HIV Vaccine Innovation, Science, and Technology Acceleration in Africa (HIV-VISTA)

Background
The objective of the HIV-VISTA Project is to support sub-Saharan African scientists, institutions, and innovative systems of collaboration in designing and testing improved HIV vaccine candidates that will advance the field toward the long-term goal of a safe and globally-effective HIV vaccine. The world still needs an HIV vaccine to sustainably control the HIV pandemic. Despite significant progress to combat HIV and achieve epidemic control, the most recent UNAIDS global analysis estimates that 1.5 million people became newly infected in 2021, with almost two-thirds of these new infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Grant Details
The program will focus on utilizing existing capacity, scientific talent, and ingenuity in SSA to advance the HIV vaccine field through supporting activities in five interrelated areas:

- Design and implement early-stage clinical trials of HIV vaccine immunogens
- Conduct laboratory analyses on samples from trials and epidemiological studies
- Test innovative preclinical HIV vaccine concepts
- Strengthen systems of collaborations for HIV vaccine research in SSA
- Increase opportunities to advance the careers of promising sub-Saharan African scientists, partner with civil society advocates, affected communities including those at-risk and people living with HIV/AIDS, policymakers, and communicators to advance sub-Saharan African-led HIV vaccine science.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for this NOFO is restricted to organizations that are local entities in African countries. An entity must be incorporated or legally organized under the laws of, and have its principal place of business in the country or a country in the region served by the PEPFAR program with which the entity is or may become involved. At least 75% beneficially owned at the time of application by individuals who are citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents of that same country; OR at least 75% of the entity’s staff (senior, mid-level, support) at the time of application must be citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents of that same country. Where an entity has a Board of Directors, at least 51% of the members of the Board must also be citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents of such country.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance is five years. The estimated start date will be upon signature of the Award and is anticipated to be before July 1, 2023.

Grant Value
USAID intends to make one or two awards to implement this project with up to $46,000,000 in total USAID funding over a five-year period.

Place of Performance
Activities should be implemented in at least three different countries in sub-Saharan Africa.