FUNDING-Limited Submission – USAID – Long-term Assistance and SErvices for Research (LASER) (7200AA18RFA00004); January 24, 2018

 

Purpose: Through the Long-term Assistance and SErvices for Research (LASER) program, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks to leverage and support international university networks, inclusive of universities from both the United States (U.S.) and lower-middle income countries (LMIC), to improve development research opportunities, evidence generation, and uptake by development actors and policy makers. As part of the Cooperative Agreement, USAID will support a recipient to identify new research questions, fund research activities, translate research results into development impact, and build capacity of local higher education institutions and researchers. USAID seeks to support a recipient with a defined plan to achieve these goals, with the specific details and workplan proposed by the recipient, in consultation with USAID. USAID specifically seeks to support an implementing partner whose workplan includes the creation, engagement, and/or growth of a large, international network of university researchers, centers, and institutes across disciplines that can 1) independently identify and address new and impactful research questions with high relevance to the international development community AND 2) partner with USAID Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices (M/B/IOs) to address unique research needs identified by USAID.

 

Funding Amount:  up to $14,000,000 per year for 5 years

 

Link to Funding Opportunity Announcement

 

Institutional Limit:  1 Concept Note

 

Internal Competition:  To participate in the university’s selection process,please upload, via this portal, a brief project overview (1/2 – 1 page) by January 9, 2018. Email a copy of the file to your Associate Dean for Research.

 

Agency Deadline:  Concept Note due January 24, 2018.