1131PL26Q0001-A0002.pdf

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended. is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

Previous edition unusable

1131PL26Q0001 A0002

1131PL

N/A

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of amendment 0002 is to provide revised section E of the solicitation and to provide response to questions received under solicitation number: 1131PL26Q0001.

Office of Acquisition Management United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Stuite 1100 Arlington, Virginia 22209

SAME AS BLOCK 6

2025141

1131PL26Q0001

See Blk 16C

03/04/2026

1131PL26Q0001 Amendment 0002 TITLE: Regional LAC Digital Infrastructure Industry Opportunities DM

1. Public Market Report Deliverable. Attachment II, Section D.1.9 references a “Public Market Report,” while the deliverables sections appear to identify Project Assessments, Project Reports, and the Final Report as the principal contract deliverables.

QUESTION: Could USTDA please clarify whether the Public Market Report is intended to be a separate required deliverable under this solicitation? If so, please confirm the expected content, format, timing, and whether offerors should account for it separately within the price proposal.

RESPONSE – Regional Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) does not require a public market report.

2. Level of Effort for Primary Research. Attachment I, Project Report Outline, Section B (Project Description), states that the Contractor shall hold “meaningful discussions” with relevant stakeholders, including U.S. companies, financiers, project sponsors, and other stakeholders.

QUESTION: Could USTDA provide guidance on the anticipated level of effort for primary research, such as the approximate number of key informant interviews, U.S. companies contacted, financing-source consultations, focus groups, and/or site visits expected per Project Assessment or Project Report?

RESPONSE – No further information is available to provide.

3.Travel Assumptions for Pricing. The SOW references optional travel up to ten countries at USTDA’s discretion.

QUESTION: For price proposal purposes, should offerors be travel estimates on a specific assumed number of trips, travelers, and countries, or should each offeror develop its own travel scenario within the travel CLIN?

RESPONSE – No additional information is currently available. Each offeror should develop its own travel scenarios.

4. Resume Submission Requirements. Section E provides page limits for resumes/CVs but does not specify which proposed personnel must be included.

QUESTION: Could USTDA clarify whether resumes are required only for key personnel proposed at the time of submission, or also for subject matter experts and surge/on-demand personnel who may support specific activities during performance?

RESPONSE – Resumes are required for all proposed personnel, including key personnel and subject matter experts.

5. Will USTDA regional staff typically lead introductions to project sponsors and relevant government counterparts, or is the contractor expected to source contacts and potential projects independently?

RESPONSE – Typically, regional staff will introduce the contractor to relevant counterparts.

6. Page 15; D.1.3 Travel: Optional travel to up to ten (10) LAC countries for approximately five

(5) days each to meet with prospective grantees and other relevant stakeholders from the relevant sector

QUESTION: Can USTDA Indicate the number of trips we should budget for? Given that DBA per section D.1.6.4 is required as part of the travel CLIN and is calculated based on labor days, estimates for trips would be helpful for uniformity amongst bids. Or would USTDA consider providing a travel plug since it is optional and will be cost reimbursable?

RESPONSE – No additional information is available currently. Each offeror should develop its own travel scenarios.

7. Page 39; E.5 Volume I Technical Proposal

QUESTION. Can the offeror submit an acronym list as part of the proposal that does not count against the 10-page limit?

RESPONSE - Yes

8. Project Assessment & Project Report Relationship:

The solicitation states up to 25 Project Assessments and up to 15 Project Reports.

QUESTION: Can USTDA confirm that not all Project Assessments will necessarily progress to full Project Reports, consistent with other regional DM structures?

RESPONSE – Correct, not all Project Assessments will advance to full Project Reports.

9. Source of Project Leads:

QUESTION: Will USTDA provide the initial pipeline of proposals to review, or should the Contractor expect to identify additional opportunities through market research and outreach only as directed by USTDA?

RESPONSE – USTDA will provide the initial pipeline of proposals to review. Occasionally, the contractor may be required to identify additional opportunities through market research.

10. Pre- Visit Report Requirements:

The PWS references a required pre visit report and a preliminary version of “Attachment X” in Excel format.

QUESTION: Can USTDA confirm whether a template is available for this attachment and the pre-visit report checklist?

RESPONSE – Attachment “X” should be Attachment VIII - U.S. Companies Contacted During the Course of the Definitional Mission. See pre visit report checklist in section

D.1.6.2. PRE-VISIT REPORT

11. Embassy Engagement Timing:

The PWS prohibits communication with U.S. Embassies prior to award and kickoff.

QUESTION: Can USTDA confirm that after kickoff, the Contractor may engage U.S. Embassies for briefing and debriefing even if travel is not approved, via virtual meetings?

RESPONSE – At USTDA’s discretion and on a case-by-case basis, the Contractor may engage with U.S. Embassies.

12. Letter of Interest Requirement:

Before initiating any Project Report, the Contractor must obtain a letter of interest/commitment from the Project Sponsor unless the COR provides written approval otherwise.

QUESTION: Will an email from the COR satisfy the requirement for written approval?

RESPONSE – Yes, an email is an acceptable form of written approval.

13. Infrastructure Risk Screening Inputs:

QUESTION: Aside from Attachment VII, will USTDA provide any preferred screening tools, datasets, or templates for environmental and geophysical hazard assessment?

RESPONSE - No further information is available beyond this time.

14. Travel Planning and Country Selection:

QUESTION: If travel is authorized, will USTDA identify priority countries, or should the Contractor propose an initial recommended list based on project opportunities identified during the DM?

RESPONSE – Both scenarios are possible.

15. Sector Reference in Technical Proposal Instructions:

Section E.5 references “healthcare infrastructure” as an example for illustrating experience.

QUESTION: Can USTDA confirm this is a drafting artifact and that examples should relate to digital infrastructure?

RESPONSE - Corrected term is “digital” infrastructure projects.

16. Section D.1.2 states that the Contractor shall obtain the COR’s written approval before developing any activity beyond the minimum one per country.

QUESTION: Is there an express requirement to develop at least one activity per priority country or will the Contractor – at the COR’s direction – be able to develop Project Reports based on the most promising opportunities, regardless of by-country distribution?

RESPONSE – At the COR’s direction, the Contractor may develop Project Reports based on the most promising opportunities.

17. Section D.1.2 of the PWS states that foreign language proficiency in Spanish and Portuguese is “preferred” and that a Contractor not meeting this criterion may demonstrate the ability to perform through translation and interpretation services. However, Evaluation Sub-Factor 3 (Section E.6) evaluates language proficiency as a scored factor of equal weight to the other technical sub-factors.

QUESTION: Will an offeror proposing to use professional interpretation and translation services (if structured in a way that is acceptable to the Government) be scored equally to an offeror proposing staff-level proficiency, consistent with the PWS language permitting this approach?

RESPONSE – Yes, an offeror proposing the use of professional interpretation and translation services will be scored equally to an offeror proposing staff-level proficiency.

18. The RFP states: "Optional travel to up to ten (10) LAC countries for approximately five (5) days each to meet with prospective grantees and other relevant stakeholders from the relevant sector;", however the RFP also identifies 11 countries of interest (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, and Paraguay) and leaves open the possibility of additional countries being added ("including but not necessarily limited to...").

QUESTION: Are there a preferred 10 countries we should include in budget estimations for Submission Volume II: Price Proposal?

RESPONSE- No additional information is available to provide beyond this time. Each offeror should develop its own travel scenarios.

19. QUESTION: Relatedly, is it anticipated that the Contractor will be expected to travel to a country only once, or will multiple trips to a given country during the Contract be expected?

RESPONSE - No additional information is available to provide beyond this time. Each offeror should develop its own travel scenarios

20. QUESTION: Does USTDA expect balanced geographic coverage across the listed LAC countries, or should bidders propose a prioritization model based on market readiness, financing potential, U.S. expert potential, and likelihood of implementation?

RESPONSE – USTDA will pursue the most promising opportunities irrespective of geographic coverage.

21. Subcontracting Cap & Allowable ODCs:

Attachment III caps subcontractor cost share at less than 50% of the proposed price.

QUESTION: Can USTDA confirm whether translation and interpretation services count toward this app, and whether they are allowable ODCs?

RESPONSE - The translation services would be allowable and yes, it counts towards the 50% subcontractor cap.

22. Please advise how to access below sections:

Section B – Schedule of Supplies/Services Section C – Contract Clauses Section D – Any Contract Documents, Exhibits and Attachment, and Section E – Instructions to Offerors

RESPONSE – Please scroll down page to the attachments/links., Click on 1st attachment for sections. Click on 2nd attachment for past performance survey.

23. Past Performance Documentation. Section E states that the reference point of contact must complete and submit the Past Performance Questionnaire to USTDA.

QUESTION: For contracts with relevant CPARS evaluations, would USTDA accept CPARS documentation in lieu of the Past Performance Qu4estionnaire, or is the questionnaire still required for each referenced effort regardless of PARS availability?

RESPONSE - Yes

24. For contractors and subcontractors, does the requirement that personnel be3 U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents apply to all personnel used on the contract regardless of physical location, or only t personnel based on the United States?

RESPONSE – Award is limited to U.S. Firms or U.S. individuals.

25.Will price be evaluated primarily on the basis of the total proposed contract ceiling, or on the proposed labor categories, rates, and level of effort?

RESPONSE – Total proposed prices

26. Page 38: E.5 Responses shall be submitted in two separate volumes

QUESTION: Can USTDA confirm that it is acceptable to submit both volumes in a single email as long as the attachments are clearly marked as separate volumes?

RESPONSE – Yes

27. Page 39; E.5 Past Performance

QUESTION: Would it be acceptable to submit a CPAR in lieu of a Past Performance Questionnaire? Due to government reductions in force, many CFO/CFORs are no longer available.

RESPONSE – Yes

28. Page 40. Volume II: Price Proposal (c); E.5 Instructions for Submission of Offer/Proposals

(c) Offeror(s) shall complete and submit the Price Proposal spreadsheet workbook enclosed in this solicitation. RFP respondents shall submit a price proposal with breakdown in a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet or the attached Price Proposal Spreadsheet.

QUESTION: Can USTDA please clarify if there is an independent Excel workbook that was meant to be included as an attachment to the solicitation as stated or if this statement refers to something else within the solicitation? If so, please cite the specific reference.

RESPONSE – No. Please submit price on Standard Form (SF) 1449

29. Page 40. Volume II: Price Proposal (c):P E.5 Instructions for Submission of Offer/Proposals

(d) Price Proposal guidance.

QUESTION: Given the predominantly fixed price nature of the contract, can USTDA confirm the level of detail is limited to fully loaded labor rated ad number of days for the spreadsheet and narrative?

RESPONSE – Please provide per report prices as listed on SF 1449, Page 2. Also, Provide estimated cost reimbursable amount for proposed travel related expenses for CLIN 0004.

30. Project Assessment Template:

QUESTION: Does USTDA intend to provide a standardized Project Assessment template or format, similar to other DMs?

RESPONSE – Contractor will provide required deliv3rables as they determine appropriate.

31. Required Price Proposal Attachments The solicitation references a Price Proposal Excel workbook and a Past Performance Questionnaire.

QUESTION: Can USTDA confirm whether these documents will be provided?

RESPONSE – See response to QUESTION #27

32. Rounding Requirements: The solicitation states that all price numbers mut b rounded up with no cents.

QUESTION: Can USTDA confirm that rounding applies to all line items, including labor rates, per diem, subtotal, totals, and SF 1449 entries?

RESPONSE - Rounding applies to final report unit price.

33. Technical Proposal – Past Performance Questionnaires:

QUESTION: Will the USTDA accept Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARS) in lieu of completing the Past Performance Questionnaire, provided that the CPARs contain the same or greater level of detail required to evaluate prior performance?

RESPONSE – See response to Question 22 and Question 26.

34. Section E.5, Volume II (c) references an attached Price Proposal Spreadsheet to be completed and submitted by offerors. This spreadsheet does not appear to have been included with the solicitation package.

QUESTION: Can USTDA please provide this spreadsheet, or should offerors develop their own provided they provide the Government with sufficient detail to conduct its evaluation?

RESPONSE – See response to Question #27.

35. The RFP states: “Award is limited to U.S. Firms or U.S. individuals. Contractor and U.S.

subcontractor employees used shall be either U.S. citizen or non-US citizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.”

QUESTION: If our U.S. Firm employees local staff in the countries of interest (e.g. Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil) who are not U.S. Citizens are they still permitted to engage on this contract? The contract would be led by U.S.-based U.S. Citizen employees, but locally-hired staff would help to reduce the cost of travel and bring additional language skills and local knowledge to this work.

RESPONSE – Approval may be granted by the contracting officer (CO) on a case-by-case basis.

Solicitation Number: 1131PL26Q0001 Amendment A0002 Title: Latin America and the Caribbean: Digital Infrastructure Project Scoping Services

D.1. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

DEFINITIONAL MISSION FOR Latin America and the Caribbean: Digital Infrastructure Project Scoping Services

D.1.1. OVERVIEW

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) supports the development of overseas infrastructure projects that advance the shared strategic interests of the United States and its overseas partners. These projects offer opportunities for the export of trusted U.S. solutions, including technology, goods, and services that support U.S. jobs.

USTDA is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure projects overseas. The Agency funds the upfront technical and design work that accelerates infrastructure development and helps projects attract financing. This includes project preparation activities such as feasibility studies, technical assistance, pilot projects, and front-end engineering and design studies.

D.1.2. SCOPE OF WORK

USTDA requires services under this non-personal services Definitional Mission (“DM”) contract to support its decision-making relative to the funding of activities, such as those identified in the Overview section above, to support U.S. industry participation in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, and Paraguay projects.

The Contractor shall provide Project Reports for up to 15 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.”

The purpose of the Final Report is to:

1. Assess and provide a recommendation on whether USTDA should provide funding for the proposed feasibility study(ies), technical assistance, pilot project(s), or other activity(ies), hereinafter referred to as “activity(ies)”;

2. Develop terms of reference and budgets for at least 15 activities for USTDA funding consideration.

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

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

Title: Latin America and the Caribbean: Digital Infrastructure Project Scoping Services

3. Provide supporting analysis for the recommendation on the activity in a final report (“Final Report”) that analyzes all the relevant issues.

4. In addition, the Contractor shall assess the potential of the relevant market sector in the host country for U.S. suppliers of goods and services in the Final Report.

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 Definitional Mission 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.

To execute this requirement, the Contractor shall:

1. Meet or have a conference call with the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Team to discuss the Definitional Mission;

2. Contact and/or meet with relevant U.S. companies to discuss their interest in digital infrastructure project opportunities in the LAC Region;

3. Travel to Host Country(ies) estimate travel days is five (5) days to meet with prospective grantees and other relevant stakeholders from the relevant sector;

4. Identify and evaluate project opportunities and provide recommendations for USTDA funding. Develop Terms of Reference and budgets for 15 activities for USTDA consideration;

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

For each of the 15 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. INFRASTRUCTURE SCREENING

In order to assure the quality, finance ability, and resilience of Activities that USTDA supports through project-preparation grants, environment-related and geophysical risks of the proposed Activity must be considered at the project scoping stage for all feasibility studies (FS) and technical assistance (TA) activities. USTDA aims to improve decision making by bringing USTDA-funded Activities into alignment with investor requirements as they relate to considerations of environmental impacts and impacts of other natural hazards. Accordingly, the Contractor shall conduct an Infrastructure Risk Screening utilizing the guidance provided in Attachment VII.

D.1.5. PROJECT PROFILE

The DM supports early-stage project preparation that positions U.S. companies in high-growth LAC markets while promoting secure, trusted, and interoperable digital infrastructure consistent with U.S. national security priorities and Executive Orders on supply chain security, cybersecurity, and trusted technology deployment. Expanded connectivity and cloud infrastructure also enable AI deployment at scale, reinforcing U.S. leadership in AI and advanced digital technologies, reducing reliance on untrusted foreign vendors, and strengthening cybersecurity.

The DM includes optional travel at USTDA’s discretion, which will be accounted for in a reimbursable budget. Depending on the needs identified by the LAC Regional Team, the Contractor may travel to the LAC region to identify projects for USTDA funding consideration, conduct in-depth market research, and meet with relevant key stakeholders and U.S. private sector companies.

D.1.6.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.1.7 METHODOLOGY

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

D.1.7.1 PRE-VISIT REPORT

No less than one week prior to departure to the host country, the Contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer (CO) and the COR a pre-visit written report containing:

a) The proposed schedule or itinerary;

b) Preliminary strategies or findings on viability of the project(s)

c) Financing options;

d) U.S. company interest in the project(s) and information about the sector in the host country, in general;

e) Summaries of proposed activity(ies) for USTDA’s funding consideration to support the project(s) identified;

f) A list of contacts to be made during the visit;

g) A pre-visit checklist of issues, information and questions to be utilized during the visit;

and

h) Pre-visit report a preliminary version of Attachment X (in Excel format), which will provide substantive comments on U.S. company interest in the project(s) and in the host country in general.

D.1.7.2. 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.

USTDA will advise the U.S. Embassy and/or Consulate(s) in the host country of the Contractor’s proposed travel itinerary no later than one week prior to departure and request that the Commercial and/or Economic Section(s) of the Embassy and/or Consulate(s) provide the Contractor with names and addresses of appropriate host country officials with whom to meet.

D.1.7.3. HOST COUNTRY TRAVEL

The Contractor shall travel to the host country to meet with relevant project officials and with the U.S. Embassy and/or Consulate(s) in execution of this DM. The Contractor shall contact the Commercial and/or Economic Section(s) upon arrival and prior to departure for briefing and debriefing meetings. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to arrange all meetings. The Commercial or Economic Section staff may be able to assist the Contractor in arranging some initial meetings with host country officials.

USTDA will reimburse the Contractor for allowable and allocable transportation, lodging, visas, and meals and incidental expenses related to approved travel. For guidance on allowable cost associated with Contractor travel, please refer to the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), GSA Per Diem Rates Look-Up tool, and/or the Department of State's Standardized Regulations (DSSR).

The Contractor shall fly economy unless prior written approval is provided by the CO.

The Contractor is also responsible for arranging its own logistics for travel (e.g. lodging, transportation, interpretation services, etc.). In some instances, the USTDA Contractor may find it useful to purchase the Gold Key or Business Facilitation Services offered at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In some cases, the Contractor may need to contract with a local entity to assist with trip logistics and/or for interpretation services. However, substantive technical work may not be subcontracted to local entities. Contractor’s travel shall commence within 30 days of contract award, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the COR.

The Contractor is required acquire of the following travel insurance coverage for personnel traveling overseas in support of this requirement:

• Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance and Medical Evacuation Insurance (for Contractors when they perform work overseas).

D.1.7.4. CONTACTS

The Contractor shall submit a list of individuals contacted during the Definitional Mission, 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, “Definitional Mission: Final Report Requirements.”

D.1.8. 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) One Project Report for each project selected by USTDA for a Project Report. The Contractor shall submit each Project Report to the COR on a rolling basis. Each Project Report will be treated as business confidential and must conform to the guidelines established in this PWS.

(b) 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.1.7.2, Final Report.

Title: Latin America and the Caribbean: Digital Infrastructure Project Scoping Services

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 upon return from final travel. 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.1.8.1 PROJECT REPORT

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. Infrastructure Resilience Screening

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

Schedule)

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

e) PWS Attachment III. USTDA Nationality Requirements

f) PWS Attachment VII. Guidance on Infrastructure Resilience Screening

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

Definitional Mission

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.

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.1.8.2 FINAL REPORT

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

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

(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 definitional mission 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.1.9. QUALITY CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

D.1.9.1. Quality

The deliverables shall be objective, 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 deliverable 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.1.9.2. 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 mailto:finalreports@ustda.gov

Title: Latin America and the Caribbean: Digital Infrastructure Project Scoping Services

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 CPARS.

D.1.10. CONFIDENTIALITY

D.1.10.1. 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.

D.1.10.2. 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.1.11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

This Contract is funded by the United States Government. All intellectual property generated and/or delivered pursuant to this contract 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.1.12. IMPARTIALITY

It is essential that the DM 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

Title: Latin America and the Caribbean: Digital Infrastructure Project Scoping Services a USTDA-funded feasibility study resulting from this contract. The Contractor is responsible for including this restriction in all subcontracts under the Contract.

D.1.13. 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.1.14. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The Period of Performance for this Contract shall be 2 years from the date of the Contracting Officer's signature on the Contract.

D.1.15. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

The places of performance shall be in the Lartin America and Caribbean region, and at the ay, and at the Contractor’s facility.

Title: Latin America and the Caribbean: Digital Infrastructure Project Scoping Services

D.2. ATTACHMENTS

ATTCH/ TITLE

EXHIBIT

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

SECTION E: INSTRUCTION OFFERORS

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS REPRESENT THE "PROPOSAL PACKAGE" THAT SHOULD

BE RETURNED IN RESPONSE TO THIS SOLICITATION (Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (SEP 2023).

E.1. Offer/Proposal Submission:

Send your offer by email to contractproposals@ustda.gov which is due no later than 1:00 PM, local Arlington, VA time on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Proposals submitted by facsimile or to alternate email addresses will NOT be accepted. Late proposals will be processed in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation guidance.

E.2. Questions Relating to This Solicitation:

All questions must be emailed to the POC listed in the solicitation at contractproposals@ustda.gov and vpringle@ustda.gov no later than 1:00 PM, Arlington, VA time (EST) on Thursday, March 11, 2026. Please reference the Solicitation Number and Project Title in the SUBJECT LINE of your email. No Phone Calls Will Be Accepted.

E.3. Notice Regarding Suspension/Debarment/Ineligibility:

Any contract awarded to a contractor who, at the time of award was suspended, debarred, and ineligible for receipt of contract with Government Agencies or in receipt of a notice of proposed debarment from any Government Agency, is voidable at the option of the Government.

E.4. Inspection and Acceptance:

All services are subject to the CO and/or COR's final approval. All work will be inspected and accepted at USTDA's Office, Arlington, VA.

E.5. Instruction for Submission of Offer/Proposals

Responses Shall Be Submitted in TWO Separate Volumes as Follows:

VOLUME I: TECHNICAL PROPOSAL --

**No pricing information shall be included as part of the technical proposal. All pricing information shall be included in a separate volume**

Technical proposal shall not exceed 10 pages in length. Any additional pages will not be evaluated. The overall document shall be formatted using Times New Roman, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins. Proposals that do not comply with these requirements will be considered non-responsive and will not be evaluated or eligible for award. The Offeror(s) mailto:contractproposals@ustda.gov mailto:vpringle@ustda.gov

Title: Latin America and the Caribbean: Digital Infrastructure Project Scoping Services shall confine submissions to essential matters, sufficient to define the proposal and provide an adequate basis for evaluation. Offeror(s) are responsible for including sufficient details, in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. No material may be incorporated in the proposal by reference (e.g., through links or attachments) to circumvent the page limitation.

(a) Proposals will be evaluated strictly in accordance with its written content. Proposals that merely restate the requirement or state that the requirement will be met, without providing supporting rationale, are not sufficient. RFP respondents who fail to meet the minimum technical requirements of the solicitation will be rated as Unacceptable and will be ineligible for award.

(b) Offerors shall propose a clear rationale for the proposed methodology and work plan and describe how the requirement will be completed successfully. This may include a strategy for a staffing approach inclusive of level of effort, travel, timing, risk assessment, etc.

(c) The Offeror’s relevant experience developing Terms of Reference and budgets for feasibility studies and technical assistance, and experience with relevant financing mechanisms, shall also be evaluated. The Offeror shall provide examples supporting such experience and expertise.

(d) USTDA will evaluate the firm’s technical approach, including, without limitation, products and methods, to assess the degree of understanding of the work and feasibility of the solution proposed to complete each of the requirements of this solicitation.

(e) USTDA will evaluate the proposed staffing based on the quality and availability of resources to support the services identified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). This will include the adequacy of proposed methodology and work plan.

(f) The Offeror is encouraged to use specific examples, as applicable, to illustrate technical capabilities as it relates to the Performance Work Statement (PWS), as well as experience developing successful digital infrastructure sector projects.

Please submit the technical proposal as a searchable PDF. The following documents are not included in the page limitation:

a. Cover Page (please include UEID)

b. Table of Contents

c. Executive Summary: Although this section will not be evaluated, if included, it should allow technical reviewers to quickly understand the critical elements of the proposal including the most salient features of the RFP respondents’ technical vision and approach, the key personnel, and capabilities to accomplish the desired results. This section shall be limited to 2 pages. Any additional pages will not be reviewed.

d. Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): Resumes/Curriculum Vitae (CVs) as part of the proposal, may not exceed 3 pages per person. Any additional pages shall not be reviewed.

e. Past Performance Information: Offerors shall submit a list of no more than three (3) most recent Government and/or commercial contracts in performance at any point during the three (3) years prior to the proposal submission date, which are relevant to the efforts required by this solicitation. A brief description of the effort, name of the Agency/organization the contract is/was with, contract period of performance, total contract value, point of contact for each submitted effort, and contact information (name and phone number/email) must also be provided.

Past performance will be considered relevant if the contract demonstrates relevant experiences that are similar in size, scope, and complexity to the effort described in the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to obtain past performance information from any available source, to include the U.S. Government’s CPARS system and may contact customers other than those identified by the Offeror when evaluating past performance.

Past Performance Questionnaire – The Offeror shall provide information for a maximum of three (3) contracts and/or subcontracts held within the last three (3) years.

Also, ensure the attached Past Performance Questionnaire is forwarded by the Offeror to the contract point of contact (POC) for which the past performance reference is being provided. The government will use information submitted by the Offeror’s past performance POC, such as other Federal Government offices and commercial sources, to assess performance. The attached Past Performance Questionnaire MUST be completed by the POC providing reference to the solicitation number. Upon completion, the past performance POC should forward the completed questionnaire to USTDA via email to contractproposals@ustda.gov no later than the due date of proposal.

Offeror with finalized CPARS may submit a copy of the CPARS in lieu of the Past Performance Questionnaire.

VOLUME II: PRICE

Price Proposal:

RFP respondents shall submit their price proposal using Standard Form (SF) 1449- Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items. Each RFP respondent should ensure the CAGE CODE and UEID Numbers are placed in Block 17A and complete blocks 24 (with pricing information), 30A, 30B, and 30C.

ALL UNIT PRICE SHALL BE ROUNDED UP (NO CENTS).

mailto:contractproposals@ustda.gov

E.6. Evaluation Factors for Award: FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation, Commercial Items (available at www.acquisition.gov under FAR), is being used. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price of all Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN). The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced.

All proposals will be evaluated using the following factors and sub-factors:

(1) TECHNICAL: The following sub-factors are of equal importance:

(a) Sub-Factor 1: Relevant Technical and Professional Experience The Offeror’s technical and professional experience in digital infrastructure and technical capabilities of proposed technical expert(s) as it relates to the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The Offeror is encouraged to use specific examples to illustrate technical capabilities as it relates to the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

(b) Sub-Factor 2: Technical Approach: USTDA will evaluate the firm’s technical approach, including, without limitation, products, and methods, to assess the degree of understanding of the work and feasibility of the solution proposed to complete each of the requirements of this solicitation, as it relates to the PWS.

(c) Sub-Factor 3: Foreign Language Proficiency: The Contractor is proficient in both

Spanish and Portuguese languages at no less than the general professional proficiency level (Level 3 or above on the Interagency Language Roundtable scale). The resumes of the Contractor’s proposed personnel shall indicate their respective Spanish and Portuguese language proficiency levels, as appropriate. If the Contractor does not meet preferred language proficiency criteria, the Contractor shall demonstrate ability to fully perform the work described in this PWS through the use of translation and interpretation services.

(2) PAST PERFORMANCE – The Government will evaluate relevant work of similar size, scope, and complexity performed in the last three (3) years.

(3) PRICE: The Government will evaluate price to…