the required documentation available. Specifically, and to avoid overburdening DoH and others with requests from multiple applicants, letters of support are not required. Where appropriate, agreements will be developed with Departments at an appropriate point following the application assessment. 19. Final Comments Preparing grant applications is often very stressful. It is a competitive process and it is not normally possible to award grants to all organisations who apply. Below are some final comments and advice: Start early, it takes more time than you imagine. It takes time to think, reorientate ideas from time-to-time and focus as thoughts emerge. Check the Right to Care website regularly updates will be posted if/as they arise. If you are working in a team, agree roles, responsibilities and timeframes for delivery. If you are working with partner organisations, agree roles, responsibilities and indicative budget allocations early. Disagreements late in the application process will harm your application. Complete the forms as required, changing form formats and missing out sections reduces the possibility for success and may result in disqualification. Respond to what the call for proposals is asking. Be specific. Ensure that the narrative and budget are aligned. Use the spell check function Ensure that you submit on time never leave it to the last minute. Good luck! Page 16 of 16