The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 72066025R00005 for technical assistance to implement the "Feed the Future Democratic Republic of the Congo Resilient Food Systems" activity. This initiative aims to enhance agriculture-led economic growth, improve food security, and increase nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations over a five-year period, with an estimated budget of $38-42 million. Key objectives include promoting sustainable agriculture practices, increasing resilience against shocks, and enhancing year-round access to nutritious food. The RFP encourages organizations to submit proposals that align with USAID’s goals of reducing poverty and malnutrition by 20% in designated regions. The selected contractor will engage in a multi-faceted approach, addressing systemic challenges such as fragmented market systems, low productivity, dietary diversity, and climate change impacts. A significant focus will be placed on collaboration and learning, requiring coordination with other initiatives such as the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance’s Tudituale activity in specified zones. The procurement process is competitive, adhering to FAR regulations and highlighting the necessity for proposals to demonstrate a clear understanding of the local context and the ability to implement effective interventions. Proposals must be submitted by January 13, 2025, with questions accepted until December 20, 2024.

The document outlines a strategic framework, "Grow Congolese Agriculture," aimed at transforming agriculture in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2023 to 2028. Spearheaded by the Presidential Advisory Council for Agriculture and Food, it seeks to realign agricultural development as a key driver of economic growth, ensuring food security and reducing dependency on food imports. The strategy emphasizes a shift from viewing agriculture as mere development to treating it as a business, fostering public-private partnerships to enhance productivity across key value chains: cassava, maize-soybean, rice, and aquaculture. The plan details the establishment of value chains, market access, improved agricultural practices, and infrastructure development, targeting an increase in food production by 6.6 million tons per year and the creation of about 2.5 million jobs. With a budgetary estimate of over $2 billion, the DRC government, supported by international partners, aims to leverage its vast agricultural potential to move from being a net food importer to achieving self-sufficiency. The ultimate goal is to alleviate poverty and improve nutritional outcomes for approximately 26% of the population suffering food insecurity. This comprehensive strategy is crucial for the DRC's economic transformation, reflecting a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and food sovereignty.

The document outlines a Past Performance Matrix pertaining to federal government RFPs and grants. It specifies essential information related to previous projects undertaken by various contractors, including customer names, activity descriptions, required skills, and the relevance of the work. Each entry includes the contract number, project scope, and complexity, along with vital details such as start and end dates, total expenditure, contract type, and primary work locations. The matrix also indicates whether the projects have undergone Transition, Crisis, or Post-Conflict scenarios and whether a Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) report is available. If a CPARS report is absent, references for verification are requested. This structured categorization is integral for evaluating contractors' past performance as part of the procurement process, facilitating informed decisions on funding and project awards within federal, state, and local contexts.

The Economic Growth Portfolio in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) aims to bolster economic development from April 1, 2022, to April 1, 2027, through various Agriculture, Minerals, Private Sector, and Energy initiatives funded by USAID. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) assesses potential environmental impacts of these activities, focusing on aspects like agricultural productivity, responsible minerals trade, and energy expansion. The document identifies various risks, including invasive species introduction, potential pollution from agricultural activities, and governance issues in artisanal mining. Categorical exclusions are proposed for most agriculture activities, indicating they will likely have minimal environmental impacts. Meanwhile, specific activities may face conditional negative determinations requiring further studies or amendments to address environmental concerns. Furthermore, climate risks assessed include low to high severity factors that need to be managed to ensure compliance with environmental standards set by USAID. Overall, the IEE outlines a comprehensive environmental compliance strategy, ensuring that economic growth initiatives align with sustainability goals in DRC while abiding by federal regulations.

The federal government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) and grant opportunities aimed at enhancing public sector projects across various sectors. This file outlines the strategic objectives behind these funding opportunities, highlighting primary focus areas such as infrastructure development, social services enhancement, environmental sustainability, and technology innovation. Each initiative emphasizes collaboration among government entities, private sector partners, and community organizations to foster effective project implementation and maximize resource utilization. The document details eligibility criteria, application processes, and evaluation metrics to ensure transparency and fairness in awarding contracts and grants. Additionally, it underscores the importance of accountability, with mechanisms in place for monitoring outcomes and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The document clearly defines deadlines for submissions and outlines necessary documentation needed for successful proposals. Overall, this RFP and grant framework serves to stimulate economic growth, improve community well-being, and drive forward-thinking solutions within the government sector. The initiatives reflect a commitment to not only meet immediate needs but also to lay the groundwork for sustainable development in the future.

The HDP Nexus Programming initiative aims to enhance resilience in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by integrating humanitarian, development, and peace (HDP) efforts. Led by USAID, this strategic approach seeks to disrupt cycles of poverty, insecurity, and displacement while addressing multiple shocks and stresses ranging from environmental changes to social inequalities. Key components of the program focus on strengthening human and social capital, improving economic security, and enhancing food and nutrition security for vulnerable populations. The initiative includes significant funding for various projects, including Resilience Food Security Activities (RFSAs) and Feed the Future programs, totaling approximately $317 million. These programs coordinate emergency assistance with longer-term development goals, enhancing local capacities and creating sustainable livelihoods. Future activities will emphasize integrated health and education services that align with local government strategies while addressing immediate needs. The document outlines comprehensive coordination efforts among multiple stakeholders, including international donors and local governments, to optimize resource use and foster effective partnerships. By implementing these collective actions, USAID aims to improve outcomes in health, nutrition, and economic growth across the DRC's Kasai region.

The document outlines responses to questions regarding the USAID Resilient Food Systems Activity solicitation (No. 72066025R00001) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Key topics include enhancing access to finance for agricultural programs, establishing coordination with existing USAID initiatives, and conducting multiple analyses during the inception phase. USAID emphasizes offerors' flexibility in proposing solutions and methodologies tailored to their technical approaches. Coordination with current USG investments and other programs is expected, focusing on gender equity and inclusivity. The responses affirm that while the contractor will develop indicators for measuring success, the significant target of reducing stunting by 20% is a collaborative goal that extends beyond this initiative. USAID delineates expectations for a collaborative work planning phase, allowing for limited implementation during the inception period. The inquiry covered office placements, demographic details for target groups, and the role of key personnel, addressing logistical challenges in the field. USAID maintains its requirements for the inception analyses but offers a living-report dynamic for adaptability. Ultimately, the solicitation aims to bolster resilience and development efficiency in the region while encouraging innovative approaches from proposers.

The document outlines the budget proposal for the USAID Gorilla Coffee Alliance (GCA) by TechnoServe, Inc., covering a multi-year financial plan for various project components. It details anticipated costs across three years for several categories under the Resilient Food Systems initiative and Grants Under Contract (GUC). Each category, including Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Allowances, Travel, Equipment and Supplies, Other Direct Costs, Contractual, and Indirect Costs, is allocated a budget but currently lacks specified amounts. The structure indicates a segmented view of financial requirements over the years, culminating in a total estimated cost and a fixed fee calculation. The absence of numerical data suggests that this is a preliminary framework subject to further refinement and submission processes typical in federal RFPs and grant proposals. This budget summary emphasizes the planned investment in food system resilience and grant facilitation efforts under USAID's broader objectives, aligning with federal funding requirements for transparency and accountability in project financing.

The report outlines Phase 2 of the Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on the cassava, maize, and aquaculture value chains. Conducted by ClassM under World Bank oversight, it serves to identify constraints to private sector growth and actionable recommendations for investments. Despite DRC's extensive arable land, the agricultural sector, employing 55% of the population and contributing 17.4% to GDP in 2022, struggles with food security and revenue generation. Key recommendations include modernizing farming practices, improving infrastructure, and reforming land ownership to encourage investment. For cassava, the report suggests targeting urban markets with high-quality cassava flour and enhancing post-harvest logistics. The maize sector faces a significant production shortfall; thus, investments in integrated farms and a network of technical assistance for smallholders are advised. For aquaculture, expanding local fish farming capabilities and reducing reliance on imports is essential. The document highlights the need for public-private partnerships to facilitate reforms, technical support, and investment opportunities to bolster the agricultural landscape in DRC, directly aligning with government priorities for economic development and food security.

This report outlines USAID's strategy to enhance private sector engagement (PSE) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing collaboration to drive economic growth and development. The DRC possesses vast mineral wealth yet faces significant challenges, including a poor business environment characterized by access to finance, high taxes, corruption, and infrastructure deficits. Despite these hurdles, the peaceful political transition in 2019 has reignited investor interest. USAID plans to leverage integration strategies with local businesses and international firms across key sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, health, education, and finance to stimulate inclusive growth. The assessment explores strategic engagement opportunities through a detailed analysis of sector-specific requirements, highlighting the need for improved business-enabling environments and access to finance. It aims to forge long-term partnerships based on shared objectives rather than transactional interactions. USAID’s approach is designed to adapt and respond to market needs, ensuring resources are efficiently utilized to achieve joint development goals. The report emphasizes fostering collaborations, addressing skill shortages, enhancing business strategies, and promoting corporate social responsibility within the private sector to empower communities and enhance self-reliance in the DRC.

The ÉLAN RDC Lessons Learnt report summarizes key insights derived from a five-year private sector development program aimed at alleviating poverty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Launched by DFID in 2012, the program targeted various sectors, including specialty crops, grains, renewable energy, SMEs, and transport, focusing on enhancing income for over a million Congolese. Key lessons include the effectiveness of collaboration with private stakeholders, the importance of good agricultural practices, and the necessity for financial innovations like Branchless Banking to address access challenges. Moreover, the report emphasizes the need for tailored business development services and the alignment of advocacy efforts to improve the regulatory environment. Gender equality and social inclusion were highlighted as essential components for increasing women's participation in economic activities. The report also discusses the challenges posed by the DRC’s complex political economy and underdeveloped markets, suggesting a need for adaptive management strategies. The lessons drawn are intended to inform future humanitarian and developmental efforts, advocating for integrated approaches across sectors to create sustainable economic growth. Overall, the findings underscore the necessity for robust partnerships and innovative solutions to foster resilience and uplift impoverished communities in the region.

The report outlines strategic recommendations for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop sequenced, layered, and integrated (SLI) humanitarian and economic growth programming in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), specifically in the Kasai provinces. The document emphasizes integrating Feed the Future programming with existing Resilience Food Security Activities (RFSAs) to enhance sustainability and collective impact. Key recommendations include establishing a common agenda, fostering regular collaboration among implementing partners (IPs), and developing adaptive capacity within teams. It stresses the importance of aligning targeting, focusing on vulnerable populations, and conducting market analysis to support design and management efforts. The report also details five technical intervention areas, including finance, agricultural input markets, output markets, off-farm economic opportunities, and the business enabling environment. Each area highlights the potential for integration with RFSA activities and assesses their relevance, impact, and feasibility. The comprehensive approach aims to address market failures while promoting resilience and economic growth in the region, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous DRC. The insights derive from extensive literature reviews and consultations with key stakeholders.

The document outlines the scope of work for the Feed the Future Phase Three Zone of Influence (P3-ZOI) Round 1 Indicator Assessment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The primary aim is to implement a population-based household survey to track progress on key indicators related to poverty, food insecurity, resilience, and malnutrition throughout the selected P3-ZOI regions. The scope includes methodological considerations, sampling design, and a detailed task list for survey implementation, emphasizing the capacity building of local organizations through partnership and training. Key tasks entail preparation activities, subcontractor selection, procurement of equipment, survey protocol development, data collection application customization, and comprehensive fieldwork management. The survey will measure 17 distinct indicators, utilizing both primary data and secondary data from the DRC Demographic and Health Survey, and will evaluate women's dietary and empowerment metrics, food security statuses, and water access. The overall timeline for the assessment spans from May 2024 to August 2025, with fieldwork aimed for October to December 2024. The results will be disseminated through workshops and communication products designed to enhance understanding and utilization of findings by stakeholders. This initiative reflects the U.S. Government’s commitment to reducing poverty and improving nutrition in targeted regions.

The final assessment report by USAID analyzes the landscape of national non-governmental organizations (NNGOs) and market compensation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The assessment aims to facilitate sustainable development by transitioning project responsibilities to local partners, guided by USAID's Localization Strategy. Key findings reveal that approximately two-thirds of NGOs operate with annual budgets below $100,000, indicating financial struggles and limited stability. Furthermore, while the number of organizations receiving USAID funding is increasing, only a small fraction function as prime contractors. Geographically, NNGOs predominantly focus on crisis-affected regions like North and South-Kivu. Many organizations engage in multiple sectors, particularly in education, protection, food security, and health, but exhibit varying levels of capacity. The compensation survey indicates substantial disparities in salary levels, with international NGOs (INGOs) paying an average of 3.7 times higher base salaries than NNGOs. The assessment emphasizes the need for an equitable compensation framework to ensure sustainability, urging reforms in recruitment and management practices among local organizations. Overall, enhanced funding mechanisms and diversity are essential to strengthen the capacity and stability of local NGOs in the DRC.