Sol_72011519R00005_Amendment_0001_with_track_changes.pdf

72011519R00005

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 92

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

CAUTION: LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) DESCRIPTION SEC. (X)

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER15A. NAME

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

CALENDAR DAYS (%)30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

03/01/2019 X

720115

USAID/Central Asia 41 Kazibek Bi St.

Almaty 050010 Kazakhstan

1000 F 04/15/2019

Tatyana Timoshenkova ttimoshenkova@usaid.gov

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

PAGE(S)

Jonathan Chappell

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____180_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Central Asia Project Title: USAID’s CASA-1000 Secretariat Project Solicitation #72011519R00005

Table of Contents

SECTION B

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

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

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

B.5 FIXED FEE (Cost Plus Fixed Fee)

B.6 LABOR

B.7 INDIRECT COSTS

B.8 CEILING ON INDIRECT COST RATES

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 PURPOSE

C.2 BACKGROUND

C.3 TASKS

C.4 OUTCOMES

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (January 1993)

D.2 752.7034 ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND DISCLAIMER (DEC 1991)

D.3 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING

D.4 BRANDING STRATEGY

D.5 APPROVED BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 19

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE/RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 20

F.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORK DAY / WEEK

F.5 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.6 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

F.7 DELIVERABLES, DELIVERY SCHEDULE AND FIXED FEE PAYMENT

SCHEDULE

F. 8 KEY PERSONNEL

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 ADMINSTARTIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.3 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

G.4 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOVEMBER 1998)

G.5 PAYING OFFICE

G.6 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.7 CONTRACTOR'S PAYMENT ADDRESS

G.8 TECHNICAL DIRECTION/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY (FEBRUARY 2012)

H.2 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.3 752.228-3 WORKER'S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT)

(DECEMBER 1991)

H.4 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

H.7 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.8 752.7019 PARTICIPANT TRAINING (JANUARY 1999)

H.9 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL)

(OCTOBER 2014)

H.10. USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION (JULY 2014)

H.11 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUNE 2012)

H.15 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JULY 1997)

H.16 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JULY 2007)

H.17 752.7010 CONVERSION OF U.S. DOLLARS TO LOCAL CURRENCY (APR

1984)

H.18 752.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (JUNE 2018)

H.19 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.20 GENDER CONSIDERATION

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE . 51

I.2 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (JUNE 2016)

I.7 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEBRUARY 1998)

I.8 752.225-9 BUY AMERICAN ACT - TRADE AGREEMENTS ACT - BALANCE OF

PAYMENTS PROGRAM

I.9 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEBRUARY 2012)

I.10 752.231-71 SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR HOST GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

(MARCH 2015)

I.11 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY - USAID REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

(JULY 1997)

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS

OF THE OFFEROR

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

K.3 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (OCT 2018). 65

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

K.5 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

(OCTOBER 2015)

K.6 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT

2018)

K.7 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING

DELINQUENT TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY

FEDERAL LAW (FEBRUARY 2016)

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

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

K.10 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION

(OCTOBER 2015)

K.11 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE - COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE

CHANGES (APRIL 2005)

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

L.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEBRUARY 1998)

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

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

L.4 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

L.5 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL 78

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST/BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS

M.3 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.4 COST PROPOSAL EVALUATION

M.5 SOURCE SELECTION

SECTION B

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide services that fall within the Scope of Work (SOW) specified in Section C for the USAID’s CASA-1000 Secretariat Project.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

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 in Sections C and F.

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 shall not 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 (Cost Plus Fixed Fee)

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 LABOR

(a) The workday and workweek policies and method of accounting for paid absences including holidays for the contractor and major subcontractors (one whose proposed cost exceeds 25% of the Offeror’s total proposed cost) must be in accordance with the Contractor’s organizational policies and acceptable accounting procedures which should be compliant with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cost principles and the terms of this contract. Compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation (July 2007) (See Section H.).

(b) All locally hired national personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates must be paid in accordance with USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) 722.170. Salaries for individual locally-hired personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates under this Contract and any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation (July 2007), and should be based upon a combination of factors including the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and consideration of the individual’s education, work experience and recent relevant salary history.

B.7 INDIRECT COSTS

The Contract clause entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment (JUN 2013)”, FAR Subpart 52.216-7, specifies that the indirect cost rates must be established for each of the Contractor’s accounting periods which apply to this contract. 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

[TBD] [TBD] 1/ 1/ 1/

[TBD] [TBD] 2/ 2/ 2/

[TBD] [TBD] 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:

NOTE: Contractors are allowed to recoup indirect costs (Overhead, G&A, etc.) as other direct costs if it is part of the contractor’s usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31 and the contractor’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA).

B.8 CEILING ON INDIRECT COST RATES

(a) For each of the Contractor’s accounting periods during the term of this contract, the parties agree as follows:

(1) The distribution base for establishment of final overhead rates is __________________.

(2) The distribution base for establishment of final G&A rates is _____________________.

(b) The Contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without the prior written approval of the contracting officer.

(c) Reimbursement for indirect costs will be at final negotiated rates, but not in excess of the following ceiling rates for each fiscal year:

Indirect Cost Type FY 20 FY 21 FY 22 FY23 FY24 (contractor’s FY)

1. [TBD]________ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

2. [TBD]________ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

3. [TBD]________ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

(d) The government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount on account of indirect costs above the ceiling rates established in the contract. This advance understanding will not change any monetary ceiling, cost limitation, or obligation established in the contract.

B.9 COST REIMBURSABLE (CPFF)

The U.S. dollar costs allowable shall 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 SECTION B]

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 PURPOSE

The objective of USAID’s CASA-1000 Secretariat Project is to provide effective functioning of the CASA-100 Intergovernmental Council Secretariat (hereinafter, “the Secretariat”) towards its goal of facilitating successful completion of the CASA-1000 project.

C.2 BACKGROUND

The $1.2 billion Central Asia-South Asia Power Project (CASA-1000) is a large-scale infrastructure project that will interlink the power systems of four contiguous countries in Central and South Asia: the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. During the summer months, the hydropower plants in the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan generate surplus electricity, while Pakistan experiences shortages of power. Once operational, CASA-1000 will enable the Central Asian countries to sell 1,300 MW of electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan in order to meet their rising electricity demands. Revenue from electricity sales in the summer months will enable the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan to make further investments in their power systems to prevent electricity shortages in the winter, when limited water-flow limits hydropower generation.

The major physical components of CASA- 1000 are:

• 477 km 500 kV line from Datka, Kyrgyz Republic to Sugd, Tajikistan

• 1,300 MW AC-DC Convertor Station at Sangtuda, Tajikistan

• 750 km High Voltage DC line from Sangtuda to Kabul, Afghanistan to Nowshera, Pakistan

• 1,300 MW DC-AC Convertor Station at Nowshera

An independent entity will also be created to operate the DC system upon completion of construction of the transmission lines and converter stations.

Progress on CASA-1000 Stages and Milestones

The CASA-1000 project has four stages: Development, Procurement, Implementation and Operations. After an extended period of Development (2006-2015), progress has accelerated with the nearly successful completion of a 2-year Procurement phase. As of September 21, 2018, with the signing of the HVDC converter stations, the project has officially commenced construction. Construction is estimated to take at 42 months. Work is underway to procure an operating company to operate the system once the construction is completed. The anticipated start date for the Operations phase is 2022.

Major CASA-1000 Milestones

Development (2006-2015)

Procurement (2016-2018)

Implementation (2018-present)

Operations (anticipated

2023)

May 2006 - First Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding (GOU) signed.

August 2008 – All four countries sign MOU and

CASA

Intergovernmental Agreement.

November 2011 - Country Joint Working Groups (JWG) established

2013 – Feasibility studies and financing agreements completed.

2014 - 2015 - Signing of Master Agreement, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and coordination agreement.

2016 - Converter stations tender failed and rescheduled for 2017).

2016 - Project configuration changed from three converter stations to two, eliminating the converter station in Kabul.

2016-2017 - Procurement of Project components (7 procurement packages).

2018 - Final determination on cost of project; any changes in purchase power agreements will be finalized.

2018 - Construction of the project begins with award of the contract for the HVDC converter stations.

Design and establishment of the independent operator of HVDC system upon completion of construction.

(Anticipated) - System start-up and operation.

CASA-1000 Stakeholders

As a large and highly complex international project, CASA-1000 involves a significant number of diverse stakeholders. Primary stakeholders include:

• The four participating countries, including their Ministries of Energy, country committees, Project Implementation Units (PIUs), and national transmission companies (NTCs).

• International Financial Institutions (IFIs), including the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB).

• The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund.

• Bilateral donors, such as the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and USAID.

• Multiple contractors, including Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) contractors for the seven separate substations and transmission line contracts, two owner-engineer consulting firms, and operation and maintenance (O&M) contractor(s), system operator, among others.

CASA-1000 Management & the IGC Secretariat

Coordination and management of the overall CASA-1000 project is done through a combination of an Intergovernmental Council, a Joint Working Group, working level committees, and the Secretariat. The Intergovernmental Council (IGC) that is responsible for deciding on high-level strategic issues regarding the CASA-1000 project, and for ensuring that the necessary steps to implement the project are successfully taken. The IGC consists of Ministerial-level representatives from all four countries.

The IGC established working level committees and a Joint Working Group (JWG), comprised of qualified governmental officials and experts, to negotiate agreements and provide detailed project oversight. The JWG consists of representatives at the deputy ministerial level of all four countries.

Working level committees consist of representatives from each of the four countries for each of the following areas (See Figure 1):

• Legal Committee: facilitates completion of all core project agreements. After completion of these agreements, the committee becomes ad-hoc.

• Procurement Committee: facilitates the procurement process. Once procurement is completed, the committee becomes ad-hoc and its work is superseded by the Implementation Committee.

• Finance Committee: monitors the status of the project funding. Once financing is fully secured, the committee becomes ad-hoc.

• Implementation Committee: Serves as coordination body during the construction phase.

• Technical Committee: develops the project Technical Code.

• Operating Committee: manages operations starting no later than six months before the commercial operation date.

The Secretariat provides, on the IGC's behalf, central coordination in support of CASA- 1000. Located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Secretariat plays a key role in facilitating the work of the IGC, JWG and all working committees to keep all stakeholders on the critical path towards completion of CASA-1000. The Secretariat serves as an impartial advisor, coordinator, and facilitator; it provides legal, commercial, and technical expertise, ensures timely information flows, and facilitates decision-making and problem resolution among project stakeholders. The Secretariat does not engage in decision-making on behalf of the IGC, JWG, working committees or any other party, nor does its staff directly participate in individual country project implementation units or country committees in implementation of their components of the project.

Once CASA-1000 successfully completes system start-up and operations, it is anticipated that the Secretariat will be disbanded.

Figure 1

USAID Energy Links Activity

The technical assistance to the CASA Secretariat has been provided through USAID’s Energy Links activity, which runs through March 2020. The CASA Secretariat supported by Energy Links has been serving as the primary focal point for daily coordination of communications and documents that are common to all four countries and the International Financial Institutions (IFIs). The Secretariat has: (1) provided the Project Stakeholders (countries, IFIs, other donors) with complete and timely information on the progress, including assessments of risks or problems, and recommendations, so that they can make proactive, rather than reactive decisions;

(2) Facilitated informational exchanges between project committees, IFIs and other entities; (3) Provided logistical support for project events; (4) Interfaced with the national transmission companies and the project implementation units of the four member countries to ensure timely information regarding potential problems or obstacles; and (5) Managed the increased flow of project information, serves as a project information center, and maintains a central repository for record maintenance and document sharing. The Secretariat functions in all these areas while maintaining record keeping and document management so as to ensure that there is a historical record of all decisions made during the course of the project.

C.3 TASKS

The purpose of this Contract is to ensure continued full functioning of the Secretariat as described above. A strong Secretariat will maintain the forward momentum CASA-1000 has achieved and carry the project successfully through the implementation and operation phases. Almaty will continue to be place of work for the Secretariat, while country coordinators will continue to be placed in their respective countries.

The Contractor must staff the Secretariat and manage its operations in accordance with the CASA-1000 Master Agreement. The Contractor must ensure that the Secretariat fulfills the following responsibilities:

• Governance – provide the IGC and the various working groups and committees with complete and timely information on CASA-1000’s progress, so that the IGC can make proactive decisions.

Activities include:

(a) Regularly update the IGC on progress towards implementation/construction/operation milestones.

(b) Provide early assessments of risks and/or problems, and recommendations for possible resolutions.

• Policy – provide the IGC, the JWG and the various committees with the necessary information to communicate to senior-level government officials regarding the project.

• Management – support and facilitate the work of the IGC, JWG, committees, and (when necessary) other entities through logistical support for meetings and events.

o Prepare and organize CASA-1000 events, video and WebEx conferences, and meetings by developing and agreeing with stakeholders draft agendas, ensuring participation of countries’ eligible representatives, and preparation of minutes, draft protocols and results for distribution.

o Support establishment and functioning of the Implementation, Technical and Operating Committees. As needed, support ad-hoc committees with outstanding issues (e.g. legal or procurement committees).

• Technical Advisory -- Provide expert advisory services to the IGC, JWG and committees on specific technical, legal and commercial matters.

Activities include:

o Provide technical expertise related to establishment of the HVDC Operator, the contractor to that will operate the system once construction is complete.

o Provide technical expertise to Technical Committee in devising operational rules and procedures (like the Technical Code, Open Access base rules and procedures, etc.) and, if required, provide training for project implementing entities.

o Provide technical (engineering) assistance in conducting periodic independent assessments of implementation progress.

o Provide legal assistance with the project agreements and EPC contracts.

o In coordination with the World Bank and the countries, provide communication and outreach information.

• Coordination, Decision Management and Problem Resolution – Coordinate between stakeholders in order to facilitate timely decision making and problem resolution.

Activities include:

o Facilitate coordination between implementing entities (e.g. the Implementation Committee, Owner’s Engineers, national transmission companies, and PIUs, etc.)

o Inform relevant committees and stakeholders of issues which have/may hinder progress and measures needed to resolve them. When needed, facilitate problem resolution meetings or negotiations.

o Track outstanding issues, decisions that need to be made, and time-sensitive correspondence; provided needed information to relevant parties to make decisions/responses; follow up to ensure issues, decisions and correspondence are addressed by deadlines.

• Communications – Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders to ensure a clear, sufficient, and timely flow of information.

Activities include:

o Ensure all parties have timely information regarding activities relevant to their area of responsibility, including potential problems or obstacles (e.g.

Implementation Committee is regularly updated on construction, Finance Committee and IFIs/donors on financing gaps).

o Track correspondence between parties to ensure responses are sent by required deadlines, and communication is documented (e.g. correspondence between EPC contractors, owner’s engineers, consultants, and country representatives) o Monitor activities and provide regular reporting.

o Facilitate the sharing of information to ensure that partners’ (IFIs, donors, other bodies) concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

o Draft talking points, fact sheets, press releases, and other materials for IGC and select partners.

o Develop a public awareness strategy and communication materials.

o Organize press events.

• Document management – Ensure proper transfer from the previous project and continue maintaining the electronic data management system to serve as a project information center and a single repository of all project data and documents.

o Create documentation (e.g. meeting minutes) o Collect and electronically file all relevant project documents (e.g. correspondence, reports, legal, procurement and construction documents) o Maintain an efficient record maintenance system.

o As needed, train stakeholders on use of the data management system.

As part of the above responsibilities, the Contractor will also be required to:

o Maintain and regularly update an integrated project schedule: In close coordination with Owners’ Engineers, the Secretariat must monitor construction/implementation schedules and progress against milestones, timelines, and contractual requirements. This schedule should include any issues which have/may hinder progress and measures to resolve them; note what decisions are needed and deadlines.

o Track actual expenditures vis-a-vis the financial plan: Monitor financial gaps and updates to the financial plan, and advise IGC, IFIs, Finance Committee and other relevant stakeholders on progress, issues that have/may hinder progress, and decisions that are needed.

o Make periodic on-site monitoring visits to the construction sites to observe the construction. Coordinate with the country Project Implementation Units and the Owner-Engineer for specific construction-related activities and issues that might arise.

As needed, the Contractor will take on additional tasks in line with Secretariat responsibilities and its objective of facilitating successful completion of the CASA-1000 project.

C.4 OUTCOMES

• Support provided to help CASA counterparts (the four governments, IFIs, construction companies) reach decisions in a timely manner.

• Meetings of IGC, JWG, committees and subcommittees are efficiently organized according to CASA countries’ directions.

• Resolution of construction-related disputes is facilitated to conclusion.

• Document Management System is maintained to ensure timely tracking and archiving of

IGC and JWG resolutions, protocols and minutes of committees meeting, important communication. between the countries, IFIs and construction companies, and other material CASA documents

• CASA-1000 project schedule is maintained and regularly conveyed to counterparts.

[END SECTION C]

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (January 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 cognizant technical office indicated on the cover page of this contract, 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.2 752.7034 ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND DISCLAIMER (DEC 1991)

(a) USAID shall be prominently acknowledged in all publications, videos or other information/media products funded or partially funded through this contract, and the product shall state that the views expressed by the author(s) do not necessarily reflect those of USAID.

Acknowledgments should identify the sponsoring USAID Office and Bureau or Mission as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development substantially as follows: "This [publication, video or other information/media product (specify)] was made possible through support provided by the Office of [ ], Bureau for [ ], U.S. Agency for International Development, under the terms of Contract No. [ ]. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Agency for International Development."

(b) Unless the contractor is instructed otherwise by the cognizant technical office publications, videos or other information/media products funded under this contract and intended for general readership or other general use will be marked with the USAID logo and/or U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT appearing either at the top or at the bottom of the front cover or, if more suitable, on the first inside title page for printed products, and in equivalent/appropriate location in videos or other information/media products. Logos and markings of co-sponsors or authorizing institutions should be similarly located and of similar size and appearance.

D.3 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING

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 “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 Automated Directive System Chapter 320 Branding and Marking (ADS 320) at http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/320.pdf.

The cover page of all report deliverables required in Section F must 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 USAID project office, the publication or issuance date of the document, document title, author name(s), project number, and project title. Descriptive information is required whether contractor-furnished products are submitted in paper or electronic form. All materials must include the name, organization, address, and telephone/fax/internet number of the person submitting the materials.

D.4 BRANDING STRATEGY

The Contractor’s approach to marking and branding will be governed by standard USAID marking and branding guidelines in the ADS, as well as the Branding Strategy outlined below.

The project name: For all purposes, the Contractor must reference the project as “The USAID CASA-1000 Secretariat Project.” Translations to other applicable languages, including Russian and any of the local languages of the countries covered by the project will 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 must be referred to as USAID’s. In all public events and public communications the project shall also acknowledge and make visible and understandable that it (and all its activities and/or materials/deliverables) is made possible “by the American People.”

Any materials and communications produced by any sub-contractor or sub-grantee must follow USAID branding requirements as applicable to grants.

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) receives broad visibility not only amongst its beneficiaries and counterparts, but also amongst general public in all countries covered by the project, and that communication and outreach become an integral part of the policy reform process. USAID’s experience in the countries covered by the project demonstrates the critical importance and multiple opportunities for public outreach through a targeted and massive information dissemination. The Contractor must use a demonstration effect and visualization to promote its economic reform policy agenda in cooperation with the Governments of the countries covered by this project and the private sector. The Contractor may identify, in consultation with USAID, additional groups/sub-groups of target audiences for project’s public communications, such as women entrepreneurs, youth, others.

Any other organizations to be acknowledged: Co-branding and co-marking of public communications with host government counterparts is encouraged in order to promote ownership of the initiatives supported by USAID. Co-branding and co-marking will require approval by USAID. The Contractor may also request USAID’s approval for co-marking of materials produced by the project’s key local subcontractors, if those subcontractors are also beneficiaries of the project’s Human and Institutional Capacity Development activities and the co-marking is required to promote those organizations as viable consulting organizations on the local consulting market.

D.5 APPROVED BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

The contractor will 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 Chapter 320, Branding and Marking.

[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/RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs must take place at USAID/Central Asia or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The COR listed in Section G has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

[END OF SECTION E]

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

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 Alternate I (Apr1984)

F.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The period of performance for this Contract is from January 2, 2020 through June 28, 2024.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Performance of this contract will be in the Central and South Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORK DAY / WEEK

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

F.5 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Evaluation of the Contractor's overall performance in accordance with the performance standards set forth in Section C, Tangible Results and Deliverables, will be conducted jointly by the COR and the Contracting Officer, and shall 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 under this contract will be evaluated annually and at Contract completion, in accordance with the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), utilizing at minimum, the following factors:

(i) Quality;

(ii) Schedule;

(iii) Cost control;

(iv) Management;

(v) Utilization of Small Business (as applicable);

(vi) Regulatory Compliance;

(vii) Other Areas (as applicable) (e.g., late or nonpayment to subcontractors, trafficking http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html violations, tax delinquency, failure to report in accordance with Contract terms and conditions, defective cost or pricing data, terminations, suspension and debarments).

F.6 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports in Sections C, I and J, and in the AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the Contractor must submit required deliverables or outputs as specified in the contract to the COR specified in Section G with 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.

REQUIRED DELIVERABLES:

F.6.1 Annual Work Plan

Within 45 days after award, the contractor must submit a detailed annual work plan and budget to describe the activities specified in the SOWir 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 SOWPWS. 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 SOWPerformance 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 Statement of WorkPerformance 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;

mailto:AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov

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.6.2 Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (MEL)

The Contractor is required to develop and implement Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan that is consistent with the ADS 201, in consultation with the COR. The MEL Plan shall cover the life of award. Annual MEL Plans development is NOT recommended. However, the Contractor should review the Plan annually to ensure that it is still valid. If, over the course of implementation, modifications to the Plan become necessary, changes to the Plan shall be proposed to the COR. Once approved by the COR, the Contractor will then amend the MEL Plan to reflect those changes and document clearly the changes as approved.

The MEL Plan will be guided by the goal and anticipated results articulated in the results framework and the theory of change and will serve as a tool to pave mutual understanding among all involved parties (e.g. USAID, the Contractor, Sub-contractor (if any) and other stakeholders), on MEL roles and responsibilities of each party and how the achievements of this award will be measured. Routine MEL tasks and reports will give the Contractor and USAID/CA a basis for gauging performance, promote learning and adaptive management through understanding of any unforeseen changes in strategy/approach that may be needed to achieve or maximize results. The MEL Plan must, therefore, articulate clearly the link to the results framework and the theory of change of the award; identify how key assumptions in the theory of change would be tested or validated over the course of implementation; clearly define the high quality Indicators to be reported to USAID (see below); and contain practical, feasible and cost-effective methodologies to accomplish the tasks laid out in the Plan.

The Plan will be submitted to the COR for approval within 45 days of the award; and is separate from the work plan and regular financial and other reports required by the standard clauses. The MEL Plan and its annexes should be finalized within 90 days after Activity start-up, before major implementations begin, and prior to the first indicator data is being collected.

Performance Monitoring

Regardless of the start date of the award, the performance monitoring plan will be adjusted to the fiscal calendar of October 1 to September 30.

The MEL Plan shall follow contents and instructions as specified in the USAID/CA MEL Plan Template. At minimum, the Plan shall be accompanied by two annexes: an indicator tracking table (ITT) and indicator reference sheets (IRSs). The ITT will contain a list of all indicators with appropriate disaggregations to be tracked and reported to USAID/CA. The Contractor is encouraged to use quantitative as well as qualitative indicators as deemed appropriate for the result it is intended to measure. The ITT will be submitted to the COR according to the reporting timeline specified in the award.

It is highly recommended that the MEL Plan includes only up to the Top 10 Indicators; i.e., those at the higher-level results or at the output level and above, rather than all indicators that the Contractor uses for its internal management. When selecting indicators, the Contractor should take into consideration the relevance and accuracy of the indicators according to the planned tasks/services and intended results, as well as time and resources required to collect and report each indicator data. All selected indicators must be in line with the Project that this award falls under as well as the Mission-wide Performance Management Plan (PMP). The existing US Foreign Assistance Standard Indicators and/or those of the US Government’s Initiatives and their relevant IRSs shall be used as applicable.

A separate IRS is to be developed independently for each indicator as per the template and instructions provided. If a qualitative indicator is used, it must also be accompanied by a IRS. If a qualitative indicator is used, it must also be accompanied by a IRS. If a Standard Foreign Assistance Indicator is used, a standard definition must also be used. The Contractor may add a “precise definition” to the standard definition to further elaborate inclusion and exclusion criteria specific to the nature the SOW as needed. However, the precise definition must be within the scope of the standard definition. If the selected standard or custom indicators are same as those being used in relevant Project and/or the PMP, the same standard IRSs shall be used so that the results can be aggregated at USAID/CA level. As applicable, all indicators shall be disaggregrated by geographical locations at the Administrative 1 (province or state) level. All people indicators must be disaggregrated by sex and include other metrics that allow the full capture of effect on gender equality, if feasible.

USAID/CA will conduct data quality assessment (DQA) of the indicators that are to be reported to Washington, DC, as soon as each required indicator data is being collected and reported to the mission. The mission may conduct the DQA on other indicators as deemed appropriate.

Routine monitoring is not all about tracking and reporting numbers against the selected indicators. The Contractor should use appropriate means, mechanisms and tools to assess level of performance beyond tracing numbers; capture any unintended positive results and the factors contributing to such results; and examine any unintended negative consequences or results of the implementation, especially those that could affect the safety of beneficiaries or their equitable access to the services. All these should be well documented and shared with the COR. USAID staff may pay visits to the implementation sites at any time during the life of the award.

Evaluation

The USG funding shall not be used for any studies that do not meet USAID and/or international standards, are not necessary or have no added value to maximize the outcomes or results, and/or have no clear objectives and a plan for data use. The Contractor may conduct special studies, such as internal evaluations, formative assessment and baseline and endline surveys, as deemed necessary. The studies shall be planned; and their purposes, methods and intended use of the findings and recommendations be precisely described in a relevant section of the MEL Plan. The study concept/protocol and the scope of work or terms of reference of the study team should be shared with the COR; and the clearance be obtained prior to its implementation.

At any time of award, USAID/CA may conduct one or more evaluation(s), either by USAID staff and/or a third party external to USAID and the Contractor as deemed appropriate. This is mainly to generate strategic information and learning opportunities that can inform program management to strengthen current programming and/or to support design of future Activities;

measure progress and/or achievement of intended/unintended higher level outcomes; and account for the investments and demonstrate their effectiveness and/or impact.