DEMD Y3 Work Plan DRAFT.docx - USAID

Digital Economy and MarketDevelopment (DEMD)

Year 3 Work PlanContract No. 7200AA19M00016

October 29, 2021

Submitted by:Resonance

1 Mill Street, Suite 201Burlington, VT 05401

Phone: (802) 735-1169Fax: (886) 595-9620

Gabriela MontenegroInterim Chief of Party (I-COP) on behalf of

Anne Szender McCarthyChief of Party (COP)

Email: [email protected]

This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development(USAID). It was prepared by Resonance for the Digital Economy and Market Development (DEMD)Mechanism, contract No. 7200AA19M00016.

Table of Contents

Acronym List 3Introduction 4Approach to Stakeholder Engagement 5

Component 1: Technical Analyses, Assessments, and Diagnostics 7Component 2: Rapid Response, Short-Term Assistance Teams, and Short-Term Activity Support(STAS) 9Component 3: Stakeholder Communications and Knowledge Generation and Management 12Component 4: Training 15Component 5: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) 17

On-Demand Services Requests & Response 19Management Plan 19

Day-to-day Management 19EMD Technical Tasks and On-Demand Support 20Resource Partners 21

Reporting 22

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Acronym List

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer’s RepresentativeAU African UnionCO Contracting OfficerCOP Chief of PartyCOR Contracting Officer’s RepresentativeCSIS Center for Strategic and International StudiesDDI USAID’s Bureau for Development, Democracy and InnovationDEMD Digital Economy and Market DevelopmentDIS Development Information SolutionEMD Center for Economics and Market DevelopmentFSR Financing Self-RelianceFY Fiscal YearGDA Global Development AllianceGIZ German International Cooperation AgencyI-COP Interim Chief of PartyITIF Information Technology and Innovation FoundationKM Knowledge ManagementLABS Resonance’s Learn, Align, Build, Sustain Partnership ModelLOE Level of EffortM&E Monitoring and EvaluationMBIOs Missions, Bureaus, and Independent OfficesMEL Monitoring, Evaluation, and LearningMSME Micro-, Small-, and Medium-Sized EnterprisesOUs Operating UnitsPPP Public-Private PartnershipSAF-DE Systems Analytic Framework for the Digital EconomySMEs Small- and Medium-Sized EnterprisesSOW Scope of WorkSTAS Short-Term Activity SupportSTTA Short-Term Technical AssistanceTBD To Be DeterminedTCA Trade and Competitiveness ActivityUSAID United States Agency for International DevelopmentUSG United States GovernmentWBG World Bank GroupWTO World Trade Organization

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Introduction

United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Bureau for Development, Democracyand Innovation (DDI) utilizes central mechanisms to support Missions and deliver technical assistance topartner countries. The Center for Economics and Market Development (EMD) is home to the Agency’sexperts on trade, investment, regulatory environment, and private sector development. EMD’s work ispredicated on the principle that a level playing field and more efficient market systems benefit both U.S.and host country companies. The Digital Economy and Market Development (DEMD) project enablesUSAID/Washington, USAID Missions, and other Bureaus and Operating Units (OUs) to access experttechnical assistance in a single mechanism to design, implement, and evaluate a range of activities to meetdigital economy, trade capacity building, private sector development, and business enabling environmentneeds of developing country partners.

DEMD will provide functional and technical capabilities that enable EMD to respond to—and play aleading role in—digital economy and market development initiatives around the world. These activitieswill be thoughtfully targeted to seed cutting-edge work for USAID Bureaus and Missions to drive moreeffective thought leadership, innovative pilots, and increase responsiveness to new developments in thedigital economy and other trade-related topics. The focus will be on developing pragmatic guidance forUSAID practitioners to apply best practices and lessons learned, building capacity for USAID staff toadapt to new trade and e-commerce trends, and piloting innovative activities that Missions can learnfrom and scale to achieve greater impact.

This work plan provides an overview of activities and deliverables for Year 3 (FY 2022) of the Activity,specifically:

● Component 1: Technical Analyses, Assessments, and Diagnostics. Inventory and prioritize needs;design and implement new tools; and provide on-demand assessment, analysis, and diagnosticsupport to Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices (MBIOs).

● Component 2: Rapid Response, Short-Term Assistance Teams, and Short-Term Activity Support(STAS). Provide on-demand and rapid short-term services to MBIOs and country stakeholders; andexecute small-scale, on-demand, and rapid short-term technical services for MBIOs in areas thatcomplement their existing portfolios.

● Component 3: Stakeholder Communications; Knowledge Generation and Management. Enhance theavailability and visibility of DEMD services available to Missions and other Bureaus; and generatelearning and facilitate stakeholder engagement in emerging technical areas.

● Component 4: Training. Identify EMD training needs; and contribute to EMD trainingdevelopment/upgrades and delivery, both virtually and in person in Washington, D.C., and to MBIOs,as requested.

● Component 5: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Provide on-demand support and guidance on tools,data sources, M&E frameworks, and cross-cutting impact and performance evaluations for trade,investment, private sector development, and business enabling environment programs.

In its role as a support program, DEMD will remain flexible and responsive to USAID DDI/EMD, workingthrough a team of international trade and market development experts while maintaining open andfrequent communication to ensure mutual clarity as to expectations and desired outcomes for eachDEMD task. The Chief of Party (COP), Ms. Anne Szender McCarthy, will ensure proper sequencing of

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DEMD activities to create a virtuous cycle that increases demand for DEMD products and services.DEMD will also seek to increase the visibility of EMD and MBIO tool kits, case studies, and thoughtleadership products in DEMD’s principal technical areas. To reflect on-demand requests, this work planwill be supplemented by detailed budgets and expected levels of staff resources provided in a series ofabstracts or implementation Scopes of Work (SOWs) submitted to EMD for review and approval assuch requests are received.

Approach to Stakeholder Engagement

EMD will serve as the main point of contact under the DEMD contract. The COP will meet with otherUSAID or U.S. Government (USG) stakeholders at the request of the Contracting Officer’sRepresentative (COR) or with his or her approval at the request of EMD Activity Managers for specificdeliverables.

Activities in the Year 3 Work Plan are informed by the global trends in the evolution of the digitaleconomy, the increased demand for digital transformation support, and the need to address thedisruptions in the international supply chains triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistently, thework plan will take into account that the multilateral donor community, governments, business, and civilsociety are shifting its approaches to respond to development challenges, as the pandemic has triggeredthe need for policy response, and high-impact interventions.

COVID-19 response. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the process of digital transformationand has added urgency for governments and donors to respond. Key challenges have become evident,and mobilization of resources is necessary to support the design of policy mechanisms and innovativeapproaches to improve government services, develop digital skills, support small- and medium-sizedenterprises’ (SMEs’) digital transformation, and improve the regulatory frameworks to promoteinnovation in key sectors. The disruptions of global supply chains are negatively affecting trade andeconomic performance, especially for developing economies.

USAID Digital Strategy. In April 2020, USAID released its first-ever Digital Strategy, charting anAgency-wide vision for development and humanitarian assistance in the world’s rapidly evolving digitallandscape. DEMD will contribute to achieve and sustain open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystemsthat contribute to broad-based, measurable development outcomes in emerging market countries.

Digital innovation for trade facilitation and logistics. Digitally enabled trade, through e-commerceplatforms, innovative financial technologies, or more efficient customs processes, is one of thefastest-growing areas in the global economy. Digital technologies can reduce the cost and time neededfor common business operations, provide innovative business models for market access to SMEs, andfacilitate end-to-end deliveries, promoting inclusive trade, especially for rural SMEs and consumers.

Support the contribution of USAID to the Alliance for eTrade Development II (eTradeAlliance II). DEMD is equipped to contribute to the work under the Global Development Alliance(GDA) to advance developing country micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises’ (MSMEs') use ofe-commerce, including for cross-border trade. DEMD can support knowledge development, policyassessments, and responses to e-commerce and cross-border trade; continue developing case studiesthat illustrate key issues of the digital economy in developing regions and countries; promote and informpolicy dialogues; and design and produce innovative high-impact training tools for SMEs.

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Targeted stakeholder outreach. Following the Agency’s reorganization and the establishment of theCenter for Economics and Market Development, DEMD will continue to utilize the two-page fact sheetto market its services and to encourage and attract buy-ins for short-term support from Missions andBureaus. Throughout Year 3 (FY 2022), the COP will continue to work with the COR to schedulediscussions with key USAID stakeholders to discuss priorities and demand for DEMD support. Suchclients may include participants from previous training or webinar series, Missions that have learned ofEMD’s offerings through Marketlinks articles, the dissemination of papers and guides previously producedunder DEMD, or direct outreach to the EMD office. Additionally, DEMD will work with the COR toidentify potential client Missions seeking additional technical support following policy dialogues with theeTrade Alliance II. DEMD will also monitor the USAID Missions country strategies and programs,procurement forecast, and existing implementing mechanisms to identify Missions that are interested inbuilding their digital economy environment that might also be interested in support designing or pilotingactivities. This targeted outreach and direct engagement will help identify areas that bridge the gapbetween stakeholder resource constraints and DEMD service offerings, thereby allowing the project toseek greater clarity from prospective clients on how they plan to advance their digital agendas andallowing the project to channel specialized support to meet these objectives.

Public-private partnership (PPP) approach. The table below highlights opportunities for DEMD toidentify and develop multi-stakeholder partnerships through three primary channels: among and betweenUSAID stakeholders; between USAID and private sector companies; and among PPPs and industryalliances. As new partnerships are identified and scoped, the COP will draw on Resonance’s in-houseexperts and six years of experience advising USAID’s Center for Transformational Partnerships, theCenter of Excellence on integration of private sector engagement across the Agency. Resonance’sproprietary Learn, Align, Build, Sustain (LABS) partnership model is based on ten years of learning anditeration and incorporates partnership tools and engagement processes that span the partnershipprocess from identification, outreach and engagement, co-design and negotiation, training and capacitydevelopment, and implementation/management.

DEMD will identify and develop schemes to leverage public-private alliances to advance digital economysolutions to reduce the digital gap; improve the enabling environment for digital entrepreneurs and SMEinnovation; test innovative market solutions; and strengthen private sector digital capacities, especiallySMEs.

PartnershipModel Definition Methodology

Among andBetween USAIDStakeholders

A peer-to-peer learningnetwork, or Community ofPractice between industryactors

DEMD will add to the growing body of evidence, bestpractices, and success stories on Marketlinks in DEMD’sprincipal technical areas. DEMD training will offeropportunities for USAID/Washington to deliver technicalexpertise and thought leadership to Mission staff.(Components 3, 4, 5)

Between USAIDand PrivateSectorCompanies

A bilateral partnershipbetween a private sectorcompany and USAID toaddress a market failureand/or test innovativemarket-led solutions

DEMD will leverage Resonance’s relationships withleading U.S. technology and agribusiness firms to identifyspecific partnership opportunities as part of short-termassignments. DEMD will incorporate private sectorperspectives and participation in trainings and events.(Components 2, 3, 4)

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Among PPPsand IndustryAlliances

A multi-stakeholderpartnership betweennumerous private and publicsector actors to address anindustry-wide challenge

DEMD will disseminate tools, knowledge products, andlearning to a wide audience, drawing on experts fromthink tanks and the private sector to discuss commonchallenges and collaborative solutions. (Components 1and 3)

Resource partners. Resonance will engage strategic resource partners to support the different tasksunder DEMD, as subcontractors, consultants and partner organizations. These include NathanAssociates, Nextrade Group, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the BrookingsInstitution, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Concordia, and qualified subject matterexpert consultants.

Component 1: Technical Analyses, Assessments, and Diagnostics

Context. For USAID MBIOs, host governments, the private sector, and civil society to make informeddecisions, they require access to evidence-based analyses, assessments, and diagnostics that providepractical insights and recommendations. USAID, DDI, and EMD have a range of assessment anddiagnostic tools that can be applied for on-demand MBIO support. DEMD can also leverage a range ofnew diagnostic tools, particularly in the digital space, to ensure that USAID programming responds totechnological advancements in traditionally underserved markets.

Resonance will build on its team’s expertise in a changing digital landscape to identify opportunities forvalue-added research. DEMD’s subcontractor, Nathan Associates, also has extensive experiencedeveloping diagnostic and analytical tools for trade and business enabling environment projects, includingthe Systems Analytic Framework for the Digital Economy (SAF-DE). The SAF-DE was piloted in Moldovaand is ready to be rolled out to a broader set of countries. Its modularized format allows forcustomization of the topics and analysis to the precise needs and desires of the prospective client. Thelaunch of the USAID Digital Strategy has led to additional demand from Missions for deeper analysis onchallenges and opportunities in digital development. Any work undertaken by DEMD (whether in thefield or in Washington) that relates to the Digital Strategy will contribute to USAID’s Digital LearningAgenda on best practices in digital programming. Finally, the impact of COVID-19 has highlighted theimportance of the digital economy for countries at all levels of development and has created additionalurgency and impetus for Missions to design and implement pilots and projects to support the growth ofa healthy digital economy.

DEMD collaborates with the eTrade Alliance II on several activities, including a webinar series on criticaldigital policy issues and data use case studies that can build the evidence base for increasing access toe-commerce and related digital services for SMEs. DEMD also provides support for data use case studiesfor the e-Trade Alliance for companies in Africa, highlighting optimal data policies of the digital landscapeand related challenges and opportunities for driving e-commerce and digital trade in partner countries.

DEMD and the Alliance plan to continue the collaboration on various policy issues, creating additionalopportunities for DEMD to provide discrete knowledge products or trainings for key stakeholders.

Approach. Resonance’s approach to technical analyses, assessments, and diagnostics is grounded in thebelief that such products are only valuable to the extent that they help stakeholders to make better,more informed decisions. Therefore, such analyses must make use of robust evidence, reflect input froma broad array of stakeholders, and provide findings and actionable recommendations. In that vein, the

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COP will work closely with EMD, relevant MBIOs, and other stakeholders to define analytical tasks thatwill lead to evidence-based insights. DEMD will make use of stakeholder feedback to periodically reviewand update DEMD’s diagnostic and analytical tool kit.

Key tasks. DEMD will complete the following in Year 3 (FY 2022) of the project:

● Task 1.1: Continued outreach to prioritize EMD and MBIO stakeholder needs. Following the processfor stakeholder engagement outlined above, DEMD staff (the COP and Administrative Specialist) willcontinue targeted outreach to develop specific activities that respond to priority MBIO needs. Thiswill entail consultations with key USAID stakeholders, at the direction of the COR, regarding theirneeds for analyses, assessments, and/or diagnostics. Priority MBIO requests for tools, assessments,and diagnostics will be outlined with specific tasks, deliverables/products, relevant audiences, andUSAID counterparts for designing or deploying new or upgraded tools/assessments.

● Task 1.2: Develop scopes of work and budgets for tool development and implementation ofassessments or analyses. In order to improve USAID program design in key digital economy andmarket development sectors, DEMD will work with EMD to identify and explore new thematic andtechnical areas that would benefit from analyses and summaries of existing research and evidence.Discussions on additional topics of interest to USAID MBIOs will be explored throughout FY 2022.Before working on the development of new or upgraded tools, or conducting an analysis,assessment, or diagnostic, DEMD will develop a clear scope of work with proposed Level of Effort(LOE), work plan, deliverables schedule, and budget for Contracting Officer (CO)/COR approval.This will ensure buy-in from the EMD team and will establish a clear process for managing andimplementing EMD support tasks. The timing and scope of work for these activities will bedeveloped during the targeted stakeholder outreach process described in task 1.1.

● Task 1.3: Tool development and assessment/diagnostic implementation. Following the developmentof a plan with EMD and creation of the corresponding SOWs and budgets to complete diagnosticsand assessments, DEMD will conduct desk-based and field-based analytical assessments (includingdevelopment of new tools). This might include, for example, analyses of host country readiness forgrowing the digital economy, regulatory and policy barriers to women’s employment, investmentopportunities to promote Financing Self-Reliance (FSR) objectives, border assessments, time releasestudies, and rollout of the SAF-DE tool to additional countries to identify opportunities for support.

Multilateral donors (UN, World Bank Group [WBG], regional development banks, and otherdonors) are completing digital economy assessments, at global, regional, and country levels, thatprovide evidence and findings to support recommendations linked to connectivity, digital businesses,human capital, and access to finance and innovation. This represents an opportunity for DEMD tocomplement the assessments and dive deeper through analyses on other areas of digitaldevelopment. In accordance with demonstrated interest from Missions, DEMD could deploy relevantSAF-DE modules (such as trade logistics, private commercial law, and SME preparedness) for thispurpose.

In Year 3 (FY 2022), DEMD, with technical assistance from Nathan Associates, will provideimplementable recommendations to USAID/West Bank and Gaza through a deep dive of key areas ofthe SAF-DE: 1) Trade Logistics; 2) Digital Financial Services; 3) SME Preparedness; 4) Digital Skills; 5)Digital Entrepreneurship; and 6) Digital Economy, Investment, and Commercial Law. In particular, theassessment will provide specific, actionable recommendations to inform USAID programs in supportof Palestinian private sector development. The findings of SAF-DE can support programs to createopportunities for SMEs and start-ups in key sectors, create employment for the youth, and realize

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the benefits of digital technologies. The assessment will be closely coordinated with USAID’s Missionto West Bank and Gaza and will build upon the recent work of other donors, particularly WBG andthe German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ).

On an ongoing basis, DEMD will identify opportunities to integrate diagnostic and analytical toolsinto MBIO buy-in activities. This will include efforts to refresh, build, pilot, and roll out tools thataddress emerging trends and that consider the needs of various audiences, including women, youth,and disadvantaged groups.

● Task 1.4: Desk-based research and analyses. To advance EMD’s thought leadership across DEMDtechnical areas, DEMD staff will identify opportunities for desk-based analyses that outline the stateof practice in a certain technical area, highlight calls to action, and synthesize internationalapproaches. Desk research can be a precursor to more robust field-based analytical work ortechnical assistance and may include stock-taking reviews of gender policies or studies on digitaldevelopment’s impact on the incomes of vulnerable groups, for example. To deliver cutting-edgeresearch, DEMD will leverage experts from its team, including resource partner Nextrade Group,along with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the Brookings Institution, theCenter for Strategic and International Studies, Concordia, and others.

Deliverable(s) DeadlineWest Bank/Gaza SAF-DE assessment January 2022SOWs and budgets for DEMD analyses, assessments, diagnostics TBD/OngoingRollout of analyses, assessments, diagnostics TBD/OngoingDesk-based research and summaries of existing evidence TBD/Ongoing

DEMD Points of Contact: Anne Szender McCarthy (COP); Gabriela Montenegro (I-COP)

EMD Points of Contact: Paul Fekete (COR), Evelyn DesJardins (ACOR)

Component 2: Rapid Response, Short-Term Assistance Teams, andShort-Term Activity SupportContext. The outcomes achieved by EMD’s broad portfolio of buy-in mechanisms demonstrate thattargeted, thoughtful technical assistance can bring significant value to USAID and key stakeholderinstitutions—host country government ministries, private sector industry associations, and regionalorganizations. By allowing MBIOs to quickly mobilize highly specialized expertise in emerging areasrelating to digital commerce and market development, DEMD will build on this foundation and expandUSAID’s technical leadership more broadly among developing country governments, regionalorganizations, and private sector partners.

EMD offers a core set of trade and private sector advisory services to MBIOs and partners worldwide.Given finite EMD staff time and resources, and the high demand for responsive short-term activitysupport, it is important that EMD be able to draw on trusted external partners to provide criticalbridging support—filling either scheduling or technical gaps between Mission-funded projects andprograms. DEMD’s ability to deliver high-quality, short-term activity support will enable EMD tosignificantly enhance and complement MBIO efforts. Providing responsive STAS to OUs will enable EMDto pilot innovative, stand-alone initiatives in DEMD’s technical areas, expand DEMD activities withinexisting USAID programs, and provide advisory support to partners ( i.e., global alliances, private sector,and government ministries). DEMD will proactively seek opportunities to work with the public and

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private sectors in host countries, building institutional capacity to implement best practices, and assistingbusinesses to take advantage of the benefits of regulatory reform.

Approach. DEMD will serve as an on-demand resource for EMD to conduct a variety of tasks,including support to Missions, developing country governments, and regional organizations. Building onResonance’s experience implementing other rapid response and on-demand programs for USAID andEMD, DEMD will ensure that its in-house and on-demand experts provide EMD with a cadre of proven,reliable, and readily available capabilities across all DEMD technical and functional areas. DEMD willutilize Resonance and Nathan’s extensive consultant databases, along with field-tested recruitingcapabilities, to support project activities. Given Resonance’s proven project management capability, allshort-term assignments will have robust logistical, security (when required), and organizational support.

As the parameters of individual assignments are defined, the COP will engage Resonance’s recruitmentteam to source the necessary expertise, either from Resonance and Nathan’s bench of experts orthrough a rapid recruitment process. As individuals and teams are fielded, the COP will have regularcheck-ins to ensure that tasks are aligned and to adapt plans when circumstances change. Uponcompletion of assignments, the COP will review all deliverables to ensure that they meet SOWrequirements and Resonance’s own quality expectations. Resonance’s Director of Economic Growth, Ms.Kristin Beyard, may also provide input on an as-needed basis. For each short-term engagement,Resonance will utilize follow-on surveys and after-action reviews to gather indicator data and assessclient satisfaction.

The COP will work closely with EMD to define SOWs and sustainability plans for all proposed STAS.These short-term activities could include implementation of small-scale digital trade activities; technicaland organizational capacity building support for industry associations, women entrepreneurs, andgovernment counterparts; partnership facilitation and activity support; or the management of USAIDbridging projects to fill gaps in USAID activities and funding.

The COP will work with EMD to market STAS to Mission staff, respond to buy-in requests, and defineSOWs and sustainability plans. Resonance will proactively identify STAS entry points through otherDEMD components and tasks, seeking opportunities to integrate digital development tools into currentor planned activities. Responding to existing and future demand from USAID MBIOs, Resonance willcollaborate closely with EMD to verify the precise needs of each respective MBIO and deliverappropriate STAS, ranging from management of country-based partners/subcontractors, deployment offield teams to implement activities on the ground, or identification and engagement of short-termtechnical experts.

Key tasks. DEMD will complete the following in Year 3 (FY 2022) of the project:

● Task 2.1: Proactive MBIO engagement . The COP will work with EMD to share the menu of availableservices with MBIOs about DEMD’s on-demand support options. With the guidance of the COR,DEMD will also proactively engage with Missions and OUs that respond to outreach efforts withconcrete ideas for support that fall within DEMD’s principal technical areas. Where theseengagements lead to approved activities, the COP will work closely with the COR and order OUsto develop SOWs, along with associated deliverables, budgets, timetables, and resourcing strategies.DEMD will utilize its consultant database and skills matrix, when needed, to ensure that on-demandshort-term technical assistance (STTA) consultant teams are able to deploy rapidly, drawing from thebest possible mix of experiences and background.

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In Year 3 (FY 2022), DEMD will work with the Microsoft Airband Initiative and its partners toexpand affordable broadband service to rural communities and to develop digital skills in targetedareas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. DEMD will support Microsoft Airband by assessingoptions for financial sustainability and by developing an integrated sustainable business model,including a holistic business development and outreach strategy that will enable commercial viability.DEMD can strengthen the impact of access to the Internet by implementing programs to developdigital skills and a productive use of the Internet to improve the livelihoods of communities. TheDEMD project will provide oversight of all activities, including selection and hiring oflocal/international STTA that will lead the market assessment, business model development, andexecution of capacity building workshops. (The concept note is under development at this stage).

● Task 2.2: On-demand OU technical support. On an ongoing basis, DEMD will deploy specializedexperts to provide a range of advisory services. DEMD will prioritize experts with past successesassisting EMD and Missions. Technical support and rapid response specialized expertise will assistMBIOs in understanding the implications of emerging e-commerce issues, support conductingtechnical research or data analysis, or build staff capacity. DEMD’s COP will effectively manage theseactivities to ensure that they are delivered on time and within the agreed scope and budget. Whereapplicable, on-demand assignments in tasks 2.2 and 2.3 will leverage Resonance’s regular engagementwith key U.S. technology companies (including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Cisco)and those involved in international trade (Cargill, PepsiCo, and Mars, among others) to develop ideasfor public-private partnerships.

● Task 2.3: Short-term technical advisory to country stakeholders. Host government ministries,customs and border agencies, multi-stakeholder alliances, and others often require technical supportfrom USAID. Resonance will rapidly deploy highly specialized technical experts with relevant country,industry, government, and/or private sector experience to provide the required short-term advisoryservices on an as-needed basis. Such expertise will be drawn from Nathan’s portfolio of field-basedprojects and Resonance’s on-demand work in critical priority countries identified by USAID/EMD.

In Year 3 (FY 2022), under the guidance of the COR, the COP will identify areas in which DEMD willcontinue to support efforts to inform regional integration initiatives, such as the Alliance for eTradeDevelopment II, to build the capacity of the African Union (AU). DEMD can engage with regionalintegration efforts in the key regions to U.S. Foreign Assistance policy (Central America, South EastAsia) to adopt policies and champion technologies conducive to an improved enabling environmentwhere micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises and youth can benefit from the opportunities ofthe digital economy. In close collaboration with USAID/EMD, DEMD will support discrete technicaltasks.

Support to the Alliance for eTrade Development IIDEMD will continue its support to the Alliance for eTrade Development through knowledgeproducts, trainings, support to regional dialogues, development of use case studies, and other tasks,as follows:

o Knowledge products. To help fulfill the tremendous appetite for information on “whatworks” among African public and private sector leaders, DEMD could develop or updateselected case studies in areas that complement those drafted by the Alliance. DEMD woulduse the digital trade area summaries, developed under the Leadership in Public FinancialManagement II project, as a starting point. DEMD could also leverage the Trade FacilitationAgreement MSME advocacy paper developed under the Trade and Competitiveness Activity(TCA) to add to the discussion of relevant, trade-related policy objectives. These materials

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could then be linked to the Alliance’s best practice library and could be disseminated toAfrican Chambers of Commerce, IT and e-commerce associations, African governments, andorganizations such as the AU and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. This may alsoinclude development of one-pagers or PowerPoint slides that convert the most relevant andhigh-level information into visuals to more effectively communicate key messages.

o Consultations. DEMD could conduct key informant interviews with private sector leaders inAfrica and then draft reports summarizing the findings and implications for digitaldevelopment and cross-border information sharing. These data use cases would provideinsights into the potential for integrating digital tools into more traditional sectors. DEMDcould also conduct desk research and primary interviews with stakeholders on what/whodrives their thinking on data privacy issues/consumer lobbies, law enforcement,protectionism/local businesses, and more. DEMD would synthesize the information tobetter understand the key drivers for the eTrade Alliance II and other USAID programs andstakeholders to provide targeted support.

o Trainings. Following the eTrade Alliance’s country-level digital trade dialogues, the projectplans to develop deep-dive technical trainings on issues of interest. DEMD could providesupport to public sector trainings in the form of content development, speaker identificationand outreach, and logistics as needed/where appropriate. Initial training topics may includecustoms treatment and risk management of inbound low-value items, digital identity,e-invoicing and fintech regulations, consumer protection, and digital addresses.

As the scope of these activities and deliverables are still to be determined, DEMD will work closelywith USAID/EMD to finalize activity-level implementation plans once the activity and technicalassistance needs are more concretely defined.

Deliverable(s) DeadlineOU technical support TBD/OngoingTechnical advisory to country stakeholders TBD/Ongoing

DEMD Points of Contact: Anne Szender McCarthy (COP); Gabriela Montenegro (I-COP)

EMD Points of Contact: Paul Fekete (COR), Evelyn DesJardins (ACOR), Alicia Contreras-Donello (EMD)

Component 3: Stakeholder Communications; Knowledge Generation andManagementContext. As USAID, other donors, regional organizations, host governments, private sector companies,and civil societies grapple with rapidly evolving issues related to digital economy, trade, private sectordevelopment, and the business enabling environment, it is critical that stakeholders have access topractical, evidence-based reports, research, and technical briefs. Resonance will ensure that any newlydeveloped DEMD products are appropriately disseminated and shared with the broader industryaudience, including the private sector, where appropriate. While these knowledge products will informreaders on emerging issues related to the digital economy, they will go beyond offering definitions ofterms and concepts to offer practical guidance on applying global principles, best practices, and lessonslearned. This will also serve to position EMD as a resource and repository of tool kits, fact sheets,success stories, technical manuals and handbooks, and other learning.

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Approach. DEMD, led by the COP and supported by the Administrative Specialist, will provide EMDwith relevant, professional, and technically robust knowledge products designed to engage and informstakeholders and to improve decision-making. As attention shifts toward digital development, much ofthe discussion seems to focus on cybersecurity, fintech, and connectivity. While these topics areimportant, in a global marketplace, there is still a critical need to move goods across borders. DEMD hasa role to play in creating greater consciousness among USAID stakeholders and in reinforcing theimportance of trade facilitation and logistics as fundamental to e-commerce and digital trade. To increasedemand for DEMD services and to generate a pipeline of buy-in activities, Resonance will use anintegrated approach that leverages the other functional components of the project(assessments/diagnostics, short-term assistance and activity support, training, and M&E services) todevelop, share, and curate knowledge products that engage a wide variety of stakeholders. DEMD willensure that knowledge products are accessible and engaging, while empowering Missions, hostgovernments, and other stakeholders to benchmark, draw comparisons, and track progress. As a task isscoped, the COP will embed a dissemination strategy into each SOW to ensure that deliverables aremaximized by relevant stakeholders.

DEMD will also draw on Resonance’s experience in developing compelling and practical materials forUSAID’s U.S. Global Development Lab, Bureau for Africa, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean,and others, including trade- and competitiveness-related work under TCA.

Key tasks. DEMD will complete the following in Year 3 (FY 2022) of the project:

● Task 3.1: Inventory key EMD stakeholders to determine knowledge-related product priorities. Asexplained in the stakeholder engagement section, DEMD (led by the COP and AdministrativeSpecialist) will continue to conduct targeted outreach to identify gaps and needs in existingknowledge and communications products by consulting with EMD team members and otherstakeholders identified by the COR. Consultations will define specific tasks, deliverables/products,relevant audiences, and USAID counterparts for developing new knowledge products. Whereappropriate, DEMD will identify relevant peer-reviewed journals where learning products can bepublished, thereby advancing the state of practice on digital trade and market development topicsand issue areas.

● Task 3.2: Develop scopes of work and budgets for knowledge product development. Before workingon the development of new knowledge products, research initiatives, or events, DEMD will developa clear scope of work with proposed LOE, work plan, deliverables schedule, and budget forCO/COR approval. This will ensure buy-in from the EMD team and will establish a clear process formanaging and implementing EMD support tasks.

● Task 3.3: Knowledge product development. Knowledge products may include, but are not limited to,case studies, white papers, fact sheets, technical briefs, intra-agency briefs, and other knowledgeproducts, all of which will be tailored to specific audiences. The topics for these knowledge productswill be determined in close collaboration with EMD and can either be developed based on deskresearch, analysis, and expert consultations or through in-country/field-based assignments.Additionally, they may be stand-alone research activities—driven by EMD priorities or needs—orpart of a demand-driven STTA or short-term activity support assignment in partnership with anMBIO.

In Year 3 (FY 2022), DEMD will continue to look for opportunities to update the Digital TradeSubject Area Summary Booklet with more practical content that is more readily applicable to

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ongoing activities for a set of interested Missions (i.e., through providing best practices, modelprojects, and/or procurement resources under each topic area).

DEMD will continue to support the Alliance on eTrade Development II Activity through potentialactivities such as mapping of current best practices and programs for e-commerce, targetedworkshop style e-commerce dialogues with developing countries, highlighting initial findings andlessons learned, and developing further case studies on innovative data policy practices for SMEs inAfrica. For example, DEMD could support regional dialogues for the African Union, focusing ondata, cybersecurity, and connectivity; for the South Pacific, focusing on trade facilitation and logistics;and for Central America, focusing on digital economy legal frameworks and on promotinge-commerce among MSMEs.

DEMD will continue to produce white papers on priority areas identified by USAID/EMD. DEMDbegan drafting a white paper on e-commerce, trade facilitation, de minimis rules, accelerationprocedures for courier companies, and more. While that paper is in draft form, DEMD could draftan additional white paper on technologies for trade facilitation and logistics.

● Task 3.4: Knowledge product dissemination. For each knowledge product developed, DEMD willarticulate a plan to engage stakeholders in dialogue and learning through events/workshop/webinaropportunities, including through Marketlinks and other USAID initiatives, like the Women’s GlobalDevelopment and Prosperity Initiative. As much as possible, DEMD will identify strategic partners tohelp disseminate project learning to broader industry and private sector audiences through itsrelationships with think tanks and groups like the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs,Brookings Institution, CSIS, the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, and the Alliance for AffordableInternet. These products will also be disseminated on the internal USAID Learning ManagementSystem, more broadly on the USAID website, and via other industry websites, like Devex.

● Task 3.5: Project Tracker. This activity is currently managed under TCA until the end of its POP in2022, after which DEMD will take over. DEMD will update the quarterly database that tracks andorganizes all USAID-funded trade and competitiveness projects (and those that are under design).The tracker is color-coded and includes technical details on each project. DEMD will add projectswith a digital lens, or others working in DEMD’s principal technical areas.

Deliverable(s) DeadlineDEMD knowledge products SOWs and budgets developed Ongoing; TBDNew/updated knowledge products created and disseminated Ongoing; TBDProject Tracker updated Ongoing; Quarterly

DEMD Points of Contact: Anne Szender McCarthy (COP); Gabriela Montenegro (I-COP)

EMD Points of Contact: Paul Fekete (COR), Evelyn DesJardins (Alternate Contracting Officer’sRepresentative [ACOR]), Anastasia de Santos (EMD), Eleanor Thornton (EMD)

Component 4: TrainingContext. Training is a critical component of capacity building, whether it is onsite, remote, or online.EMD’s trade-related capacity-building and other private sector development trainings (includingAdvanced Topics in Trade Facilitation and E-Commerce and Trade Facilitation for EconomicDevelopment) have been used to train stakeholders both in Washington, D.C., and around the world. InYear 3 (FY 2022), as the Agency continues to onboard more staff focused on economic growth and

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private sector engagement, DEMD is well positioned to meet the significant demand for trainings,whether virtual or in-person. This also feeds into the larger goal of supporting USAID/Washington to dofurther Mission engagement and create stronger networks among field and Washington-based technicalexperts.

Approach. DEMD’s training approach and methodologies will be grounded in proven adult-learningtechniques that emphasize peer-to-peer learning. Rather than reading from slide presentations, DEMDwill actively engage participants as sources of knowledge and expertise in their own right. Whetherdeveloping new content or refining existing EMD trainings, DEMD will use a modularized approach sothat trainings can be readily expanded or compressed as circumstances warrant. DEMD will also makeuse of daily participant surveys so that we can immediately refine and adapt trainings in response toparticipant needs. Complementing this interactive training approach will be robust logistical plans toorganize and deliver virtual or in-person trainings anywhere that USAID operates.

As part of the consultant database/skills matrix, DEMD can quickly mobilize a cadre of experiencedtrainers and facilitators from Washington, D.C., and other locations. DEMD will also utilize trainings asopportunities to further market and generate interest in other DEMD capabilities, thereby stimulatingadditional demand for and integration with DEMD analysis, short-term technical support, knowledgegeneration, and STAS.

Key tasks. DEMD will complete the following in Year 3 (FY 2022) of the project:

● Task 4.1: Inventory EMD stakeholder needs and review existing training content. Following targetedstakeholder meetings outlined above, DEMD staff will review existing training modules, identify gapsthat can be filled through new training content or improved pedagogical approaches, and providesuggestions on possible upgrades. With respect to new or updated training materials, DEMD willoutline specific tasks, deliverables/products, timetables, relevant audiences, and USAID counterparts.This will also include ideas for impactful private-sector panels or networking events that could beintegrated into training programs.

● Task 4.2: Organize, plan, and deliver trainings on USAID Framework for Employment Programming.Building on the previous two USAID Framework for Employment Programming trainings in February2020 and March 2021, DEMD will help to organize and deliver one virtual USAID Framework forEmployment Programming workshop planned for February 2022. The training will be tailored to anaudience of USAID backstops and entry-level Foreign Service Officers from a range of disciplines,including Economic Growth Officers, Education Officers, General Development Officers, PrivateSector Officers, Youth and Gender Points of Contact, and Program Officers, all of whom have a rolein designing and programming funds to address employment-related issues. DEMD will utilizeevaluations from the previous two trainings, in addition to session feedback and after-action reviewwith USAID to integrate lessons learned and suggestions for improvement into the upcomingtraining. Throughout the training support task, DEMD will engage in continuous consultation withEMD to ensure that training modules and case study examples reflect the most currentunderstanding of the needs of participants and Agency staff globally.

● Task 4.3: Organize and deliver a Digital Economy, E-Commerce, and Trade Facilitation training.Building on the TCA-led training, E-Commerce and Trade Facilitation for Economic Development, inFebruary 2020, DEMD will develop the contents, identify speakers, and organize and deliver thetraining for USAID Missions Economic Growth and other key staff. This training will cover selectsessions from the previous training that were rated by participants as most relevant and useful for

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their work. The content and modules will be updated to reflect current issues of the digital economyand the implications for a post COVID-19 phase. Session topics may include evolution of the digitaleconomy; World Trade Organization (WTO) trade facilitation agreement and its implementation;logistics in the digital economy; mapping of the high-level e-commerce landscape; e-government; dataprotection and data transfer standards and regulations; cybersecurity; the impact of COVID-19 onsupply chains; or the use of online platforms by developing countries’ SMEs. These sessions willcontinue to build USAID staff capacity in the areas of digital economy, trade facilitation, ande-commerce and will provide participants with a range of perspectives from leading experts in theindustry. DEMD will plan for an in-person training in Washington, D.C., and Mission-wide broadcastof selected conferences, as well as a contingency plan for a digital training.

● Task 4.4: Develop scopes of work and budgets for new training development or implementation.Before working on the development of new training content or delivering new trainings toUSAID/external audiences, DEMD will develop a clear scope of work with proposed LOE, workplan, deliverables schedule, and budget for CO/COR approval. This will ensure buy-in from the EMDteam and will establish a clear process for managing and implementing EMD support tasks. Year 3(FY 2022) priorities include those listed above (i.e., the USAID Framework for EmploymentProgramming and E-Commerce and Trade Facilitation for Economic Development). Other trainingopportunities may incorporate topics that arise from specific USAID Missions requests or eTradeAlliance–led policy dialogues with African stakeholders or that emerge from the needs of CBP intraining staff to engage in capacity building of Customs Administrations in USAID presencecountries.

DEMD is developing a SOW with Microsoft Airband. DEMD will provide focused training for localMSMEs or other community organizations and members to support capacity building and to ensurethat potential customers are maximizing the value of their Internet connection, increasing theirprofitability, and building long-term demand for services. To ensure sustainability of these trainings,DEMD will employ a train-the-trainers model whereby the curriculum developed will be locallyowned, managed, and used in the communities.

● Task 4.5: Update existing training/propose new training content. Depending on identified trainingneeds/gaps and proposed modules resulting from the analysis and abstract in task 4.1 and theSOWs/budgets established under task 4.4, DEMD’s COP will engage technical experts to design newtraining content. Consultants could be technical experts (including senior staff from NathanAssociates), for example, or capacity building and pedagogy specialists who may provide guidance ontraining format and structure. DEMD will also leverage Resonance’s in-house capabilities in trainingdesign and adult learning techniques. The team will develop succinct recommendations describing itsvision for and proposed work on each training module, including an updated outline and suggestionsfor expert speakers to serve on panel discussions. Updates may refresh existing material with newcase studies and newly available data, and/or include a more explicit focus on women’s economicempowerment and/or positive youth development.

● Task 4.6: Training delivery. Following the development of task SOWs and budgets, DEMD willorganize and deliver training events that broadly increase USAID’s capacity to design and implementdigital economy, trade, business enabling environment, and private sector development projects, inorder to effectively integrate new learning and best practices into Mission-level strategies andproject-level programming throughout the agency. DEMD will provide trainers and presenters on anas-needed basis to deliver trade and competitiveness training sessions virtually and in Washington,D.C., and other locations. In the spirit of adaptive management, DEMD will conduct training

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evaluations and collect feedback at the end of each training module/day to ensure that futuretrainings integrate lessons learned and to gain suggestions for improvement.

Deliverable(s) DeadlineOrganize, plan, and deliver training on USAID Framework forEmployment Programming

O/A February 2022

Organize, plan, and deliver trainings on digital economy ( E-Commerceand Trade Facilitation for Economic Development )

First/Second Quarter 2022

Develop SOWs and budgets for new training development orimplementation

TBD/Ongoing

Content update of existing trade training courses TBD/OngoingSupport delivery of DEMD training courses as needed and on-demand TBD/Ongoing

DEMD Points of Contact: Anne Szender McCarthy (COP); Gabriela Montenegro (Interim COP)

EMD Points of Contact: Paul Fekete (COR), Evelyn DesJardins (ACOR), Anastasia de Santos (EMD)

Component 5: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)Context. Leveraging technology and digital tools to accelerate international trade and marketdevelopment is a relatively new—and rapidly evolving—discipline for USAID. Robust monitoring,evaluation, and learning (MEL) will be essential to the development and success of approaches andstrategies relating to digital economy and market development and to ensuring that projects deliverhigh-impact development results. Through DEMD, EMD can play an important role in strengthening theability of MBIO staff to carry out MEL activities and to integrate learning into trade policy, digitaleconomy, and market development programming.

Approach. Resonance will ensure that EMD is able to deploy DEMD resources in an agile manner forprogramming and learning around a range of digital economy and market development topics.Led by the COP and supported by the M&E Specialist, DEMD will help OUs navigate reportingrequirements and data requests, apply the newest Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting concepts andmethodologies, and gather learning to share across the wider Agency. DEMD will establish strongrelationships with OUs and external stakeholders and will provide recurring assistance on ademand-driven basis throughout the project. Development of success stories and lessons learnedthrough DEMD will allow for broader, more strategic engagement across a wide range of MBIO technicalareas. In coordination with the COP, the M&E Specialist will support MEL activities, leading relevant taskswhere appropriate.

Key tasks. DEMD will complete the following in Year 3 (FY 2022) of the project:

● Task 5.1: Identify EMD MEL priorities. Through the stakeholder outreach process, DEMD will targetoutreach to M&E experts in DDI and EMD to identify and prioritize gaps in existing support for MELtools, indicators, and frameworks for inclusive business environment, trade, and private sectordevelopment projects.

● Task 5.2: Develop scopes of work and budgets for MEL product development. Before working on thedevelopment of new M&E products or outreach initiatives, DEMD will develop a clear scope of workwith proposed LOE, work plan, deliverables schedule, and budget for CO/COR approval. This will

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ensure buy-in from the EMD team and establish a clear process for managing and implementing EMDsupport tasks.

● Task 5.3: Support new MEL tool kits and tools. The topics for the M&E products will be determinedin close collaboration with EMD and may reflect ideas arising out of short-term assignments,assessments/diagnostics, or other work under DEMD or TCA. This might include, for example,development of a technical trade and competitiveness knowledge management portal or resourcelibrary; guidance tool kits on standard M&E indicators; helpline, webinar, or other remote supportfor OUs; preparation of M&E frameworks; or identification of data sources and establishment ofbaselines for indicators.

● Task 5.4: Undertake field-based assessments. At the request of MBIOs, DEMD will deploy specializedexperts to design and implement performance and impact evaluations. DEMD will prioritize expertswith past successes assisting EMD and Missions. The results of these assessments will help MBIOs tounderstand the effectiveness of project approaches and interventions in supporting their broadereconomic growth objectives. DEMD’s COP will effectively manage these activities to ensure thatthey are delivered on time and within the agreed scope and budget.

● Task 5.5: USAID Project Starter website support . The Project Starter tool kit is a web-basedmonitoring, evaluation, and learning resource for USAID staff and its implementing partners indeveloping countries that was developed and introduced by USAID/TRR (now USAID/EMD). At therequest of USAID/EMD, DEMD will review the recent updates to ADS 201 and recommendadjustments to the website content to reflect the new guidance and to update the relevance of thecontent.

● Task 5.6: Deployment of USAID Development Information Solution (DIS). DEMD and other USAIDActivities implemented by Resonance will begin reporting in the deployment phase of DIS and willprovide PPL with feedback to support more efficient reporting, consistency in data tracking, andimproved coordination Agency-wide. DEMD will coordinate closely with Resonance MEL in thisinitial phase and will provide feedback to USAID PPL through EMD COR.

Deliverable(s) DeadlineUpdate Project Starter website January 2022/Ongoing

Develop SOWs and budgets for MEL product development TBD/Ongoing

Implement new MEL tool kits and tools TBD/Ongoing

Design and implement field-based performance and impact assessments TBD/Ongoing

DEMD Points of Contact: Anne Szender McCarthy (COP); Gabriela Montenegro (I-COP)

EMD Points of Contact: Paul Fekete (COR), Evelyn DesJardins (ACOR), Anastasia de Santos (EMD)

On-Demand Services Requests and Response

MBIO counterparts interested in working with DEMD will contact the EMD COR to express interest.Demand-driven activities may include assessments/diagnostics, short-term assistance, training, knowledge

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management, or M&E support. Once the COR determines that the request and associated budget fallwithin the parameters of allowable support, the DEMD team will work with the COR and MBIOcounterpart to develop a proposal, budget, and resourcing strategy to authorize and then launchengagement. The scope and detail of the proposals and corresponding budgets will vary based on therequirements of the given task or assignment. Generally, the process through which on-demand buy-insfrom Missions will be managed includes:

1. MBIO initiates contact with DEMD COR to discuss their needs and to ensure that the requestedtasks are appropriate for project support.

2. MBIO submits a SOW to the COR clearly describing all the services to be performed and therequired period of performance.

3. EMD will review the SOW and determine whether to move forward with the request, based onalignment with EMD priorities and budget ceiling.

4. DEMD will develop and share a detailed technical and cost proposal with the requestingMission/Office for negotiation or acceptance. With the consent of the COR, the proposal may beco-developed with the requesting Mission/Office to ensure that it is highly responsive to the client’sneeds. The COR will be copied on all electronic communications with MBIO staff and will have theoption of joining any phone calls or in-person meetings, at his or her discretion.

5. In parallel, the DEMD team will present the COR with a plan for resourcing the request. This mayinclude external consultants or in-house staff from Nathan Associates, experts from one of thethree resource partners on the project, or other approved experts from the DEMD STTA roster.Only after the resourcing plan is approved by the COR will external consultants and/or partners benotified of the request.

6. For all short-term labor procured under the request, DEMD will obtain COR approval, certifyingthat all consultants meet the specific requirements for the appropriate labor category.

7. Once the SOW and budget are approved by the requesting Mission/Office and EMD, funds arecommitted and transferred so that activities can commence.

Below is a general visual/graphic of the timeline and process that will be utilized following approval of theSOW from the requesting MBIO.

Management PlanDay-to-Day ManagementThe COP and Administrative Specialist will hold check-in calls on a weekly basis with the COR at aregularly set time to discuss progress, workload, and general performance of the DEMD contract.Discussions can be held more frequently according to the volume of work or on-demand tasks.

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The COP will be supported by an Administrative Specialist who will manage day-to-day DEMD activities 1

. This includes participation in EMD discussions and planning discussions, management of approvalrequests, invoicing/payments, and contract reporting. They will also support the COP and M&E Specialistwith data input/analysis for M&E activities. On an as-needed basis, the Administrative Specialist and theCOP will be supported by a Finance and Compliance Manager. The activities listed above are core to themanagement of the DEMD contract and will not require COR approval. However, any activity associatedwith a specific EMD task or MBIO on-demand activity (e.g., consultant hiring and deployment, productdevelopment, etc.), will be included in LOE estimates provided in SOWs, work plans, and budgetsdeveloped and approved by the COR before the start of each activity.

Additionally, Christian Kolar, Resonance’s Managing Director of the Project Delivery Unit, will providehigh-level guidance to DEMD and the management team on an ongoing and as-needed basis. He willconduct quarterly check-ins with the COR to discuss project performance and management. KristinBeyard, Resonance’s Director of Economic Growth, will also continue to provide technical guidance on alimited basis. Any specific DEMD task requiring more than four hours of time from either Mr. Kolar orMs. Beyard will be subject to COR approval.

EMD Technical Tasks and On-Demand SupportMuch of DEMD’s work will be on-demand and will therefore depend on the needs/interests (andavailability of funds) of a given MBIO or of the EMD office itself. The COP will be responsible formanaging and implementing all aspects of these tasks, with support from both the AdministrativeSpecialist and the Managing Director (on an as-needed basis). Activities that will require additionalmanagement/administrative support by the Administrative Specialist include travel and field logistics,drafting and editing of deliverables, consultant hiring, deployment, payment, and drafting anddissemination of new knowledge products. These activities and the required technical and management

1 GSA labor categories for Resonance Home Office staff in the DEMD contract include: COP and Project Director(“Managing Associate”); Administrative Specialist, M&E Specialist, Knowledge Management (KM) Specialist, andTraining Specialist (“Associate”); and Finance and Compliance Manager (“Junior Associate”)

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LOE will be included in SOWs, budgets, and work plans established before the start of eachtask/on-demand activity and approved by the COR.

For specific technical tasks/assignments, the COP will engage the COR and the appropriate task managerand liaison from both the EMD office and the requesting MBIO. The COR and these counterparts willwork with the DEMD COP to scope the work, determine the best approach for delivering on theseactivities, and agree to the LOE requirements. It is expected that Resonance will ensure that an activitydoes not go over budget. In the event of activity changes that may cause overruns, DEMD will give asmuch notice as is possible to enable the COR to determine the best way to move forward.

Finally, it is expected that DEMD will need to engage its approved subcontractor, Nathan Associates, andother resource firms/subcontractors from time to time. Although a subcontracting budget is approved inthe original DEMD contract (some of which will be used by Nathan Associates for day-to-daymanagement of its subcontract), Nathan’s technical LOE will be approved in each task-specific SOW,work plan, and budget. The engagement of other subcontractors will follow all appropriate competitionrequirements.

Resource Partners

Partner Technical Area of Support

Nathan Associates Provide technical support across all technical topics and take select leadershiproles in tool development, trainings, and assignments focused on policy, legal, andregulatory interventions foundational for e-commerce market development, as wellas digital technologies and the relevance for private sector development andwomen’s entrepreneurship. Provide thought leadership on a range of digitaleconomy issues, including cross-border data flows, intellectual property protection,digital public service delivery, the application of USAID’s policy frameworkdiagnostic tool for digital economy growth, and more.

Nextrade Group Nextrade Group launched the Alliance for eTrade Development II, a GlobalDevelopment Alliance between USAID and ten companies. The Alliance partnersdeploy their technologies, expertise, and assets to help drive small- andmedium-sized enterprises’ e-commerce development across the developing world.The eTrade Alliance works with the African Union to strengthen developingcountry regulators’ and policymakers’ ability to adopt policies and championtechnologies conducive to MSME e-commerce.

Information Technologyand Innovation Foundation(ITIF)

ITIF focuses on economic issues related to innovation, productivity, andcompetitiveness; technology issues in the areas of information technology and data,in addition to broadband telecommunications; and overarching policy tools relatedto public investment, regulation, taxes, and trade. ITIF engages in policy debatesdirectly and indirectly by presenting policymakers and influencers with data,analysis, arguments, and proposals to advance effective innovation policies. Ongoingresearch programs and educational activities include setting the policy agenda ontechnology, innovation, and global competition issues. ITIF launched the GlobalTrade and Innovation Policy Alliance, an international network of more than 30think tanks that conduct evidence-based research into policies that can fostergreater trade liberalization and encourage governments to play proactive roles inspurring innovation and productivity.

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Brookings Institution The Brookings Digital Economy and Trade Project engages with governments, localprivate sector, and civil society in Colombia, India, and Australia to developroadmaps for digital trade development/expansion and to gather key metrics insupport of these strategies. The project identifies domestic partners to facilitatemeetings with stakeholders to identify key priorities, issues, and challenges; draftthe assessment; follow up with additional inputs; and socialize the strategy withcountry stakeholders. Brookings has developed courses on digital trade forstakeholders in the Caribbean, which are now housed on the Inter-AmericanDevelopment Bank’s platform. Their assessments and in-country research bringtogether entrepreneurs, government, and tech companies into a community.DEMD could collaborate with Brookings on stakeholder engagement, specificallythrough events/panels, working groups, a community of practice, and more.

Center for Strategic andInternational Studies

CSIS’ Technology Policy Program looks at the impact of digital commerce on theglobal economy and at the domestic and international policy challenges arising fromdigital trade. CSIS provides pragmatic, data-driven analysis and recommendationson cybersecurity, privacy and surveillance, technology and innovation, and Internetgovernance, written for a global audience. The project explores the challenges ofdigital technologies and how these technologies are reshaping the global economyand society, bringing together technologists, policymakers, civil society, andbusiness leaders from around the world to identify global policy solutions to thesocial, economic, and security challenges created by disruptive technologies.

Concordia Concordia’s Africa Initiative fosters cross-sector partnerships for social impact onthe African continent. Shaped and driven by local stakeholders, the program buildsinclusive partnerships toward economic and social impact among governments, theprivate sector, and civil society. The initiative supports the expanded adoption ofdigital technology across Africa for urgent economic and social impact priorities,ranging from financial inclusion to entrepreneurship and healthcare. Through thisprogramming, Concordia convenes policymakers, industry stakeholders from tech,ICT, and power, and entrepreneurs to discuss effective collaboration on scalingdigital transformation and innovation ecosystems across the continent.

Reporting

In accordance with project requirements, Resonance COP Anne Szender McCarthy will provide theCOR with the following reports:

Quarterly Report. On March 15, June 15, and December 15 each year, the COP will submit a statusreport to the COR, including a description of the principal activities during the quarter, a discussion ofoverall project progress and indicator results, and approximate levels of expenditure.

Annual Report. Within 30 days after the completion of each 12-month period (by October 29), theCOP will submit a status report to the COR, including a summary of the principal activities during theprevious 12-month period, a discussion of overall project progress and indicator results, andapproximate levels of expenditure.

In addition to regular submission of the above reports, the DEMD team will be in frequentcommunication with the COR and relevant EMD task managers to discuss—either verbally or viaemail—progress, successes, challenges, and learning. Additionally, evaluations of all on-demand tasks will

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be shared with the COR for additional reporting and technical learning. Finally, materials for USAIDDevelopment Outreach Coordinators or Communications Officers will be produced on an ongoingbasis.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan. By November 30 each year, the COP will submit an updatedMEL Plan, including any changes to the indicators, targets that the activity aims to reach, and the tools toacquire monitoring and evaluation data. The MEL Plan will also describe how the project will generateand apply new knowledge and how the information will be used to inform activity implementation andadaptation.

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