USAID RFP: Integrated WASH and Health Systems Strengthening in the Sahel

The USAID RFP for Integrated WASH and Health Systems Strengthening in the Sahel is a flagship funding opportunity designed to address the interconnected crises of water scarcity and weak health systems in the Sahel region. With a budget likely exceeding $50 million over five years, this solicitation targets organizations capable of delivering large-scale, integrated programs in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The RFP is part of USAID's broader commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), while also contributing to stability and resilience in conflict-affected areas. The proposal must demonstrate a deep understanding of the region's complex dynamics, including climate variability, population displacement, and recurrent disease outbreaks. The donor emphasizes a systems approach, moving beyond standalone WASH projects to foster linkages with primary healthcare, disease surveillance, and community governance. Key technical areas include sustainable water supply (solar-powered boreholes, rainwater harvesting), sanitation (CLTS, sewerage in health facilities), hygiene behavior change, health workforce training, and health information systems strengthening. Cross-cutting themes include gender equality, social inclusion, climate adaptation, and local capacity building. The RFP requires a robust monitoring and evaluation framework with measurable outcomes, such as reductions in waterborne diseases and maternal mortality. GSLI's courses in WASH, Public Health, Project Management, M&E, Financial Management, and Grants Management can provide the technical and institutional capacity needed to design and implement a winning proposal. This overview sets the stage for a detailed analysis of the opportunity's requirements and strategic implications.

This opportunity is designed for a wide range of organizations including international NGOs, local NGOs (LNGOs), private sector firms, academic institutions, research institutes, and public international organizations (PIOs). Eligibility extends to both U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, provided they have a demonstrated track record in integrated WASH and health programming in fragile or conflict-affected states. The donor particularly encourages partnerships with local organizations to ensure sustainability and local ownership. Successful applicants typically possess experience in community-led total sanitation (CLTS), behavior change communication, solar-powered water systems, health facility WASH improvements, disease surveillance, and health workforce training. Financial eligibility requires a stable funding base, audited financial statements for the past three years, and adequate internal controls for managing U.S. federal funds. Geographically, the emphasis is on the Sahel region, specifically Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, though activities may also extend to cross-border areas. Organizations with existing country offices or strong local partnerships in these countries will have a competitive advantage. Additionally, the proposal must demonstrate alignment with USAID's policies on gender equality and women's empowerment, localization, and climate-resilient development. Non-eligible entities include for-profit companies without a clear development mandate, although they may participate as subcontractors. GSLI's courses in Project Management for Development and Financial Management for NGOs are invaluable for organizations seeking to strengthen their administrative and financial readiness for this complex award. The ideal applicant is a consortium of organizations that combine technical WASH expertise, public health capacity, and strong local roots, ensuring both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.

USAID's global priorities align closely with the U.S. government's Sahel Strategy, which emphasizes stabilizing conflict-affected regions, reducing irregular migration, and countering violent extremism through development assistance. For this RFP, the donor prioritizes integrated approaches that break down silos between WASH and health sectors. Key investment KPIs include: (1) number of people with sustained access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation; (2) reduction in under-five mortality due to diarrheal diseases; (3) increase in health facilities with functional WASH services; (4) strengthening of national health information systems to track WASH-related diseases; and (5) adoption of climate-smart WASH technologies. The donor also prioritizes cross-cutting themes such as gender equality (e.g., targeting women and girls in WASH programming, addressing menstrual hygiene management), social inclusion (people with disabilities, displaced populations), and local capacity building. Another priority is measurement of value for money, demonstrating cost-effective interventions that can be scaled or replicated. The donor expects proposals to leverage digital health solutions, such as mobile data collection for water quality testing or telemedicine for remote healthcare. Climate adaptation is critical, given the Sahel's vulnerability to droughts and floods; interventions must incorporate climate resilience in water source selection, infrastructure design, and community planning. Finally, the donor seeks to strengthen local governance and accountability mechanisms, such as water user committees and health facility management boards, ensuring communities have a voice in service delivery. GSLI's course on Monitoring & Evaluation for NGOs directly addresses the need for robust indicator frameworks and data management systems to track these KPIs effectively. In summary, proposals that demonstrate a deep understanding of these priorities and propose innovative, evidence-based approaches will stand out.

Eligibility for this USAID RFP extends to entities that meet stringent regulatory, financial, and technical criteria. Legally, applicants must be registered as a legal entity (e.g., nonprofit, for-profit, university) in their country of origin and must have a valid UEI (Unique Entity ID) from SAM.gov for U.S. organizations. Non-U.S. organizations must register with their national equivalent and provide documentation of local registration. Financial eligibility requires submission of audited financial statements for the last three fiscal years, demonstrating a consistent ability to manage funds in the range of $5–$10 million annually. The organization must have a DUNS number (or equivalent) and a clear procurement and financial management policy compliant with 2 CFR 200. For consortia, a lead applicant must be designated, and all partners must meet similar eligibility standards. The donor requires a minimum cost share of 5% from applicants, which can be in-kind contributions such as office space, staff time, or supplies. Geographically, the applicant must demonstrate a physical presence or registered partnership in at least one of the target countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger) and provide letters of intent from local partners. Technical eligibility includes a proven track record of at least three years in implementing integrated WASH and health programs with budgets over $1 million. Additionally, the organization must have policies on safeguarding, anti-corruption, and do no harm, and be willing to undergo a pre-award survey by USAID. Organizations with prior USAID funding and satisfactory performance records will have a competitive advantage. Excluded from eligibility are organizations debarred or suspended by the U.S. government, those with conflicts of interest, or those not aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives. GSLI's course on Grants Management is essential for ensuring compliance with USAID's complex award requirements, including budgeting, reporting, and audit readiness.

To secure the USAID award for Integrated WASH and Health Systems Strengthening in the Sahel, organizations must follow a strategic roadmap that blends technical excellence with institutional readiness, leveraging GSLI training to fill critical capacity gaps. Step 1: Conduct a Rapid Opportunity Assessment and Consortium Formation (Weeks 1-4). This involves analyzing the RFP requirements, identifying target countries and sectors where your organization has comparative advantage, and mapping potential local partners. GSLI's course 'Writing Winning Proposals' will equip your team with techniques to structure responsive narratives. Simultaneously, initiate due diligence on partners, including financial checks and local registration verification. Step 2: Develop a Robust Theory of Change and Technical Approach (Weeks 5-8). Align your intervention with USAID's priorities by integrating WASH with primary healthcare, disease surveillance, and community resilience. GSLI's 'Public Health & Epidemiology' course will strengthen the health systems component, while 'WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)' provides foundational knowledge on sustainable technologies. Ensure your approach includes climate adaptation, gender equality, and local ownership. Step 3: Build Institutional and Financial Readiness (Weeks 9-12). Compile required documentation: audited financials, procurement policies, safeguarding policies, and letters of commitment. GSLI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Grants Management' courses will help ensure your financial systems meet USAID's 2 CFR 200 standards. Develop a detailed budget with a 5% cost share, incorporating GSLI training costs as a capacity-building investment. Step 4: Write a Compelling Proposal and Submit (Weeks 13-18). Synthesize all elements into a coherent proposal, emphasizing value for money, sustainability, and partnerships. GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation for Development' course will help design a robust M&E framework with baseline indicators, targets, and data collection methods. Include a strong institutional capacity statement highlighting how GSLI courses have upskilled your staff. Finally, submit through Grants.gov by the deadline, ensuring all attachments are complete and system-generated errors resolved. Post-submission, debrief your team and plan for potential revisions or interviews. This roadmap integrates GSLI's targeted courses at every stage, positioning your consortium as a knowledgeable, capable partner ready to deliver lasting impact in the Sahel.