The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the independent government agency that manages U.S. foreign assistance programs worldwide. Such programs advance major U.S. foreign policy interests and help foster in host countries the suitable environment to promote sustained economic growth and social development. USAID was created under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 in recognition of the above objectives.
USAID operates in the following four corners of the globe: Africa, Asia & the Near East, Latin America & the Caribbean and Europe & Eurasia. The Agency deploys its presence though Missions in 86 countries. For more information on missions worldwide, go to www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/osdbu/guide10a.htm.
As defined in the Strategy of 2003-2005, the Mission’s objectives lay down the structure of the upcoming scope of work. USAID/Lebanon will be primarily involved in the following areas:
Expanding economic opportunities and investment through rural/urban integration in the major sectors of the economy as well as in “growth poles”.
Accelerating economic reform by working on policy, legislation, and intellectual property rights to encouraging trade and foreign investment.
Strengthening foundations for governance by improving municipal services to Lebanese citizens. Issues such as transparency, accountability in government, privatization and e-government will be tackled.
Improving environmental practices and policies, like developing new methodologies for water management, water pricing, cost recovery, distribution, etc…
Enhancing rural development in Lebanon’s underprivileged communities.
Developing public-private partnerships through the Global Development Alliance (GDA). Partners such as non-governmental organizations, foundations, private companies, American educational institutions and others all play a crucial role.
All USAID programs and contracts are predominantly awarded on a competitive basis and are posted on the USAID Business & Procurement website (www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp). Interested parties are encouraged to apply and USAID selects potential applicants based on a competitive process in line with the U.S. Government’s procurement policy. However, in some instances, USAID accepts unsolicited proposals that are defined as unique, innovative and fit USAID/Lebanon’s strategic objectives.
Projects that are not advertised by USAID are considered unsolicited proposals. Resources available to USAID for programs must be concentrated and focused on clear objectives that fit within program priorities. Therefore only exceptional unsolicited applications can be considered for funding on a non-competitive basis. These applications must present a distinctive approach, fully support USAID’s development objectives, and demonstrate a unique capacity by the applicant to carry out proposed activities.
Even though unsolicited proposals are not generally encouraged by USAID, interested entities must first write a concept paper presenting their project and then send it to USAID/Lebanon.
A concept paper contains basic information that helps USAID staff assess the proposed project. click here to open the Concept Paper Guide.
For more in-depth information about USAID’s policies and procedures, please refer to the Agency’s Automated Directives System (ADS) at www.usaid.gov/pubs/ads.
