Request for Information Number_RFI-268-22-DIASPORA-01.pdf

Request for Information Number: RFI-268-22-DIASPORA-01 Date of Issue: August 3, 2022 Closing Date and Time for Submissions: Rolling Basis through September 1, 2022, 1700 Beirut local time Notice Type: Request for Information

Subject: USAID’s Engagement with the Lebanese Diaspora

To: All Interested Respondents/Parties:

The U.S. Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Mission in Lebanon, is publishing this Request for Information (RFI) in order to obtain information and input from all interested entities regarding USAID’s engagement with the Lebanese diaspora. The information may be used to shape planning and activity interventions to improve development outcomes.

The RFI is solely for information gathering purposes and is not a Request for Proposal/Application (RFP/RFA), a Request for Quotation (RFQ), an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a solicitation, or an indication that USAID will make an award for the activities described herein. If a solicitation is eventually issued, it will be announced on https://www.grants.gov or https://beta.sam.gov at a later date, and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation.

Please do not submit applications, proposals, or resumes as they will be discarded. Proprietary information should not be sent. USAID may use any information provided without incurring any obligation. USAID reserves the right to, or not to, incorporate any, some, or none of the comments received from this RFI into any subsequent solicitations or design documents.

This RFI will not be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government to issue any solicitation, award any grant, or pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. Responders are solely responsible for bearing all expenses associated with preparation and submission of the response to this RFI.

It is the potential applicant's responsibility to monitor the site for the release of any further information. It should be noted that responding to this RFI will not give any advantage to any organization in any subsequent procurement. All types of organizations and firms are strongly encouraged to provide information/comments. Any information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary.

All responses must be submitted electronically in Annex 1 in English to Contracting Officer Amy McQuade and Rana El Jordi at BusinessQuestionsLebanon@usaid.gov. Responses to this RFI will be accepted through September 1, 2022 at 5:00 PM Lebanon local time. No basis for claims against the U.S. Government shall arise as a result of a response to this request for information or from the U.S. Government’s use of such information. USAID is not responsible for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI.

mailto:BusinessQuestionsLebanon@usaid.gov

Thank you for your interest in USAID/Lebanon’s engagement with the Lebanese diaspora, and we look forward to your comments.

Sincerely, Appendix 1 USAID/Lebanon Diaspora Engagement Request for Information (RFI) Response Template

The total length of the RFI submission cannot exceed three (3) pages and must be submitted using 12 point Arial font, 8.5 x 11-inch paper (letter-sized), single-spaced, with one-inch margins, no graphics, with each page numbered consecutively. If the submitter has produced relevant reports, those reports may be included, but only as embedded links.

Name:

Title:

Organization:

Email:

USAID/Lebanon is interested in responses to the following specific questions. (Respondents are encouraged to review the questions and include responses to the most relevant questions in their submissions. Respondents do not need to respond to all the questions listed below.)

1. USAID/Lebanon is interested in learning more about the interests and priorities of the

Lebanese diaspora community. Please provide a brief summary of your organization and its main objectives.

2. USAID/Lebanon recognizes the tremendous support that the diaspora provides through remittances to family members, other individuals, local organizations, and communities of origin. Please note the main ways that your organization has supported/continues to support the people of Lebanon.

3. The USAID/Lebanon Mission is interested in exploring ways to partner with groups and individual members of the Lebanese diaspora in ways that closely align with USAID’s strategy in Lebanon. Please indicate how your organization’s activities match the Mission’s strategy. For information on USAID’s assistance strategy for Lebanon please click here Country Development Cooperation Strategy. In addition, please share with us any questions you may have on how your organization can partner with us.

4. Since partnership between USAID and the Lebanese diaspora is a new experience for both parties, USAID intends to pilot collaborative efforts under its renewable energy program, which will support clusters of communities that are part of a shared electricity “feeder” line. A key selection criteria for applicant communities will be their ability to supplement USAID’s funding, including through diaspora resources. Under this potential pilot approach, any diaspora resources would be managed by USAID through a pooled funding mechanism. Please provide feedback on this approach, including your thoughts on if the https://www.usaid.gov/lebanon/cdcs#:%7E:text=The%20goal%20of%20USAID%2FLebanon's,%2C%20and%20community%2Dbased%20opportunities.

diaspora would be interested in contributing financially to this type of project and what concerns/questions they may have.

5. USAID/Lebanon intends to organize in-person or virtual meetings with diaspora groups to discuss potential collaboration. If your organization is interested in participating, please also indicate your interest and your preferred format of in person or virtual in your response.

USAID/Lebanon will make every reasonable effort to meet with groups that express interest for a meeting.