Work with USAID

The best way to get started and understand how to work with USAID is to visit our special website rich in advice and resources and created especially for attracting a variety of new partners. In addition to this, you can follow @WorkWithUSAID on X and join live and recorded webinars and sessions that dive even deeper and answer questions to help organizations from around the world partner with USAID. 

USAID is especially interested in diversifying our partner base by doing business with local organizations and U.S. small businesses. 

It's important to read our Country Development Cooperation Strategy and some stories of our impact to get a better understanding of the work USAID is doing in Rwanda and see how your organization or business can add further value. 

 

Development Innovation Ventures (DIV)

Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) is USAID’s open innovation program that funds breakthrough solutions to the world's toughest development challenges. By funding innovation and focusing on rigorous evidence, DIV impacts millions of lives at a fraction of the usual cost. 

DIV accepts proposals all year round. To learn more, please go to the DIV webpage. 

 

Unsolicited Proposals

A written proposal that is not in response to a request from the Government or any of its programs that is submitted on the initiative of the offeror for the purpose of obtaining a contract with the U.S. Government.

Basic Requirements for an Unsolicited Proposal

USAID is always looking for those who can contribute new ideas consistent with the Agency’s development assistance objectives in Rwanda. USAID prefers to issue competitive awards to ensure that we achieve the best value and strongest solutions. While we accept unsolicited proposals for review, potential offerors should be aware that only in highly exceptional cases are such proposals funded.

A valid unsolicited proposal must:

  • Be innovative and unique;
  • Be independently originated and developed by the offeror;
  • Be prepared without Government supervision, endorsement, direction, or direct Government involvement;
  • Include sufficient detail to permit a determination that USAID support could be worthwhile and the proposed work could benefit USAID's research and development or other responsibilities; and
  • Not be an advance proposal for a known USAID requirement that can be acquired by competitive methods.

A Valid Unsolicited Proposal must include:

  1. Basic information, including:
    • Offeror's name and address and type of organization (e.g., profit, nonprofit, educational, small business);
    • Names and telephone numbers of technical and business personnel to be contacted for evaluation or negotiation purposes;
    • Identification of proprietary data to be used only for evaluation purposes;
    • Names of other Federal, State, local agencies, or parties receiving the proposal or funding the proposed effort;
    • Date of submission; and
    • Signature of a person authorized to represent and contractually obligate the offeror.
  2. Technical information, including:
    • Concise title and abstract (approximately 200 words) of the proposed effort;
    • A reasonably complete discussion stating the objectives of the effort or activity, the method of approach and extent of effort to be employed, the nature and extent of the anticipated results, and the manner in which the work will help to support accomplishment of USAID's mission;
    • Names and biographical information on the offeror's key personnel who would be involved, including alternates; and
    • Type of support needed from USAID; e.g., facilities, equipment, materials, or personnel resources.
  3. Supporting information, including:
    • Proposed price or total estimated cost for the effort, in sufficient detail for meaningful evaluation;
    • Period of time for which the proposal is valid (a six month minimum is suggested);
    • Type of contract preferred;
    • Proposed duration of effort;
    • Brief description of the organization, previous experience in the field, and facilities to be used; and
    • Other statements, if applicable, about organizational conflicts of interest, security clearances, and environmental impacts.

Before you submit an Unsolicited Proposal:

  • Ensure that you are familiar with USAID’s country- and regional-based programs,
  • Carefully read the requirements for submission
  • Review the Guidelines for Submitting Unsolicited Contract Proposals

Important Resources