Request for Information (RFI) - Nature Tourism Activity | 72051421RFI00002

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72051421RFI00002

USAID Colombia (Bogota) issued a Request for Information (RFI) tied to a draft concept paper for a provisionally named "Nature Tourism Activity." The core idea is to strengthen Colombias nature tourism sector by helping build sustainable business models that create real economic opportunities for local communities while also conserving the countrys biodiversity and reducing pressures that drive harmful land use change (for example, activities that contribute to deforestation or habitat conversion). In practical terms, USAID is testing and refining its early design for a future activity and wants outside perspectives to make sure the concept is realistic, well-structured, and aligned with what actually works in the field.

This notice is not a grant competition and not a request for proposals or applications. It is strictly a market and stakeholder sounding exercise intended to gather feedback from organizations and individuals who have relevant experience, including international nature tourism actors, private sector participants, and community stakeholders. USAID is looking for comments, opinions, recommendations, and new ideas on the approaches described in the draft concept paper (Attachment A). A separate set of guiding questions (Attachment B) is provided to help respondents shape their input, but respondents are not required to answer every question. USAID notes that any incorporation of feedback will depend on internal mission discussions and approvals, and respondents should not expect individualized replies to their submissions.

The RFI also emphasizes procurement fairness and confidentiality. USAID states that responding will not provide any competitive advantage in any future solicitation, and it will not create an organizational conflict of interest. It also clarifies that the U.S. Government is not committing to issue a future funding opportunity and will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response. In other words, this is an information-gathering step that may inform a later program design, but it does not guarantee that funding will be offered later.

Submission expectations are straightforward and fairly strict. Responses should stay focused on the questions in the RFI and on comments or suggestions directly related to the draft document. To keep the process efficient, USAID asks respondents to limit submissions to three pages, formatted in 11-point font. Submissions may be written in either English or Spanish. The original closing date for responses was June 3, 2021, and the opportunity is listed under CFDA 98.001, categorized under community development and natural resources. Eligibility is marked as unrestricted, meaning any interested entity could provide feedback. The listing also shows an anticipated ceiling of up to $30,000,000 associated with the future activity concept, signaling a potentially sizable program if USAID ultimately decides to proceed to a formal solicitation stage.

• The Colombia USAID-Bogota in the community development, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Request for Information (RFI) - Nature Tourism Activity" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-05-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-06-03. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $30,000,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for 72051421RFI00002

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