RFI: New Philippine Fisheries Activity

Background
The USAID/Philippines and Mongolia, Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain information, opinions, and recommendations from all interested parties with respect to a proposed water security activity in the Philippines. The RFI emphasizes that it is not a Request for Proposals, a Request for Quotations, an Invitation for Bids, or a Solicitation. It also clarifies that responses to the RFI are strictly voluntary and will not form a binding contract or agreement with the U.S. Government.

Grant Details
The new Philippine Fishery Activity aims to address unsustainable fishing practices, including overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The activity will support evidence-based policy development, promote sustainable harvest strategies, and increase compliance with fisheries policies in Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs). It will also focus on inclusive engagement with small-scale fishers, women associations, fishing industry players, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
The activity's goals include advancing sustainable and equitable fisheries management to reduce threats to marine biodiversity.

Eligibility Requirements
The RFI is open to all interested parties who can provide relevant information, opinions, and recommendations regarding the proposed water security activity in the Philippines. Respondents are advised that their participation in the RFI is voluntary and will neither advantage nor disadvantage any organization or lead to an organizational conflict of interest in any subsequent solicitation.

Grant Value
Not provided

Place of Performance
The geographic focus of the activity is initially proposed to be on the western coastline of the Philippines facing the South China Sea (SCS) (FMA 5 and FMA 6), where large pelagics such as tuna and small pelagics such as scad and mackerels are abundant.
Additional sites being considered are FMA 1, 4, and 11.