The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for Assistance Agreements from all U.S. and non-U.S. qualified organizations for funding to support a program entitled “Strengthening Transparency and Governance (STAGE).” The overall goal of the award of the RFA will be to provide technical assistance in order to support judicial and administrative reform and combat corruption in Mongolia.
USAID expects to award one (1) Cooperative Agreement based on this RFA. Subject to the availability of funds, USAID intends to provide approximately $7,000,000 in total USAID funding to be allocated over the five (5) year period.
Program Purpose – Development Objectives
Through a strategic assessment process that has incorporated consultations with the GoM, other donors and the US Embassy, USAID has determined the best application of its resources and efforts in the DG sector to be on;
1) Targeting the endemic causes of corruption;
2) Enhancing transparency and accountability in the administrative process and;
3) Strengthening the judicial sector.
Program Components
USAID has identified three programmatic interventions intended to achieve its development objectives.
USAID encourages the submission of applications that propose innovative activities and approaches that will contribute to the development objective – More Effective and Accountable Governance.
1. Strengthen Anti-corruption Efforts
Anticipated Results
– The IAAC further consolidates authority over investigating and referring corruption cases, in particular those cases involving grand corruption
– Civil society takes a more active role in monitoring and exposing bribery and corruption within the government
– Culture of zero tolerance towards bribery and corruption is enhanced;
– Each administrative area has a publicized and acknowledged anticorruption plan;
2. Improving Administrative Reform
Anticipated Results
– Draft administrative reform law receives public comment and input.
– Administrative procedure law is finalized and if enacted is properly implemented
– Administrative procedures are published and distributed public comment is invited
– Increased accessibility/transparency to targeted pilot entity
– Government discretionary decision making reduced
– A system of checks and balances is introduced in the pilot entity(ies), with potential for replication among other ministries/organizations.
3. Strengthening the Judicial Sector
Anticipated Results
– Processes that shield the judiciary from outside influence are institutionalized
– Citizens are more informed about judicial decisions and better understand judicial processes
– President’s reform agenda for judiciary is accepted by a parliamentary majority
– Procedures for appointing judges are revised and made public
– Legislation/proposals for an independent body overseeing the judiciary is drafted.
Last date for submission of applications is September 23, 2011
For more information, visit this link and search by Funding Opportunity Number RFA-438-11-000002.
