The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC) Regional Office, issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Regional Innovation through Locally Led Development Partnerships" (RFI number: 72053824RFI00001) to gather input from organizations interested in supporting regionally focused programming in the Caribbean. The RFI, issued on May 20, 2024, invites responses from eligible organizations by June 28, 2024. This information-gathering effort aims to identify organizations with proven experience and capacity to collaborate with USAID in strengthening regional innovation through locally-led development, though it does not guarantee any funding or partnership opportunity.

The RFI emphasizes the USAID’s interest in identifying credible, high-capacity organizations with experience across multiple Caribbean countries, particularly those that have operated successfully in at least two Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC) nations. Eligible organizations must be legally established in a CARICOM member or associate country and demonstrate that at least 50% of their governance or ownership is held by CARICOM residents or entities. USAID is specifically looking for organizations with a strong track record in multi-country project management, financial stability, partnership-building, and a history of achieving measurable impact.

Organizations are encouraged to present their experience and success in managing initiatives across diverse sectors. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, climate adaptation, disaster resilience, food security, economic growth, small and medium enterprise (SME) development, renewable energy, health, education, digital development, governance, and women’s empowerment. USAID also seeks insight into "catalytic programming" from these organizations, aiming to understand how their efforts have spurred further investments or initiatives from other entities.

Responses to this RFI should include a cover page, a statement of capacity, and a summary of relevant experiences that highlight each organization's operational scope, the countries they have impacted, partnerships they have leveraged, and any demonstrable results achieved. Specific submission instructions request a concise, seven-page maximum format, detailing organizational structure, financial viability, partnerships, programmatic impact, and, optionally, descriptions of any catalytic programming.

This RFI is a preliminary step to inform USAID’s potential future programming in the Caribbean region. Interested organizations must submit their responses via email to Ms. Ana Diaz (andiaz@usaid.gov) and Ms. Farah Canaan (fcanaanlachapelle@usaid.gov) and reference the RFI number in the subject line. USAID stresses that this RFI does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment to fund any program and advises organizations that responding to the RFI does not influence any future procurement outcomes.

For further details on USAID's program areas, organizations can consult the Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) for Eastern and Southern Caribbean available on the USAID website.