USAID - PSE Training and Consultation Services - Market Research

The General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Assisted Acquisition Services (AAS) is conducting market research to support the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in enhancing its Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) training programs. The focus is on developing a comprehensive training program centered around private sector engagement (PSE). This initiative aims to equip USAID's A&A workforce, including Contracting Officers, Program Officers, and other relevant personnel, with the necessary skills to effectively engage with the private sector throughout the program and procurement cycles. The overarching goal is to align these efforts with USAID's mission of fostering sustainable development through strategic partnerships.

The Management Bureau's Office of Acquisition and Assistance, Professional Development and Training Division (M/OAA/PDT), plays a pivotal role in this endeavor by coordinating core and non-core training for USAID's A&A workforce. This workforce is spread across Washington D.C. and approximately 85 field offices worldwide. M/OAA/PDT plans to utilize a hybrid task order approach that combines fully burdened labor rates, firm fixed prices for deliverables, and cost reimbursement for travel expenses. This strategic approach will facilitate the delivery of tailored training sessions that address both technical assistance needs and communication skills necessary for effective private sector engagement.

The scope of work entails developing various educational resources such as courses, web-based modules, toolkits, case studies, and white papers. These resources will be designed to foster a cultural shift within USAID towards more effective private sector engagement practices. The contractor will also be responsible for staying updated on developments within USAID's PSE policies as well as external trends affecting these engagements. Additionally, they will maintain and update all developed materials to ensure they remain relevant amidst evolving agency policies.

This initiative emphasizes innovative training delivery methods including instructor-led sessions, webinars, e-learning courses, and on-the-job training approaches. By doing so, it seeks to enhance both technical competencies in PSE strategies as well as soft skills like interpersonal communication among A&A staff members. Ultimately, this project aims not only at immediate skill enhancement but also at supporting long-term behavioral changes that align with USAID's Collaborate, Learn & Adapt framework.