The Digital Frontiers project is issuing an expression of interest (EOI) to support the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Promoting American Approaches to ICT Regulatory Policy (ProICT) activity.

In the 21st Century, the reach of internet and mobile networks, the security and adoption of communications services, and vibrancy of ICT sector are crucial for countries to grow and become strong U.S. partners. For these reasons, the U.S. government is working to significantly increase international cooperation to build an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure cyberspace. ProICT will fund intensive, dedicated policy engagements with receptive USAID host countries that will encourage the adoption of American models of telecommunications, internet, and ICT regulation. U.S. ICT policy goals include promoting:

• Open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet and communications networks.

• Multistakeholder models of internet governance.

• Pro-competitive and pro-investment spectrum, telecommunications infrastructure, and regulatory policies.

• Effective approaches to advancing cybersecurity frameworks, supply chain policies (such as for 5G), and regulation of communications networks.

Digital Frontiers seeks to identify qualified firms or consultants, including attorneys, policy researchers, and network and spectrum engineering experts with expertise in one or more of the following areas: analyzing, developing, and implementing ICT policy; telecommunications regulation; infrastructure policy; mobile and wireless spectrum management; internet governance; digital trade; and financial services regulation.

Selected firms or consultants will provide policy advisory services to developing country governments in consultation with USAID and relevant U.S. government agencies. These experts will directly assist developing country governments in implementing important ICT public policy approaches in their own national setting, through mid- to long-term consultations, potentially as an embedded expert in a developing country regulatory agency or ministry.

A young woman in India accesses information on government programs and benefits with help from a Digital Frontiers-supported initiative to close the gender digital divide.

Responses

More information on the ProICT Activity can be found in the ProICT EOI.

Responses are due November 15 at 5pm ET to [email protected]. Any questions regarding the EOI must be submitted by November 1 at 5pm ET to [email protected]. If you are interested in receiving updates and further communications regarding this EOI please email [email protected].

Digital Frontiers is a $74.4 million buy-in mechanism available to USAID Bureaus and Missions from 2017-2022. DAI implements the Digital Frontiers project, which works closely with USAID’s Global Development Lab (GDL), the Center for Digital Development (CDD), USAID Missions, the private sector, and international and local development organizations to identify successful and sustainable digital development approaches and scale their impact globally.