USAID is seeking input for a planned five-year Public Financial Management (PFM) activity in the Maldives, aimed at strengthening the country’s financial management capabilities. The activity will focus on key areas such as improving revenue generation, enhancing expenditure controls, supporting decentralization at subnational levels, and deploying e-government systems for better fiscal transparency. Civil service training institutions will also be targeted to build the necessary skills among government officials. This initiative forms part of USAID's broader effort to support governance and sustainable development in the Maldives.

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit feedback from stakeholders, especially organizations with experience in public financial management, governance, or relevant technical areas. USAID is interested in gathering ideas on how best to design and implement the activity. This includes exploring how to diversify the Maldivian economy, which heavily relies on tourism, and how to improve the performance of state-owned enterprises. Additional key areas of inquiry include reducing public subsidies, fostering fiscal decentralization for island councils, and improving the inclusiveness of the public financial management system to address the needs of marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The RFI seeks answers to a variety of specific questions, such as how to reform the management of unprofitable state-owned enterprises, how local governments can increase their revenue, and which public services are best suited for digital delivery. The document emphasizes the importance of addressing gender-responsive and inclusive development, asking for suggestions on how PFM reforms can better serve underrepresented groups across Maldivian society.

USAID invites organizations to provide feedback by October 25, 2024. Responses should be emailed to the designated contact points mentioned in the document. It is important to note that this RFI is for informational purposes only, and it does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. While USAID may use the feedback to inform the program's design, submitting a response does not guarantee participation in the future activity. If a formal solicitation is released, it will be announced separately on platforms like www.sam.gov or www.grants.gov.

Responses are encouraged to include organizational information, particularly past experiences related to public financial management, capacity building, or related sectors. Additionally, USAID is seeking input on how local governments, particularly island councils, can be supported in terms of fiscal autonomy and capacity building to encourage inclusive national development.

This RFI represents an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the design of a critical program that aims to address key financial governance issues in the Maldives, with the potential to strengthen fiscal transparency, improve service delivery, and ensure more equitable development outcomes for all citizens.