Economic Reform Activity (ERA)

The purpose of Amendment No. Six (6) is to provide all interested parties with the following:

1. An opportunity for interested organizations and individuals to provide information, opinions and recommendations on approaches for the implementation of Task Order No. Two, contemplated under the Economic Reform Activity (ERA), previously announced under the subject RFI. The purpose of this Task Order is to enable the Government of Jordan (GoJ) to independently prioritize and implement its economic reform agenda through the effective operation of a GoJ Reform Secretariat.

The Task Order Two Statement of Objectives (SOO), Attachment No. One (1), as well as USAID directed questions pertaining to this SOO, Attachment No. Two (2), are included for comments.

Task Order Two is a Small Business Set Aside with an anticipated ceiling of $10,000,000.00 over five years.

2. Provide the ERA Co-Creation White Paper, Attachment No. three (3) to this amendment, addressing the changes or continued considerations of the ERA design team resulting from the cumulative co-creation efforts to date for the ERA IDIQ, including the ERA Co-Creation and Co-Design Conference held in Washington DC on April 5, 2019, the ERA Stakeholder Workshop held in Jordan on June 25, 2019, and the responses to the previous ERA RFI.

3. Provide responses to the questions raised at the ERA Stakeholder Workshop held in Jordan on June 25, 2019, Attachment No. four (4) to this amendment.

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Background:
Several factors have contributed to the enduring strain on Jordan's economy. These include the prevailing regional instability, the stagnation of surrounding economies, a sharp reduction in financial support from oil-producing states, slower remittances from the region, and the closing of borders, leading to lower import purchases and investment among Jordan's natural trade partners. These elements, coupled with rapid increases in refugee populations, a decrease in tourism, an unpredictable regulatory environment that hinders the business enabling environment, including trade and investment, the low sophistication of domestic enterprises, imbalanced unemployment, and disparate access to reliable infrastructure have contributed to the economic contraction affecting Jordan. This state has been further compounded by a limited tax base and ongoing corruption challenges.

While the challenges are robust, the opportunities and domestic potential give rise to a hopeful future. The Government of Jordan (GoJ) has taken a proactive role in attempting to spur investment, support export promotion, and build national capacity. The private sector has pushed forward with new gains in increased formalization and growth of the Home Based Business sector. Working together, bolstered by donor community support, the GoJ and Jordanian private sector can jumpstart the economy.

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