USAID South America Regional Initiative for Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants - Brazil, Ecuador and Peru | 72052719RFI00003

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this USAID opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "USAID South America Regional Initiative for Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants - Brazil, Ecuador and Peru."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is 72052719RFI00003.

Who is leading this initiative?

This is described as a USAID-led regional effort.

Which countries does the initiative focus on?

The initiative focuses on three major host countries for Venezuelan refugees and migrants: Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil.

What is the main goal of the program?

The core objective is socio-economic integration of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in host countries, rather than only short-term emergency assistance.

Is this opportunity part of USAID's disaster assistance portfolio?

Yes. The opportunity is listed within USAID's disaster prevention and relief portfolio under CFDA 98.001.

What kind of funding instrument is referenced?

The opportunity is presented as a continuation-type opportunity using an "Other" funding instrument.

Which USAID office issued the opportunity?

It was issued by USAID in Lima, identified as Peru USAID-Lima.

When was the opportunity created?

The posting indicates it was created on January 16, 2019.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date listed is February 15, 2019.

What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The award ceiling is listed as up to $36,000,000.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of applicants could potentially compete depending on the final solicitation requirements.

What does "unrestricted eligibility" mean in this context?

Based on the description provided, it means the opportunity is not limited to a narrow applicant category; however, applicants would still need to meet any conditions and requirements set out in the final solicitation.

Is the program focused only on emergency relief?

No. While it sits within a disaster prevention and relief portfolio, the program is framed around longer-term socio-economic integration, not emergency aid alone.

What are the main program pillars described?

The opportunity outlines three main pillars: (1) increased formal labor market participation and broader economic integration, (2) focused support to selected national and subnational government institutions, and (3) targeted, demand-driven policy and procedural reforms that make integration easier and more sustainable.

What types of activities fit under the labor market and economic integration pillar?

Examples mentioned include helping migrants and refugees access lawful employment pathways, connect to employers, build job-relevant skills, obtain recognition of credentials where possible, and overcome administrative or informational barriers that push people into informal work.

Why does the opportunity emphasize "formal" labor market participation?

The description signals a priority for interventions that lead to regularized employment and improved economic self-sufficiency, while also benefiting host communities by expanding the tax base and reducing exploitative labor conditions.

What is meant by support to national and subnational government institutions?

It refers to "focused assistance" to institutions in Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil that manage migration-related services, documentation processes, labor regulation, and access to social services. The text suggests this could include tailored technical support, systems strengthening, and coordination support.

Why does the opportunity mention subnational governments specifically?

The description notes that municipalities, states, and regional governments often carry the operational burden of integration, especially in high-arrival cities and border regions where service demand can outpace local capacity.

What kinds of policy changes or reforms does the opportunity have in mind?

The policy/procedural pillar is described as addressing structural bottlenecks such as slow or inconsistent documentation procedures, unclear or restrictive rules for work authorization, barriers to accessing services, and administrative processes that can exclude migrants from the formal economy.

What does "demand-driven" mean for policy and procedural reforms?

As described, it means reforms should be prioritized based on the needs and requests of host-country counterparts and practical realities on the ground, rather than being externally imposed.

Is this a single-country or multi-country effort?

It is explicitly framed as a regional, multi-country approach covering Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil.

How do the three pillars work together according to the opportunity description?

The strategy described is that integration works best when individual economic pathways (like access to formal work) are reinforced by capable public institutions and by policies and procedures that reduce friction in everyday access to work and services.

Does the opportunity describe a focus on specific locations within the host countries?

It highlights high-arrival cities and border regions as places where service demand can outpace local capacity, suggesting these areas are of particular concern in implementation.

Are credential recognition activities explicitly mentioned?

Yes. The description notes support that helps migrants and refugees obtain recognition of credentials where possible as part of improving job access and economic integration.

Does the opportunity mention documentation and work authorization issues?

Yes. Documentation procedures and work authorization rules are specifically referenced as potential bottlenecks the program may seek to improve through policy and procedural reforms.

Is the opportunity described as a continuation-type effort?

Yes. It is presented as a continuation-type opportunity.