Mali Service Center Questions and Answers

What is the Mali Service Center?

The Mali Service Center (MSC) is an independent entity that NIAID established to manage National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funds in Mali in an accountable manner and provide necessary administrative services to NIH-supported research activities. Currently, an NIAID contractor manages the MSC.

Do I have to use the MSC if I have an NIAID/NIH-funded project?

Yes, NIAID/NIH requires that all projects in Mali use the MSC to manage and disburse research funds. This stipulation is noted on the Notice of Award (NoA).

Can other NIH Institutes or Centers (ICs) use the MSC?

Yes, the IC would need to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with NIAID/NIH. The IC would also have to obtain a signed agreement from their Malian partner institution stating that the MSC will receive and disburse project funds.

What other types of agreement need to be in place for an institution to use the MSC?

The MSC must receive a copy of the agreements and budget between the NIAID/NIH-funded institution and the cooperating organization in Mali.

How does one request services from the MSC?

Requests are made through the Project Officer, Dr. Judith Hedje, in the NIAID Office of Global Research.

Can anyone submit a work assignment?

No, only the program officer can submit a work assignment requesting MSC services.

Can the MSC oversee construction contracts?

No, the MSC is currently managed by an NIAID/NIH contractor, and construction contracts are outside the contractor’s scope of work. The MSC can pay only invoices related to the construction but not supervise the work being done.

Does my program have to pay custom duties or import taxes on goods shipped through the MSC?

No, the MSC has a five-year exoneration on procurement and importation taxes on goods obtained for NIAID/NIH activities.

How does the NIAID Mali Office work with the MSC?

Dr. Mame Niang is the director of the NIAID Mali Office. Dr. Niang assists the MSC in verifying and reviewing invoices for NIAID's Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Division of Clinical Research (DCR), and Office of Global Research (OGR) programs before they are sent to the contracts office and contracting officer's representative.

She gives the MSC technical guidance on the work assignments from DIR, DCR, and OGR.

She also serves as a liaison between the contractor managing the service center and the various project leaders or subject matter experts designated on DIR, DCR, and OGR work assignments.