SPEED RFI (betaSAM).pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Request for Information Number: 72049220-OEDG/RFI-00003 Issuance Date: July 13, 2020 Response Due Date and Time: No later than 3:00PM (Manila Time) July 24, 2020 Response Email Address: manila-roaa-rfp@usaid.gov; copy furnish fcalixto@usaid.gov

Subject: Request for Information (RFI) – Feedback on USAID/Philippines’ Strengthening

Private Enterprise for the Digital Economy (SPEED).

This USAID/Philippines Request for Information (RFI) is issued for the purpose of providing stakeholders an opportunity to review, comment, suggest, and enhance areas in the attached draft program concept for a new USAID/Philippines activity, namely Strengthening Private Enterprise for the Digital Economy (SPEED). The primary goal of SPEED is to enable Philippine SMEs to safely, reliably, and competitively participate in the digital economy. To expand the participation of the SME sector in the digital economy, this activity will (1) improve the capacity of SMEs to innovate and adopt safe, reliable and affordable technology solutions; (2) expand the use of e-payment systems and other FinTech innovations; and (3) improve the integration of e-commerce platforms with logistical supply chains. Subject to availability of funds, USAID anticipates that this activity or activities will be implemented over a period of five (5) years.

Responses received will be used to develop a design document that ensures clarity, maximum development impact, coordination with existing and planned USAID and other development partner programs, and alignment with USAID’s and the Government of the Philippines’ priorities. USAID/Philippines may also consider stakeholder consultations in further revising the SPEED design.

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a request for proposal nor a call for applications. Responses to this RFI shall not be portrayed as proposals/application and will not be accepted by the U.S. Government (USG) to form a binding agreement. Responses are voluntary and responders are solely accountable for all expenses associated with commenting on this RFI.

It should be noted that responding to or providing comment on this RFI will not give any advantage to any organization in any subsequent request for proposal/notice of funding opportunity. USAID/Philippines does not intend to publish the results of the responses on this RFI but an acknowledgement will be given upon receipt of a response.

mailto:manila-roaa-rfp@usaid.gov mailto:fcalixto@usaid.gov

72049220-OEDG/RFI-00003

Please provide your comments no later than the due date and time specified at the top of this RFI via email to the Contracting Officer at the email address indicated on the top of this RFI with the subject line, “Response to RFI No. 72049220-OEDG/RFI-00003, Strengthening Private Enterprise for the Digital Economy (SPEED).” Phone calls or hard copy delivery will not be accepted.

Responses the this RFI must be limited to not more than eight (8) pages and must include the following:

(a) Organizational expression of interest containing the following information:

(1) Organizational name and address;

(2) Organizational point of contact, title/position, telephone number, email address, and website (if applicable);

(3) Brief statement that indicates the organization’s interest in this partnership opportunity.

(b) Concise, issue-specific comments with reference to page and section numbers in the accompanying draft program concept (Attachment 1) together with feedback to the following questions:

(1) Does the draft program concept cover the range of challenges and issues faced by

SMEs seeking to transition to e-commerce platforms? If not, what other constraints do SMEs face as they participate in the digital economy?

(2) Should the coverage of this draft program concept include micro-enterprises and start-ups or limit its focus to small and medium enterprises?

(3) What are the remaining digital payment bottlenecks that this draft program concept should consider to accelerate digital payments in the Philippines? Apart from e-payments systems, what other challenges do SMEs face in adopting financial technologies?

(4) Should this draft program concept include work on advancing enabling environment reforms for SME e-commerce investments or focus primarily on building capacity in the private sector? How and in what areas should this activity engage the government and regulators to achieve the project's goal and objectives?

(5) Should this draft program concept include interventions on the consumer side? What challenges do consumers face as they engage in e-commerce transactions? Should this project also include interventions to protect e-commerce actors and the information transmitted in digital systems?

(6) Should this activity be limited to domestic transactions or also include cross-border e-commerce trade? What constraints to cross-border trade should be addressed by this project?

72049220-OEDG/RFI-00003

Thank you for your assistance and interest in USAID/Philippines programming.

Sincerely, /s/ Sandra Jansen Contracting Officer Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance