RFI_72016824RFI00003 Digital Alliance Activity.pdf

Issue Date: May 21, 2024 Closing Date and Time: June 11, 2024, 2:00 PM Sarajevo, BiH local time Activity Title: Digital Alliance Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Subject: Request for Information (RFI) # 72016824RFI00003

The United States Agency for International Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina) posts this notice for request for information to: (1) gather information and ideas to inform the potential design of a new Digital Alliance Activity; and (2) identify local stakeholders and potentially capable local partners to implement the planned Activity. Interested parties can respond to the Request for Information (RFI) by following the instructions provided herein.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Digital Alliance Activity (hereinafter referred to as “Activity”) is to unlock and leverage the collaborative potential of private sector, civil society and academia within BiH to serve as a driving force of accelerated, locally-led digitalization in the country. Intensified and streamlined efforts of the private sector as a leader, and civil society and academia as active contributors in strengthening BiH’s digital transformation, provide an opportunity for BiH citizens, businesses, civil society, and academia to benefit from an accelerated digital development. In parallel, more advanced digitalization of the non-public sector has the potential to serve as a push factor for an expedited digital transformation of the BiH’s public sector.

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It is NOT a Request for Application (RFA) or a Request for Proposals (RFP) and in no way obligates the U.S. Government to issue a solicitation and/or award or pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. If a solicitation is issued, all necessary information will be supplied at the time it is posted at SAM.gov or grants.gov as appropriate. Questions/requests for information will not be entertained. Interested parties are advised to periodically monitor the above websites and RFI number for updates concerning a potential procurement.

This Request for Information might be followed by a co-creation workshop, where participants will be able to share their ideas in-person.

USAID is encouraging the following stakeholders to reply on this RFI:

● For-profit, commercial entities such as a business, corporation, small or medium enterprise or private firm;

● Associations/foundations affiliated with private for-profit, commercial entities;

● Private equity or private financial institutions, including banks, private investment firms, mutual funds, private equity funds and insurance companies;

● Private business or industry associations, including but not limited to chambers of commerce and related types of entities;

● Academic institutions.

Submissions must be in English or local language and submitted via the following Google form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Rq2FgRBKKU5xIviV9AWh3Soiqa4L2sOQZp4P8aBsVQo/edit?usp=drive_web

Please submit your responses no later than June 11, 2024, 2:00PM Sarajevo, BiH local time. Responses will be held confidential unless otherwise specified, but respondents are advised to refrain from sending proprietary information. USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina reserves the right, but is not obligated, to incorporate any, some, or none of the comments received into any subsequent program description or statement of work.

Responses received after this deadline may not be read or considered. Submission via the Google form is required; email, phone calls or hard copy delivery will not be accepted. You will receive an electronic confirmation acknowledging receipt of your response.

Responses to this RFI are strictly voluntary - it is not mandatory to submit a response to this notice to participate in any formal RFA or RFP process that may take place in the future. Similarly, responding to this RFI will not give any added weight to an organization responding to a future solicitation or funding opportunity. All interested parties will be required to respond separately to any solicitations posted as a result of this RFI.

USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina values input from our potential partners, and we thank you for your interest and assistance in developing potential future programs.

Sincerely, Leona Sasinkova Supervisory Contracting Officer https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2SyZOliIKnwtQmOSuU0jzz27moURRs2li4FX2pv5kJU6yEw/viewform

Purpose:

The purpose of the Digital Alliance Activity (hereinafter referred to as “Activity”) is to unlock and leverage the collaborative potential of private sector, civil society and academia within BiH to serve as a driving force of accelerated, locally-led digitalization in the country. Intensified and streamlined efforts of the private sector as a leader, and civil society and academia as active contributors in strengthening BiH’s digital transformation, provide an opportunity for BiH citizens, businesses, civil society, and academia to benefit from an accelerated digital development. In parallel, more advanced digitalization of the non-public sector has the potential to serve as a push factor for an expedited digital transformation of the BiH’s public sector.

Submission Instructions:

USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina asks that interested respondents complete the Google form, which can be found on the following link, with the questions outlined below. Responses to all questions are required.

1. Point of contact name:

2. Point of contact title:

3. Organization name (if applicable):

4. Location where you are based or registered (City, Country):

5. Primary email address:

6. Secondary email address:

7. What is your organization type?

a. For-profit, commercial entities such as a business, corporation, small or medium enterprise or private firm;

b. Associations/foundations affiliated with private for-profit, commercial entities;

c. Private equity or private financial institutions, including banks, private investment firms, mutual funds, private equity funds and insurance companies;

d. Private business or industry associations, including but not limited to chambers of commerce and related types of entities;

e. Academic institutions.

f. Other [please describe]

8. How do you perceive the current state of digitalization within Bosnia and Herzegovina’s private sector?

9. Please outline three main challenges the private sector is facing in Bosnia and Herzegovina that hinder their progression towards enhanced digital development.

10. In what specific ways do you believe the private sector can serve as a leader in driving digital transformation within the country?

11. How do you see the collaboration between the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and academia contributing to accelerated digitalization efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

12. How do you envision the benefits of accelerated digital development impacting BiH citizens, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and academia?

13. What strategies and initiatives can be implemented to effectively address and close the digital gender gap, ensuring equitable access and opportunities for women and girls in the digital world?

14. What role do you believe innovation and technology adoption play in enhancing the competitiveness of businesses within Bosnia and Herzegovina?

15. Can you provide an overview of your organization’s past experience, technical capabilities, and brief descriptions of previous similar projects you’ve participated in to implement digitalization efforts or projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Rq2FgRBKKU5xIviV9AWh3Soiqa4L2sOQZp4P8aBsVQo/edit