MODIFICATION
A -- The USAID BAA for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Notice Date
- 4/23/2018
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., USAID/Washington, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 7.10-006, Washington, District of Columbia, 20523, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20523
- Solicitation Number
- BAA-AFR-SD-2018
- Point of Contact
- Jamie L. Raile, Phone: 2025675210, Ananciata Muyama, Phone: 2025674785
- E-Mail Address
-
jraile@usaid.gov, amuyama@usaid.gov
(jraile@usaid.gov, amuyama@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- The United States Agency for International Development Bureau for Africa (USAID/AFR) BAA for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa ADDENDUM 1 - Promoting Good Governance While Improving Opportunities for Private Sector Engagement BAA-AFR-SD-2018 Addendum 01 I. BACKGROUND Overview With a vision of eliminating extreme poverty in Africa, USAID’s Bureau for Africa seeks to incorporate new ideas that will directly and positively influence its program and policies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including addressing governance challenges that hinder sustainable and equitable economic growth. USAID recognizes that achieving sustainable solutions to the challenge of eliminating extreme poverty while promoting an environment that encourages sustainable investment requires collaboration across the public and private sectors and must include strong African leadership on and support for stronger governance outcomes. Approaches that address the unique contextual, bureaucratic, political, institutional, and regional governance challenges impacting SSA’s ability to leverage private sector engagement are needed to complement existing governance-focused efforts already supported by host governments, USAID, and other partners. All actors – governments, development agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and private companies – must be involved. Governance and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa Many countries in SSA rank near the bottom of the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking. The data used to calculate this index are largely linked to governance functions (e.g. registering a business, obtaining construction permits, registering property, paying taxes, etc.). Many SSA countries also rank near the bottom of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The index draws on 13 surveys from independent institutions specializing in governance and business climate analysis covering expert assessments and views of business people. These indices show that many countries in Africa have serious governance issues that are limiting their ability to attract private sector engagement (PSE), particularly from U.S. companies. New approaches are needed to identify ways in which USAID and the private sector could work together to achieve shared governance goals in Africa, while simultaneously improving opportunities for private sector engagement. 2 USAID’s Topline Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa USAID recognizes that democracy, human rights, and governance are integral to its overall development agenda. In the Agency’s DRG Strategy1, USAID has prioritized the following topline goals for the democracy, human rights, and governance sector globally: ● Promote participatory, representative, and inclusive political processes and government institutions; ● Foster greater accountability of institutions and leaders to citizens and to the law; ● Protect and promote universally recognized human rights; ● Improve development outcomes through the integration of democracy, human rights and governance principles and practices across USAID’s development portfolio 1. Promote participatory, representative, and inclusive political processes and government institutions Political marginalization is often compounded by social and economic marginalization, leading to poverty, limited economic opportunities, low levels of education, and limited access to services. These forms of marginalization and inequalities can be felt more severely by women, youth, ethnic minorities, rural or peri-urban communities, and other ‘less visible’ populations. USAID believes that meaningful citizen participation and a system of governance that treats all citizens fairly and impartially are vital for broad-based economic growth and market opportunities. In recent years, we have witnessed declines in political rights and civil liberties in many African countries. At the same time, however, there has been an unprecedented wave of social and political protest across Africa whereby citizens are voicing their demands for services and opportunities that are inclusive, accessible, and accountable.2 2. Foster greater accountability of institutions and leaders to citizens and to the law Corruption is endemic in many African countries. It manifests itself in many ways and is experienced differently by diverse populations. The health and education sectors, the functionality of which is a pre-condition for broad-based economic growth, have been particularly affected. Forty-one out of the region’s 46 countries have serious corruption, transparency, and performance problems (a Transparency International CPI of 45 or less). In addition to corruption, weak governance is characterized by fiscal indiscipline and unaccountable 1 “USAID Strategy on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance,” USAID, June 2013: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/pdacx557.pdf. 2 “Reclaiming the State and the Future: Protest Politics in Sub-Saharan Africa and its Implications for USAID,” Tetra Tech ARD, March 2017: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/pa00n16d.pdf. 3 public financial management systems in Africa that gravely impact economic growth and democratic governance. Development assistance and economic aid have not had the full desired impact on Africa's development due to the lack of strong public financial management and accountability. African governments need to build institutional capacities to monitor and control public spending, and implement robust domestic revenue mobilization programs and mechanisms that guarantee fiscal discipline. These measures will transform the economic landscape, enable good governance to thrive, and enhance development and trade capacity with SSA. 3. Protect and promote universally recognized human rights Marginalized groups are often denied rights, limiting their ability to improve their livelihoods. In some countries in SSA, women and girls are particularly vulnerable due to issues related to property ownership, school attendance, and inheritance rights. Corrupt, exploitative and harmful labor practices impede growth in industries such as cocoa, fishing, and mining. Trafficking of persons for sexual and labor exploitation is also a concern. Rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of association are routinely violated in many countries on the continent. 4. Improve development outcomes through the integration of democracy, human rights, and governance principles and practices across USAID’s development portfolio Good governance with accountable and transparent institutions and systems is essential for broad-based economic growth and successful development efforts. USAID has undertaken efforts to integrate principles of democracy, human rights, and governance across our development portfolio to support the long-term sustainability of our investments and facilitate the eventual transition to partner countries’ self-reliance. Targeted improvements in rule of law, policy formulation and implementation, public financial management, public accountability, and diverse citizen participation can improve the impact of development programming across all sectors. II. OBJECTIVE AND AREAS OF INTEREST A. Objective This addendum seeks, through research, analysis, and co-creation with a diverse group of partners, to identify new perspectives and creative solutions to improve governance and overcome challenges that hinder private sector engagement in sub-Saharan Africa. This addendum is specifically intended to support USAID’s topline DRG priorities as outlined in section I with an emphasis on improving opportunities and the enabling environment for private sector engagement. 4 This collaborative process could result in one or more research activities that contribute to the development, implementation, and overall improved impact of governance- and private sector engagement-related policies and programs through the design and application of flexible, responsive, nimble, and cost-effective approaches to one or more of the areas of interest noted below. B. Areas of Interest The areas of interest described below are not mutually exclusive. A proposed solution or analysis addressing an area of interest could include one, some, or all areas of interest. 1. Tools/Approaches to Improve Transparency and Accountability in Government and Private Sector Engagement. To operate in sub-Saharan Africa, private and non-for-profit entities have regular, transaction-based engagements with government entities. This includes activities such as registering a business, obtaining construction permits, registering property, managing transportation and logistics, personnel actions, and paying export fees. When managed well, these systems create an environment that is conducive to attracting increased investment and stimulating economic growth. When managed poorly, systems are vulnerable to corruption and abuse, resources are wasted, and potential investments are lost. Furthermore, even if well managed, such systems can fail to adequately benefit marginalized populations, such as women, youth, or other minorities, if they are not sensitive to the needs of such communities. Tools, approaches, and analysis are needed to root out corrupt practices, foster accountability, and create stronger business enabling environments in sub-Saharan Africa. Solutions may include, but are not limited to: new technologies, methodologies, or innovations that facilitate improved transaction-based systems; and approaches aimed at leveraging support from both private and public entities that share the goal of improving transparency and accountability. 2. Analysis and Advocacy to Identify and Address Governance-Related Issues Most Detrimental to Private Sector Engagement. Africa is a large and very diverse continent, making it challenging to assess market conditions and potential for long-term investments. Some factors that influence private sector engagement are governance-related, including the quality of legal systems and enforcement bodies, fiscal policy, employment laws and regulations, and customs procedures. Women and other marginalized populations are differently impacted by these enabling environment factors, often to their detriment. Tools, approaches, and analysis are needed to help African government and private sector actors understand and address both perceived and real business risks and to establish an environment conducive for business. Solutions may include, but are not limited to: innovative tools that improve fiscal transparency; identification of cost-efficient processes aimed at improving legal frameworks, systems and governance-related aspects of the business enabling environment; and approaches 5 aimed at leveraging private and civil society support for improved policies and practices that impact PSE. 3. Analysis and Advocacy to Identify Opportunities to Promote Good Governance through Private Sector Engagement. Private sector actors also play an important role in the broader political economy of a country, and have the potential to have positive impacts on a wide range of governance considerations - ranging from human and labor rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, youth engagement, civil society strengthening or engagement, and broader political stability. Tools, approaches, and analysis are needed to help identify ways in which the private sector has and can promote good governance more broadly through their own practices as well as through influencing government policies and procedures. Solutions may include, but are not limited to: innovative tools, technologies, methodologies, or innovations and approaches that promote good governance more broadly, including across a range of sectors (e.g., citizen and private sector participation in economic and education policy development; improved approaches and policies to foster women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship; collaborative approaches to address inheritance rights and land tenure; and specific approaches to foster stronger workforce development policies and programming). III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST USAID will review Expressions of Interest (EOI) in accordance with the instructions and evaluation criteria set forth in this Addendum. EOIs must indicate the research or development idea(s) that will deliver potential solutions to the Objectives and Areas of Interest stated in Section II. Organizations are encouraged to collaborate with peer organizations that bring differing perspectives and/or comparative advantages. USAID is supportive of approaches that value collaboration as a component of the co-creation process. USAID will accept multiple EOIs from a single organization. U.S. based, international and local organizations are encouraged to submit an EOI. A. General Instructions for the EOI EOIs must be prepared following all instructions set forth herein, and submitted in accordance with the following: 6 1. If a respondent does not follow the instructions set forth herein, the respondent’s EOI may be eliminated from further consideration. 2. USAID will not pay for any EOI preparation costs. 3. EOIs must be submitted in English. 4. All EOIs submitted in response to this Addendum are due no later than May 14, 2018 at 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Late EOIs will not be considered. 5. EOIs submitted in response to this Addendum must be submitted electronically. Facsimile or hardcopy submissions will not be accepted. 6. EOIs must be emailed to baa.governance.privatesector@usaid.gov 7. The EOI must not exceed four (4) pages in length. If an EOI is longer than four (4) pages, only the first (4) four pages will be considered. 8. Respondents must use 8.5 by 11 inch (or A4) paper, single spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font, and have margins no less than one inch on the top, bottom, and both sides. Number each page consecutively. 9. The EOI must be in.pdf or.docx format. 10. The EOI must contain a header with the following information: ● Title: BAA for Governance and Private Sector Engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa/Advancing Governance Goals While Improving Opportunities for Private Sector Engagement. BAA Number: BAA-AFR-SD-2018/Addendum01 ● Name of the respondent ● Respondent contact person, address, telephone number, and email address 11. Questions in regard to the Addendum must be submitted via email only to the USAID BAA Governance and PSE team at baa.governance.privatesector@usaid.gov. Questions must be submitted 7 by May 2, 2018 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. 12. EOIs must be submitted by May 14, 2018 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. The subject line of the email must contain “BAA_AFR-SD-2018/Addendum 01” and the name of the respondent. Content of the EOI 1. Provide a brief description of your idea/approach as it applies to Section II of this Addendum. Be sure to address: a. how your idea or approach will advance good governance outcomes and support private sector engagement in SSA, as it applies to one or more of the Areas of Interest found in Section II, b. the potential impact your idea will have in SSA, and c. the manner in which your idea will be implemented in SSA. 2. Provide a brief description of your organization’s experience and/or expertise in the idea/approach you are proposing. Address your ability to harness the comparative advantages of other parties and collaborate with other organizations in your brief description. Address your ability to contribute cost sharing or other exchange of resources (in-kind contributions, intellectual property, brand value, etc) and suggest creative approaches to resourcing projects. 3. Provide the approximate duration of your proposed idea/approach. 4. Provide names of up to two (2) individuals nominated to participate in the co-creation workshop, as described in this Addendum and the BAA. Describe why the individuals you are nominating have the technical expertise and are the best people to participate in the workshop and discussions to develop the ideas presented while working alongside USAID staff and other organizations selected to participate. Note: Individuals whose focus is on business development of the respondent organization will not normally be considered for participation in the workshop. IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA 8 EOIs will be reviewed and selected for Stage 2 of the BAA process according to the following evaluation criteria: 1. Idea/Approach a. How does the solution advance one or more of USAID’s areas of interest as articulated in Section II? b. How does the idea/approach contribute fresh, informed, and realistic thinking using supporting evidence and analysis? c. How does the solution improve upon the best existing alternative(s) available today and/or standard best practice? d. What is the context in which the proposed solution will be delivered and sustained (e.g. applicability at the local, national, or regional level, consideration of the user’s needs and wants; networks with relevant sector authorities; local leadership, government, private sector, and civil society buy-in, scalability, replication, and capacity for local government or institution(s) to manage)? e. How does the idea/approach reflect gender sensitivity and address gender inequality and meaningful youth engagement? f. How does the approach demonstrate experience working in similar contexts, including explanation of any prior experience in partnering with African organizations? 2. Impact How does the proposed solution or analysis demonstrate that it will have a significant, sustainable, and measurable impact in meeting the Objectives and Areas of Interest articulated in Section II? 3. Ability to Participate Does the respondent have the ability to provide the participation of up to two (2) technically experienced individuals in the co-creation workshop to be held June 18- 9 19, 2018 in the Washington, DC area? Note: USAID will not pay for travel costs or provide travel assistance for participants. 4. Diversity of Perspectives and Capabilities USAID seeks to bring together a diverse set of co-creators in collaboration in order to enable broader thinking and innovation. The selection of EOIs will be in line with the goal of achieving this diversity, including inclusion of African-based organizations. V. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION For EOIs which are deemed by USAID to have merit to continue on to the Concept Paper stage under this Addendum (Stage 2, per the BAA), USAID will issue an invitation to collaborate to the potential partner(s). Collaboration will include the following: 1. Working together, USAID and the potential partner(s) will collaborate on a Concept Paper(s). It is during this phase of co-creation or co-design that the parties will begin to determine the need for additional partners and resources to complement the project. The Concept Paper, generally 5-10 pages in length, will further detail and explain the project as initially described in the EOI. The Concept Paper will include concept notes, which will outline a concrete programmatic plan, including goals, methodology, focus areas, monitoring and evaluation, sustainability, gender equality considerations, timelines, personnel, and budget 2. In order to initiate the Concept Paper drafting process, a co-creation workshop meeting is scheduled for June 18-19, 2018. The workshop will be held in Washington, DC. USAID will make every effort to provide as much advance notice as possible regarding the confirmed workshop location and any change in the meeting dates. 3. Following the co-creation workshop, all potential partners may not move forward to Stage 3, per the BAA. All terms and conditions set forth in the BAA are applicable to this Addendum. [END]
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