USAID Media and Information Activity | RFI 114 22 00001

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFI 114 22 00001

USAID/Georgia issued this notice as a Request for Information (RFI) tied to an anticipated "USAID Media and Information Activity" focused on Georgia. The core idea is market research: USAID wants input from people and organizations that work in media, information ecosystems, democracy, and related fields so it can shape a future strategy to strengthen the quality of media and information in the country. The agency frames quality media and reliable information as essential public goods that help democratic governance function, protect human rights, and support accountability and good governance. In practical terms, USAID is looking for creative, cutting-edge, and effective approaches that could improve how media and information systems operate in Georgia, and it is using this RFI to gather recommendations before deciding whether and how to launch a formal program.

This is not a funding solicitation, and that distinction is central to the announcement. USAID explicitly states that the RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), a Request for Applications (RFA), or a Request for Proposals (RFP). No awards will be made as a result of this notice, and any funding proposals submitted in response will not be considered. Participation is voluntary, and USAID will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing a response. The U.S. Government is not committing to issue a future solicitation, not committing to fund anything, and not creating any binding contractual or assistance relationship through this process. USAID also notes that not responding to the RFI will not prevent an organization from competing later if a future opportunity is released.

Stakeholders were invited to review and comment on an attached preliminary description covering the purpose, objectives, and program activities for the anticipated effort. Comments were capped at five pages and had to be submitted by December 14, 2021, at 10:00 AM Tbilisi time, via email to mchelidze@usaid.gov and rcocaucasus@usaid.gov. USAID indicates respondents will receive an electronic confirmation of receipt, but they should not expect individualized feedback, answers to questions, or notification of the results of the internal review. After considering submissions, USAID would decide whether and how to proceed with a potential activity.

The notice also lays out how submissions will be handled. Materials submitted become USAID property and will not be returned. The RFI does not limit or lock in the U.S. Government's approach to any eventual procurement or assistance process, meaning USAID can use what it learns without being constrained by the suggestions it receives. Respondents are told not to send proprietary or sensitive information, even though USAID says it is not its intention to make responses public. The agency also emphasizes that responding to the RFI does not provide any competitive advantage in any later procurement.

In the listing details, USAID characterizes the anticipated mechanism as a cooperative agreement and indicates a single expected award with an award ceiling of $10,000,000, though those figures are presented in the context of an anticipated activity rather than an active competition. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications in the full text. Administrative identifiers include Funding Opportunity Number RFI 114 22 00001, CFDA 98.001, activity category "Information and Statistics," and the issuing office as USAID-Tbilisi (USAID Mission to Georgia). The overall takeaway is that USAID was soliciting concise, practical feedback to inform the design of a potentially sizable media and information strengthening program in Georgia, while making clear that no funding decision or formal competition was underway at the RFI stage.

• The Agency for International Development, Georgia USAID-Tbilisi in the information and statistics sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "USAID Media and Information 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 Nov 29, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 14, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for RFI 114 22 00001

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