USAID/Peru seeks inputs and comments on the attached Draft Scope of Work regarding a potential future program with an overall general purpose to help reduce poverty in targeted areas of Peru through trade-led growth. This activity focuses on linking micro, small, and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) to new markets where Peruvian businesses potentially can be competitive. The recently signed U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA), for example, will provide thousands of MSMEs a competitive advantage over MSMEs in other countries for lucrative U.S. markets. It is designed to build on the success of the previous ten year program, implemented by Chemonics International, but it also seeks to align with regional economic development initiatives implemented by the Government of Peru and Regional Governments. The objectives of this activity are to: (1) Expand the ESC model in the impoverished Sierra Departments of Peru to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs; (2) Create strategic public-private partnerships to reduce poverty through trade-led growth; and (3) Increase private and public investments in infrastructure and business development services to support market-led economic activities in the targeted regions. USAID/Peru intends to issue an RFP for this program and we seek comments from industry experts. USAID reserves the right to use any comments received in response to this request in its future plans and documents, however USAID/Peru is not obligated to do so. USAID/Peru reserves the right to change the attached Draft Scope of Work, based on comments received and its own internal review, prior to issuing the RFP. This request in no way or form obligates USAID to issue a solicitation, nor does it commit USAID to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of comments to this request. Any and all expenses incurred in responding to this request for input and comments shall be the responsibility of the individual or organization which provides the comments and not USAID. The preferred method of submission for comments is via e-mail to Mr. Luis A. Rivera, Contracting Officer at
[email protected] and Mr. Ricardo Toledo, Acquisitions Specialist at
[email protected]. Responses should be received no later than October 10, 2008 at 5:00 pm, Lima time. Thank you for your interest.