The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Sri Lanka is seeking feedback on a proposed new initiative focused on strengthening public financial management (PFM) in the country. The activity is intended to address issues related to revenue generation, expenditure control, fiscal transparency, and overall governance at both national and subnational levels. USAID is reaching out to local development and technical organizations through this Request for Information (RFI), inviting ideas and suggestions on how to best design this initiative. The aim is to gather input on key themes that may shape the program, though USAID emphasizes that the program’s structure and objectives may evolve based on further consultations and program design processes.

The proposed activity is expected to focus on several core areas: improving revenue generation and expenditure controls to address Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, including its high debt-to-GDP ratio; enhancing participatory financial management capabilities at the local government level with a focus on gender-responsive budgeting; supporting the implementation of e-government systems to improve fiscal transparency; and strengthening oversight and accountability mechanisms within public institutions. In addition, the project aims to build the skills of public sector employees to ensure they are equipped to manage these systems effectively.

USAID has outlined specific questions in the RFI related to various aspects of public financial management in Sri Lanka. For instance, the agency seeks input on how to improve domestic resource mobilization, boost foreign direct investments, and better plan welfare programs to reduce fiscal burdens. USAID is also interested in suggestions on how local governments can be supported to drive economic growth and become more self-sustaining, as well as how digital tools can be leveraged to provide public services more efficiently. Another important focus is on how gender-responsive budgeting and inclusive PFM practices can be strengthened to address the needs of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and ethnic minorities.

The RFI is an open call for suggestions, and organizations with experience in public financial management, governance, or digitalization efforts are particularly encouraged to respond. USAID is also interested in learning about ongoing or past projects that have contributed to strengthening PFM systems in Sri Lanka, as well as organizations’ specific capabilities and past experience in working on similar issues in the country or in comparable environments.

It is important to note that this RFI is not a solicitation for proposals or applications. Responses will be used for informational purposes only and are not binding. Organizations are invited to submit their feedback by October 28, 2024, via email to the USAID team in Sri Lanka. Submissions should include any relevant organizational experience or expertise, particularly related to public financial management in Sri Lanka, as well as suggestions for how the proposed activity can be structured to address the country’s unique needs.

USAID clarifies that submitting a response to the RFI is entirely voluntary, and organizations will not receive individualized feedback. However, information gathered through this process may influence the final design of the project. Interested parties are advised that if a formal solicitation for proposals is issued at a later date, it will be announced separately on www.sam.gov or www.grants.gov.