Civil Society Activity | RFI1

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFI1

USAID in Tunisia released a Request for Information (RFI) for an upcoming initiative tentatively titled the "Civil Society Activity." This is an information-gathering step meant to help USAID refine the design of a future program, not a formal funding competition yet. In other words, organizations are being asked to react to a draft program concept and share practical input that could shape a later solicitation. USAID emphasizes that the RFI is strictly for research, planning, and market feedback, and it does not guarantee that a Request for Applications (RFA), Request for Proposals (RFP), or Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be issued. If a competitive funding opportunity does come out, USAID says it would be posted later on grants.gov or sam.gov.

The proposed activity is aimed at strengthening civil society in Tunisia by helping citizens become more capable and confident in taking action on issues that matter to them and advocating for change. The stated goal is to empower Tunisians to act and advocate at the local, regional, and national levels in ways that support Tunisia's development, while also improving the legitimacy and long-term sustainability of the civil society sector itself. A draft Program Description is referenced as an attachment (with the possibility of an Arabic version being posted later), and USAID is specifically looking for feedback that makes the activity more realistic, effective, and responsive to Tunisia's context.

Key dates and participation details are straightforward. The RFI was released May 31, 2022, and responses were due by June 14, 2022 (by the specified closing date and time). Submissions had to be sent by email only to TunisiaSolicitations@usaid.gov; hard copy submissions were not accepted, and phone inquiries were not part of the process. USAID notes that respondents would receive an electronic confirmation of receipt but should not expect individualized replies or direct feedback on what they submitted. USAID also makes clear that it will not cover any costs associated with responding to the RFI.

In addition to written feedback, USAID planned an in-person "Industry Day" in Tunis on June 30, 2022. The purpose of that event was to gather verbal feedback, host a question-and-answer session, and further improve the activity design. Organizations interested in attending had to register by emailing their contact details (name, title, organization, and email) to Tunisiasolicitations@usaid.gov by June 20, 2022. Attendance was capped at two representatives per organization, and USAID warned that organizations that did not confirm by the deadline might not be allowed in. USAID also stated it would not pay any costs related to attending the Industry Day and encouraged interested parties to monitor the grants.gov posting for updates on the event logistics such as venue, time, and agenda.

USAID also lays out important procedural and fairness notes. Participating in the RFI process or attending the Industry Day would not provide any competitive advantage in a future procurement or assistance competition, nor would it disqualify anyone. All comments and information collected through the RFI and Industry Day are for information-gathering purposes only. Another point organizations typically pay close attention to is that USAID states that information submitted in response to the RFI (or shared during Industry Day) becomes USAID property, so organizations should not submit proprietary or sensitive information that they cannot share.

For the RFI response itself, USAID required a short, structured submission with strict page limits and asked respondents not to add extra documents beyond what was requested. The response package had three parts: (1) a one-page cover sheet listing the organization name and address, a point of contact with contact information, the organization's legal registration status to work in Tunisia, and a brief statement saying whether the organization would be interested in applying as a prime or sub-recipient if a future solicitation is released; (2) up to two pages of comments on the draft Program Description, including both positive and negative feedback; and (3) up to one page of questions for USAID, intended to help shape the agenda and discussion for the June 30 Industry Day. The overall message is that USAID is trying to pressure-test its early design ideas with implementers and stakeholders before deciding what to fund and how to structure any eventual competition.

• The Jordan USAID-Amman in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Civil Society Activity" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2022-05-27.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-06-14. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for RFI1

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