DAI through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s (BMGF) Agricultural Development program, is seeking applications from Institutions and Organizations interested in conducting an assessment on Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Automation on Employment and Inclusive Economic Development in Agri-Food Systems. Please refer to the Program Description in Section E for a complete statement of goals and expected results.

Digital Frontiers is a $74.4 million buy-in mechanism available to USAID Bureaus and Missions from 2017-2022. DAI implements the Digital Frontiers project, which works closely with USAID’s Technology Division in the Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub (ITR/T) at the Development, Democracy, and Innovation (DDI) Bureau, USAID Missions, the private sector, and international and local development organizations to identify successful and sustainable digital development approaches and scale their impact globally. Digital for Resilience and Food Security (D4RFS) is the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security's (RFS) buy-in to the Digital Frontiers project. Through D4RFS, DAI engages the RFS Digital Team in leadership, communications, and preliminary strategy and research support.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Agricultural Development program supports small scale producers (SSP) in key geographies across Africa and South Asia to increase productivity and incomes, improve SSP household nutrition and increase women’s empowerment in agriculture through Country-Led Inclusive Agricultural Transformation (IAT). The Digital Farmer Services (DFS) portfolio focuses on digital technology-enablement of innovations in farmer-facing systems and the integration of these systems for improved outcomes at the farmer-level. Integration refers to multiple farmer-facing services from a backend data, platform, systems and organizational perspective that enable more customized ag insights and content provision; and from the frontend perspective, providing improved access and more efficient bundling of digital agricultural services, including advisory, finance, market information for SSPs.

Applications must be received via email to DigitalFrontiers@dai.com. Any questions concerning this RFA should be submitted in writing to the same address.

Award will be made to the responsible applicant(s) whose application(s) offers the best value and meets the eligibility requirements.

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of Digital Frontiers, nor does it commit Digital Frontiers, DAI, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, or any of its funding Partners to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of applications. Further, Digital Frontiers reserves the right to reject any or all applications received. Applications are submitted at the risk of the Applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the Applicant’s expense.