Sol_72011518R00001.pdf

Issuance Date: January 4, 2018 Question Due Date/Time: January 24, 2018, 17:00 Almaty Time Closing Date/Time: March 2, 2018 17:00 Almaty Time

Subject: Request for Proposal (RFP) 72011518R00001

Tajikistan Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity (TACA)

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Regional Mission to Central Asia (USAID/CA) is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to implement a project entitled “Tajikistan Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity (TACA)” as described in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP). USAID anticipates awarding a single, five-year cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with a total estimated cost of approximately $18 – $20 million.

Please refer to Section L for information regarding proposal requirements. Offerors should take into account the expected delivery time required by the proposal transmission method they choose, and they are responsible for ensuring proposals are received at USAID by the due date and time as specified above. Failure to comply with the submission date will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated. Faxed proposals are not acceptable, nor will they be reviewed or evaluated.

Section L of the RFP sets forth all instructions for the preparation and submission of required proposal contents. Section M states the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of the contract will not be binding.

This RFP in no way obligates USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Award of a Contract under this RFP is subject to availability of funds and other internal USAID approvals.

This RFP can be viewed and downloaded from www.fedbizopps.gov. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. Further, be aware that amendments to solicitations are occasionally issued and will be posted on the same website from which you downloaded the solicitation. USAID advises to regularly check the above website for amendments.

Sincerely, /s/

Maychin Ho Contracting Officer http://www.fedbizopps.gov/

RFP 72011518R00001

Tajikistan Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity (TACA)

PART I -- THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 COST REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT TYPE

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

B.5 FIXED FEE (CPFF)

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS (CPFF)

B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE (CPFF)

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

D.4 BRANDING AND MARKING PLAN

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORK DAY / WEEK

F.5 DELIVERABLES AND REQUIRED REPORTING

F.6 DELIVERABLES, DELIVERY SCHEDULE AND FIXED FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE

F.7 KEY PERSONNEL

F.8 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.9 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS

(SEPTEMBER 2013)

F.10 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCTOBER 2007)

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.4 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.5 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998) (CPFF)

G.6 PAYING OFFICE

G.7 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.8 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 AAPD 17-01 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE FOR 2015 - 2020

H.2 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES. (JUL 2007)

H.3 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

(APR 2014)

H.4 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.5 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.6 752.7034 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND DISCLAIMER (DEC 1991)

H.7 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.8 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES

H.9 ADS 547 MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

H.10 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

H.11 752.204-72 ACCESS TO USAID FACILITIES AND USAID’S INFORMATION SYSTEMS

(AUGUST 2013)

H.12 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DECEMBER 2004)

H.13 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOVEMBER 2017)

H.14 302.3.5.22 Submission of Datasets to the Development Data Library (DDL) (OCTOBER 2014)

H.15 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.16 ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (MAY 2016)

H.17 USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NOTIFICATION (MAY 2016)

H.18 CLOUD COMPUTING (MAY 2016)

H.19 GENDER CONSIDERATION

H.20 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.21 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT

H.21 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JULY 2007)

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS. (OCT 2015)

I.3 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES. (JUL 2014)

I.4 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES. (MAY 2014)

I.5 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS FOR AUDIT. (FEB 2006)

I.6 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (FEB 1998)

I.7 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY - USAID REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. (JUL 1997)

I.8 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY - USAID REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (JUL 1997)

I.9 752.7036 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR ACQUISITION

(JULY 2014)

PART III – List of DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Part IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF BIDDERS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 52.204-17 OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL OF OFFEROR. (JUL 2016)

K.3 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS. (NOV 2017)

K.4 52.204-20 PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR. (JUL 2016)

K.5 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS. (OCT 2015)

K.6 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS. (JUL 2013)

K.7 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX

LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW. (FEB 2016)

K.8 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS. (FEB 1999)

K.9 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE. (APR 1984)

K.10 52.225-20 PROHIBITION ON CONDUCTING RESTRICTED BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN

SUDAN--CERTIFICATION. (AUG 2009)

K.11 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION. (OCT 2015) .. 77

K.12 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE--COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES. (APR 2005)

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

L.2 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT. (APR 1984)

L.3 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST. (SEP 2006)

L.4 ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.5 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.3. COST PROPOSAL EVALUATION

M.4 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.5 SOURCE SELECTION

M.6 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS

PART I -- THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to obtain services as described in Section C. Performance Work Statement for the Tajikistan Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity (TACA).

B.2 COST REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion contract. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must provide the deliverables or outputs described in Sections C and F in accordance with the performance standards specified herein.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The estimated cost plus fixed fee, if any, is $TBD.

(b) Within the estimated cost plus fixed fee (if any) specified in paragraph (a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee, if any) for performance hereunder is $TBD. The Contractor cannot exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

(c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through TBD.

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

Line Item Amount ($)

a. Direct Cost

b. Indirect Cost

c. Fixed Fee

Total Estimated Cost + Fixed Fee

B.5 FIXED FEE (CPFF)

Pursuant to FAR 16.306(d), the fixed fee payable under this contract will be tied to the completion of the reports and deliverables specified in this contract and in accordance with the final approved Fee Schedule.

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS (CPFF)

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs will be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Description Rate Base Type Period Indirect Cost X % 1/ 1/ 1/ Indirect Cost Y % 2/ 2/ 2/ Indirect Cost Z % 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE (CPFF)

Allowable costs will be limited to reasonable, allocable and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for Payment.

In addition, the requirement and conditions concerning estimated cost and funding apply as detailed in FAR 52.232-22, Limitation of Funds, incorporated by reference in Section I of this contract.

[END OF SECTION B]

Solicitation 72011518R00001 USAID Tajikistan Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE WORK

STATEMENT

The Performance Work Statement (PWS) will be inserted at time of award. The PWS is to be developed by the offeror, based on the content of this RFP, specifically attachment J.1 “Statement of Objectives.”

[END OF SECTION C]

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

(a) It is USAID policy that USAID-financed commodities and shipping containers, and project construction sites and other project locations be suitably marked with the USAID emblem. Shipping containers are also to be marked with the last five digits of the USAID financing document number. As a general rule, marking is not required for raw materials shipped in bulk (such as coal, grain, etc.), or for semi-finished products which are not packaged.

(b) Specific guidance on marking requirements should be obtained prior to procurement of commodities to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construction sites and other project locations. This guidance will be provided through the contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR) indicated on the cover page of this Order, or by the Mission Director in the Cooperating Country to which commodities are being shipped, or in which the project site is located.

(c) Authority to waive marking requirements is vested with the Regional Assistant Administrators, and with Mission Directors.

(d) A copy of any specific marking instructions or waivers from marking requirements is to be sent to the Contracting Officer; the original should be retained by the Contractor.

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

All USAID-funded foreign assistance (including programs, projects, activities, public communications, or commodities) must be communicated, promoted, and marked as coming from the American People through USAID. Specific communications and promotion measures must be described in the “Branding Strategy” and “Branding Implementation Plan,” and specific marking will be described in the “Marking Plan” for the contract. Branding and marking under this contract must comply with the “USAID Graphics Standards Manual” available at http://www.usaid.gov/branding or any successor branding policy, as detailed in the USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) Chapter 320 Branding and Marking at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/320.pdf .

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

The name of the project:

The project name is “USAID Tajikistan Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity

(TACA).”

http://www.usaid.gov/branding https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/320.pdf

Translations to other applicable languages must be proposed by the contractor and approved by USAID as part of the Branding Implementation Plan.

How the materials and communications will be positioned:

In all project communications and materials the project will be referred to as USAID’s.

In all public events and public communications the project will also acknowledge and make it visible and understandable that the project, all its activities and/or materials/deliverables are made possible by the American People. Any materials and communications produced by any subcontractor must follow USAID branding requirements.

The desired level of visibility:

The contractor must ensure that the project (as well as the fact that it is made possible by the American people through USAID) receive broad visibility not only among its beneficiaries and counterparts, but also among the general public in Tajikistan. USAID’s experience in Central Asia demonstrates critical importance and multiple opportunities for public outreach through information dissemination.

In the case of events, trainings or conferences related to market based solutions that are put on by private sector lead firms and not directly by the implementer or its sub-contractors, a reduced branding and marking approach can be applied. This is to promote more visibility for the role of the private sector and private sector actors in leading these events. However, this does not apply when an event, training or conference is being directly sponsored by the implementing partner and its sub-contractors.

D.4 BRANDING AND MARKING PLAN

The contractor Branding and Marking Plan will be finalized and submitted for Contracting Officer approval. The contractor must follow the approved plan during implementation of this contract unless a waiver is requested and approved. Guidance applying for waivers can be found at USAID Automated Directive Supplement (ADS) Chapter 320, Branding and Marking.

The cover page of all report deliverables required in Section F will include the USAID Identity (or the name of the Agency written out) prominently displayed, the Contract number (see the cover page of this Contract), Contractor name, name of the responsible USAID office, the publication or issuance date of the document, document title, author name(s), Activity number and Activity title. Descriptive information is required whether Contractor furnished products are submitted in paper or electronic form. All materials will include the name, organization, address, and telephone/fax/internet number of the person submitted the materials.

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR “52.252.-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE” in Section I of this contract. See http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html for electronic access to the full text of a FAR clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

Clause Number Clause Title 52.246-3 Inspection of Supplies - Cost-Reimbursement. (MAY 2001) 52.246-5 Inspection of Services - Cost-Reimbursement. (APR 1984)

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs will take place in the Tajikistan or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted.

The Contracting Officer has delegated to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), listed in Section G, the authority to inspect and accept certain services, reports and required deliverables and outputs as outlined in the COR designation letter and via clauses in the contract.

E.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

The progress, success and impact of the Contractor’s performance under this contract will be monitored and evaluated as a part of the overall activity results. The QASP is a management tool with the intent of encouraging maximum performance, efficiencies, and cost effectiveness by the Contractor and can be modified at any time by the Government.

The QASP will be used as a Government document to enforce the inspection and acceptance clauses of the contract. The QASP proposed by the winning offeror will be incorporated in this section after award. The QASP may require revision after selection for award to reflect the Contractor’s known strengths and weaknesses. This is intended to be a “living” document that will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis. It is based on the premise that the Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for managing and ensuring that quality controls meet the terms of the contract. The Government reserves the right to modify performance standards and/or metrics during the life of this contract, in order to ensure that the right outcomes are being assessed and that the performance standards are appropriate. The COR will ensure that the QASP is implemented and updated.

http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html

A variety of mechanisms may be used to monitor the progress/success of the activity and the Contractor’s performance:

a. Meetings during contract implementation

b. Monthly progress review meetings

c. Review of Contractor’s scheduled reports

d. Feedback from stakeholders

e. Site visits by USAID personnel

f. Quarterly reviews of work plan with performance milestones

g. Periodic impact evaluations

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR “52.252.-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE” in Section I of this contract. See http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html for electronic access to the full text of a FAR clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

Clause Number Clause Title

52.242-15 Stop-Work Order. (AUG 1989) - Alternate I

(APR 1984)

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this Contract is five (5) years from the date of award.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance under this contract will be principally in Tajikistan.

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORK DAY / WEEK

No overtime or premium pay is authorized under this contract. The contractor is authorized up to a 5 day workweek for long-term staff in the field with no premium pay, and 6 day workweek for short-term advisors in the field with no premium pay.

F.5 DELIVERABLES AND REQUIRED REPORTING

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports in Sections I and in the AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the Contractor must submit the reports and deliverables in F.5 and F.6 electronically to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and a copy to the Contracting Officer at AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov.

All deliverables and required reporting must be submitted in the English language, unless otherwise specified. The Contractor must promptly notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative, of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which materially impair the Contractor’s ability to meet the requirements of the contract. The COR and the Contractor will develop a standard format for submission of all deliverables and reports within the first 30 days of contract award.

http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html mailto:AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov

DELIVERABLES:

F.5.1 Annual Work Plan

Within 45 days of the award, the contractor must submit a detailed annual work plan and budget to describe the activities specified in their PWS and must cross reference the applicable sections. The work plan and budget will be a guide to the implementation of the contract with a breakdown of activities or tasks to complete benchmarks, timelines, and anticipated progress in the achievement of the program results as well as associated costs. The work plan and budget must have a link to the results and have no inconsistencies with the PWS. It must also describe the anticipated achievements toward performance indicators with an explanation of how those achievements are expected to contribute to the intermediate result level.

The contractor must submit subsequent annual work plans to the COR for review and approval no later than 60 days prior to the end of the USG fiscal year (September 30).

The annual work plan will be closely tied to the Performance Work Statement. The annual work plan will include a list of clearly defined Tasks, Activities, Deliverables, Benchmarks and Indicator Targets, and must have no inconsistencies with the the Performance Work Statement. The contractor may not include activities in the work plan that fall outside the parameters of the statement of work. The contractor’s annual work plan will describe how the contractor intends to organize responsibilities among its staff to ensure accomplishment of the tasks. The work plan, at a minimum, will include:

1. A systematic presentation (i.e., Gantt chart) of activities to be accomplished under the different results and sub-results, on monthly basis;

2. The proposed location of the activity;

3. The anticipated outputs and outcomes from each tasks conducted;

4. The anticipated level of effort required from program technical staff and financial resources required to complete the tasks;

5. The identification of any assumptions used in preparation of the work plan, as well as suggested alternatives, if necessary;

6. The anticipated risks with regard to achieving the anticipated objectives of the contract and how they will be mitigated;

7. Any specific award terms or conditions that interfere with maximizing the developmental impact of the award.

Each year the contractor will submit for approval a list of commodities that will be purchased during the fiscal year as part of the annual work plan process. The annual commodities procurement list may be revised as necessary in consultation with the COR and by approval of the Contracting Officer. The initial list of commodities due with the technical proposal must be updated and finalized within forty-five (45) days of the contract award. Any substantial revisions to the work plan shall require the written approval of the COR.

F.5.2 Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan

Within 45 days after contract award, the contractor must submit an Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan that will describe how the project’s performance will be monitored covering the life of the activity. The Activity MEL Plan must include an appropriate set of indicators to accurately measure project outputs and outcomes. The contractor may draw upon relevant USAID standard indicators (https://www.state.gov/f/releases/other/255986.htm) and develop custom indicators, as required, in collaboration with the COR.

For each indicator, the Activity MEL Plan must clearly identify data sources, frequency of data collection, collection methods, the party responsible for data collection, baseline information, and annual targets. The contractors must include costs of data collection, analysis, and reporting as a separate line item in their budgets to ensure that adequate resources are available. In addition, the Activity MEL Plan must include a narrative detailing: the planned staffing structure and resource allocation for monitoring and evaluation (M&E); how data collection, analysis and reporting of performance data will be managed under the project; how data quality assessments will be undertaken; how gender analysis will be incorporated into the M&E methodology; and how data will be shared and used to inform programming. The planned calendar of M&E activities must be presented in a gantt chart. The resource allocation will appear as a separate line item in the proposed budget and correspond with the level of effort outlined in the Activity MEL Plan.

All targets will be subject to revision and expansion based on the annual work plan submitted to USAID for approval, as well as periodic progress reviews conducted by USAID. The Contractor must be prepared to set targets and report on progress made with respect to these and other indicators, on a quarterly and annual basis, with disaggregation by geography, sex, etc. and at the request of the COR at any time. Such reports will explain any variances between the indicator targets and actual results and demonstrate how activities conducted under this contract contributed to these outcomes.

For each indicator, the Activity MEL Plan must include a Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS), which provides a precise definition, information on disaggregation, the data source, frequency of data collection, collection method, the party responsible for data collection, when baseline information will be collected, and expected annual targets. The Activity MEL Plan will also include a Performance Indicator Tracking Table (PITT), a spreadsheet that tracks all quantitative performance data and lists baseline figures, quarterly and/or annual actuals, quarterly and/or annual targets, and life of activity targets, disaggregated as appropriate. The PITT will be submitted to USAID on a quarterly basis, as part of the Quarterly Report.

The Activity MEL Plan must also include a logical framework and narrative detailing the following: how data collection and analysis will be managed; how and when https://www.state.gov/f/releases/other/255986.htm internal data quality assessments will be undertaken; how and when routine assessments and internal evaluations will take place; how gender analysis will be incorporated into the Activity MEL Plan methodology; how performance data will be shared internally and used to inform management decisions; the planned staffing structure and resource allocation for M&E to complete these tasks; and an annual calendar of planned Activity MEL Plan activities, presented in a table or gantt chart.

Major Activity MEL Plan activities (e.g., annual internal Data Quality Assessments, routine surveys, quarterly data entry into USAID’s management information system, etc.) will also appear in the proposed Work Plan.

Indicators below are illustrative:

At DO 1 goal level (supported by the contract but not directly attributable to it)

● National export volume of horticulture and other sectors supported by the activity

● World Bank Trade Logistics Performance Index

● World Bank Doing Business Trading Across Borders Indicator, including Time and Cost of Trading Across Borders Sub-indices

● Trading Across Borders Sub-indices

● Percentage of labor force emigrating out of the country

At lower levels (attributable to the contract)

Illustrative U.S. Government Standard Indicators IR 1.1 and 1.2:

● EG.3.2-21 Number of firms (excluding farms) or civil society organizations (CSOs) engaged in agricultural and food security-related manufacturing and services that have increased profits or become financially self-sufficient with USG assistance

● EG.5.2-1 Number of firms receiving USG-funded technical assistance for improving business performance

● EG.5.2-2 Number of private sector firms that have improved management practices or technologies as a result of USG assistance

● EG.3.2-5 Number of public-private partnerships formed as a result of USG assistance

● EG.2.2-1 Number of firms receiving USG-funded technical assistance to export

● Number of producers, processors and others who have adopted new technologies or management practices as a result of U.S. Government assistance (F 4.6.2-9, F 4.5.2-5)

● Number of firms (excluding farms) or civil society organizations (CSOs) engaged in agricultural and food security-related manufacturing and services that have increased profits or become financially self-sufficient with USG assistance

EG.3.2-21

Illustrative Custom Indicators:

● Number of firms/products meeting regional and international trade standards and certification requirements.

● Quantity of products meeting regional and international trade standards and certification requirements.

● Percentage improvement of the trade balance in the targeted value chains during life of activity.

● Number of participating firms adopting Quality Management Systems and International Standards.

● Percentage of participating firms improve their sales/profitability over of the life of the project.

● Percentage increase of participating firms’ employment over of the life of the project.

● Number of services available in targeted value chains.

F.5.3 Quarterly Performance Reports

The contractor must submit quarterly performance reports no later than 30 calendar days following the end of each standard USG fiscal quarter (i.e. October 30, January 30, April 30, July 30) to the COR and a copy to the Contracting Officer at AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov. Reports may be submitted electronically. Regardless of the start date of the contract all reporting will be adjusted to the USG fiscal year calendar.

The quarterly performance report will include details of major activities, achievements, and an indicator data table. These reports will include progress toward achievement of milestones, the Annual Work Plan and success stories, as well as provide progress toward standard indicators for Operational Plan (OP), Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan and other USAID reporting purposes. The reports will include financial information on the expenses incurred, available funding for the remainder of the activity any variances from planned expenditures. This report will also include explanation of problems, delays or adverse conditions and actions taken or contemplated to resolve the situation, or any assistance needed to resolve the situation.

F.5.4 Annual Performance Report

An Annual Performance Report will be due within 30 calendar days after the end of each USG fiscal year, ending September 30, inclusive of the 4th quarter report for that year, and must reflect the progress of the program activities over the last year against the approved Annual Work Plan and Activity MEL Plan and will cover:

• Summary of cumulative accomplishments for the year as a whole;

• Situational background information concerning the program’s objective;

• Description of progress against planned accomplishments in the Work Plan and any deviations;

• Description of progress against planned Activity MEL Plan targets and any deviations;

• Progress in coordination with host government, other donors, USAID-funded projects, and PPP partners;

• At least two success stories suitable for publication;

• Summary of administrative/staffing issues; and

• Planned main activities for the next year.

Annual reports must include as separate attachments:

• List of commodities procured and revised inventory;

• List of all reports, analyses, presentations, and other key documents produced during the year;

• Personnel summary that will indicate all of the positions (short and long term – local and expatriate), LOE, and the salary rates;

• List of all subcontracts, if any, with a short description of the purpose and amount;

• Status reports on the progress, delays, and issues with the implementation of the action plans in target municipalities/sectors;

• Other documents as may be required by USAID.

Reports will be provided electronically to the COR. Reports must be prepared in a reader-friendly format so that they can be easily reviewed by the Mission and by USAID’s counterparts.

Relevant parts of the Quarterly and Annual Performance Reports will be translated into Russian and/or any relevant local language, as appropriate, for presentation to government partners and other local counterparts.

F.5.5 Final Report

No later than 45 calendar days prior to the Contract completion date, the contractor must submit electronically a draft Final Report that details accomplishments against the tasks, targets, and deliverables set forth in the Contract and in the Activity MEL Plan;

highlights major achievements; address lessons learned during implementation; and recommend ways to resolve identified constraints. The COR and/or Contracting Officer may provide comments, which the contractor must address in revising the draft prior to final submission of the Final Report. The Final Report must be prepared in a reader-friendly format so that it can be disseminated within and outside USAID for study and future use. Relevant parts of the Final Report must be translated into Russian, as appropriate, for presentation to the host government partners and other local counterparts.

The Final Report must also contain a well-organized table of contents of all reports, deliverables, presentations, and other key documents produced during the life of the activity. These documents must be compiled and delivered to COR concurrently with the draft Final Report in a user-friendly, properly indexed, searchable electronic form (e.g.

CD-ROM or equivalent media).

If an Annual Report has not been completed for the Fiscal Year in which the award ends, the Final Report will have a distinct section that covers all information required for the Annual Report (see F.5.4).

REQUIRED REPORTING:

F.5.6 Participant Training Reports.

The contractor will collect training data on all trainings, conferences, and workshops provided by the contractor under this contract held in the United States, third countries, or in-country. The training data will be entered into TraiNET and submitted to the COR no later than 45 days following the end of each fiscal quarter measured from October 1, as relevant. Any training data for the final fiscal quarter of the contract must be entered into TraiNET and submitted to the COR no later than 30 days prior the end of the award. The contractor will follow USAID policy directives and required procedures governing the design and implementation of participant training activities found in ADS 252, which provides detailed information regarding visa compliance guidelines and ADS 253, which provides guidance on how to implement USAID funded training programs.

F.5.7 Quarterly Financial Reports.

The contractor must submit quarterly financial summaries for the contractor and each subcontractor to the COR, 10 days prior to the end of the quarter, showing disbursements and accruals to date by major cost item, budget estimate, subcontractor obligation and expenditures, and a variance analysis. The variance analysis will use the detailed cost proposal submitted for the contract award, or any revision made for a subsequent contract budget revision (authorized by the CO), as the baseline budget plan, and, as requested, will be able to explain significant actual expenditure variance in relation to the detailed baseline. The contractor will also include a brief note on any significant or accrued expenditures for the quarter that have not yet been billed to the contract, along with the specific amount involved, to enable the COR to accurately track the expenditure rate.

F.5.8 Accrual Reports

The contractor must submit a quarterly accrual reports for this contract overall as well as the resources allocated to this contract. Accrual reports must include the (a) total amount obligated; (b) total amount invoiced for, (c) total amount of expended but not yet invoiced for, and (d) remaining unexpended funds by country and a consolidated regional accrual report. Accrual reports will be submitted to the COR electronically, 15 days prior to the end of the quarter.

F.5.9 Monthly Vouchers

The contractor will track and document in a monthly voucher the detailed expenditures for both project activities (project expenditures) and non-project expenditures (management, administrative, operational, indirect costs and fees) by country. Each voucher must include a financial summary sheet. The voucher must be submitted to the payment office indicated on the cover sheet of the Contract. In addition, a copy must be provided to the COR. Voucher reports must be consistent with AIDAR 752.7003 Documentation for Payment, requirements.

F.6 DELIVERABLES, DELIVERY SCHEDULE AND FIXED FEE PAYMENT

SCHEDULE

F.6.1 Schedule

Deliverables for Year 1

Deliverables Delivery Schedule Fee % Annual Work Plan and Activity Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan

Within 45 days after the effective date of the Contract.

Year 1, 1st Quarterly Performance Report

Within 30 calendar days after the end of USG fiscal quarter.

Year 1, 2nd Quarterly

Year 1, 3rd Quarterly

Annual Performance Report (inclusive of the 4th Quarterly Performance Report) of USG 4th fiscal quarter.

Deliverables for Year 2

Annual Work Plan 60 days prior to the end of the USG fiscal year

Year 2, 1st Quarterly

Year 2, 2nd Quarterly

Year 2, 3rd Quarterly

Performance Report)

Deliverables for Year 3

Year 3, 1st Quarterly

Year 3, 2nd Quarterly

Year 3, 3rd Quarterly

Performance Report)

Deliverables for Year 4

Year 4, 1st Quarterly

Year 4, 2nd Quarterly

Year 4, 3rd Quarterly

Performance Report)

Deliverables for Year 5

Year 5, 1st Quarterly

Year 5, 2nd Quarterly

Year 5, 3rd Quarterly

Final Report Due 45 days prior to the completion of this contract

F.6.2 ALTERNATE DELIVERABLES

The Offeror may propose additional deliverables or percentages to be included in F.6.1.

F.6.3 FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The contractor may propose changes to the suggested percentages for the fixed fee payable for all proposed deliverables. The percentage of the fee for a deliverable cannot be vouchered nor paid to the contractor until the deliverable has been inspected and accepted by USAID as governed by FAR Part 46 and FAR 52.46-5. Each deliverable is considered one method for USAID to inspect the corresponding supplied service however nothing in this section prohibits USAID from inspecting the services provided by other methods.

F.7 KEY PERSONNEL

(a) The key personnel proposed are considered essential to the work being performed unless otherwise agreed by the Contracting Officer. The contractor will be responsible for providing such personnel for performance of this contract.

TITLE

TBD

(b) Prior to replacing any of the specified individuals, the Contractor must immediately notify both the Contracting Officer and USAID Contracting Officer Representative (COR) reasonably in advance and must submit written justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the project. No replacement of key personnel can be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer.

The personnel specified above are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder.

F.8 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Evaluation of the contractor's performance must be conducted in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the contract, the Contractor's overall performance toward achievement of the objectives in Section C and provision of deliverables in Section F, and the Contractor's compliance with all other terms and conditions of the Contract. Each evaluation will be conducted jointly by the COR and the CO, and must form the basis of the contractor’s permanent performance record with regard to this Contract as required in FAR Part 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.

The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated annually and at Contract completion, in accordance with the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), utilizing at minimum, the following factors:

Quality;

Schedule;

Cost control;

Management;

Utilization of Small Business (as applicable);

Regulatory Compliance; and

Other (as applicable) (e.g., late or nonpayment to subcontractors, trafficking violations, tax delinquency, failure to report in accordance with contract terms and conditions, defective cost or pricing data, terminations, suspension and debarments).

F.9 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT

EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS (SEPTEMBER 2013)

(a) Contract Reports and Information/Intellectual Products.

(1) Within thirty (30) calendar days of obtaining the Contracting Officer Representative’s approval, the contractor must submit to USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) one copy each of reports and information products which describe, communicate or organize program/project development assistance activities, methods, technologies, management, research, results and experience. These reports include: assessments, evaluations, studies, technical and periodic reports, annual and final reports, and development experience documents (defined as documents that (1) describe the planning, design, implementation, evaluation, and results of development assistance; and (2) are generated during the life cycle of development assistance programs or activities.) The Contractor must submit copies of information products including training materials, publications, databases, computer software programs, videos and other intellectual deliverable materials required under the Contract Schedule. The following information is not to be submitted:

(i) Time-sensitive materials such as newsletters, brochures and bulletins.

(ii) The contractor’s information that is incidental to award administration, such as financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management information.

(2) Within thirty (30) calendar days after completion of the contract, the contractor must submit to the DEC any reports that have not been previously submitted and an index of all reports and information/intellectual products referenced in paragraph (a)(1) of this clause.

(b) Submission requirements. The contractor must review the DEC Web site for the most up-to-date submission instructions, including the DEC address for paper submissions, the document formatting and the types of documents to be submitted. The submission instructions can be found at: https://dec.usaid.gov.

(1) Standards.

(i) Materials must not include financially sensitive information or personally identifiable information (PII) such as social security numbers, home addresses and dates of birth. Such information must be removed prior to submission.

(ii) All submissions must conform to current USAID branding requirements.

https://dec.usaid.gov/

(iii) Contract reports and information/intellectual products can be submitted in either electronic (preferred) or paper form. Electronic documentation must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(iv) The electronic submissions must consist of only one electronic file, which comprises the complete and final equivalent of the paper copy. In the case of databases and computer software the submissions must also include necessary descriptive information e.g., special backup or data compression routines, software used for storing/retrieving submitted data, or program installation instructions.

(v) Electronic documents must be in one of the National Archives and Records

Administration (NARA)-approved formats as described in NARA guidelines related to the transfer of permanent E-records.

(2) Essential bibliographic information. Descriptive information is required for all

Contractor products submitted. The title page of all reports and information products shall include the contract number(s), contractor name(s), name of the USAID Contracting Officer’s Representative, the publication or issuance date of the document, document title, (if non-English, provide and English translation of the title), author name(s), and development objective or project title (if non- English, provide a translation) and associated number, and language of the document (if non-English). In addition, all hard copy materials submitted in accordance with this clause must have, attached as a separate cover sheet, the name, organization, address, telephone number, fax number, and Internet address of the submitting party.

F.10 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCTOBER 2007)

(a) The contractor shall prepare and submit progress reports as specified in the contract schedule. These reports are separate from the interim and final performance evaluation reports prepared by USAID in accordance with FAR 42.15 and internal Agency procedures, but they may be used by USAID personnel or their authorized representatives when evaluating the contractor's performance.

(b) During any delay in furnishing a progress report required under this contract, the contracting officer may withhold from payment an amount not to exceed US$25,000 (or local currency equivalent) or 5 percent of the amount of this contract, whichever is less, until such time as the contractor submits the report or the contracting officer determines that the delay no longer has a detrimental effect on the Government's ability to monitor the contractor's progress.

[END OF SECTION F]

http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/Far/42.htm#P754_107458

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in the requirements of the Contract and not withstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this Contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price.

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

The Administrative Contracting Office is:

Acquisition and Assistance Office USAID/CA Regional Mission Internet email:

AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov

U.S. based mailing address:

USAID/CA, Acquisition and Assistance Office

USAID/DOS

7030 Almaty Place Washington, DC 20521-7030

Street/delivery address:

USAID/CA, Acquisition and Assistance Office 41 Kazybek bi Street Park Palace Building Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010 Tel 7-7272-50-48-02

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

The Contracting Officer’s Representative for this contract is:

[TBD NAME and ADDRESS]

An administrative letter issued by the Contracting Officer, which designates the COR, will be provided to the contractor at the time of contract award.

G.4 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

(a) Technical Directions is defined to include:

(1) Written directions to the contractor which fill in details, suggest possible lines of inquiry, or otherwise facilitate completion of work;

(2) Provision of written information to the contractor which assists in the interpretation of drawings, specifications, or technical portions of the work statement;

(3) Review and, where required, provide written approval of technical reports, drawings, specifications, or technical information to be delivered. Technical directions must be in writing, and must be within the scope of the work as detailed in Section C.

(b) The COR is authorized by designation to take any or all action with respect to the following which could lawfully be taken by the Contracting Officer, except any action specifically prohibited by the terms of this Contract:

(1) Assure that the contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract in accordance with the contract terms, conditions, and specifications.

(2) Perform or cause to be performed, inspections necessary in connection with a) above and require the contractor to correct all deficiencies; perform acceptance for the Government.

(3) Maintain all liaison and direct communications with the contractor. Written communications with the contractor and documents must be signed as "Contracting Officer’s Representative" with a copy furnished to the Contracting Officer.

(4) Issue written interpretations of technical requirements of Government drawings, designs, and specifications.

(5) Monitor the contractor's production or performance progress and notify the contractor in writing of deficiencies observed during surveillance, and direct appropriate action to effect correction. Record and report to the Contracting Officer incidents of faulty or nonconforming work, delays or problems.

(6) Obtain necessary security clearance and appropriate identification if access to Government facilities is required. If to be provided, ensure that Government furnished property is available when required.

LIMITATIONS: The COR is not empowered to award, agree to, or sign any contract (including delivery or purchase orders) or modifications thereto, or in any way to obligate the payment of money by the Government. The COR may not take any action which may impact on the contract schedule, funds, scope or rate of utilization of LOE. All contractual agreements, commitments, or modifications which involve prices, quantities, quality, and schedules must be made only by the Contracting Officer.

(c) The COR is required to meet quarterly/semi-annually/annually with the contractor and the Contracting Officer concerning performance of items delivered under this contract and any other administration or technical issues. Telephonic reports may be made if no problems are being experienced. Problem areas must be brought to the immediate attention of the Contracting Officer.

(d) In the separately-issued COR designation letter, the CO designates an alternate COR to act in the absence of the designated COR, in accordance with the terms of the letter.

(e) Contractual Problems - Contractual problems, of any nature, that may arise during the life of the contract must be handled in conformance with specific public laws and regulations (i.e. Federal Acquisition Regulation and Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation).