Request for Information (RFI): Strengthening the capacity of Lebanese Higher Education Institutions
ID: 355556Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Lebanon USAID-Beirut (USAID-LEB)

Award Range

$0 - $0

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Education

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355556
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking stakeholder feedback through a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at strengthening Lebanese Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to enhance graduate employability and support economic development in Lebanon. The initiative, which may receive between $8 million and $12 million in funding over a five-year period, focuses on addressing critical challenges such as skills gaps and the need for effective partnerships between HEIs and local industries. Interested organizations are invited to submit their comments on the draft program description by August 7, 2024, via email to lebanonproposals@usaid.gov, ensuring to include the RFI reference number in the subject line. This RFI is purely informational and does not obligate USAID to issue a subsequent Request for Application or to make any awards.

    Point(s) of Contact
    lebanonproposals@usaid.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    RFI
    RFI.pdf
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) released a Request for Information (RFI), LebEDU-24-RFI-00001, focusing on strengthening Lebanon's higher education institutions to enhance graduate employability and bolster economic development. This RFI, issued on July 22, 2024, seeks stakeholder feedback prior to a potential forthcoming Request for Application. The planned initiative may receive between $8 million and $12 million in funding over five years. USAID emphasizes that this RFI is purely informational, with no obligation for future proposals or funding, and responses will be used solely for guidance. Interested organizations are required to submit a cover page and concise comments concerning the draft program description, addressing specified areas including USAID's objectives, evidence-based approaches, collaboration strategies with local institutions, and innovative engagement with related ministries. Answers should not exceed four pages total, with strict adherence to formatting rules. Responses are due by August 7, 2024, with all submissions to be made via email. This process underlines USAID’s commitment to adaptive program development through stakeholder input and effective partnership with Lebanese educational entities.
    The
    The.pdf
    The Higher Education for Lebanese Development (HELD) program aims to strengthen Lebanese Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to better prepare graduates for the workforce amidst Lebanon's ongoing economic crises. It addresses significant challenges such as skills gaps, ineffective engagement between HEIs and industry, and inadequate quality assurance mechanisms. HELD builds on USAID's previous initiatives, emphasizing partnerships between HEIs and local industries to foster innovation and enhance graduate employability. The Lebanese education sector is currently struggling due to financial constraints, high unemployment rates, and a subsequent brain drain as graduates seek opportunities abroad. A well-structured system of higher education is crucial for economic competitiveness, which HELD seeks to promote through improved quality assurance processes and by encouraging international accreditation. The activity aims for measurable outcomes, including increased institutional capacity for quality assurance, sustainable industry partnerships, and strengthened entrepreneurial ecosystems within HEIs. By collaborating with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, HELD intends to produce a workforce equipped for high-growth sectors, ultimately contributing to national economic recovery. The program underscores the importance of adaptability, sustainability, and inclusive development, with a commitment to monitoring and evaluation to optimize interventions throughout its implementation.
    Similar Opportunities
    USAID Educating the Future Program
    Active
    Georgia USAID-Tbilisi
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Georgia is seeking stakeholder input for the "Educating the Future Program" through a Request for Information (RFI) issued on June 13, 2022. This RFI aims to gather comments and suggestions on the draft Program Description to enhance educational frameworks in Georgia, focusing on areas such as international accreditation in teacher training, partnerships between universities, and recruitment techniques for quality candidates. Responses to this RFI will inform future funding opportunities, with a submission deadline of July 5, 2022, at 10:00 AM (Georgia time). Interested parties should send their responses, limited to six pages, to Ekaterine Gamezardashvili at egamezardashvili@usaid.gov, ensuring that all materials submitted become the property of USAID and should not contain proprietary information.
    Request for Information on USAID/Burma’s Higher Education Activity (HEA)
    Active
    Burma USAID - Rangoon
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) regarding its planned Higher Education Activity (HEA) aimed at enhancing access to inclusive higher education opportunities for youth in Burma. This initiative seeks to gather insights from potential partners on their capabilities and sector knowledge to inform the design of the program, which is expected to be implemented over a period of three to five years. The RFI emphasizes the importance of addressing barriers to higher education access, particularly in light of the ongoing political situation and historical inequities exacerbated by COVID-19 and political unrest. Interested organizations are encouraged to submit their responses to the RFI, but proposals will not be accepted at this stage. For further inquiries, respondents can contact Thu Ya Soe, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, at tysoe@usaid.gov or by phone at 009595419593.
    RFI - Regional Support for Post-Pandemic Equitable Education
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking public feedback through a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Regional Support for Post-Pandemic Equitable Education," aimed at enhancing equitable access to quality education in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The RFI invites input from individuals and organizations, particularly those with experience working with marginalized groups, to identify gaps in access and quality of education, promising interventions, and the role of technology in addressing these challenges. This initiative is crucial in light of the educational inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as migrants and children with disabilities. Interested parties should submit their responses by October 30, 2023, to inform potential programming, with the estimated project start date set for October 1, 2024. For further inquiries, contact Hannah Weatherford at hweatherford@usaid.gov or call 202-460-3342.
    Request for Information (RFI) and Sources Sought: Libyan Economic Acceleration Project
    Active
    Germany USAID - Frankfurt
    USAID, through its Germany office, is seeking responses for the Request for Information (RFI) and Sources Sought related to the Libyan Economic Acceleration Project (LEAP), aimed at enhancing economic stability in Libya. The initiative focuses on promoting private sector development, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to address high unemployment and underemployment among vulnerable groups, including youth, women, and individuals with disabilities. With an estimated budget of $15 million over three years, the project aims to strengthen entrepreneurship skills and support local incubators, ultimately fostering a more resilient and inclusive economy. Interested parties are invited to submit their responses via email to LibyaSolicitations@usaid.gov by October 12, 2020, with a focus on providing insights into the capabilities and experiences relevant to the project.
    USAID/Ghana Low-Cost Private School (LCPS) Activity
    Active
    Ghana USAID-Accra
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking feedback through a Request for Information (RFI) for the Low-Cost Private School (LCPS) Activity in Ghana, aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and financial viability for private schools in Northern Ghana. The initiative focuses on improving teaching quality, business management skills, and the capacity of local educational networks, addressing significant gaps in the public education system and aligning with USAID/Ghana's broader development goals. The program, with an estimated budget of $4-$10 million over five years, encourages responses from interested entities by April 1, 2022, and emphasizes the voluntary nature of submissions, which should include organizational capability statements detailing relevant experience. For further inquiries, interested parties may contact Zita Kusi at zkusi@usaid.gov or by phone at +233 55 966 7869.
    New Primary Education Activity
    Active
    Ethiopia USAID-Addis Ababa
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking information regarding a new initiative titled "New Primary Education in Crisis Activity" aimed at improving educational outcomes for children affected by crises in Ethiopia. This Request for Information (RFI) invites organizations to provide insights on emergency education strategies, including effective teaching methods for low-performing students and community engagement in learning processes. The initiative is crucial in addressing the significant educational challenges faced by vulnerable children in Ethiopia, particularly those impacted by conflict and crises, and aims to enhance foundational skills through evidence-based approaches while fostering collaboration with existing educational programs. Interested parties should submit their responses by email to caddis@usaid.gov and lgarvey@usaid.gov by January 19, 2024, as this RFI is part of the planning process for potential future funding opportunities under the fiscal year 2024.
    USAID Laos Read to Learn Basic Education Activity
    Active
    Thailand USAID-Bangkok
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking feedback for the anticipated "Read to Learn Basic Education Activity" in Laos, aimed at enhancing foundational skills in literacy, math, and science for students in grades 3-5 over a five-year period. This Request for Information (RFI) invites organizations to provide insights on a draft Concept Note that addresses educational challenges in Laos, including low-quality primary education and teacher shortages, with objectives focused on improving instructional practices, developing inclusive teaching materials, and strengthening the local education system's capacity. The program is crucial for addressing the pressing educational needs in Laos and aims to promote community engagement and sustainability of improvements beyond project funding. Interested parties must submit their responses by November 15, 2024, and can contact Suthicha Chussananalin at schussananalin@usaid.gov for further information.
    Request for Information (RFI) - USAID/Kosovo Youth Activity
    Active
    Kosovo USAID-Pristina
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) for a new Youth Activity in Kosovo, where youth unemployment currently stands at 38%. The RFI aims to gather insights from experts and organizations in youth development to identify challenges faced by young people and explore effective, locally-led solutions, particularly focusing on vulnerable youth engagement and enhancing their participation in decision-making processes. This initiative is crucial for aligning youth skills with market needs and fostering their active involvement in Kosovo's democratic and economic growth. Responses to the RFI are voluntary and must be submitted by August 18, 2023, at 17:00 Kosovo Local Time. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Fiolla Radoniqi at fradoniqi@usaid.gov or by phone at 202-216-6241.
    Request for Information (RFI) and Expression of Interest (EOI) on USAID/Burma Higher Education Scholarship Program Activity
    Active
    Burma USAID - Rangoon
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the Higher Education Scholarship Program Activity in Burma, aimed at enhancing access to inclusive higher education through scholarship opportunities for youth. This initiative seeks to gather insights from potential partners to inform the design of a program anticipated to last five years, contingent on funding availability, while addressing challenges such as inequity, low enrollment, and declining quality in higher education exacerbated by recent socio-political events and the COVID-19 pandemic. USAID is particularly interested in exploring the feasibility of placing Burmese students in regional institutions, supporting virtual learning, and identifying barriers to education, with responses to the RFI being voluntary and intended to guide program planning. Interested parties can contact Thu Ya Soe, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, at burmaoaa@usaid.gov for further information.
    Request for Information - Citizen Security Activity - USAID/Haiti
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights for the design of a new Citizen Security Activity in Haiti, aimed at addressing critical issues of crime, violence, and insecurity that impede the nation's development. This initiative seeks input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including private sector actors, non-governmental organizations, and civil society, to align strategies with the Government of Haiti's priorities and enhance community resilience against gang influence. Responses to this RFI are due by February 14, 2022, and should be submitted via email to usaidhaitioaa@usaid.gov, with a maximum length of three pages. This RFI does not represent a funding opportunity or commitment from USAID, and all responses will be treated confidentially.