This is a sources sought announcement. This is NOT an Invitation for Bid (IFB), Request for Proposal (RFP), or a Request for Application (RFA) and in no way obligates the US Government to award a contract or cooperative agreement. However, potential sources that may be interested in a forestry program in Bolivia are requested to mail, fax, or email their interest and information regarding their capabilities and experience to the contact address (listed below) by January 22, 2003. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) plans to support a new program to improve tropical forest management in Bolivia. Since 1996, Bolivia has made important advances toward the goal of sustainable management of its tropical forests and biological diversity. USAID/Bolivia has supported these advances through programs of policy development, technical assistance, training and research. As a result of the partnership between USAID, the Government of Bolivia, the private sector, and social groups, Bolivia currently leads the world in tropical forests which have been independently certified as well managed. Bolivians are rightfully proud of these achievements, and they are determined to continue Bolivia's leadership in sustainable tropical forest management. However, significant constraints are currently hindering further progress. These include: (1) A land and forest policy framework that may provide stronger incentives for deforestation than for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and forest fire prevention; (2) Generally weak forestry institutions, whether they be governmental or non-governmental; (3) Insufficient information on forest ecology, silviculture, and forest product development; (4) A wood products industry in which many companies are inefficient, under-capitalized, and struggling to survive; and, (5) Generally low levels of awareness and appreciation, by key Bolivian stakeholders, of the importance of forest management to Bolivia's development. USAID/Bolivia plans to assist the Government of Bolivia (GOB), community groups, private sector, and other stakeholders to address some of these (and potentially other) constraints. Institutions, contractors, for profit and non profit organizations that may be interested in participating in this forestry program are requested to contact USAID/Bolivia. Interested institutions must be able to achieve results in some or all of the following thematic areas: (1) Policy analysis. Bolivia's new forestry regime has resulted in important improvements in forest management. However, further applied analyses may be needed; (2) Institutional Strengthening. While key forest management institutions have become much more effective, some may require additional assistance; (3) Applied research. Further applied research, ranging from forest ecology to product development, may be needed to ensure that forest management is sustainable; (4) Technical assistance in tropical forest management. Two groups in particular may require technical assistance: (a) indigenous and non-indigenous community organizations which are responsible for large expanses of Bolivian forests, and (b) forestry companies, whether community-based or not, which need to improve their industrial operations and efficiency; (5) Education and training. The needs are potentially diverse, ranging from a lack of enough highly qualify forestry professionals to insufficient education materials; (6) Communication. Recent surveys supported by USAID demonstrate that public awareness and positive behaviors regarding forest management are limited. Effective communication activities may be needed. To request copies of relevant background studies financed by USAID/Bolivia please contact the Regional Contracting Office. For US Mail contact: Phillip S. Tresch, Regional Contracting Officer, USAID/Bolivia, Unit # 3914, APO AA 34032; Email:
[email protected]