RESOLVE Request for Proposals: Youth in Peacebuilding and P/CVE Policy Note – REQUE002330-00001

Request for Proposals­

United States Institute of Peace

Learning from Local Peacebuilding Initiatives to Inform Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Youth

Location of Work: Remote-based, work may be performed from any location

Release Date: March 12, 2024

RFP Due Date: 11:59 pm U.S. Eastern Time on April 14, 2024

Submit Questions and/or Proposals to:

Chris Sfetsios at csfetsios@usip.org

Do not use the Apply button on this page.

Pertinent responses to questions will be made available to all offerors by e-mail. Questions will not be accepted after 5:00 pm EST on March 22, 2024.The final proposal must be submitted by time and date listed above to be considered.

Introduction and Background

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. For more information, please visit http://www.usip.org.

The RESOLVE Network (housed at USIP) is a global consortium of researchers and organizations committed to better research, informed practice, and improved policy on violent extremism. RESOLVE Research Initiatives—which span thematic and geographical areas—facilitate research, capacity building efforts, and convenings to provide key insights on specific aspects of violent extremism to enhance and inform preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) research, policy, and practice. Viewing violent extremism as a form of violent conflict, RESOLVE’s research further considers how peacebuilding and conflict resolution mechanisms can or might be used to prevent and address local manifestations of violent extremism. For more information and to view RESOLVE publications, please visit https://www.resolvenet.org.

Purpose of RFP

Under RESOLVE’s Learning from Local Peacebuilding Approaches initiative, in partnership with the USAID Bureau for Africa,[1] the RESOLVE Network Secretariat is soliciting proposals for authorship of an original short form RESOLVE Policy Note publication focused on youth, peacebuilding, and preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) in sub-Saharan Africa. For more on the project and previous publications, see the project page on RESOLVE’s website: https://www.resolvenet.org/projects/learning-local-peacebuilding-approaches.

This Policy Note publication will:

1. Briefly contextualize and provide insight on the relationship and/or role of youth in peacebuilding and P/CVE initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa for non-academic audiences, drawing from existing research and expertise (this may be in the form of a specific case study, a comparative exercise, or a generalized approach);
2. Present and provide rationale for exploring relevant and actionable considerations for policymakers and practitioners seeking to involve youth in P/CVE initiatives in the Sahel and/or cater those initiatives to youth. These considerations should be based on lessons from, and challenges and gaps within, existing and previous local peacebuilding and P/CVE initiatives in Sahelian countries as informed by research and practical experience; and
3. Follow standard formats for RESOLVE Policy Note publications and associated editorial guidelines.

Successful offerors will submit a proposal to write a new, original policy note publication primarily focused on presenting brief, research-informed policy and practice-oriented considerations that can assist policymakers and practitioners in better understanding the roles and impact of youth within local peacebuilding and P/CVE efforts in the region and clarify the potential role of international donors and partners in supporting these P/CVE efforts. Submissions focused on the role of youth in, or considerations crafted for, one or more of the following countries are preferred: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and/or Senegal. Submissions drawing considerations from research using quantitative data and statistical analysis are highly encouraged.

Please note:
* Proposals must focus on topics related to youth, P/CVE, and local peacebuilding initiatives in the Sahel.
* Policy/practice considerations included in the proposal should prioritize development and peacebuilding-oriented responses and approaches, with secondary consideration of other non-development and non-peacebuilding tools.
* Proposals can speak to contextually-specific dynamics (e.g. a specific conflict, social group, or region/country), and/or focus on broader trends, international linkages, and comparative dynamics.
* Multidisciplinary proposals exploring intersections between conflict mitigation, peacebuilding, P/CVE, violence prevention, and governance are encouraged.
* Contributions from researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who have worked alone or in collaboration are welcome.
* Authors are encouraged to consider utilizing research from African scholars.
* The final topic and approach for this policy note will be further developed in consultation with the RESOLVE Secretariat.

Focusing on considerations around youth in local peacebuilding initiatives and lessons for P/CVE efforts, publication topics may include (but are not limited to):
* The role of youth in local conflict and violence resolution initiatives with lessons/considerations for future P/CVE policy and practice;
* Gaps in/challenges impacting youth engagement in local peace processes, with considerations for youth participation in efforts to address and prevent violent extremism;
* The intersection of youth and gender in peacebuilding and P/CVE practice;
* Youth bulges and areas of opportunity for engagement in prosocial conflict resolution and P/CVE activities;
* Specific examples of youth-led or youth-informed peacebuilding efforts and lessons for P/CVE youth activities;
* Youth use of social media/engagement in information ecosystems to further local peacebuilding and P/CVE efforts and goals;
* Intergenerational dialogues as a part of local peacebuilding efforts and their potential role for P/CVE;
* Youth engagement in conflict and violent extremism and potential avenues to address and prevent youth mobilization to violence;
* Mechanisms for disengaging youth involved in violent extremist or violent behaviors and prosocial means to reintegrate and rehabilitate them back into their communities.
* Scope of Work

The selected offeror will produce one RESOLVE policy note (approx. 1,500-3,000 words), according to RESOLVE editorial guidelines, on the role of youth in local peacebuilding and P/CVE efforts in sub-Saharan Africa with considerations specific to incorporating youth into P/CVE programs and/or developing P/CVE programs focused on youth in the Sahel region. Submissions focused on the role of youth in, or considerations crafted for, one or more of the following countries are preferred: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and/or Senegal. Submissions drawing considerations from research using quantitative data and statistical analysis are highly encouraged.

RESOLVE Policy Notes are short-form publications (approx. 1,500-3,000 words) authored by experts in response to policy- and practice-relevant priorities. Policy notes focus exclusively on presenting policymakers with a short list of timely and targeted considerations and considerations based on the analysis of a mix of scholarly, grey, and practice-based literature and in light of developing and/or previous violent extremism-related trends. Beyond advanced analysis of conflict and security dynamics, Policy Notes accentuate peacebuilding implications and considerations to improve P/CVE policy and practice to be proactive, constructive, and grounded in local understandings and rigorous research and practice. Policy Notes also include a “Sources” section and a “Suggested Further Reading, by topic” section (an additional list of recommended readings for topics addressed in the Note itself). Please note that Policy Notes must include considerations for
efforts to address violent extremism based on local peacebuilding insights. Examples of published policy notes can be found here, or at RESOLVE’s website: resolvenet.org.

The production of this policy note will not involve field research, but rather, draw on desk review of existing studies and/or the author’s own experience. Should the policy note be based on unpublished research findings from the author, the author is responsible for confirming and must submit to USIP/RESOLVE documentation showing that (1) the research was undertaken in accordance with and proper approval from ethics review committees for research involving human subjects including Institutional Review Board (IRB), and (2) that the author has the necessary rights and permissions to utilize those unpublished research findings.

The final written product will be tailored to an audience of policymakers and practitioners, offering detailed and specific considerations and/or reflections that are of use to this audience and incorporating a “Suggested Further Readings” section (see policy note description annex). Deliverables are subject to the RESOLVE Secretariat’s internal review and editing process, and the authors will address all necessary revisions within the scope of the contract prior to the publication being deemed final. All final publications are required to include references formatted in the Chicago Manual of Style 17^th Edition notes-bibliography style. The authors may also be asked to present a briefing of the findings for internal USIP/USAID and external audiences.

Expected Deliverables

1. Finalized Policy Note Outline: The selected offeror(s) will submit a finalized policy note outline based on the publication structure within RESOLVE’s Policy Note Guidance to RESOLVE. RESOLVE will provide feedback within two weeks of submission and participate in calls as needed.
2. First Draft Policy Note: The selected offeror (s) will submit a first draft of the policy note (approximately 1,500-3,000 words, including references in Chicago Manual of Style 17^th Edition Notes-Bibliography style) to RESOLVE for review and edits. RESOLVE will provide feedback within approximately two weeks of submission. RESOLVE and the vendor(s) will participate in calls as needed to coordinate and discuss draft feedback and revisions.
3. Revised Policy Note: The selected offeror (s) will submit a revised version of the policy note (approximately 1,500-3,000 words, including references in Chicago Style 17^th Edition Notes-Bibliography style) that incorporates all written and verbal edits discussed with RESOLVE. RESOLVE will provide feedback (including feedback from USIP and USAID) within approximately three weeks of submission. RESOLVE and the selected offeror (s) will participate in calls as needed to discuss the draft and edits.
4. Final Policy Note: The selected offeror (s) will submit the final version of the policy note, incorporating all final written and verbal edits discussed with and shared by RESOLVE. RESOLVE will submit any last copy edits and a templated proof to the selected offeror (s) prior to publication for final review.

Anticipated Timeline

Selected offeror(s) will work with RESOLVE Secretariat Staff to finalize the timeline for carrying out the project. All work is expected to be completed by no later than September 30, 2024. An example timeline based on the expected deliverables is included below for reference:
* Project Launch Meeting: up to 2 weeks following contract award
* Finalized Outline: up to 1 month from contract award
* First Draft: up to 2 months from finalized outline submission
* Revised Draft: up to 2 months from first draft submission
* Final Draft: up to 1.5 months from revised draft submission

Preferred Experience/Skills:
* Background researching and/or implementing or evaluating P/CVE projects (as an academic, practitioner, or policymaker);
* Background in peacebuilding and conflict resolution (as an academic, practitioner, or policymaker);
* Understanding of P/CVE policy and practice;
* Prior history of publications on similar topics;
* Previous record of writing short analyses for policymaker and practitioner audiences;
* Keen attention to detail;
* Understanding of local conflict dynamics and how they relate to violence, violent extremism, and terrorism in sub-Saharan Africa;
* Demonstrated expertise on issues related to youth in P/CVE, violent extremism, conflict contexts, peacebuilding, or related areas.

Expected Contract Type: Firm fixed price

Submission Requirements

Any proposal that does not contain all items listed below may be considered nonresponsive. For more detail on the selection process, including corresponding evaluation criteria, please see Section IV below. To be considered under this RFP, please submit the following:

Technical Narrative Proposal

The technical narrative proposal should be no more than 6 pages and include the following sections:

Past Experience: Describe at least two publications, reports, or other contributions of similar scope and complexity the offeror has worked on previously. Provide a point of contact with telephone number and email address for each of the described projects.

Overall Approach: Based on the information provided in the project background and scope of work sections above, describe the proposed topic for the policy note, its relevance P/CVE policy and practice priorities and initiatives, its country(ies) of focus (note: focus on P/CVE-relevance in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and/or Senegal is preferred), and your overall approach to the development of the policy note – including a brief description of existing work (research, programs, expertise) the publication would draw from. As noted above, the final topic and approach will be developed in consultation with the RESOLVE Secretariat.

Proposed Outline: Please include a tentative outline based on the RESOLVE Policy Note outline provided below:

INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT (Approx. 250-500 words)
* Provide background information on the topic including:
+ Why is this topic important and relevant to P/CVE?
+ What work/research has been done on the subject to date?

RELEVANCE TO POLICY AND PRACTICE (Approx. 250-500 words)
* Why is this important to policymakers and practitioners?
* How have policymakers and practitioners approached/dealt with this topic to date?
* What other examples of interventions have been implemented in similar contexts or around similar issues?
* Where have those interventions gone wrong or done well and where can they be improved?

CONSIDERATIONS (Approx. 1,000-1,500 words total)
* Provide practical considerations based on insights and research literature (where applicable and available) that target an actor as the audience for the consideration, practical steps for implementation, and comparable examples and best practices, using short subsections following the format below. Please note, Policy Notes may consider less or more than the four considerations provided in this example.
+ Subheading (Consideration 1)
o Short Paragraph (250 words)
+ Subheading (Consideration 2)
o Short Paragraph (Approx. 250 words)
+ Subheading (Consideration 3)
o Short Paragraph (Approx. 250 words)
+ Subheading (Consideration 4)
o Short Paragraph (Approx. 250 words)

CONCLUSION (Approx. 250 words)
* Summarize main points and key takeaways for policy and practice. Note further gaps and considerations that need to be addressed by researchers, policymakers, and practitioners if not already addressed in the previous sections.

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING, by topic
* For those interested in learning more or delving into the topic in more depth, provide additional recommended sources based on key topics in your policy note.
* For the outline, please include three (3) suggested further reading sources, listed in Chicago 17^th Edition Notes-Bibliography style.
* Key Personnel and Specific Expertise: Describe the key personnel, their role, their level of knowledge, and how their experience is related and beneficial to the work produced under this project. Please note that staff may be non-US citizens and do not require a security clearance.

Budget

Provide a cost proposal in spreadsheet format in US dollars that outlines the cost of providing the services described above, including an hourly rate and estimated hours to complete the project. Cost proposals may not exceed $1,000 USD.

Certification Page

Complete and sign the Certification Page below and submit with the proposal.

1. Selection Process
2. Schedule

Date

Schedule

March 12, 2024

RFP issued

March 22, 2024

Questions concerning RFP and project emailed to csfetsios@usip.org no later than 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.

March 27, 2024

Answers to questions will be made available to all offerors.

April 14, 2024

Proposals are due no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. Late submissions may not be accepted.

April 29, 2024

Notification to selected offeror

May 27, 2024

Estimated project commencement date

USIP may adjust dates in the schedule or cancel this RFP at any time prior to contract award.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria below. For more detail on each submission requirement, see Section IV of this RFP. The USIP Selection Committee will review all proposals received on time using the evaluation criteria established below based on the best value offered to USIP. The Selection Committee reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, to award multiple contracts, and/or to enter into negotiations with any party, in the best interests of the Institute.

Evaluation Criteria

Weight

Overall Approach

15%

Proposed Outline

15%

Focus on P/CVE-Relevance in Preferred Countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and/or Senegal)

10%

Focus on research using quantitative data and statistical analysis.

5%

Past Experience

20%

Key Personnel, Staffing, and Specific Expertise

10%

Budget

25%

Certification Page

(Please submit with the proposal)

1) The Offeror certifies that: (1) Prices in the offer have been arrived at independently without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other competitor; (2) Prices in the offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other competitor before bid opening or contract award unless otherwise required by law; and (3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other competitor to/not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

2) Has the offeror received funding from USIP? Yes/NO
If yes, provide the grant or contract number and the offeror’s main point of contact at USIP:___________________________________________________________________________________

On Behalf of Offeror:

Name of Organization or Independent Contractor

Signature of Authorized Official

Printed Name of Authorized Official

Title

Date

[1] This initiative applies lessons learned from local peacebuilding approaches to preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) priorities in sub-Saharan Africa.