Responsive Local Governance (RLG) Activity | 72038824RFA00006

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72038824RFA00006

The Responsive Local Governance (RLG) Activity is a USAID Bangladesh (Dhaka) funding opportunity designed to strengthen how local government institutions (referred to as LEGIs in the notice) plan, respond, and deliver services in ways that reflect what communities actually need, especially people who are often left out of decision-making. The core idea is to make local governance more effective and more responsive by improving accountability to citizens and by ensuring that public and private service delivery is shaped by community priorities, not just top-down processes. The activity emphasizes inclusive, localized approaches so that women, marginalized groups, and underserved communities are not excluded from planning, oversight, or access to basic services.

At the highest level, the activity goal is more effective and responsive local governance and practices. Its main objective is to develop LEGIs into institutions that are effective, responsive, inclusive, and accountable, with a specific focus on addressing social issues and improving the quality of basic services for the most marginalized. In practical terms, USAID is looking to support systems and habits of governance that last beyond the life of the project, meaning stronger local institutions, stronger citizen oversight, and better coordination among government, civil society, and the private sector.

The technical work is organized around three main intermediate results. Intermediate Result 1 focuses on strengthening LEGI capacity so local governments become more transparent and accountable to their communities and are able to monitor service quality across both public and private providers. Under this result, the activity will develop tools, practices, and training interventions that help local systems become more accountable, gender-sensitive, and responsive. A major sustainability element is collaboration with the National Institution of Local Government (NILG), with the intention of embedding successful training approaches into NILG curricula so improvements can be institutionalized and scaled. This result also includes support for local policy advocacy, where LEGIs are encouraged to push for national legal and policy reforms that expand local roles, authorities, and access to resources, enabling local government to influence and improve service delivery by responsible government offices. In addition, RLG aims to promote e-governance inside LEGIs and help them become drivers of broader e-governance practices in their communities. USAID also intends to refine and institutionalize participatory annual planning and budgeting practices, so citizen input becomes a consistent and expected part of local governance rather than an occasional consultation.

Intermediate Result 2 centers on strengthening citizen voice and oversight by improving civil society, community-based organization, and broader citizen participation in local decision-making and in monitoring service delivery, including services contracted to private providers. A key mechanism described is the creation or strengthening of Citizens Forums, supported through training, technical assistance, and hands-on coaching over an extended period. The emphasis is not just on one-time workshops, but on giving participants repeated opportunities to practice new skills and apply tools in real governance settings, supported by ongoing guidance. The activity also plans a Local Government (LG) Assessment to map and evaluate any existing citizen forums already operating at community level and determine whether they can be incorporated into the program. Through these existing or newly formed forums, communities will be prepared to engage meaningfully in annual planning and budget sessions and to strengthen their advocacy for better services and more responsive local decisions.

Intermediate Result 3 addresses the coordination gaps that often limit service quality by strengthening collaboration among LEGIs, the private sector, and civil society organizations (CSOs). The opportunity highlights that effective local governance depends on coordination not only within local government, but also with central government field administration and service delivery offices, as well as with CSOs and community groups. It points to evidence that NGOs have played especially important roles in improving local governance in the post-pandemic context, and it frames LEGIs and CSOs/CBOs as natural allies because both work closely with citizens. With targeted support, these actors can form stronger partnerships to advocate for better services and to improve service delivery outcomes. The activity also explicitly encourages civil society and LEGIs to partner with the private sector as part of improving the quality and responsiveness of both public and private services.

From an award and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity issued as a cooperative agreement, meaning USAID expects to have substantial involvement during implementation. The opportunity number is 72038824RFA00006 under CFDA 98.001, categorized under Law, Justice and Legal Services. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, with one expected award and an award ceiling of $15,000,000. The notice shows a creation date of May 29, 2024, and an original closing date of June 22, 2024. Overall, the opportunity is structured to produce durable improvements in local governance by combining institutional strengthening, citizen participation and oversight, and cross-sector coordination aimed at better service delivery for communities, especially those most marginalized.

• The Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Responsive Local Governance (RLG) Activity" 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 2024-05-29.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-22. (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 $15,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

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