Request for Information (RFI) Asian Agricultural Technology Spurring Innovation, Transfer, Adaptation, and Uptake | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Is this a grant solicitation or request for proposals (RFP)?

No. This notice is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by USAID/RDMA in Bangkok. It is not a grant solicitation, not an RFP, and not a request for technical applications.

2) What is USAID asking for through this RFI?

USAID is asking for practical input from interested individuals and organizations to help shape an anticipated activity called "Asian Agricultural Technology Innovation and Transfer." The RFI is meant to gather ideas on how USAID could help accelerate the creation, adaptation, and spread of agricultural technologies across South and Southeast Asia.

3) What is the anticipated activity called?

The anticipated activity is called "Asian Agricultural Technology Innovation and Transfer."

4) What region does this RFI focus on?

The RFI focuses on South and Southeast Asia, with particular attention to specific Feed the Future priority countries.

5) Which countries are specifically highlighted as priorities?

The notice highlights Feed the Future priority countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Nepal.

6) What is the main development problem USAID is trying to address here?

USAID frames technology transfer as a high-impact approach to address food security and nutrition challenges in some of the region's poorest communities.

7) What does USAID mean by "technology transfer" in this context?

In this context, technology transfer refers to moving proven tools, practices, and systems across borders and contexts, adapting them as needed, and supporting their spread so they are actually used in real farming systems and market environments.

8) Is USAID looking for brand new technologies or something else?

The RFI emphasizes not only generating new technologies, but also ensuring that technologies are adapted, transferred, and taken up in practice. The focus is on real-world adoption and diffusion rather than technology development alone.

9) What kinds of outcomes or benefits are mentioned in the notice?

The notice references improvements such as increased agricultural productivity, reduced post-harvest loss, and stronger farm and agribusiness management systems for low-income farmers, alongside Feed the Future goals related to inclusive agricultural sector growth and improved nutrition outcomes.

10) Why does USAID consider the region's diversity an advantage?

USAID describes the region's diversity as an advantage because it creates opportunities for peer learning and for sharing knowledge, materials, and innovations across different contexts.

11) Does this RFI connect to any existing USAID activity?

Yes. USAID/RDMA notes that its existing Agricultural Learning Exchange for Asian Regional Networking (AgLEARN) activity has produced positive examples of technology adaptation and transfer, and the anticipated new activity would build on that foundation.

12) What is AgLEARN?

AgLEARN refers to the Agricultural Learning Exchange for Asian Regional Networking, an existing USAID/RDMA activity cited as having produced positive examples of technology adaptation and transfer.

13) What kind of input does USAID want respondents to provide?

USAID asks respondents to emphasize discrete and actionable interventions that USAID/RDMA could realistically support. The notice encourages specific approaches, mechanisms, and practical steps rather than broad theory or general commentary.

14) Do respondents have to address every topic implied by the notice?

No. Responders may address any or all topics implied by the notice and may also add other relevant information about agricultural technology transfer in Asia that they believe USAID should consider.

15) Who can respond to this RFI?

Eligibility is broadly described as open to interested individuals and organizations.

16) Is responding to the RFI mandatory?

No. Responses are voluntary.

17) Is USAID requesting budgets, cost proposals, or technical applications at this stage?

No. USAID explicitly states it is not asking for technical applications, budgets, or cost proposals through this RFI.

18) Is there funding available through this RFI?

No. The RFI itself does not offer an award. As a result, it does not list an award ceiling or floor.

19) Is there any cost sharing or matching requirement?

No. The notice states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement because there is no funding being competed at this stage.

20) What is the opportunity type listed for this notice?

The notice categorizes the opportunity as "Other" rather than a standard grant or cooperative agreement competition.

21) Does issuing this RFI mean USAID will definitely release a future solicitation?

No. USAID states that issuing the RFI does not commit the U.S. Government to make an award and does not guarantee a future solicitation.

22) Will the U.S. Government reimburse the costs of preparing an RFI response?

No. The notice states that the Government is not obligated to reimburse any costs incurred in preparing a response.

23) When was this RFI posted and when did it close?

The RFI was posted on October 3, 2014, and it closed on October 16, 2014. It was archived on October 17, 2014.

24) Who is the point of contact for this RFI?

The listed point of contact is Karittha Jenchiewchan, Procurement Specialist at USAID Bangkok.

25) How can someone contact the point of contact?

For issues accessing the full announcement electronically, the point of contact can be reached by phone at 6622573025 or by email at kjenchiewchan@usaid.gov.

26) What should someone do if they cannot access the full announcement electronically?

The notice directs individuals to contact the listed point of contact, Karittha Jenchiewchan, for issues accessing the full announcement electronically.

27) What kinds of stakeholders does USAID want the anticipated activity to reach?

USAID indicates an interest in approaches that reach women and men farmers, marginalized groups, and other stakeholders who often face barriers to adoption, alongside actors such as policymakers, researchers, and private sector participants.