Request for Quotations (RFQ): US Government Advocacy
GiveDirectlyAbout GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly (GD) aims to reshape international giving – and millions of lives – by providing cash grants directly to the world’s poorest. The Brookings Institution estimates that $70B of cash transfers would be required to eliminate the poverty gap; the aid sector currently spends $135B each year, much of it on evidence-free interventions. GiveDirectly wants to change that, establishing cash transfers as a benchmark for foreign aid – as the index fund is a benchmark for the financial industry – and in the process accelerating the end of extreme poverty.
GD has raised over $1B since launching in 2011, delivered cash to more than 1.5 million people in 15 different countries. We’ve also supported large-scale, experimental research that indicates strong recipient impact of our programs. As a result, GD has been celebrated as one of the most innovative non-profit companies by Fast Company, while the growing cash transfer movement (and GD’s leading role within it) have been featured in the New York Times Magazine, This American Life, Foreign Affairs, and The Economist.
Our culture is candid, analytical, agile, and non-hierarchical. Our global team of ~150, and country operations teams of ~650, together come from 21 different countries speaking 69 different languages. From software engineers to seasoned humanitarian workers, former management consultants to public servants, researchers to field operations -- it’s an incredible group of people.
Our values are central and deliberately opinionated. We genuinely center the people we serve in our decision making, and strive to build an ambitious, dynamic and high performing environment. We strongly encourage you to read through our values carefully, if they reflect how you like to work and energize you, this could be a great fit.
We work hard to create an environment in which all our team members can thrive, succeed and grow. We support flexibility, take care of each other, have fun, and create professional growth opportunities.
Request for Quotations (RFQ): Strategic services and counsel from a lobbying firm to help GiveDirectly advocate for cash transfers in U.S. foreign assistance.
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Issuance Date: |
2 February 2026 |
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Description: |
Lobbying services for U.S. government advocacy |
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Point of Contact: |
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Deadline for Quotes: |
9 February 2026 at 11:59PM [US Eastern time] |
1. Introduction & General Conditions
GiveDirectly (GD) invites competent and reputable companies to submit their quotations for the provision of services as described in this Request for Quotations (RFQ).
About GiveDirectly:
GiveDirectly is a nonprofit that lets donors send money directly to the world's poorest, with no strings attached. As part of our program activities, we require the purchase of various items/services to be used during implementation.
Purpose of this Bidding Template:
The purpose of this Bidding Template is to solicit competitive quotations with a unit price per item/service, inclusive of all applicable taxes, to ensure Best Value for Money for GiveDirectly.
Guiding Principles:
All procurements at GiveDirectly are conducted fairly, transparently, with strong competition, and clear segregation of duties, prioritizing Best Value for Money (BVM). BVM considers competitive price, quality, timeliness, safety, sustainability, and compliance with donor requirements.
2. Scope of Work / Description of Items
Please provide your quotation for the following goods/services. Detailed specifications and requirements are provided below:
Service: 12-month retainer for strategic services and counsel from a U.S lobbying firm to help GiveDirectly advocate for cash transfers in U.S. foreign assistance.
Please submit a brief (1-3 page) description of the lobbying and advocacy services your firm can provide for GiveDirectly. Please include information on:
- Team background, including experience in the the U.S. legislative and executive branches;
- Examples of clients and successful advocacy efforts in the U.S. foreign aid space;
- Congressional offices and executive branch agencies that you engage with;
- What your typical client engagement looks like i.e., number and frequency of meetings, types of strategic advisory services provided, etc.;
- Why your firm is the right fit for advocating for the use of cash transfers in foreign assistance, and how you would leverage your expertise and relationships to do so.
3. Quotation Submission Instructions & Requirements
Please submit your quotation via email to [email protected] by February 6, 2026 11:59 PM US Eastern time
Your quotation must include the following:
2. Completed Price Schedule: Fill in all requested pricing details.
Please provide your best unit price and total price for each item/service listed below, inclusive of all taxes (e.g., VAT, etc.), delivery costs, and any other associated fees. Please specify the currency (e.g., UGX, RWF, KES, USD). Please also specify the validity of offer.
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Validity of Offer: This offer is valid for _______ calendar days from the deadline for quotes.
3. Description of Services: Please submit a brief (1-3 page) description of the types of lobbying and advocacy services your firm can provide for GiveDirectly, as indicated above. Resume/CV: Please attach a resume/CV of the team members who would be leading your firm’s engagement with GiveDirectly.
4. Company Information:
- Legal Name of Company:
- Physical Address:
- Contact Person Name:
- Contact Person Email:
- Contact Person Phone Number:
- Website (if any):
5. Required Documents:
- Copy of Certificate of Registration/Incorporation (valid and active; i.e., LD-1 Lobbying Registration form and/or LD-2 Disclosure forms).
- Evidence of at least 2 similar contracts or ongoing services completed within the last 3 years for reputable organizations in the United States. Evidence can be copies of signed contracts, Letters of Notification of Award, or Certificates of Completion.
6. Acceptance of Terms:
- Confirmation of agreement to bank transfer as mode of payment.
- Confirmation of acceptance of GD's credit terms (payment within 30 days).
- Confirmation that your offer will remain valid for not less than sixty (60) calendar days after the quote deadline.
Important Notes:
- Quotations must be duly signed by the authorized representative of your organization, certifying that the information provided in this quotation is accurate and complete, and that your organization agrees to all terms and conditions stated in this Request for Quotations.
- All communications regarding this RFQ must be directed to the Point of Contact email provided above. Do not contact individual GD staff members directly.
- GiveDirectly reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation, and to cancel the RFQ process at any time, without incurring any liability to the affected bidder(s).
- GiveDirectly conducts business under the strictest ethical standards. We do not tolerate corruption, bribery, collusion, or conflicts of interest. Any requests for payment or favors by GD employees should be reported immediately to [email protected].
4. Evaluation Criteria
Bidders will be evaluated primarily on the following:
- Financial Comparison: To establish the most competitive price (Best Value for Money).
- Compliance with Specifications: Ability to meet all detailed requirements for the services.
- Qualifying Conditions: Adherence to all submission requirements (e.g., valid registration, tax clearance, payment terms).
- Past Performance/Experience: Demonstrated ability to complete similar contracts successfully.
- Compliance with laws, regulations and ethical standards regarding the sourcing or origin of goods.
Working at GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Flagging for US applicants: We invite you to "Know Your Rights" as an applicant.
Commitment to Safeguarding
As a global organization working with communities to eliminate extreme poverty, GiveDirectly takes the safeguarding of its recipients, staff, and partners seriously. To that end, GiveDirectly is a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, and will systematically check with previous employers about any abuse or misconduct related matters involving potential new hires. We may also employ other robust pre-hire screens, including in-depth reference checks, criminal background checks, and sanctions screens.
These efforts help us continue to build and maintain trust with the communities we work with, and prevent abuse to our recipients and staff.
**GD is committed to observing all local, national and international laws that protect people and basic human rights of all. GD is committed to a policy of “zero tolerance when it comes to preventing, reporting, or responding to any form of abuse or exploitation.” and expects anyone who works for GD to uphold the protection and safeguarding of our recipients as a priority.**
Reasonable Accommodations
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of the role, please email us at [email protected] with the email subject “Accommodation Needed”. We will work with you to ensure reasonable accommodations are made to support your needs.
Want to put your best foot forward on your GiveDirectly application? Take a look at our Candidate Application Prep Guide!