Opportunity Information: Apply for 7200RFI2300011
The USAID DDI-EEI-Biodiversity "Countering Conservation Crime" opportunity is not a grant competition or an application window, but a Request for Information (RFI) issued by USAID to support early planning for a potential future activity. It comes from the Biodiversity Division within USAID's Bureau for Development, Democracy and Innovation (DDI), specifically the Center for Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure (EEI). The purpose is to gather practical input from organizations that might later be interested in implementing or supporting this work, and to collect technical feedback on a draft Program Description (PD) that USAID is developing for an activity tentatively titled "Countering Conservation Crime (CCC)."
At its core, the planned CCC activity is framed around reducing conservation crime by disrupting the flow of illegally sourced natural resources through commercial supply chains. USAID is looking for ideas, lessons learned, and best practices on how to keep protected or illegally harvested fish, timber, and wildlife out of markets, and how to strengthen systems so that agricultural and mining commodities are legally sourced and verifiably deforestation-free. The intent is not only biodiversity protection, but also alignment with climate and broader development objectives, recognizing that illegal harvesting, laundering, and trade in natural resources can fuel environmental damage, undermine governance, and harm legitimate livelihoods and businesses.
Because this is an RFI, USAID is primarily testing the landscape: what kinds of organizations are out there, what capabilities they have, what approaches are working, and what gaps still exist. USAID explicitly notes that any information submitted may be used to refine or shape the final Program Description for a future action. In other words, respondents are being asked to help USAID design a better, more realistic program by sharing what they can do and what they think should be done, especially in relation to supply chain integrity, legality verification, traceability, enforcement support, demand-side measures, and cross-sector coordination that prevents illegal products from entering or staying in trade.
The notice also goes out of its way to clarify what it is not. It is not a Request for Applications (RFA), not a formal solicitation, and not a promise that USAID will issue an award. Responses are not applications and cannot be accepted to create any binding agreement. Participation is strictly voluntary, and USAID will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response. Even though an "award ceiling" figure of up to $50,000,000 appears in the opportunity record, that number should be understood as part of planning or system metadata rather than a guarantee of funding, since the agency is still in the design and information-gathering phase and has not announced a competitive funding opportunity.
Administratively, the listing identifies the opportunity number as 7200RFI2300011, with an original closing date of January 13, 2023, and a creation date of December 20, 2022. The opportunity is categorized under natural resources and is listed as having unrestricted eligibility, meaning USAID was open to receiving information from a wide range of entities rather than limiting responses to a narrow applicant class. Overall, the RFI is best understood as a market and technical sounding exercise: USAID is signaling strong interest in programming that targets conservation crime and deforestation-linked commodities through supply chain and legality approaches, while inviting organizations to influence the direction, feasibility, and design of any future CCC activity.Apply for 7200RFI2300011
- The Agency for International Development in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "USAID DDI-EEI-Biodiversity - Countering Conservation Crime Request for Information (RFI)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2022-12-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-01-13. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: USAID DDI-EEI-Biodiversity "Countering Conservation Crime" (RFI)
What is this USAID opportunity, in plain terms?
This notice is a Request for Information (RFI) from USAID. It is meant to collect input and feedback to help USAID plan a possible future activity tentatively titled "Countering Conservation Crime (CCC)." It is not a grant competition and not an open application window for funding.
Is this a grant competition or a funding solicitation?
No. USAID explicitly states this is not a Request for Applications (RFA), not a formal solicitation, and not a promise that an award will be made.
What is USAID asking organizations to do through this RFI?
USAID is asking for practical input from organizations that may be interested in implementing or supporting future work related to countering conservation crime. USAID also requests technical feedback on a draft Program Description (PD) that it is developing for the potential CCC activity.
What will USAID do with the information submitted in response to the RFI?
USAID indicates that submitted information may be used to refine or shape the final Program Description for a future action. The RFI is part of early planning and landscape testing.
What is the planned focus of the potential "Countering Conservation Crime (CCC)" activity?
The planned CCC activity is framed around reducing conservation crime by disrupting the flow of illegally sourced natural resources through commercial supply chains. The emphasis is on preventing illegally harvested or protected resources from entering or remaining in trade.
Which natural resources and commodity areas are specifically mentioned?
The notice references protected or illegally harvested fish, timber, and wildlife. It also mentions strengthening systems so that agricultural and mining commodities are legally sourced and verifiably deforestation-free.
What kinds of approaches is USAID interested in hearing about?
Based on the description, USAID is interested in ideas, lessons learned, and best practices related to supply chain integrity, legality verification, traceability, enforcement support, demand-side measures, and cross-sector coordination that prevents illegal products from entering or staying in trade.
Why is USAID emphasizing supply chains and legality/traceability?
The planning concept is built around disrupting commercial pathways used to move illegally sourced natural resources. The RFI signals interest in approaches that keep illegal products out of markets and strengthen verification and deforestation-free sourcing systems.
Is the goal only biodiversity protection?
No. While biodiversity protection is central, the notice also highlights alignment with climate and broader development objectives. It notes that illegal harvesting, laundering, and trade can drive environmental damage, undermine governance, and harm legitimate livelihoods and businesses.
Who within USAID is issuing this RFI?
The RFI comes from the Biodiversity Division within USAID's Bureau for Development, Democracy and Innovation (DDI), specifically the Center for Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure (EEI).
Can an organization submit an "application" to receive funding through this notice?
No. Responses to this RFI are not applications, and USAID notes they cannot be accepted to create any binding agreement.
Does responding to the RFI guarantee future funding or an award?
No. USAID states the RFI is not a promise that it will issue an award, and it is part of early design and information-gathering rather than a confirmed procurement or assistance action.
Will USAID reimburse the costs of preparing or submitting an RFI response?
No. Participation is voluntary and USAID will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response.
The listing shows an "award ceiling" of up to $50,000,000. Does that mean $50 million is available now?
No. The notice explains that because this is an RFI, the presence of an "award ceiling" should be viewed as planning or system metadata rather than a guarantee of funding. USAID is still in the design and information-gathering phase and has not announced a competitive funding opportunity.
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number shown in the listing is 7200RFI2300011.
What were the key dates listed for this RFI?
The listing shows a creation date of December 20, 2022, and an original closing date of January 13, 2023.
How is this opportunity categorized?
It is categorized under natural resources.
Who was eligible to respond to the RFI?
The listing indicates unrestricted eligibility, meaning USAID was open to receiving information from a wide range of entities rather than restricting responses to a narrow class of organizations.
What is a Program Description (PD) in this context?
In this notice, the Program Description (PD) is a draft document USAID is developing to describe and design the potential future "Countering Conservation Crime (CCC)" activity. USAID is seeking technical feedback on that draft through the RFI.
What is the main purpose of the RFI from a program design perspective?
The RFI is described as a market and technical sounding exercise. USAID is testing the landscape (who is active in this space, what capacities exist, what approaches work, and where gaps remain) to help make any future CCC activity more realistic and effective.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Mood and Psychosis Symptoms during the Menopause Transition (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 7200RFI2300011
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (7200RFI2300011) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| IIJA Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Apply for L23AS00446 Funding Number: L23AS00446 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Bureau of Land Management Alaska (IIJA) Recreation and Visitor Services Apply for L23AS00122 Funding Number: L23AS00122 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| IIJA Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Forest and Woodlands Resource Management Apply for L23AS00449 Funding Number: L23AS00449 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| IIJA Bureau of Land Management ORWA Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Apply for L23AS00447 Funding Number: L23AS00447 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Bureau of Land Management IIJA Alaska Youth Opportunities on Public Lands Apply for L23AS00116 Funding Number: L23AS00116 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| IIJA Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Recreation and Visitor Services Apply for L23AS00143 Funding Number: L23AS00143 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| FY23 Bureau of Land Management Headquarters (HQ) National Landscape Conservation System- Management Studies Support Program Apply for L23AS00153 Funding Number: L23AS00153 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| F23AS00131 FY23 Endangered Species Conservation - Wolf Livestock Loss Compensation and Prevention Grants Apply for F23AS00131 Funding Number: F23AS00131 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| FY23 IIJA Bureau of Land Management Eastern Sates (ES) Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management Apply for L23AS00170 Funding Number: L23AS00170 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| FY23 IIJA Bureau of Land Management Eastern States (ES) Aquatic Resource Management Apply for L23AS00172 Funding Number: L23AS00172 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| FY23 IIJA Bureau of Land Management Headquarters (HQ) Threatened and Endangered Species Program Apply for L23AS00162 Funding Number: L23AS00162 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY23 IIJA Bureau of Land Management Headquarters (HQ) Aquatic Resource Management Apply for L23AS00161 Funding Number: L23AS00161 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY23 IIJA Bureau of Land Management Headquarters (HQ) Recreation and Visitor Services Apply for L23AS00168 Funding Number: L23AS00168 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Apply for R23AS00089 Funding Number: R23AS00089 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| 2023 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program Apply for USDA FS COMMUNITY WOOD 2023 Funding Number: USDA FS COMMUNITY WOOD 2023 Agency: Forest Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Wood Utilization Assistance Apply for USDA FS WOOD INNOVATIONS 2023 Funding Number: USDA FS WOOD INNOVATIONS 2023 Agency: Forest Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| BLM IIJA Bureau of Land Management Alaska Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management Apply for L23AS00202 Funding Number: L23AS00202 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,300,000 |
| IIJA Bureau of Land Management Colorado Threatened and Endangered Species Program Apply for L23AS00178 Funding Number: L23AS00178 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY23 IIJA Bureau of Land Management Nevada (NV) Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance Program Apply for L23AS00175 Funding Number: L23AS00175 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| FY23 IIJA Bureau of Land Management Nevada (NV) Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management Apply for L23AS00180 Funding Number: L23AS00180 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "7200RFI2300011", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.