USAID/Senegal Transparency and Accountability in the Extractive Sector (TRACES)

Background
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the TRACES program. The goal of this four-year activity (Transparency and Accountability in the Extractive Sector) is to increase transparency and accountability mechanisms in the mining, oil, and gas sectors for better revenue management and distribution. The proposed activity aims at promoting extractive revenues management in an accountable, transparent, and effective manner to support development priorities and community’s needs through increased CSO and media oversight and engagement.

Grant Details
The proposed activity will focus on promoting transparency and accountability in the extractive sector as key factors of better revenues management and distribution, and sustainable development outcomes. It will include policy reform, national advocacy-driven activities, collaboration with experts and academics, regular meetings with counterparts and partners at both central and local levels.

The program will address challenges related to weak law enforcement, lack of resources and expertise for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media, deficiency in technical and financial capacity, lack of information exchange between central government authorities and local actors, weak understanding of community rights by citizens, social and environmental requirements from companies and the State, insufficient autonomous entities or mechanisms for oversight, risk of resource curse due to corruption.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for this award is not restricted. To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this NOFO and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this NOFO.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is four years.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is not specified.

Place of Performance
The activities will focus at both central and local levels. Specific activities will be conducted in regions where extractive companies are operating such as Thies (Kayar, Diogo), Kedougou (Sabodala), St. Louis, Matam, and Fatick (Iles du Saloum).