Opportunity Information: Apply for 7200AA18RFA00004
The Long-term Assistance and SErvices for Research (LASER) opportunity is a USAID cooperative agreement designed to strengthen how development research is generated, shared, and actually used in real-world programming and policy. The core idea is to leverage and expand international university networks that include both U.S. universities and institutions in lower-middle income countries (LMICs). Through this award, USAID wants a lead implementing higher education institution to help identify new, high-value research questions, fund and manage research activities, translate findings into practical development impact, and build the long-term research capacity of LMIC universities and researchers. Rather than prescribing a single fixed research agenda, USAID expects applicants to propose a clear plan and workplan for how they will meet these goals, with the understanding that implementation will be refined in consultation with USAID over time.
A central feature of LASER is the creation, engagement, and/or growth of a large, cross-disciplinary network of university researchers, centers, and institutes. USAID is looking for a network that can do two things well: first, independently surface and pursue impactful research questions that matter to the international development community; and second, respond to USAID-specific needs by partnering with USAID Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices when unique research demands arise. In practice, this means the implementing partner is expected to function as a kind of connector and facilitator, quickly bringing together the right academic expertise (technical and geographic) to match development challenges and USAID learning priorities. The program also emphasizes participatory engagement, meaning research topics and approaches should be shaped with input from local stakeholders, not only by external researchers or Washington-based priorities.
Capacity strengthening for LMIC higher education institutions is not treated as a side benefit; it is one of the explicit outcomes. USAID intends for LMIC universities to gain human and institutional capacity by collaborating directly with U.S. researchers, participating in funded research opportunities, and receiving technical assistance that helps them translate research into formats and messages that decision-makers can use. LASER is framed as a way to engage the full research-to-action ecosystem: universities, researchers, policymakers, civil society, and other development actors. The goal is for those groups to become more capable contributors to research success, and for research results to be communicated in ways that influence policy choices and program designs rather than sitting in academic publications alone.
USAID also positions LASER as part of a broader architecture of university engagement. The award is intended to coordinate with a sister project called the Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC), and both efforts contribute to USAID's Higher Education Solutions Network (HESN). Taken together, these initiatives are meant to make it easier for USAID to access scientific advice quickly, generate world-class evidence with strong collaboration and shared ownership, and convert research findings into actionable recommendations. USAID explicitly ties LASER to its science objective of increasing the use of scientific research to improve development outcomes, essentially by building a standing network of researchers who understand USAID's operating environment and can help solve development challenges on an ongoing basis.
On eligibility, only higher education institutions may apply as the Prime recipient for LASER. USAID uses a broad definition of higher education institutions, covering tertiary education organizations such as universities, colleges, research institutes, and specialized training institutes (including teacher training institutions), whether public or private. Consortia are allowed and encouraged, including partnerships that involve non-university organizations, but an HEI must serve as the Prime. Another key condition is that no federal assistance funds may be paid as profit to any for-profit entity that receives or administers the award as a recipient or subrecipient, consistent with 2 CFR 700.13.
From a compliance and risk standpoint, USAID notes that applicants must have solid financial management systems, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal controls, and written policies that meet U.S. government standards and regulations. USAID welcomes applicants that have not previously received USAID funding, but the chosen recipient must pass a responsibility determination. The Agreement Officer may require a pre-award survey to verify that the applicant has, or can obtain, the organizational structure, accounting and operational controls, experience, and technical capacity needed to deliver the program and comply with the award terms.
The opportunity is a discretionary USAID funding opportunity (CFDA 98.012) issued as a cooperative agreement, which typically means USAID expects to have substantial involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant. The funding opportunity number is 7200AA18RFA00004. The opportunity was created on December 6, 2017, with an original closing date of January 24, 2018. The award ceiling listed for the opportunity is $70,000,000, indicating USAID anticipated a large, multi-year platform capable of supporting a broad global network, multiple research activities, and sustained capacity-building and research-translation support across partner institutions.Apply for 7200AA18RFA00004
- The Agency for International Development in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Long-term Assistance and SErvices for Research (LASER)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.012.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-12-06.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-01-24. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $70,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
LASER (Long-term Assistance and SErvices for Research) - FAQs
1) What is the LASER opportunity?
LASER (Long-term Assistance and SErvices for Research) is a USAID cooperative agreement designed to strengthen how development research is generated, shared, and used in real-world programming and policy. The award is intended to support a large, cross-disciplinary university network that can produce high-value evidence and help convert research findings into practical development impact.
2) What problem is LASER trying to solve?
LASER is aimed at closing the gap between research and action. USAID wants stronger systems for identifying important development research questions, funding and managing research activities, translating evidence into usable guidance for decision-makers, and ensuring research results inform program design and policy decisions rather than remaining only in academic publications.
3) What type of funding mechanism is LASER?
LASER is a USAID discretionary funding opportunity issued as a cooperative agreement (CFDA 98.012). A cooperative agreement generally means USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant.
4) What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is 7200AA18RFA00004.
5) What is the award ceiling for LASER?
The listed award ceiling is $70,000,000. This ceiling suggests USAID anticipated a large, multi-year platform capable of supporting a broad global network, multiple research activities, and sustained capacity strengthening and research-translation support.
6) Who is eligible to apply as the Prime recipient?
Only higher education institutions (HEIs) may apply as the Prime recipient for LASER. USAID uses a broad definition of HEIs that includes universities, colleges, research institutes, and specialized training institutes (including teacher training institutions), whether public or private.
7) Can a consortium apply?
Yes. Consortia are allowed and encouraged, including partnerships that involve non-university organizations. However, an HEI must serve as the Prime recipient.
8) Are lower-middle income country (LMIC) institutions expected to be involved?
Yes. A core concept of LASER is leveraging and expanding international university networks that include both U.S. universities and institutions in lower-middle income countries (LMICs). Capacity strengthening for LMIC higher education institutions is an explicit expected outcome.
9) What is USAID looking for the implementing partner to do?
USAID expects the lead implementing higher education institution to: identify new, high-value research questions; fund and manage research activities; translate findings into practical development impact; and build long-term research capacity of LMIC universities and researchers.
10) Does USAID provide a fixed research agenda?
No. Rather than prescribing a single fixed research agenda, USAID expects applicants to propose a clear plan and workplan describing how they will meet LASER goals. Implementation is expected to be refined over time in consultation with USAID.
11) What is the role of the university network under LASER?
The network is intended to be large and cross-disciplinary, engaging university researchers, centers, and institutes. USAID is looking for a network that can independently surface and pursue impactful research questions and also respond to USAID-specific research needs when they arise.
12) How should the network respond to USAID-specific needs?
The implementing partner is expected to partner with USAID Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices when unique research demands arise. In practice, this means serving as a connector and facilitator who can quickly convene the right academic expertise (technical and geographic) to match development challenges and USAID learning priorities.
13) How important is local stakeholder input in setting research topics?
Participatory engagement is emphasized. Research topics and approaches are expected to be shaped with input from local stakeholders, not only by external researchers or Washington-based priorities.
14) Is capacity strengthening for LMIC universities optional or required?
It is an explicit outcome, not a side benefit. USAID intends for LMIC universities to gain human and institutional capacity through collaboration with U.S. researchers, funded research opportunities, and technical assistance that improves their ability to translate research into formats and messages that decision-makers can use.
15) What does "research-to-action ecosystem" mean in this opportunity?
LASER is framed to engage the full ecosystem involved in moving evidence into practice, including universities, researchers, policymakers, civil society, and other development actors. The goal is to strengthen the ability of these groups to contribute to research success and to communicate results in ways that influence policy and program design.
16) How does LASER relate to RTAC and HESN?
USAID intends LASER to coordinate with a sister project called the Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC). Both LASER and RTAC contribute to USAID's Higher Education Solutions Network (HESN), a broader architecture for engaging universities and accessing scientific advice and evidence for development.
17) What is USAID's broader objective for LASER?
USAID ties LASER to its science objective of increasing the use of scientific research to improve development outcomes, in part by building a standing network of researchers who understand USAID's operating environment and can help solve development challenges on an ongoing basis.
18) Are for-profit organizations allowed to receive profit under this award?
No. A key condition is that no federal assistance funds may be paid as profit to any for-profit entity that receives or administers the award as a recipient or subrecipient, consistent with 2 CFR 700.13.
19) What compliance capabilities does USAID expect from applicants?
Applicants are expected to have solid financial management systems, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal controls, and written policies that meet U.S. government standards and regulations.
20) Does USAID allow applicants that have not previously received USAID funding?
Yes. USAID welcomes applicants that have not previously received USAID funding, but the selected recipient must pass a responsibility determination.
21) What is a pre-award survey and could it be required?
The Agreement Officer may require a pre-award survey to verify that the applicant has, or can obtain, the organizational structure, accounting and operational controls, experience, and technical capacity needed to implement the program and comply with award terms.
22) When was this opportunity created and when did it close?
The opportunity was created on December 6, 2017. The original closing date was January 24, 2018.
23) What does it mean that this is a "cooperative agreement" in practical terms?
Based on how USAID describes the mechanism, it means USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation. Applicants should anticipate ongoing collaboration and refinement of implementation details with USAID over time.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: Lewy Body Dementia Center Without Walls (CWOW) (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Previous opportunity: Limited Competition: Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase III - Transitional Centers (P30 Clinical Trial Optional)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 7200AA18RFA00004
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (7200AA18RFA00004) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| PAS Buenos Aires Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS AR200 FY18 01 Funding Number: PAS AR200 FY18 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Argentina Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| FY 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Apply for ECA ECAAE 18 013 Funding Number: ECA ECAAE 18 013 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $14,500,000 |
| USAID/DRC Broad Agency Announcement: Establishing Conflict Free Supply Chains in Eastern DRC and Reducing the Vulnerability of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Communities to Conflict Apply for 720660BAA1800001 Funding Number: 720660BAA1800001 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID-Funded Community Based Counter Wildlife Trafficking Activity Apply for 72060518RFA00002 Funding Number: 72060518RFA00002 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Julia Taft Refugee Fund Annual Program Statement, POL/ECON, U.S. Embassy Yaounde Apply for AFYDE JTF GR POLECON 2018 Funding Number: AFYDE JTF GR POLECON 2018 Agency: U.S. Mission to Cameroon Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Announcement of Stand Down Grants Apply for VPL 02 18 Funding Number: VPL 02 18 Agency: Veterans Employment and Training Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Notice of Intent: Operation and Maintenance of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) for seismic monitoring of Cascades volcanoes in Washington and Oregon Apply for USGS FA 18 0029 Funding Number: USGS FA 18 0029 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Sustainable Model for Improving the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Apply for 72044018RFA00001 Funding Number: 72044018RFA00001 Agency: USAID-VIETNAM Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Canberra PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PASAUS NOFO FY18 01 Funding Number: PASAUS NOFO FY18 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Australia Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Cultural/Alumni/English-Language Small Grants Program Apply for PAS CHISINAU FY18 04 Funding Number: PAS CHISINAU FY18 04 Agency: U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP) Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Project- Senegal Apply for DKR NOFO FY18 01 Funding Number: DKR NOFO FY18 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Senegal Category: Other Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| FY 2018 American English E-Teacher Program Apply for ECA ECAALW 18 002 Funding Number: ECA ECAALW 18 002 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| FY2018 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship Apply for ECA ECAAE 18 014 Funding Number: ECA ECAAE 18 014 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $5,400,000 |
| FY 2018 English Access Microscholarship Program Apply for ECA ECAALW 18 003 Funding Number: ECA ECAALW 18 003 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $26,000,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Seoul PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS SEOUL FY18 01 Funding Number: PAS SEOUL FY18 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to South Korea Category: Other Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| 2018 Chad and Cameroon Apply for SFOP0003933 Funding Number: SFOP0003933 Agency: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| FY 2018 Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program Organizational Components Apply for ECA ECAPEC 18 101 Funding Number: ECA ECAPEC 18 101 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $11,841,240 |
| Grants for Media Program: Informational Cinema Apply for PAS CHISINAU FY18 03 Funding Number: PAS CHISINAU FY18 03 Agency: U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Media Program: American Film Showcase Apply for PAS CHISINAU FY18 05 Funding Number: PAS CHISINAU FY18 05 Agency: U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Small Grants Program Apply for DOS KAZ AST AEECA 18 01 Funding Number: DOS KAZ AST AEECA 18 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Category: Other Funding Amount: $30,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "7200AA18RFA00004", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.