Improved Health Services and Systems in the North of Mali | 720 688 20 RFI 00001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this notice from USAID Mali?

This notice is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by USAID Mali (Bamako) related to an anticipated activity called "Improved Health Services and Systems in the North of Mali" (Funding Opportunity Number 72068820RFI00001). It is early-stage outreach meant to gather feedback from potential partners and stakeholders to help shape how a future activity could be designed and implemented.

Is this a finalized funding solicitation or an open call for proposals?

No. The information provided indicates this is not a finalized solicitation for awards. It is an RFI intended to collect input, ideas, and operational considerations before USAID decides on a final program design and any formal procurement or assistance process.

What is the name of the anticipated activity?

The anticipated activity is called "Improved Health Services and Systems in the North of Mali."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is 72068820RFI00001.

Which USAID office issued the RFI and where is it based?

USAID Mali issued the RFI, and it is based in Bamako.

What sector does this opportunity focus on?

The opportunity sits in the health sector and is associated with CFDA 98.001.

What geographic area is the activity intended to cover?

The activity is framed as a district-level effort focused on northern Mali, where insecurity, distance, and weak service delivery can limit routine care.

What overall problem is the activity trying to address?

Based on the description provided, the activity is intended to improve access to essential health services in northern Mali, particularly in settings where insecurity, long distances, and weak service delivery reduce access to routine care and timely treatment.

What is the core concept or approach described for the activity?

The core concept is to strengthen primary health care and the ability of district systems to provide referrals for select higher-level services. USAID signals a deliberately limited, practical service package designed for what can realistically be delivered and sustained in the operating context.

Does USAID expect broad health system upgrades or a more targeted approach?

The description emphasizes targeted facility-level support rather than broad, resource-intensive upgrades, with a focus on feasibility and sustainability in a challenging operating environment.

What maternal, newborn, and child health interventions are highlighted?

The RFI highlights support for integrated management of newborn and child illness (IMNCI) and basic emergency obstetric and newborn care (BEmONC). These are presented as key interventions to reduce preventable maternal, newborn, and under-five morbidity and mortality through better diagnosis, timely treatment, and improved management of complications at the appropriate level of care.

What does the RFI suggest about referral systems?

Referral is emphasized repeatedly. This suggests strengthening linkages between communities, peripheral facilities, and higher-level services may be central, potentially including improvements in transport, communication, and coordination so complications can be referred and managed at the appropriate level.

Will mobile clinics be part of the implementation model?

The RFI notes the use of mobile clinics "where possible." This implies an approach that can reach hard-to-reach or conflict-affected communities where fixed facilities may be too distant, nonfunctional, or underused due to security and access barriers.

What role do community health workers (CHWs) play in the described concept?

Community health workers are mentioned "where possible" as part of the service delivery model. Their role, as described, would include providing routine community-based services, reinforcing preventive behaviors, conducting basic screening, and helping ensure timely referral for complications.

Is family planning included, and what would it cover?

Family planning is listed as a potential component. The description includes service delivery, counseling, commodities, and behavior change communication, indicating both supply-side support (methods and trained providers) and demand-side work (addressing misconceptions, social norms, and informed choice).

How is malaria support described in this RFI?

Malaria support is described in terms of commodities, suggesting an emphasis on making key items available, such as diagnostic tests and treatment, subject to the final activity design.

How is nutrition addressed in the potential service package?

Nutrition is framed around prevention, paired with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) treatment products. This signals interest in reducing malnutrition and illness through improved feeding practices and basic household-level WASH interventions that can reduce diarrheal disease and related nutrition setbacks.

Is maternal and child health mentioned beyond IMNCI and BEmONC?

Yes. Maternal and child health is listed as a component in addition to IMNCI and BEmONC, indicating broader support across the continuum of care, such as antenatal and postnatal care and routine child health services, depending on how USAID ultimately scopes the final package.

Is the service package expected to be comprehensive?

No. The description indicates the service package is intended to be limited and practical, prioritizing what can realistically be delivered and sustained in northern Mali given insecurity and access constraints.

Who is eligible to respond based on the eligibility information provided?

The eligibility field is listed as "Unrestricted," which typically indicates a wide range of organizations could potentially respond to the RFI and may later compete if a formal solicitation is released.

Does responding to the RFI mean an organization will be selected for an award?

Not based on the information provided. At the RFI stage, the purpose is generally to collect ideas, operational considerations, and information about partner capacity rather than to select an implementer.

Are there details on award amount, award ceiling, or number of awards?

No. The listing does not provide an award ceiling, expected number of awards, or clear instrument specifics. The instrument type is described only as "Other," which reinforces that this notice is exploratory rather than a finalized funding announcement.

What are the key implementation platforms emphasized by USAID in this concept?

The RFI emphasizes a mix of targeted facility-level support, community-based platforms (including community health workers where possible), and mobile service delivery where possible, with strong referral pathways to connect patients to higher-level services when needed.

What is the CFDA number referenced for this opportunity?

The CFDA number referenced is 98.001.

When was the RFI posted and when was feedback originally due?

The posting date was July 2, 2020, and the original closing date for feedback was July 16, 2020.

What is the main practical takeaway for organizations reviewing this notice?

Based on the information provided, USAID is seeking input to shape a feasible, high-impact district-level health activity in conflict-affected northern Mali, focused on primary care, essential commodities and services, frontline maternal and child health quality (including IMNCI and BEmONC), and functional referral pathways supported by community and mobile delivery approaches where possible.