TB Implementation Framework Agreement (TIFA) Annual Report

Agency for International Development, operating unit GH/ID, under Cooperative Agreement 7200AA19CA00013. The project aims to support countries' progress toward national and global TB targets through the co-design of TB commitment grants (TCGs). TIFA's model directly supports USAID's strategy to invest in locally led initiatives. The project builds on USAID's investment in TB disease programming and engages directly with local governments and partners to co-design TCGs. Through this approach, TIFA has issued 10 grants in project year 2 (PY2) with another 16 in co-design at the end of the year. Key achievements of the project include the removal of redundant documentation from the TCG package, streamlining the approval processes for the agreement officer representative. Additionally, all 11 countries that have used TIFA elected to pursue second (and even third) rounds of funding, demonstrating an appreciation for diversity of uses for the grants and the ability to fund locally generated solutions with reduced risk. TCG recipients, including national TB programs, have demonstrated their ability to design USG grants and manage the activities with support. However, TIFA is working with government programs that are struggling with the combined crises of COVID-19 and increasing TB infection, typically with teams that have not grown since the pandemic started. To address these challenges, TIFA continues to look for creative solutions to help recipients develop grants as efficiently as possible. The project has confirmed its belief that respect and integrity are fundamental to and non-negotiable in its work with TIFA partners. To achieve this, TIFA holds itself accountable to recognizing and acknowledging the commitment, skill, experience, and knowledge of the NTPs and local organization recipients. TIFA's approach to co-designing grants virtually takes time, but the project is working to accelerate grant development in the coming year. With 16 grants in co-design, TIFA looks forward to continuing its work with TCG recipients and USAID missions to overcome the significant challenges of TB in the communities that TIFA programs serve. The project's focus on locally led initiatives and respect for partners' time and ideas has led to successful outcomes, including the ability of TCG recipients to design and manage USG grants. The project's commitment to flexibility, respect, and integrity has been demonstrated through its willingness to learn with and from TCG recipients and USAID staff. TIFA's approach has been praised by TCG recipients, who have appreciated the support provided by the TIFA team from the beginning to the signing of the grant. The project's success has been marked by the ability of TCG recipients to identify weaknesses in their grant writing and improve their planning and budgeting activities. TIFA's work has been guided by a clear understanding of the context in which TCG recipients operate. The project has recognized the challenges faced by in-country staff, including a pandemic, political unrest, and time zone realities. Through its commitment to respect and integrity, TIFA has established a strong foundation for its work with TIFA partners, and its approach continues to evolve to meet the needs of its partners and the communities it serves.