Opportunity Information: Apply for 72061119 STT
USAID/Zambia issued a Request for Information (RFI 72061119-STT) on January 18, 2019 to gather input from organizations and other interested parties to help design a future activity called "Solar Technologies Training." This notice is strictly for planning purposes under FAR 52.215-3, meaning the U.S. Government is not asking for proposals, does not plan to award a contract based on the responses, and will not pay for the information provided (except in limited cases where such costs might be allowable under other federal contracts). Even though the document uses words like "proposal" and "offeror," USAID states clearly that responses will be treated as informational only and will not create any legal obligation.
The underlying problem USAID is trying to address is Zambia's low electricity access. Nationally, electricity access is described as about 31 percent, while rural access is stated as less than 5 percent. USAID links this lack of reliable power to slower economic development and reduced opportunities for investment and trade, with knock-on effects for poverty reduction. The notice also emphasizes that the national grid is not expected to expand to many currently unserved areas in the near term, so off-grid or decentralized solutions are viewed as the practical short- to medium-term path to expanding energy access.
Within that context, solar technologies are positioned as an immediate and realistic option, but USAID highlights a major constraint: the shortage of trained professionals who can properly install and maintain solar systems across the country. The RFI notes that solar installations are relevant not only for households, but also for institutions and public service priorities, citing ongoing and planned solar-related efforts in sectors like health, education, and water and sanitation. USAID is concerned not just with putting systems in place, but with ensuring they are installed correctly, operate safely and reliably, and continue working over time through adequate maintenance and servicing capacity.
The intervention USAID is exploring would support a Zambia-based organization to provide regular training in solar technology installation and maintenance. The goal is to increase solar uptake nationwide by developing a stronger cadre of qualified solar professionals who can serve both institutional and residential users. The RFI is meant to collect market and stakeholder feedback to shape the eventual program design, and it notes that ideas may change significantly as USAID continues consultations and goes through internal approval processes.
Responses were due February 5, 2019 by 17:00 Zambia time, and USAID required submissions through a Google Form linked in the announcement. If technical issues occurred with the form, respondents were instructed to contact oaa-solicit-lusaka@usaid.gov, but USAID also made clear that comments emailed to other addresses would not be considered. USAID also noted this was a new activity with no incumbent provider.
The opportunity details list the activity under a discretionary category with an "Other" funding instrument type, within a science and technology or related research and development activity area, and a CFDA reference of 98.001. Eligibility is described as unrestricted. The source data also shows an award ceiling figure of 280,000, though the RFI itself is not a funding solicitation and does not commit USAID to making an award.Apply for 72061119 STT
- The Zambia USAID-Lusaka in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "USAID/Zambia Solar Technologies Training" 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 2019-01-18.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-02-05. (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 $280,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): USAID/Zambia RFI - Solar Technologies Training (RFI 72061119-STT)
1) What is this opportunity?
This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by USAID/Zambia (RFI 72061119-STT) to gather input from organizations and other interested parties. The purpose is to inform the design of a potential future activity called "Solar Technologies Training."
2) Is USAID requesting proposals or applications for funding?
No. USAID states this notice is strictly for planning purposes under FAR 52.215-3. The U.S. Government is not asking for proposals and does not plan to award a contract based on responses to this RFI.
3) Does responding to the RFI create any legal obligation for USAID or the respondent?
No. USAID indicates responses will be treated as informational only and will not create any legal obligation.
4) Will USAID pay respondents for providing information?
No. USAID notes it will not pay for the information provided. The notice includes a limited exception that such costs might be allowable in certain cases under other federal contracts, but the RFI itself does not provide payment.
5) Why is USAID focusing on solar technologies training in Zambia?
USAID links the activity concept to Zambia's low electricity access (about 31 percent nationally and less than 5 percent in rural areas). The notice explains that limited access to reliable power can slow economic development and reduce investment and trade opportunities, affecting poverty reduction. USAID also notes the national grid is not expected to expand to many unserved areas in the near term, making off-grid or decentralized solutions a practical approach in the short to medium term.
6) What problem is USAID trying to solve related to solar adoption?
USAID identifies a shortage of trained professionals who can properly install and maintain solar systems across Zambia. The concern is not only deploying systems, but ensuring they are installed correctly, operate safely and reliably, and continue functioning over time through adequate maintenance and servicing.
7) What type of activity is USAID considering?
USAID is exploring an intervention that would support a Zambia-based organization to provide regular training in solar technology installation and maintenance. The goal is to strengthen the pool of qualified solar professionals and increase solar uptake nationwide.
8) Who would benefit from the training described in the RFI?
The RFI frames solar installations as relevant for both households and institutions. It references solar-related efforts connected to public service priorities and sectors such as health, education, and water and sanitation.
9) Is this an existing project with an incumbent provider?
No. USAID states this is a new activity and that there is no incumbent provider.
10) When was the RFI issued?
The RFI was issued on January 18, 2019.
11) What was the deadline to submit responses?
Responses were due February 5, 2019 by 17:00 (Zambia time).
12) How were responses required to be submitted?
USAID required submissions through a Google Form linked in the announcement.
13) What should respondents do if they had technical issues submitting through the Google Form?
If technical issues occurred with the form, respondents were instructed to contact oaa-solicit-lusaka@usaid.gov.
14) Can responses be submitted by email to other USAID addresses?
No. USAID stated that comments emailed to other addresses would not be considered.
15) The notice uses words like "proposal" and "offeror." Does that mean this is a solicitation?
No. USAID explicitly clarifies that even if the document uses solicitation-style terms, the RFI is for informational purposes only and is not a request for proposals or offers.
16) Will USAID definitely launch a future "Solar Technologies Training" program?
The RFI is intended to collect market and stakeholder feedback to shape a possible future program. USAID notes that ideas may change significantly as consultations continue and as the activity goes through internal approval processes. The RFI itself does not commit USAID to moving forward.
17) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The opportunity details list the activity in a discretionary category with an "Other" funding instrument type. However, the RFI itself is not a funding solicitation and does not commit USAID to making an award.
18) What is the activity area associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed within a science and technology or related research and development activity area.
19) What CFDA reference is associated with the listing?
The source information references CFDA 98.001.
20) Who is eligible to respond, based on the listing?
Eligibility is described as unrestricted in the opportunity details.
21) Is there an award amount associated with this listing?
The source data shows an award ceiling figure of 280,000. At the same time, USAID emphasizes the RFI is not a funding solicitation and does not commit the U.S. Government to making an award based on responses.
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