Sustainable, Transformational and Accessible WASH Interventions (STAWI) | 72061520RFI000002

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72061520RFI000002

Sustainable, Transformational and Accessible WASH Interventions (STAWI) is a USAID/Kenya and East Africa (USAID/KEA) planning effort focused on improving water security in Northern and Eastern Kenya, especially in areas that experience recurrent crises such as drought and related shocks. The notice is not a call for proposals; it is a Request for Information (RFI) meant to gather input from industry, implementers, and other stakeholders while USAID designs a future activity. In practical terms, USAID is using this RFI to test whether the draft technical approach is realistic, cost-effective, and likely to achieve meaningful results on the ground, and to identify gaps before releasing a formal solicitation.

The core purpose of the RFI is to invite feedback on the Program Description Framework (referenced as Attachment I in the notice) and to collect recommendations that could improve the future activity design. USAID is specifically asking respondents to weigh in on two broad questions: first, what key risks, challenges, or omissions exist in the stated purpose and approach, and what alternative strategies could reduce those risks; and second, what changes or lessons learned respondents would suggest to strengthen the approach. This framing signals that USAID is looking for candid, experience-based input, including operational realities, what has worked or failed in similar WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) and water security programs, and any practical enhancements to increase sustainability, resilience, and accessibility.

Administratively, the opportunity is posted under Funding Opportunity Title "Sustainable, Transformational and Accessible WASH Interventions (STAWI)" with Funding Opportunity Number 72061520RFI000002. It is categorized as discretionary and indicates an anticipated assistance mechanism, with a cooperative agreement noted as the funding instrument type. The activity category is listed under natural resources, and the CFDA number provided is 98.001. Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity may respond, subject to any additional clarifications in the full notice. While the RFI itself is not an award, the listing includes planning figures that hint at the scale of the eventual activity: an award ceiling of up to $39,000,000 and an expectation of one award, which suggests USAID may be considering a single large implementer (potentially with partners) if and when a formal solicitation is released.

The instructions for responding are straightforward but strict. Responses must be submitted only by email to STAWI@usaid.gov by the due date stated on the cover page (the source data shows an original closing date of April 6, 2020). Submissions must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format and clearly labeled on every page with the responding organization name and the phrase "Response to RFI Sustainable, Transformational and Accessible WASH Interventions (STAWI)." The response length is capped at three pages, which implies USAID wants focused, high-value feedback rather than lengthy concept papers.

The disclaimer section is central to understanding what this notice is and is not. USAID emphasizes that the RFI is issued solely for information-gathering and planning and does not represent a commitment to release a solicitation or make an award. Any future solicitation, if issued, would be announced publicly later and would require a separate response through the standard competitive process. USAID also notes that responding is voluntary, respondents will not be paid, submissions are not applications, and feedback may or may not be incorporated into a future solicitation. Responses will not be returned, and respondents should not expect individual follow-up or notification about how their input was used. Finally, USAID states that the RFI does not restrict the government approach in any future procurement or assistance competition, reinforcing that this is market research rather than a binding step in the acquisition process.

Taken together, STAWI at the RFI stage is best understood as a design consultation for a major WASH and water security activity in crisis-affected regions of Kenya. The immediate "ask" is not program delivery but targeted expert feedback on feasibility, risks, and improvements to USAID's draft approach, provided in a concise written response that can inform a later cooperative agreement competition.

• The Agency for International Development, Kenya USAID-Nairobi in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Sustainable, Transformational and Accessible WASH Interventions (STAWI)" 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 Mar 13, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 06, 2020. (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 $39,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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