Request for Proposals

United States Institute of Peace

Chinese and Russian Private Security Firms in Africa

Washington, DC

Release Date: January 24, 2023

RFP Due Date: 5:00pm EST on February 24, 2023

Introduction and Background

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for the United States and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, resolve violent conflict and build peace. For more information, please visit http://www.usip.org.

This project is a collaboration between the USIP’s China Team, the Center for Russia and Europe (CRE), the Governance, Justice, and Security Team, the Africa Center, and the Middle East and North Africa Center to understand areas of convergence, coordination, and distinction between Chinese and Russian interests and activities in different parts of the world with a particular focus on Africa. The collaboration between USIP’s China Team and CRE examines Chinese and Russian interests in countries impacted by violent conflict.

Purpose of the RFP

USIP’s China Team and CRE are soliciting proposals for new research on the activities and interests of Chinese and Russian private security companies (PSCs) and private military companies (PMCs) in Africa. The USIP China Team and CRE are undertaking a multi-year effort to understand the nuances and intricacies of Chinese and Russian efforts in different parts of Africa. This first part of a larger project is focused on Africa and PMCs and PSCs presence in countries experiencing conflict. For the purpose of this project, proposals can include North Africa in addition to other regions of the continent.

This RFP is specifically directed at researchers, institutions, and NGOs capable of carrying out original research and engaging existing literature on Chinese and Russian PMCs and PSCs activities in Chinese, Russian, and the local languages of the countries that are used for the case studies.

The ideal offeror(s) will demonstrate relevant experience in conducting original research and writing projects, especially on themes relevant to this project with the intention of developing policy recommendations for the U.S. Government.

This research is not intended to be a comprehensive assessment of Chinese and Russian presence across Africa. Instead, USIP seeks proposals that address discrete case studies where Chinese and Russian PSCs and PMCs operate in the region, with a focus on analysis and policy recommendations for the United States Congress. This research would provide a foundation for broader and in-depth programmatic work on Chinese and Russian PSCs and PMCs in different parts of the world, potentially in partnership with the contractor.

Scope of Work

Background

Chinese and Russian PSCs and PMCs are playing an increasingly significant role in Africa. There is a growing body of research on Chinese security companies and Russian security companies operating in African countries, but there is very little understanding on how their activities may align or compete with one another, or correspond or diverge in how PMCs or PSCs are used in different international contexts and conflicts. Moreover, the objectives of these PSCs or PMCs also do not necessarily align with those of their respective governments. Importantly, there is little research on how Chinese and Russian PSCs and PMCs affect conflict and peace in African countries. Understanding their respective activities, motivations, and impacts can inform peacebuilders who work on conflicts that may be affected by these actors.

Project Goals and Objectives

The objective of this project is to produce and deliver an original research report that can assist policymakers and practitioners in understanding Chinese and Russian PMCs and PSCs in Africa and the extent of their potential coordination, collaboration, or divergence. The report should focus on one to three countries in Africa where Chinese and Russian PMCs and PSCs are both currently active. African case study countries should ideally offer an opportunity for the researcher to discuss how PMCs and PSCs have affected peace and security outcomes. Preferably, the contractors should demonstrate an understanding of how PMCs and PSCs are used in conflict environments, the domestic environment where the PMCs and PSCs are operating, and any potential connection between Russian and Chinese PMCs and PSCs and the Chinese and Russian governments. Importantly, this research should investigate and analyze whether Chinese and Russian PSCs or PMCs align, compete, or act independently of one another within a particular country or across countries. Ideally more than one case study country should be covered in this analysis, with a maximum of three case study countries.

The report (and proposal) should consider the definitions of success and impact for Chinese and Russian PMCs and PSCs in the case study country or countries. In other words, researchers should not simply identify Chinese and Russian PMCs and PSCs as playing a role in a conflict, but rather, should be able to elaborate on how their activities have shaped a conflict and impacted communities or key actors.

USIP is sensitive to different conceptions and definitions of conflict and invites applicants to also consider topics on Chinese and Russian PMCs or PSCs related to conflict, such as regime survival or change, security sector governance and reform, mercenaries, and state / elite capture. Proposals should identify what approach the researcher(s) would like to take and how they plan to approach this research.

Expected Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

Scope

Contractors will design, research, and write an objective, evidence-based report of roughly 10,000 words on the role of Chinese and Russian PSCs or PMCs in conflicts in Africa. The country selected should include the current presence of Chinese and Russian PMCs and PSCs. The research will be a combination of field work and desk study of a particular country or countries. The contractor(s) will present their research findings at a closed door or public event.

The project should consider, but is not limited to the following questions:

• Which Chinese and Russian PMCs and PSCs are active in the case study country or countries and what role are they playing within a conflict?
• What, if any, coordination or collaboration is taking place between Chinese and Russian PMCs and PSCs? What does the coordination or collaboration involve?
• What are Chinese and Russian PMCs and PSCs interests and motivations in the case study country or countries?
• What impact do the presence and activities of Chinese and Russian PMCs or PSCs have on the conflict? How can we measure impact?

The offeror should clarify their guiding research question in their proposal.

The contracted researcher(s) or institution will work with USIP staff throughout the project’s timeline through monthly check-ins and quarterly reports. After submitting their first draft, the report author(s) will be invited to a private virtual meeting with USIP staff and relevant external experts to discuss their findings. The meeting’s goal will be to garner feedback that may be useful to improving the final version of the publication.

The researcher(s) or institution will be responsible for making international travel arrangements, securing proper visas and research authorizations for their research activities, and submitting proposed research design to USIP for IRB approval if needed. The researcher(s) or institution is also responsible for arranging any staff they may engage. The final research product is subject to USIP’s internal review and editing process, and the researcher(s) or institution will resolve all necessary revisions within the scope of the contract. Based on a request from USIP, and conditional on the final product not revealing information that can put anyone or an organization in danger, the researcher(s) or institution will present a briefing of the findings for the public with a focus on targeting practitioners in the field, peacebuilders, policymakers, and USIP staff.

Tentative Timeline

Submission Requirements

Any proposal that does not contain all items listed below may be considered nonresponsive. For more detail on the selection process, including corresponding evaluation criteria, please see Section V below. To be considered under this RFP, please submit the following:

Selection Process

Schedule

USIP may adjust dates in the schedule or cancel this RFP at any time prior to contract award.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria below. For more detail on each submission requirement, see Section IV of this RFP. The USIP Selection Committee will review all proposals received on time using the evaluation criteria established below based on the best value offered to USIP. The Selection Committee reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, to award multiple contracts, and/or to enter into negotiations with any party, in the best interests of the Institute.

General Instructions and Terms

Certification Page
(Please submit with the proposal)