The USAID Disaster Management Capacity Support Activity (Reference Number: 72049725RFI00001) seeks to improve disaster management capacity in Indonesia through strategic partnerships, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement. The RFI outlines USAID's goal of providing a stand-alone, three-year program with an estimated budget of $3.6 million, contingent on fund availability. USAID intends to support Indonesia's National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) and other related agencies in enhancing their disaster response capabilities, with a focus on addressing gaps in disaster preparedness and response. This initiative follows significant historical collaboration between USAID and the Indonesian government, particularly in bolstering early warning systems, logistics, and responder agency capabilities. Over the last two decades, these efforts have included various support programs focused on emergency logistics, workforce training, and the development of data and information centers.

This activity will align with the USAID/Indonesia Country Development Cooperation Strategy, particularly regarding environmental sustainability and urban resilience, and with Indonesia's Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for 2020-2024, which emphasizes disaster resilience and climate change adaptation. The activity is also aligned with the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) goals, which include enhancing capacity for humanitarian assistance, building local disaster management capabilities, and fostering bilateral and multilateral partnerships in disaster management. The activity is designed to be flexible, adaptable to Indonesia’s evolving policy landscape, and responsive to both GOI and USAID strategy updates.

The activity has three main objectives: first, to provide targeted technical assistance that enhances BNPB's capacity for rapid response and disaster readiness, including support for logistics, special disaster capabilities, and gender-sensitive programming. Second, it aims to improve interagency coordination and disaster planning, establishing clear roles among agencies and standard operating procedures for collaboration, especially between civil and military actors. Finally, the activity will focus on strengthening Indonesia's partnerships with U.S. and international agencies for knowledge exchange, cross-training, and joint disaster management initiatives.

The strategic approach encourages Indonesia’s shift from aid recipient to strategic partner, positioning USAID as a facilitator for technical collaboration between Indonesian agencies and specialized U.S. counterparts, including FEMA, NOAA, and the USFS. USAID’s approach emphasizes inclusive practices that engage marginalized communities in disaster preparedness and response, with an emphasis on gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI). Activities will involve targeted training, simulation exercises, and systems improvements, ensuring capacity-building efforts reach frontline disaster responders at national and subnational levels.

The RFI invites feedback from stakeholders on potential approaches and challenges in executing the project. Respondents are encouraged to offer input on key disaster management needs, effective partnership strategies, and methods to enhance civil-military coordination. USAID also seeks input on consortium composition, private sector involvement, and effective monitoring and evaluation metrics for assessing program impact. Interested organizations are asked to submit responses by November 26, 2024, including their qualifications and experience in disaster management, with details on organizational type, capabilities, and legal registration if based in Indonesia.

USAID’s ultimate goal with this RFI is to gather insights that will inform the activity design to maximize its impact on disaster management capabilities in Indonesia. The feedback will help shape an acquisition strategy, which may include local organization partnerships or U.S. small business participation, depending on the response and assessment of industry capabilities.