What is the primary objective of the Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) project?
The ATTP project aims to strengthen the capacity of the African Union Commission (AUC) for policymaking
and implementation by harnessing resources from national and continental think tanks. It focuses on
translating the ambitions of Agenda 2063 into tangible development outcomes for the continent, fostering
an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. Ultimately, this project is intended to operate as a
sustainable policymaking tool.
2. Who are the beneficiaries of the ATTP project? ,
The direct and immediate beneficiaries are the relevant stakeholders who gain from support aimed at
strengthening policy-making capacity. This includes regional entities such as the AUC, its specialized
agencies, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), African governments, think tanks, and Africans as
the ultimate beneficiaries. Participating think tanks will receive various benefits, including support
for research and analytical work on cross-boundary policy issues, policy engagement, policy adoption,
and institutional capacity building. It is expected that approximately 15 think tanks, about 1 percent
of the 1,300 across the continent, will directly benefit from the project.
3. How is the call for proposals linked to the ATTP Project?
The project serves as a critical enabler of Africa's economic transformation by promoting and
accelerating the uptake of relevant policies identified by think tanks. African think tanks will be
invited to submit proposals that present practical solutions, highlight evidence, demonstrate strong
potential for impact, and align with the project's objectives. To realize this vision, the project will
be executed in three components:
The call for proposals responds to Component II of the project.
For more information on the components and project, please visit the ATTP project portal on the World Bank Website.
4. What are the priority thematic areas covered under the project?
The ATTP project will initially target six priority thematic areas that are aligned with the AU’s Agenda
2063 and other initiatives that articulate continent priorities, such as the Sustainable Development
Goals and International Development Association (IDA) regional priorities:
5. What are the key areas for which the think tank consortia are expected to implement
activities?
The consortia are expected to implement activities:
6. How is the ATTP project financed, and what is the total funding amount?
The ATTP project is financed through an International Development Association (IDA) grant from the World Bank Group, amounting to US$50 million. The project life cycle is from July 2024 to June 2028.
7. What are the key components of financial management within the ATTP project?
Financial Management (FM) for the project involves several crucial aspects, including budgetary controls, clearly defined procedures, managed fund flows/disbursements, a robust accounting system, qualified FM staffing, effective information/accounting systems, internal controls, financial reporting, auditing arrangements, adherence to FM covenants, and a detailed FM Action Plan. This includes ensuring that Annual Work Plans and budgets (AWP&B) are submitted for the Bank's No Objection and closely following up on budget utilization. A finance officer will be recruited or assigned to the program, and relevant account codes will be maintained in the Applications and Processing (SAP) system.
8. What procurement guidelines and procedures must be followed within the ATTP project?
Procurement within the ATTP project must adhere to the World Bank's "Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing (IPF) Borrowers," specifically the Fourth Edition, November 2020. This includes preparing a detailed procurement plan, utilizing World Bank standard bidding documents, following up on solicitation documents with the Bank, and adhering to guidelines for international competitive bidding (ICB), bid evaluation, and contract award procedures. The Operations Support Services Directorate (OSSD/SCMD) is responsible for consolidating procurement plans and submitting them to the World Bank for review and approval through the World Bank’s internal procurement approval system, Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP).
9. What are the requirements for handling complaints related to procurement under the ATTP project?
Complaints arising from national procurement procedures when approaching the national market may be handled in accordance with the Borrower’s national procurement complaints review procedures, if those provisions are acceptable to the Bank. However, for contracts following national procurement procedures that are identified to be prior reviewed by the Bank, paragraphs 3.2 to 3.5 of Annex III of the Procurement Regulations shall also apply. Complaints arising under contracts where Bank Standard Procurement Documents (SPDs) are required will be handled in accordance with Annex III of the Procurement Regulations.
10. What role does the Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) play in the ATTP project?
The PPSD is a crucial document of AUC that outlines how procurement activities will support the development objectives of the ATTP project and deliver the best Value for Money (VfM) under a risk-based approach. It justifies the selection methods in the Procurement Plan and ensures that procurement decisions are strategically aligned with project goals.
11. What are the conditions for the disbursement of funds to selected think tanks?
Disbursement of funds to the successful think tanks will only occur after the AU has internally approved the submitted agreed deliverables. The AUC will register each selected think tank as a vendor in the AUC SAP system and assign a vendor ID. Upon approval of the submitted deliverables, the think tank will submit an invoice to the ATTP project secretariat for processing. AUC Finance will process the payment for each approved deliverable submitted by the think tank within 30 working days.
12. What are the conditions for disbursement of funds related to the Endowment Fund within the ATTP project?
Disbursement to the Endowment Fund will only occur after AUC has internally approved and established the Endowment Fund through its internal policy organs and appointed a Fund Manager, all in a manner satisfactory to the AUC.
13. What measures are in place to address fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest during procurement in the ATTP project?
The ATTP project incorporates measures to prevent and address fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest. The Bank can reject proposals, sanction firms or individuals, and require audits to ensure transparency and accountability. Firms or individuals declared ineligible or sanctioned by the Bank are excluded from participation. Bidders are required to permit the Bank to inspect all accounts, records, and other documents relating to the procurement process.
14. What is the governance mechanism of the Project, and what is its role?
The main governance body of the ATTP is the Think Tank Platform Steering Committee (TTPSC). The TTPSC's role is to provide strategic guidance and oversight for project implementation, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration among participating AUC departments and directorates.
15. What is the composition of the TTPSC?
The TTPSC will comprise 12 members and have pan-African representation, including representatives from the AUC, AU organs, and specialized agencies, as well as representatives of relevant regional bodies (Regional Economic Communities, the private sector, academia), and development partners supporting the AUC.
16. What are the frequency and modality of TTPSC meetings?
The TTPSC is expected to meet twice a year. This may include a meeting at the beginning of the year to discuss and approve work plans and budgets, and one at the end of the year to review annual reports. However, additional meetings may be required, for example, during the selection of think tanks and addressing other implementation issues as they arise. Meetings may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on the circumstances.
17. How are decisions made during TTPSC meetings?
Decision-making will be made through majority vote. That requires support from more than 50% of the members who attend the meeting if there is a quorum. In the event of a tie, the Chair of the TTPSC will cast the decisive vote.
18. Who can submit a proposal?
Only a consortium lead may submit a proposal on behalf of the consortium. Individual organizations are not eligible to apply.
19. How are proposals submitted?
Proposals must be submitted through the ATTP project platform: https://africathinktankplatform.africa. Only complete proposals submitted by consortia will advance to the review stage.
20. How will the applications be submitted?
Applicants are required to use the provided templates and submit their applications (application website) by the specified deadline.
21. What documents are required, and how do I ensure my proposal is complete?
Required Documents: All Interested Think Tanks must include the following information as part of their proposal submission:
22. Can I revise my proposal after it has been submitted?
Yes. Proposals can be edited once submitted before the deadline for submissions. Successful applications will be granted login credentials, which can be used to log in to the ATTP platform via the following link: https://africathinktankplatform.africa/login.. Applicants will only be given the option to edit and upload ‘Required Documents.’
23. How will I know if my proposal was received and accepted?
Applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submission using the official email they registered with on the ATTP platform. Notifications regarding completeness will be sent after the deadline.
24. How can I get help during the proposal preparation process?
Weekly informational webinars and open sessions will be organized regularly to support applicants. All registered applicants will get a notification through their registered email addresses. Notifications will also appear on the ATTP website page: https://africathinktankplatform.africa/events.
25. What languages does the application support?
The proposals should be submitted in English. Applicants can include an additional copy in one of the official African Union working languages (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Kiswahili).
26. How many proposals can be submitted per consortium?
Only one proposal per consortium is allowed, and only complete applications will be considered.
27. What are the key eligibility criteria that will be used for the selection of the think tanks?
To be eligible for this project, applicants must meet the following criteria:
28. How are think tanks and a consortium of think tanks defined in the context of the ATTP Project?
In the context of this project, a consortium refers to a collaborative association specifically comprised of African research think tanks.
Lead Think Tank: In addition to serving as a member of the consortium, the Lead Think Tank will steer and coordinate the consortium’s activities. This will involve providing strategic direction and guiding the consortium's endeavors, facilitating cooperation, and ensuring the accomplishment of shared objectives, including aiding fellow consortium members in achieving project goals.
Consortium Member Think Tanks: Consortium Member Think Tanks are the entities within the consortium, excluding the Lead Think Tank. They undertake a range of roles, including activities outlined in the consortium proposal, such as research, policy engagement, capacity building, and promoting inclusivity for female policy professionals. These think tanks also serve as focal points for specific themes, engaging in technical discussions with AUC thematic directorates. Researchers, analysts, and experts from each member think tank must actively contribute their expertise to collective efforts, fostering a dynamic environment for collaborative research and insights on regional and continental topics.
29. How is the Consortium of Think Tanks screened and selected, and what processes guide this selection?
The selection process will entail an initial screening step to ensure that the submitted proposals meet the eligibility criteria. After the initial screening process, an Independent Committee of Experts (ICE) will undertake a two-step review process involving a desk review followed by site visits to successful consortia.
After the initial screening process, an Independent Committee of Experts (ICE) will undertake a two-step review process, involving a desk review followed by site visits.
Screening: After the submission deadline, AUC staff will screen all proposals to ensure eligibility. Only applications that meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the call for proposals will proceed to the independent review stage. Each proposal will be carefully evaluated for completeness, compliance with the requirements, and adherence to the proposal format and guidelines. Any applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will be disqualified. Applicants will receive notification of screening results and instructions for the independent review process if they are selected to advance to the next stage.
After the initial screening step, an ICE hosted by the AUC will review all eligible proposals submitted for consideration. The ICE will evaluate the proposals based on a set of criteria, and each proposal will receive a score for three key areas: the quality of the proposal and its relevance to the ATTP objectives, the capacity of key personnel and operational systems to implement the proposed activities, and the proposed budget. The evaluation results will guide the ICE in recommending the final proposals for funding to the project’s key decision-making body, the Think Tank Platform Steering Committee (TTPSC), for approval. Selected think tank consortia will undergo an institutional capacity assessment to develop and supplement existing capacity-building activities. A critical area of grant support will be to help think tanks strengthen their financial sustainability. Receipt of funds will be contingent upon the think tank consortia's agreement to implement recommendations from these assessments. Consortia will also be required to develop a more detailed annual budget upon selection. Proposals will be evaluated based on a set of criteria, and each proposal will receive a score in the various areas. Each proposal will be assessed out of 100 marks, with the distribution of scores across the three key areas being 40:40:20. The minimum pass mark for each proposal to be evaluated will be 70 marks.
Site visits: The TTPSC will utilize the scores obtained to decide which proposals merit funding. Before selecting the consortium of think tanks, ICE, representatives from AUC, and independent observers from international think tanks will conduct site visits to assess the capacity and capability of the finalist think tanks to undertake the proposed work.
30. What are the key timelines of the selection process?
The selection process is expected to have the following timeline:
31. How will funds be allocated to the selected consortium of Think Tanks?
Think tank consortia will be selected based on proposal quality and availability of funds. It is expected that the ATTP project will provide support to 3-5 competitively selected African think tank consortia, granting a set amount per consortium up to 2.5-year period. Any earlier references to four years are superseded.
Each consortium’s funding will adhere to the following principles:
32. How will the consortium's performance be monitored and measured under the ATTP Project?
The Think Tank’s performance will be measured by its success in meeting or surpassing the set of performance targets stipulated in the Project Results Framework. To assess overall performance, progress toward achieving the end target will be measured annually. The methodology for measuring performance shall focus on the difference between the planned target and the actual performance. Therefore, the Think Tank must set realistic targets.
The Project performance and funding utilization shall be reviewed annually. If a think-tank fails to meet expected results for a given year (Year N) and demonstrates appropriate use of allocated funds (See Annex 1), the AUC and TTPSC may withhold up to 10% of the think-tank’s funding for the following year (Year N+1). These withheld funds can be released to the Think Tank upon full completion of Year N activities.
The project’s mid-term review shall serve as an opportunity to reallocate funds based on performance in relation to achieving targets and the effective use of project financing.
The combination of i) and ii) cannot lead to a cut of more than 10% of future funding.
Should a think tank not show evidence of progress toward achieving stipulated performance targets according to the timeline for implementation detailed in Annex 1 result framework or of use of funds, the AUC and the TTPSC, following consultation with the World Bank, may re-allocate funding from a non-performing Think Tank to other Think Tanks or project components with the mid-term review serving as the mechanism for re-allocation of funds that provide room for sanctions and rewards based on performance and achievement of agreed upon targets.
33. How are disputes under the project settled?
Any dispute arising under this Agreement, which cannot be amicably settled between the parties to this Agreement, shall be referred to the Think Tank Platform Steering Committee, which is the arbiter of all disputes. The decision of TTPSC is final.
34. Will the ATTP Secretariat organize an informational session for potential applicants?
The AUC will organize informational sessions to assist potential applicants of the ATTP project. These sessions are designed to support consortia of think tanks interested in applying for the project, providing essential knowledge and guidance on the program requirements, grant proposal development, and the proposal submission process. It is strongly encouraged that all eligible think tank consortia attend these sessions to engage with field experts and have their questions addressed. By organizing these sessions, the AUC aims to create a platform for participants to learn, exchange experiences, gain a comprehensive understanding of the project objectives, and ultimately submit stronger proposals.
35. Who and how to contact the ATTP Secretariat if the applicants have additional questions or requests for clarification?
For further information or clarification, applicants are invited to contact the ATTP Secretariat using this email address: attpinfo@africanunion.org
36. How is a “think tank” defined for ATTP purposes?
An independent (or functionally autonomous) African-registered organisation whose primary mission is evidence-based public policy research, translation, and engagement demonstrated through sustained analytical outputs, stakeholder interface, governance structure, and transparent financial stewardship.
37. Can a think tank participate in more than one consortium (e.g., lead in one and be a member in another)?
No. A think tank may not participate in more than one consortium. It must comprise of 3-5 think tanks per consortium.
38. After awards are made, may funded consortia collaborate or share activities?
Yes, knowledge exchange and informal collaboration are encouraged, but grant funds cannot be transferred across consortia or to non-member entities.
39. What expense categories are expected to be eligible?
Subject to meeting all eligibility criteria and final budget guidance, typical eligible direct costs may include:
All costs must be necessary, reasonable, included in the approved budget, and identifiable/verifiable.
40. Who manages intra-consortium contracts and fund distribution?
The lead think tank manages consortium coordination, contracting (e.g., sub agreements), internal disbursements, compliance, consolidated reporting, and liaison with the AUC/Secretariat.
41. Must the Deputy Consortium Coordinator come from the lead organisation?
No. The deputy may come from any consortium member. Selection should optimise operational reliability, thematic balance, and succession resilience.
42. How is the “30% of annual operating budget” ceiling calculated?
It is based on the most recent audited financial statement. A three-year audited average may be used if transparently stated. The ceiling applies to each member of the consortium, per project year.
43. Are indirect (overhead) costs allowable—and at what rate?
Yes. A typical acceptable range is 10–20% of the direct cost base (final guidance may refine this). Overheads must be justified, consistently applied, and exclude double-counted direct items.
44. What is the funding disbursement modality?
Disbursements are expected in tranches linked to (i) approved deliverables/milestones, (ii) performance and financial reporting acceptance, and (iii) annual work plan/budget approvals. No funds will flow before internal AUC approval of deliverables.
45. Can CVs exceed a fixed page limit or use a custom format?
No, a strict page limit is imposed, but concise, template-compliant CVs (focusing on relevant policy research, management, and thematic expertise) are strongly preferred. Do not replace the provided template.
46. May large supporting documents (e.g., audits) be submitted via links?
No. Uploading compressed files within size limits is not preferred. We strongly encourage applicants to compress large documents to meet the maximum file upload limit of less than 50 MB per upload.
47. Are not-for-profit organisations focused on digital financial services policy eligible as think tanks?
If they meet all think tank criteria (independent policy research, three years’ activity, governance structure, audited financials, and African legal registration).
48. Does incubation under a fiscal sponsor count toward the three-year operational requirement?
No. Time spent incubated under a fiscal sponsor does not count toward the three-year operational requirement; only the period following the applicant’s own legal registration—three full, consecutive years of independent operations with its own governance, finances, and program outputs—qualifies toward the threshold.
49. How should emerging or cross-cutting topics (e.g., digital financial inclusion) be integrated?
They may be embedded under the Digitalisation theme (or another justified theme) if aligned with Agenda 2063 and produce multi-country relevance.
50. Must all activities cover each selected theme equally?
No. Depth over uniformity is acceptable. Each selected theme must have a coherent rationale, outputs, and regional relevance, even if activity intensity varies.
51. Can a consortium be composed entirely of think tanks from one country?
No. A consortium must include eligible think tanks from more than one country to ensure genuine regional collaboration, diversification of perspectives, cross-border policy relevance, and scalable integration pathways; single-country compositions are ineligible, and proposals should clearly evidence multi-country complementarity, shared governance, and jointly produced outputs.
52. What strengthens the justification for single-country consortia?
Please refer to the response to Q. 51.
53. Is a single-country-based Pan-African or subregional think tank eligible to lead?
Yes, if it is legally registered in an AU Member State, meets all criteria, and can evidence continent-wide or multi-region policy engagement.
54. Are government or public-sector research institutes eligible?
Government or public sector research institutes are eligible only if they function as autonomous policy research entities: they must have a clear public policy analysis mandate (not merely implementation or internal advisory), demonstrable independence in setting and publishing research (governance or advisory board with safeguards against undue political interference), at least three consecutive years of substantive, externally released policy outputs (e.g., briefs, evaluations, policy notes), and three years of audited (or audit standard) financial statements or clearly segregated cost centre accounts. Required documentation should include the founding or legislative instrument (act, decree, charter), governance structure, recent policy outputs, evidence of stakeholder engagement, and financial/audit records. Ordinary government departments, purely implementation units, or internal analytical offices without autonomous publication and governance do not qualify.
55. Are universities eligible participants?
Universities as a whole institution are not automatically eligible; only a distinct policy research centre, institute, school-based policy unit, or similarly structured entity within a university qualifies if it operates as a de facto think tank. The unit must show: (1) a clearly articulated, outward-facing public policy research and influence mandate (beyond teaching and purely academic scholarship); (2) dedicated staff and a stable operating budget (not ad hoc faculty time only); (3) governance or advisory arrangements that provide strategic oversight and editorial independence; (4) at least three consecutive years of substantive, externally disseminated policy outputs (e.g., policy briefs, regulatory or legislative analyses, impact or options papers, stakeholder convenings) and documented policy engagement; and (5) three years of audited (or audit-standard) financial statements or transparently disaggregated cost-centre financials for the unit. Documentation should include the unit’s founding/authorization instrument (charter, mandate letter), organogram, sample policy outputs, evidence of stakeholder engagement (citations, invitations, testimonies), and financial/audit records isolating the unit. Academic departments or research groups producing primarily scholarly publications without structured policy translation or independent governance do not qualify.
56. Can global or international research institutions join?
No. International or globally headquartered think tanks/research institutions are not eligible as funded consortium beneficiaries or core members—this ineligibility applies even where they hold a local registration in an AU Member State. Local incorporation of an international entity does not convert it into an eligible domestic or regional think tank for this call. Consortia are, however, encouraged (not required) to engage such organizations as unfunded or separately contracted external technical collaborators (e.g., for specialized methods, comparative data, peer review, capacity strengthening), provided: (1) they do not receive grant funds as beneficiaries; (2) their roles are clearly delineated and non-decisional in consortium governance; and (3) any cost-sharing or pro bono contribution is transparently disclosed. Only eligible, locally rooted African think tanks may serve as funded members and exercise core governance, budgeting, and output ownership responsibilities.
Only independent African think tanks legally registered in AU Member States and with no direct political party or government funding are eligible.
57. Can a newly created entity (registered in 2023 or later) apply?
No. Each member must document at least three full years of operation (legal existence plus substantive outputs and audits).
58. Is prior platform registration required before submitting a proposal?
No. Registration and proposals are submitted directly via the ATTP portal. (A separate curated database registration process will be announced later.)
59. Can a network secretariat list its entire membership automatically?
No. Only explicitly named 3–5 eligible African think tanks form the consortium. Network affiliation alone does not confer member status.
60. Are all consortium members required to submit three years of audited financial statements?
Yes. This applies to every member (not just the lead). Public entities may submit official government audit reports.
61. What is the correct project implementation duration?
2.5 years. Any earlier references to four years are superseded and should be disregarded.
62. Is Component II the only one relevant to the call?
Yes. Components I and III provide a contextual backbone to the ATTP Project, but are not open to competitive proposal funding in this call.
63. Why is a consortium mandatory, and why name it?
The consortium model (3–5 members) ensures multi-institutional capacity, geographic/thematic complementarity, risk mitigation, and regional externalities. A consortium name facilitates identity, coordination, branding, legal clarity in agreements, and tracking.
64. Can coordinators also be counted among the “top researchers”?
Yes, provided role descriptions distinguish managerial (coordination, compliance, reporting) and substantive (research leadership) responsibilities, with adequate time allocation.
65. Are thematic responsibilities required to be shared across all members?
No. Distribution is flexible. Each selected theme must have sufficient expertise coverage; single-member stewardship is allowable if justified.
66. What is the status of collaboration with external (non-African) partners or firms offering research solutions?
External partners/firms may (a) be pre-identified in the proposal as unfunded collaborators or (b) be competitively procured post-award, subject to procurement rules. Their roles must not displace core consortium accountability.
67. Are cross-regional consortia allowed to focus on one subregion?
No. Consortia must design and implement a program spanning at least two AU subregions; a single subregion focus is not a requirement, but consortia that have representation from more AU sub-regions will receive additional points in the evaluation. Proposals should clearly justify the selected subregions, articulate the cross-subregional policy linkages and externalities addressed, tailor engagement and adaptation pathways for each, and outline mechanisms for comparative learning, joint dissemination, and scalability across the covered subregions.
68. How should the 600-word limit per thematic section be interpreted?
The limit applies to the entire narrative block for that thematic area (topic rationale, questions, approach, intended outcome/impact). Applicants must be concise and integrative.
69. How should first-year “priority activities” be framed?
The first-Year activities should begin substantive research and engagement work immediately when the successful consortia get grants based on the selected research themes.
70. Can external scenario-planning or capacity-building providers be included?
They can be included as collaborators or planned procurements—if they reinforce policy uptake, foresight, resilience planning, or decision-support capacity. Justify necessity, value-add, and integration into capacity-building outputs.
71. Are collaborations with non-African organisations for specialised training acceptable?
Yes, under a partnership or procurement arrangement (not as funded consortium members). The proposal must show knowledge transfer, sustainability, and African institutional strengthening.
72. What kinds of legal registration forms are acceptable?
Any nationally recognised lawful form (non-profit company, NGO, trust, foundation, statutory agency, limited liability entity, university-affiliated centre), provided it fulfils policy research mandate, evidence, governance, and audit requirements.
73. How is the “African” character of a globally branded think tank judged?
Please refer to the response provided under Q. 55.
74. Do all consortium members need to address all four (minimum) selected themes?
No. Collective coverage is what matters, and it should be based on consortium member expertise.
75. What documentation supports name changes or re-registrations?
Provide prior and current certificates, official gazette notices (if applicable), board resolutions, continuity financials bridging periods, and a narrative explaining uninterrupted operations.
76. How should emerging linguistic or underrepresented regional clusters (e.g., Lusophone focus) structure proposals?
Anchor linguistic inclusion to concrete policy research pathways, ensure representation from at least two AU subregions where feasible, and articulate added value (knowledge diffusion, bridging data gaps, policy harmonisation).
77. What distinguishes an ineligible service-oriented NGO from an eligible think tank-like NGO?
Service-oriented NGOs are ineligible: delivering projects or humanitarian services with only occasional reports does not make an organization a think tank. To qualify, an NGO must already function as a genuine policy research institution—holding a clear public policy research mandate, a multi year research agenda, dedicated research staff, a three year track record of original, methodologically transparent policy outputs, documented internal quality assurance (peer/external review), structured and ongoing policy engagement tied to its research, evidence of influence (citations, advisory invitations), governance that protects analytical independence, and transparent, audit standard financial records showing sustained support for research. Without this fully institutionalized research and policy engagement profile, an NGO is not eligible.
78. Are civil society organisations (CSOs) or NGOs eligible?
The CSOs or NGOs are eligible only if they operate principally as independent policy research bodies (routine production of analytical outputs influencing policy) and meet all formal criteria. Pure service delivery or advocacy NGOs without core research functions are ineligible.
79. What constitutes acceptable proof of governance?
Board/Trustee roster (with independent/non-executive composition), charter/statute, conflict-of-interest policy, minutes evidencing oversight of strategy/finance, and organogram mapping research quality assurance pathways.
80. Can individuals (consultants) apply or be listed as members?
Individuals cannot be consortium members. They may be engaged (subcontracted or staff) by member institutions and described within staffing plans.
81. Are commitment letters for key experts advisable?
Yes. While not always mandatory, signed availability/commitment letters for consortium coordinator, deputy, thematic leads, M&E lead, and gender/inclusion lead strengthen credibility.
82. How is regional/cross-border relevance assessed?
Look for: multi-country data or comparative design, harmonisation of policy instruments, spillover/externality analysis, REC alignment, and articulated uptake pathways spanning more than one national jurisdiction.
83. Can research solution firms be embedded from the outset instead of later procurement?
No. Research solution firms should not be embedded from the outset. Proper, transparent procurement procedures must be followed to ensure fairness, value for money, and avoidance of real or perceived conflicts of interest. Define the scope and requirements first, then conduct a compliant competitive procurement post-award. The consortia should indicate the intention to procure these services after award through an open and competitive process.
84. Are all six thematic areas required?
The minimum is four. You may include more (even all six) if the consortium clearly has the capacity, resources, and plan to deliver each theme without weakening quality.
85. What happens if a member lacks one year of audited statements due to force majeure?
Every member must provide audited financial statements for the last three years. If any required year is missing, the member is ineligible and should be replaced.
86. Can an application propose adaptive management adjustments midstream?
Yes, include a learning and adaptation clause tied to annual performance reviews and mid-term review, outlining triggers (data gaps, policy shifts) and governance for approving pivots.
87. How should overhead be transparently presented?
Separate indirect line(s) in budget; provide basis (e.g., modified total direct cost base), list cost centres included (finance, HR, IT shared services), and certify exclusion of direct-charge items.
88. Is there a prescribed M&E framework?
A results framework will guide alignment, but applicants must propose: indicators (output, outcome), baselines/targets, data sources, collection cadence, responsibility matrix, learning feedback loops, and risk & mitigation tracking. An overarching ATTP Project Results Framework (PRF) will be supplied, and each consortium must align with it and feed data into its higher level indicators by proposing its own nested M&E framework.
89. How should proposals address sustainability beyond 2.5 years?
The funding window is strictly 2.5 years, but sustainability is a core assessment criterion: the Application Form already requires the consortia to demonstrate how institutional capacity building (a permitted budget line) will strengthen durable research systems, data stewardship, governance, talent retention, diversified funding pipelines, and policy engagement mechanisms that persist after the grant.
90. Are partial submissions (awaiting one member’s audit) acceptable before the deadline?
No. Incomplete submissions (missing any required document for any member) will not advance past eligibility screening.
91. What is the status of webinar recordings, and where can they be accessed?
Recordings (Launch on July 24; August 5; subsequent sessions) are or will be posted on the Events page. Applicants should routinely monitor the site for uploads and supplementary clarifications.
92. How is conflicting earlier information (e.g., 4-year lifecycle references) treated?
The most recent official clarification supersedes prior references. Applicants should rely on the 2.5-year lifecycle and corrected FAQs; note any corrections transparently if citing earlier drafts.