Revised PWS - 1131PL24RDS11193 - Healthcare DS PWS_Revisions.pdf

Solicitation Number: 1131PL24RDS11193

DESK STUDY FOR SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR

OPPORTUNITIES

SECTION D – ANY CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

DESK STUDY FOR SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE

SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES

D.1.1. OVERVIEW

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is a foreign assistance agency that delivers its program commitments through grants and contracts. The projects supported by USTDA activities represent strong and measurable development priorities in the host country and offer opportunities for the sale of U.S. goods and services. Requests for USTDA assistance are made by either public or private sector project sponsors for implementation in developing and middle income countries.

D.1.2. SCOPE OF WORK

USTDA requires services under this non-personal services Desk Study (“DS”) contract to support its decision-making relative to the funding of activities to support the healthcare sector in Sub- Saharan Africa. The Contractor shall provide reports to USTDA, which will:

Assess and provide a recommendation on whether or not USTDA should provide funding for proposed feasibility studies, technical assistance, pilot projects, or other project planning activities, hereinafter referred to as “activities;”

Provide supporting analysis for the recommendation in Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Reports that analyze all relevant issues; and

Assess the potential of the healthcare sector and sub-sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa for U.S. suppliers of goods and services in Public Market Reports suitable for public distribution.

The Contractor shall (a) conduct initial reviews of up to ten (10) proposals for feasibility studies, technical assistance, or pilot projects in the healthcare sector in Sub-Saharan Africa; and (b) provide Project Reports for up to ten (10) activities for USTDA funding consideration and one Final Report in cumulation to USTDA. USTDA reserves the right to make the final determination on which activities merit consideration for the Project Reports.

The Final Report, unless otherwise directed by USTDA, shall be labeled clearly on every page as “Business Confidential” and shall be treated accordingly per sections D.11, “Confidentiality,” and D.12, “Intellectual Property.”

For each Project Report the Contractor shall:

(1) Assess whether or not the request meets USTDA’s basic funding criteria (see Section D.1.3);

(2) Develop and recommend the appropriate Terms of Reference (TOR) for the activity;

(3) Develop an appropriate budget for the TOR recommended for the activity.

For each Project Report, the Contractor shall also complete prepare a stand-alone Public Market Report that provides current market information about the relevant host country(ies) and sector(s).

a. If Contractor is having difficulty meeting this requirement, the Contractor must discuss the findings of the DS with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance of writing the draft Final Report.

b. The Contractor shall obtain the COR’s written approval before developing any activity beyond the minimum one per country.

The Contractor will not be paid for reports that are not approved or completed.

The actual number of deliverables/reports against this contract is dependent on the success of the Desk Study and availability of projects. Therefore, not all deliverables may be required or be possible and the figures provided for the Project Reports are not-to-exceed ceiling figures and not actual figures. The Contractor shall only invoice for work/deliverables actually completed. Any unexpended funds will be de-obligated from the contract at close-out.

D.1.3. USTDA FUNDING CRITERIA

The Contractor’s recommendations shall be based upon USTDA funding criteria, which are that the Project(s) must:

a) Be likely to receive implementation financing;

b) Have a procurement process that provides “equal access” to U.S. companies;

c) Represent an opportunity for sales of U.S. goods and services that is many times greater than the initial investment of USTDA assistance;

d) Be a development priority of the Project Sponsor and host country where the Project is located and have the endorsement of the U.S. Embassy in that host country; and

e) Involve U.S. companies that are facing market entry problems and/or strong competition from foreign companies which often receive subsidies and other support from their governments.

The Contractor shall also be required to:

a) Perform preliminary assessments of project viability;

b) Evaluate project implementation financing;

c) Verify U.S. industry competitiveness and assess U.S. export potential;

d) Assess foreign competition and market entry issues;

e) Perform preliminary assessments of environmental and developmental impacts;

f) Perform climate resilience screenings;

g) Analyze potential impacts on U.S. labor; and

h) Assess U.S. firm capabilities and qualifications.

To execute this requirement, the Contractor shall:

1. Meet or have a conference call with the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Team to discuss the desk study;

2. Contact and/or meet with relevant U.S. companies to discuss their interest in healthcare sector project opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa;

3. Identify and evaluate project opportunities and provide recommendations for USTDA funding. Develop Terms of Reference and budgets for ten (10) activities for USTDA consideration;

a. All project opportunities proposed by the DS Contractor must be approved by the COR prior to the drafting of a formal funding recommendation.

For each of the ten (10) activities to be recommended to USTDA, the Contractor shall develop a stand-alone Project Report. The requirements for the Project Reports are further detailed in section D.1.7, Reports.

D.1.4. CLIMATE RESILIENCE SCREENING

Per Executive Order (EO) 13677, USTDA is required to consider climate resilience in its international development work. The Agency has determined that in order to be compliant with the EO, climate resilience screenings must be conducted at the project scoping stage for all feasibility studies (FS) and technical assistance (TA) activities. Accordingly, the Contractor shall conduct a climate resilience screening utilizing the guidance provided in Attachment VII.

D.1.5. PROJECT PROFILE

The healthcare sector in Sub-Saharan Africa presents a significant number of opportunities for U.S. companies to contribute to building healthcare infrastructure. Despite the considerable strides in the quality of healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa over the last few decades, the region continues to face challenges across the sector. Healthcare infrastructure is underfunded and particularly sensitive to climate change, while the pharmaceutical industry is ill-equipped to meet the high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Additionally, severely limited vaccine manufacturing capabilities, as evidenced during the Covid-19 pandemic, forces African countries to rely heavily on foreign-produced and distributed vaccines. Amidst such a backdrop, the World Health Organization responded to an average of 131 disease outbreaks and 21 humanitarian events per week across Africa between July 2022 and June 2023.

Though the African Development Bank cites a $21.5B annual government healthcare expenditure shortfall, increased investments in healthcare across Sub-Saharan Africa can already be seen. Initiatives such as an early malaria warning system in Ethiopia are helping to meet health challenges driven by climate change. Clinical trials are increasingly occurring in the region, with Malaria and HIV vaccines taking centerstage in recent years. In 2023, vaccine manufacturing initiatives kicked off in Senegal and Rwanda, working towards the African Union's goal of 60% in-continent vaccine production by 2040. The International Finance Corporation estimates that over the next decade, $30B in new healthcare investment will be needed to meet the needs of Sub-Saharan Africa’s rapidly growing population, presenting a considerable opportunity for U.S. companies to contribute to building the region's healthcare infrastructure.

D.1.6. METHODOLOGY:

In the course of carrying out this DS, the Contractor must take the following steps:

D.1.6.1. NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT AND KICKOFF Upon award, the Contractor shall be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. To the extent that the work under this contract requires that the contractor be given access to confidential information or proprietary data from the Government or other companies, the Contractor agrees to treat such information and data as confidential and to use the information only for the contemplated purpose. After signing the Non-Disclosure Agreement, the Contractor shall contact USTDA’s COR to schedule a meeting or call to discuss details of the Contract assignment. The COR shall provide the Contractor with names and addresses of the potential project sponsor(s), other pertinent entities to contact in the United States and overseas, and any other relevant details or proposals that may impact the design and/or evaluation of the proposed activity(ies).

After reviewing these materials, contact the assigned COR to discuss initial observations and raise any questions or concerns about the proposal and the Project.

D.1.6.2. COMMUNICATION WITH U.S. EMBASSY/CONSULATE IN HOST

COUNTRY

Communications with U.S. and foreign embassy officials prior to the award of this contract and completion of the kickoff meeting with USTDA in relations to the requirements of this contract is strictly prohibited.

D.1.6.3. HOST COUNTRY TRAVEL

The Contractor will not be required travel to the Host Country/Sub-Saharan Africa to meet with relevant project officials and with the U.S. Embassy and/or Consulate(s) in execution of this DS.

D.1.6.4. CONTACTS

The Contractor shall submit a list of individuals contacted during the Desk Study, and include at a minimum mailing addresses, phone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and a substantive summary of key comments that support the Contractor's recommendations. The list shall be submitted in Excel format and in accordance with to the specifications outlined in Attachment XIII, “U.S. Company Contacts” and Attachment I, “Desk Study: Final Report Requirements.”

D.1.7. DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall provide verbal updates to the COR on a regular basis. The deliverables may also take the form of information, advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, evaluations, recommendations, Final Reports, or other oral or written work products needed for successful performance. The Contractor shall respond in a timely manner to reasonable requests for updates and information from the COR.

The Contractor shall provide the following reports to USTDA:

(a) Evaluation Statements for up to ten (10) preliminary proposals or project concepts reviewed by the Contractor (See Section D.1.7.1)

(b) Project Reports for up to ten (10) USTDA funding requests or projects selected by USTDA in the healthcare sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Contractor shall submit each Project Report to the COR on a rolling basis. Each Project Report will be treated as business confidential. The Project Reports must conform to the outline found in Attachment I and provide the requested information and analysis unless otherwise agreed to in writing by USTDA (See Section D.1.7.2)

(c) A Public Market Report for each Project Report completed by the Contractor. The Public Market Reports must conform to the outline found in Attachment II and, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by USTDA, provide the requested information and analysis in sufficient detail to be useful to prospective U.S. equipment and service providers. The Public Market Reports must be suitable for public distribution and must not contain any confidential information. (See Section D.1.7.3)

Note that USTDA may publish the Contractor’s Public Market Report on its website and/or in other media. The Contractor shall ensure that Public Market Report is suitable for publication and public distribution.

Project Report (s) shall be submitted to the COR and appropriate Country Manager, if applicable, not to finalreports@ustda.gov.

(d) Final Report. The Final Report shall consist all of the Project Reports, inclusive of the Required Budget in individual Microsoft Excel files, that have been approved by USTDA must conform to the outline found in Attachment I and provide the requested information and analysis, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by USTDA. Further Final Report requirements are detailed in section D.1.7.4, Final Report.

Unless otherwise agreed to by USTDA, the Contractor shall submit all reports under this Contract to the COR on or about forty-five (45) calendar days after the introduction to the project sponsors. If it is anticipated that Project Report(s) cannot be provided within this timeframe, the Contractor shall immediately contact the COR to discuss the reasons for the delay.

D.1.7.1. EVALUATION OF PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS

The Contractor shall assist USTDA in the review of up to ten (10) preliminary proposals and/or project concepts. The preliminary proposals and concept papers may be in various formats, stages of readiness/completeness, and may originate from foreign public or private sector project sponsors and/or U.S. companies. USTDA will notify the Contractor when a preliminary proposal or project concept is ready for review. To complete the review of each preliminary proposal or project concept, the Contractor shall review the preliminary proposal or project concept and supporting documentation, then arrange a call or meeting with the COR to discuss the proposed activity. Following the discussion with the COR, the Contractor shall contact the project sponsor(s) and relevant third parties, as needed, to discuss the proposed activity and request any additional information necessary to complete an initial evaluation of the preliminary proposal or project concept. Based on the information reviewed in the preliminary proposal or project concept, the discussions with the COR, project sponsor(s) and relevant third parties, and any additional information received, the Contractor shall provide a written statement (“Evaluation Statement”) to USTDA that includes, but is not limited to: (1) a summary of the proposed project and request for USTDA assistance; (2) a high-level assessment of whether or not the proposed project meets USTDA’s basic funding criteria (see Section D.1.3); and (3) a recommendation on whether or not USTDA should undertake a full evaluation of the proposed activity, including the identification of any outstanding information, documentation, and/or other criteria that should be met before a full proposal evaluation can proceed.

In the event that the Contractor does not recommend a proposed activity for further consideration or it is not competitive with other proposals under evaluation, the Contractor’s Evaluation Statement shall identify the specific factors leading to this determination. The Contractor’s feedback in the assessment may be used by USTDA to inform the project sponsor(s) of the areas for improvement in their proposals and/or technical factors that may make the proposed activity not suited for further consideration by USTDA.

All deliverables submitted pursuant to this Desk Study shall incorporate all mutually agreed upon materials, revisions, and supporting documentation. The deliverables shall be grammatically and factually correct in all respects, internally consistent, and all statements and tables shall be clear and easily understood by a competent reader, and contain no typographical errors. The deliverables shall also be paginated and clearly labeled. Upon direction from the COR, the Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the final deliverable to USTDA via email (PDF file) at the following email address: finalreports@ustda.gov. No hardcopy submissions will be accepted. The email subject line must include the title and USTDA activity number of the Desk Study so that it is easily identifiable.

Upon government acceptance of a final deliverable, the Contractor shall submit the corresponding invoice to USTDA.

D.1.7.2 BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION PROJECT

REPORTS

Upon direction from the COR, the Contractor shall complete ten (10) full Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Reports for USTDA funding requests in the healthcare sector in Sub-Saharan Africa in accordance with the guidelines provided in this Statement of Work and the Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Outline (Attachment I). The Contractor shall consult with USTDA for further guidance on developing the Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Reports.

Once the COR has indicated that a full Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report should be completed for a proposed activity, the Contractor shall review the proposal, then arrange a call or meeting with the COR to discuss the proposed activity.

Following the discussion with the COR, the Contractor shall contact the project sponsor(s) and relevant third parties, as needed, to discuss the proposed activity and request any additional information, documentation, and/or clarifications necessary to complete the Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report. The Contractor shall provide to USTDA a copy of any such requests or correspondence with the project sponsor(s) and/or third parties.

For each Project Report, the Contractor shall develop and prepare a report that complies with and satisfies all elements in the following PWS components:

a) PWS Section D.1.3. USTDA Funding Criteria

b) PWS Section D.1.4. Climate Resilience Screening

c) PWS Attachment I. Project Report Outline, including Attachment V (Required Budget Format) and Attachment VI (Task Completion

Schedule)

d) PWS Attachment III. Impact on U.S. Labor

e) PWS Attachment IV. USTDA Nationality Requirements

f) PWS Attachment VIII. Guidance on Climate Resilience Screening

g) PWS Attachment IX. U.S. Companies Contacted During the Course of the

Desk Study

Additionally, the Contractor shall collect, review, and analyze all necessary information acquired from the following sources:

a) Proposal and supporting documentation provided by Project Sponsor(s) and related project parties; and

b) Meetings (including conference calls) with prospective Grantees, interested U.S.

companies in the relevant sectors, as well as project finance sources.

Based on the Contractor’s review of the proposed activity and any additional information, documentation, and/or clarifications provided by the project sponsor(s) and relevant third parties, the Contractor shall prepare and provide to USTDA a first draft Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report via email (Microsoft Word/Excel files). The Contractor shall provide the first draft Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report to USTDA within three (3) weeks of receiving direction from USTDA to complete the report. The first draft report must be clearly marked “First Draft” on the cover. If it is anticipated that the draft cannot be provided within three (3) weeks, the Contractor shall immediately contact the COR to explain the specific reasons for the delay and establish a new target date for submission of the draft report. USTDA will review the first draft Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report and provide comments.

The Contractor shall provide to USTDA and the project sponsor(s) for review and comment a second draft Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report that incorporates USTDA’s comments on the first draft Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report via email (Microsoft Word/Excel files) within one (1) week of receiving USTDA’s comments on the first draft Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report. The second draft report must be clearly market “Second Draft” on the cover.

The Contractor shall discuss the comments from the project sponsor(s) and any third parties with the COR and, based on that discussion, prepare and provide to USTDA within one (1) week a final Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report. The Contractor shall also email the final Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report to the COR (both Microsoft Word/Excel files and a combined PDF file). The final Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report shall be grammatically correct and free of typographical errors. The Contractor may submit an invoice upon completion of each final Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report approved by USTDA.

Prior to initiating a Project Report, the Contractor shall obtain an official letter of interest/commitment from the Grantee demonstrating their commitment to the Project and working with USTDA and the selected U.S. Contractor on the Activity. If a letter cannot be obtained, the Contractor shall discuss and receive written approval from the COR prior to initiating the Project Report. Project Reports will not be approved by USTDA unless the official letter or written approval from USTDA authorizing the Project Report is included.

Following the completion of all Project Reports, the Contractor shall submit to USTDA a Final Report, which compiles all of the Project Reports that have been approved by USTDA. The Final Report submission shall also include the Required Budget Format for each Project Report in individual Microsoft Excel documents.

D.1.7.3 PUBLIC MARKET REPORT

The Public Market Report must conform to the outline found in Attachment II, “Public Market Report Requirements,” and, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by USTDA, provide the requested information and analysis in sufficient detail to be useful to prospective U.S. equipment and service providers. USTDA anticipates that much of this information will also form a part of the Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation. However, as this report may be widely distributed by USTDA, it shall not contain any confidential, sensitive, or non-public information.

USTDA may publish the Public Market Report on its website and/or in other media platforms.

Thus, the Public Market Report shall be suitable for publication.

Upon direction from the COR, the Contractor shall submit electronic copy of Public Market Report to USTDA. Reports must be paginated, clearly labeled, and submitted electronically in Adobe PDF format to USTDA via the following email:

finalreports@ustda.gov

The email subject line must include the title of the desk study and the project number so that it is easily identifiable.

The Contractor shall submit the Public Market Report under this Contract to the COR on or about one week following of receiving USTDA’s approval of the final Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation Project Report.

The Contractor shall not include any business confidential information in the Public Market Report and shall include the following confidentiality certification in the final invoice:

“I hereby certify that the Public Market Report contains no business confidential information.”

D.1.7.4 FINAL REPORT

The Contractor shall submit a DS Final Report that includes a complete description of the DS detailing the following:

(a) All projects reviewed during the course of the DS;

(b) All Project Reports, including the TOR and budgets the Contractor has developed in coordination with the Project Sponsor and U.S. firm for each project;

(c) Summaries of all meetings held in the U.S. and overseas for each Project Report;

(d) List of all persons attending the meetings and their contact information for each Project

Report; and

(e) A brief explanation for any activity(ies) or project(s) that were reviewed and were not recommended for USTDA funding.

If it is anticipated that the Final Report cannot be provided within three (3) weeks following final travel to the Host Country(ies), the Contractor shall immediately contact the COR to discuss the reasons for the delay. The COR may also request the Contractor to provide portions of the Final Report before the submission of the entire Final Report.

Upon direction from the COR, the Contractor shall submit electronic copy of Final Report(s) to USTDA. No hardcopy submissions will be accepted. All reports must be paginated, clearly labeled, and submitted electronically in Adobe PDF format to USTDA via the following email:

finalreports@ustda.gov

The email subject line must include the title of the desk study and the project number so that it is easily identifiable. Any copies of Project proposal materials must be returned to USTDA with the submission of the Final Report.

Upon government acceptance of the Final Report, the Contractor shall submit an invoice, to

USTDA.

D.1.8. QUALITY CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

D.1.8.1. Quality

The deliverables shall be grammatically and factually correct in all respects, internally consistent, and all statements and tables shall be clear and easily understood by a competent reader, and contain no typographical errors. The Contractor is responsible for quality control actions necessary to achieve quality in the delivery of the required services, which may include the services of a professional editor. The COR will reject a deliverables that does not conform in all respects to the Contract requirements, including but not limited to, the written quality of the Final Report. The Contractor shall correct all deficiencies at no additional cost to the Government.

D.1.8.2. Performance Assessment

During the course of contract period, the COR will track Contractor’s performance. At the end of the performance period, the COR will assess the Contractor’s performance in accordance with FAR 42.15 and report to the Contracting Officer for submission to the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

The COR will consider all pertinent information during the preparation of the Contractor’s performance assessment. The Contractor will be afforded the opportunity to identify factual errors. The COR’s assessment is not subject to negotiation and the COR will not engage in discussions with the Contractor. Any errors identified by the Contractor will be addressed by the Reviewing Official. A copy of the final performance assessment will be available in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS).

D.1.9. CONFIDENTIALITY

The proposal of the U.S. firm is a proprietary document and should not be distributed without permission from USTDA and the U.S. firm. The Contractor shall treat any proposal and supporting information submitted by the U.S. firm as business confidential in its entirety, unless otherwise stated in writing by the U.S. firm. The Contractor shall not include any business confidential information in the Public Market Report and shall include the following confidentiality certification in the final invoice:

“I hereby certify that the Public Market Report contains no business confidential information.”

D.1.10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

This Contract is funded by the United States Government. All intellectual property generated and/or delivered pursuant to this Statement of Work shall be subject to appropriate federal acquisition regulations which entitle the Government to unlimited rights to technical data developed exclusively with Government funds. The Government may: (1) use; (2) disclose; (3) reproduce; (4) prepare derivative works; (5) distribute copies to the public; (6) perform publicly;

and (7) display publicly, the “data” in any manner and for any purpose, and have or permit others to do so (i.e., the Government may sublicense these rights to another contractor). See FAR 52.227-14(a).

D.1.11. IMPARTIALITY

It is essential that the DS be conducted with complete impartiality and objectivity and that the Contractor and its Subcontractors not obtain an unfair competitive advantage in USTDA-funded activities resulting from this Contract. In accordance with the principles of FAR Subpart 9.5 and USTDA policy, the Contractor and its Subcontractors, if any, for this Contract shall be ineligible to compete for, as a prime or subcontractor or otherwise, USTDA-funded activities that result from this Contract, unless USTDA through its Office of Acquisition Management, shall have granted a waiver, based upon FAR 9.503, that preclusion of the Contractor or its Subcontractors from the follow-on activity would not be in the Government’s interest. This restriction shall remain in effect for three (3) years from the termination of this Contract or until the awarding of a USTDA-funded feasibility study resulting from this contract. The Contractor is responsible for including this restriction in all subcontracts under the Contract.

D.1.12. COORDINATION WITH OTHER CONTRACTORS

The government may award other contracts for additional work not prescribed in this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with such other contractors in performance of the requirement herein, and as directed by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall not commit or permit any act, which will interfere with the performance of work by any other USTDA Contractor.

D.1.13. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The Period of Performance for this Contract shall be twenty-four (24) months from the date of the Contracting Officer's signature on the Contract.

D.1.14. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

The places of performance shall be in developing and middle-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and at the Contractor’s facility.

D.2. ATTACHMENTS

ATTCH/ TITLE

EXHIBIT

I Project Report Outline II Public Market Report Guidance and Outline III Impact on U.S. Labor Statement IV USTDA Nationality Requirements V Required Budget Format VI Task Completion Schedule VII Budget Narrative Requirements VIII Guidance on Climate Resilience Screening IX U.S. Companies Contacts

Attachment I – 1

Attachment I

Project Report Outline: Business Confidential Analysis and Recommendation

A. Executive Summary.

The Contractor shall provide an executive summary of its findings and recommendations.

B. Project Description.

The Contractor shall hold meaningful discussions with appropriate contacts to determine how USTDA’s funding can be used most effectively to support the implementation of the project(s) identified in the host country.

The Contractor shall provide a brief description and history of the project (the “Project”). The Contractor shall describe the proposed technology from the U.S. firm to be used in the Project.

The Contractor shall gauge the interest of potential project financiers and potential U.S. suppliers and assess whether the proposed USTDA activity(ies) will help accomplish the project(s) goals.

The Contractor shall provide relevant information to potential project sponsors regarding USTDA’s evaluation criteria, timeline, and due diligence requirements. The Contractor shall describe whether the proposed U.S. solution is technically viable and/or commercially available.

If the Contractor finds the proposed U.S. solution is not technically viable and/or commercially viable, the Contractor shall discuss these issues with USTDA program staff before providing a recommendation.

The Contractor shall describe relevant issues to the Project [e.g. host country and/or other stakeholders, sector, Project location, source of raw materials, infrastructure requirements, proposed technological approach, legal and regulatory framework (licenses, permits, etc.), implementation schedule, economic fundamentals (estimated capital cost, operating costs, interest expense, taxes, expected revenues, etc.), the specific objectives of the proposed activity, how the proposed USTDA activity supports the Project implementation process, and any other variables or issues the Contractor deems critical as part of a thorough activity/Project evaluation.]

C. Project Sponsor’s Capabilities and Commitment.

This section describes the Project sponsor’s commitment and capabilities to undertake the activity and the subsequent Project. The purpose is to understand the experience of the Project sponsor and any previous work undertaken by the Project sponsor in the sector. This section should also include a discussion of any potential risks of working with the Project sponsor that could delay Project implementation. This can take many forms but should at a minimum address the applicable points below:

A thorough description of the host country Project sponsor, including its structure, capabilities, operations, and decision-making ability pursuant to the Project, and

Attachment I – 2

An assessment of the Project sponsor’s commitment and ability to implement the Project (e.g. the Project sponsor’s previous experience, current commitments, responsiveness, business activities, and government mandate).

D. Implementation Financing.

This section describes the Project sponsor’s plans to secure financing to implement the Project.

This can take many forms but should at a minimum address the points below:

An assessment of the overall cost estimate of the Project;

For Projects involving potential equity investment, the Project’s proposed debt-equity structure to ensure that it corresponds to the requirements of the prospective lenders (this aspect is critical to USTDA’s decision making); and

A review of the financing options for Project implementation.

The Contractor is required to contact officials from the potential financing institutions, including, where appropriate, multilateral lending institutions, Export Import (Ex-Im) Bank, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and private/commercial sources, to ensure that the Project sponsor(s) has adequately explored all financing options. The Contractor shall provide names and phone numbers of contacts at the potential financing institutions and summarize their comments. The Contractor must determine the most likely source(s) of implementation financing for the Project. The Contractor must ensure that the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the activity fulfill the requirements of the most likely financing source(s).

E. U.S. Export Potential.

This section describes the U.S. export potential that may result if the Project is implemented.

The purpose is to estimate the U.S. export potential in order to justify USTDA funding for the activity. This can take many forms but should at a minimum address the points below:

The Contractor shall provide a best estimate of potential procurement of U.S. goods and services for Project implementation. This estimate should be supported by a breakdown by category and dollar value of goods and services likely to be imported for the Project and an illustrative list of potential U.S. suppliers of the goods and services for those goods and services listed as likely U.S. exports. The Contractor shall include U.S. content in their evaluation of U.S. exports, including an analysis of U.S. manufacturing and services sourced from the United States that would most likely be used for the Project. The Contractor shall cross-check the U.S. firm’s estimates of U.S. export potential with independent relevant sources, such as:

- USTDA program staff and USTDA’s evaluations data;

- The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration;

- Industry and trade associations; and

- Outreach with other U.S. suppliers in the sector.

Attachment I – 3

The Contractor shall describe how procurements are typically conducted: 1) in the sector; 2) by the Project sponsor; and 3) in the host country. The Contractor shall confirm whether there are local content requirements or procurement restrictions in this sector or for the Project and whether a local provider/distributor will be or is likely to be involved in Project implementation.

The Contractor shall also list any import licensing requirements or permits needed by U.S.

companies to participate and supply goods for the Project. The Contractor shall also identify any U.S. companies already working with the Project sponsor or working in the respective sector in the host country.

The Contractor shall provide a report that summarizes its discussions with U.S. companies that provide goods or services for the Project, and their level of interest in the Project should also be included. The Contractor shall take note on not only the U.S. company’s general interest in the relevant sector or country, but also interest in the specific Project. The Contractor shall analyze how competitive the U.S. company’s goods or services would be if the Project reaches the implementation stage. To ensure no one is given unfair advantage to compete for USTDA’s funding or the Project implementation, the Contractor should be sensitive to disclosing information about the proposed USTDA activity.

The Contractor shall submit a complete list of U.S. companies and other entities contacted, with the name and contact information of individuals interviewed and their responses.

F. Foreign Competition and Market Entry Issues.

This section describes foreign competition and market entry issues in the host country. The purpose is to demonstrate why USTDA funding may be needed in order to level the playing field for U.S. companies. This can take many forms but should at a minimum address the points below.

The Contractor shall provide a discussion of the foreign competition for goods and services likely to be procured for Project implementation by category. The Contractor shall include a discussion of U.S. industry competitiveness in each category, taking into account geographic factors, host country industry capabilities, technology and licensee issues, past procurement tendencies of the Project sponsor, and how the procurement is likely to be conducted. Where relevant, the Contractor shall discuss the extent to which market entry issues impede exports and trade and how the activity will help overcome these obstacles.

G. Evaluation Strategy.

This section describes the strategy by which the Project, if implemented, should be evaluated.

The purpose is to concisely describe the baseline goals and objectives of the Project, along with any potential risks or timeline hindrances, so the actual implementation results can be evaluated accordingly. This can take many forms but should at a minimum address the points below:

Goals and objectives:

o Clearly define the goals of the Project and identify what will constitute success

Attachment I – 4

Ex: For trade capacity building or legal project, any change in law as result of Project o Identify key sources for information needed to determine if USTDA’s activity attained its objective o Identify potential methods of measurement for evaluation specific to the Project

Process and Timeline:

o What is the step-by-step process the Project will follow to be implemented, following USTDA’s funding?

o What is the anticipated Project development timeline? This may change, but it is important to know what the original goal is as it will influence USTDA’s evaluation effort.

o How are procurements typically conducted in the sector for this host country?

o Will there be local content requirements?

o Will a local provider/distributor be involved?

o Will there be one big procurement or several smaller ones? Will other entities be involved if the procurements are small?

Risks:

o Identify potential difficulties in measuring results and ways to mitigate those difficulties o Is any regulation needed before the Project can be developed (e.g. power purchase agreement standards)?

o Are there other entities that must authorize/approve implementation? List them according to their priority in the approval chain.

Key Leads:

o Are there US companies that already have business with the Project sponsor or in the sector? If so, what is USTDA’s added value for these companies’ ability to pursue additional business?

o Are there any companies short-listed for procurements? If so, are they short listed via direct sales, distributor, etc.?

H. Developmental Impact.

The COR shall identify at least one viable and quantifiable Development Impact Measure that will result from the Project being implemented based on the recommendations of the USTDA activity. The Contractor shall provide the following information for each indicator identified by the COR for each activity: 1) current status, prior to USTDA’s activity and Project implementation (Baseline); 2) anticipated outcomes should the Project be implemented, based on the recommendations of the USTDA activity; 3) the anticipated timeline for the realization of these outcomes; and, 4) how such information can be measured and what sources could be utilized to determine whether the outcome was realized.

Attachment I – 5

I. Impact on the Environment.

The Contractor shall provide a statement regarding the likely consequences the proposed Project may have on the environment. The Contractor shall ensure that the TOR for the activity includes, at a minimum, a preliminary review of the Project’s impact on the environment, with reference to local requirements and requirements of potential financing source(s) of the Project.

The Contractor should identify potential negative impacts and discuss the extent to which they can be minimized or mitigated.

The Contractor shall conduct a climate resilience screening utilizing the guidance provided in Attachment VII and, based on climate resilience screening results, provide details, including rationale, on whether (a) an in-depth analysis is recommended; (b) an in-depth analysis is not recommended; or (c) whether or not the climate resilience screening has indicated that a proposed Project should not move forward. If in-depth analysis is recommended, the Contractor shall propose language for the TOR (see section O, #4).

J. Impact on U.S. Labor.

The Contractor shall provide an assessment of the impact of the Project on U.S. labor. The Contractor shall address the legislative prohibitions on the use of Foreign Assistance funds described in Attachment II and any implication such prohibitions may have on the activity and/or Project.

K. Project Implementation Risks.

The Contractor shall articulate the most prominent risks and the potential risk mitigants that may enable activity and/or project implementation success, for example through the specific design of your TORs.

Support for the Project How has the host country government expressed support for the project?

Is there a stated host country government strategy, policy, or regulation that supports implementation of the project?

What is the breadth and depth of grantee support/engagement on the activity and project? If only one grantee contact is critical and knowledgeable or engaged on the activity/project, what steps would USTDA or the contractor need to take to respond and mitigate the impact/change of personnel/champion for the activity/project?

Financial Strength and Management Acumen Once the TORs are complete, what will be the remaining impediments to financing the project?

What assurances have you received that the parties have the wherewithal to implement the project?

Attachment I – 6

Regulatory, Legal and Economic Risks Which permits, licenses, or government agreements that are required at this stage of the project’s development remain outstanding? What are the expected timelines for these approvals? Are any challenges anticipated to obtaining all required approvals for the project?

Will any federal/state/local political cycles or other political considerations, such as sanctions, impact implementation of the project?

Are there contract sanctity challenges in your market, and will these challenges have any bearing on implementation? For example, is there a high likelihood that a power purchase agreement may not be honored if lower energy prices become readily available?

What is the risk profile of the proposed USTDA-funded activity?

Does the U.S. contractor have a track record working in the host country and industry? With the proposed technology? Bringing early-stage deals with this technology and/or in the host country to financial close?

What assurances have you received that the parties have the wherewithal to implement the activity?

Should the U.S. contractor be asked for audited financials? If so, do they have them?

If not, what else can the contractor provide to demonstrate financial/operational health?

What percentage of the contractor’s revenue is represented by the USTDA grant?

For RTMs: describe the anticipated impact of the RTM on the country from which delegates are being invited, and what strategy will be used for invited entity identification and selection.

What are the potential risk mitigants that may enable project or activity implementation success?

Are there USTDA-activity specific mitigants (e.g. terms of reference, cost share/success fee structure, USTDA disbursement timing, etc.) that can help mitigate the above risks?

Are there any performance or completion guarantees or other mechanisms will be incorporated into the activity to mitigate completion risks?

If the risks cannot be mitigated, what factors do you think make the activity/project likely to be successfully implemented?

L. Qualifications.

The Contractor shall provide a review of the capabilities of the U.S. firm submitting the proposal and the qualifications of the proposed U.S. firm’s personnel.

M. Justification.

The Contractor shall provide an explanation of why USTDA’s grant funding is needed, including a description of how the Project would support U.S. government policy priorities and promote

Attachment I – 7 trade, how USTDA's participation would add value to the Project's development, and how the success of the Project would be measured in terms of trade capacity and development impact.

N. Recommendations.

The Contractor shall provide analysis and recommendations as to whether or not the Project meets USTDA’s basic funding criteria as defined in Section 3 in the Desk Study Performance Work Statement.

If the recommendation is that USTDA should fund the activity, but in a phased approach or only if certain outstanding issues are resolved or conditions met, those phases, issues or conditions should be clearly delineated and discussed in the recommendation.

O. Contacts.

The Contractor shall provide a list of individuals contacted during the Desk Study and fill out Attachment VIII. The list shall include the address, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of each individual.

P. Terms of Reference.

For Contractor shall be responsible for submitting to USTDA a Terms of Reference (“TOR”) and budget for the activity that conforms to USTDA’s requirements. This work shall entail working with the U.S. firm and the proposed Project sponsor to develop the TOR and budget for the activity using the U.S. firm’s and Project sponsor’s draft proposal as a basis. The TOR, which must be approved by the Project sponsor and the U.S. firm, should include, at a minimum, the following:

1. Purpose and objective of the activity. This section will contain a concise statement describing the activity.

2. A technical assessment. This section will include relevant background information and analysis that is pertinent to the technical feasibility of the Project (e.g. site selection, gap analysis, data collection, comparative analysis, parameters for pilot project implementation, baseline indicators and key performance indicators, a review of any previous reports or studies related to the Project, and an assessment of technologies to be used in pilot project implementation).

3. An economic analysis of the Project. This section will include a detailed analysis on all of the costs associated with the implementation of the Project, and relevant additional economic analyses relevant to the viability of the Project. This section shall provide all relevant information pertaining to the economic analysis of the Project (e.g. a cash flow analysis, analysis of market conditions, raw material availability, supply agreements, off-take agreements, competing alternative methods of achieving the same or similar Project objectives). This analysis should also

Attachment I – 8 include the internal rate of return under a variety of different assumptions (e.g.

different interest rates, depreciation, licensing fees, and import duties).

In addition, in order to provide the Project sponsor with sufficient information to responsibly implement, manage, and maintain the Project for the duration of the investment, this section will provide a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) as part of the overall Project cost estimate. The LCCA shall examine the total initial capital costs to plan, design, develop, and build the Project, and also shall include a detailed analysis of the costs associated with the medium-term and long-term operation of the Project, which includes maintaining the facilities, equipment, and other assets financed as part of the Project. Such costs include, but are not limited to, warranties, operation, maintenance, acquisition, installation, refurbishment, and disposal costs that could be encountered throughout the life of the Project.

4. A financing plan for the Project. This section shall provide an analysis on the different types of financing (e.g. equity, debt) available for Project implementation.

This section will assess whether or not potential public and private financing organizations (e.g. the World Bank, relevant regional multilateral development banks, Ex-Im and OPIC) are interested in providing financing for Project implementation. This section shall include a financing plan and a financing strategy, including several approaches to securing financing for the Project based on discussions with the Project sponsor, potential lenders and potential financiers. This section shall outline the rationale for the financing plan and financing strategy and shall take into account a number of relevant factors (e.g. timing, interest rates, and potential financing terms). This section shall also provide a recommendation for the most effective financing sources for the Project.

This…