Request for Information (RFI): Advancing Civic Engagement in South Africa

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Southern Africa is seeking information for a civic engagement initiative in South Africa designed to increase citizen participation in democratic processes. The Request for Information (RFI) aims to develop a program with four primary objectives: strengthening civil society organizations' civic education capabilities, increasing citizen participation in governance, enhancing municipal community engagement, and improving community access to development resources. USAID specifically wants to address declining voter turnout and citizen disillusionment, with particular focus on the Just Energy Transition in Mpumalanga province. Responses to the RFI are due by February 7, 2025, and must be submitted to pretoriaapplications@usaid.gov and sdladla@usaid.gov, with a five-page limit for RFI questions and two pages for organizational capabilities. The agency welcomes responses from local entities, U.S. organizations, small businesses, and non-U.S. organizations.

The RFI does not have a specific set-aside designation and is not currently tied to a specific contract award. While no incumbent contractors are mentioned, the solicitation indicates that this is a preliminary information-gathering stage and does not guarantee a subsequent contract. Organizations responding to the RFI are expected to demonstrate experience in civic engagement, community development, and democratic process enhancement. The geographic scope is focused on South Africa, with emphasis on municipal-level interventions and community organizing. Notably, on January 27, 2025, an amendment was issued indicating potential cancellation of the RFI pending review under presidential executive order guidelines, which suggests the final program structure and funding may be subject to further governmental review and potential modification.