72011520R00003.pdf

Issuance Date: December 20, 2019 Question Due Date/Time: January 10, 2020 Closing Date/Time: February 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. Almaty Time

Subject: Request for Proposal (RFP) 72011520R00003

Agribusiness Development Activity

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Regional Mission to Central Asia (USAID/CA) is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to implement an activity entitled “Agribusiness Development Activity” 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 in the range of $18 to $19 million. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541990. The Geographic Codes for this acquisition are 937 and 110.

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 can be viewed and downloaded from www.beta.sam.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.

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.

Sincerely, /s/

Leona Sasinkova Supervisory Contracting Officer http://www.beta.sam.gov/

72011520R00003

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 91

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

REQ-176-20-00001512/20/2019

X

720176

USAID/Central Asia 41 Kazibek bi St Almaty 050010 Kazakhstan

0800 F 02/17/2020

Gulzhanat Rysdauletova grysdauletova@usaid.gov

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

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PAGE(S)

Leona Sasinkova

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

6-7

9-11 12-13 14-24 25-29 30-46

47-53

55-70

71-87

88-91

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____0_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 72011520R00003

CONTENTS

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 (CPFF)

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE (CPFF)

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

D.4 OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION PLAN

D.5 APPROVAL OF CONTRACTOR BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND

MARKING PLAN

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE/RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

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 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

F.6 DELIVERABLES, DELIVERY SCHEDULE AND FIXED FEE PAYMENT

SCHEDULE

F.7 KEY PERSONNEL

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.3 TECHNICAL DIRECTION/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.4 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

G.5 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

G.6 PAYING OFFICE

G.7 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.8 CONTRACTOR'S PAYMENT ADDRESS

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 CONTRACTOR’S STAFF SUPPORT, AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND

LOGISTICS ARRANGEMENTS

H.2 AAPD 17-01 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE FOR 2015 - 2020 30

H.3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY

H.4 ADS 547 MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES

H.5 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT

H.6 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DECEMBER

2004)

H.7 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.8 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.9 LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(APR 2018)

H.10 302.3.5.19 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOVEMBER

2017)

H.11 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING

H.12 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.13 CONFIDENTIALITY AND OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY

H.14 302.3.5.21 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA

LIBRARY (DDL) (OCTOBER 2014)

H.15 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (APR 2014)

H.16 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JUL 1997)

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

(APR 1984)

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

H.19 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.20 GENDER EQUALITY AND FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

H.21 PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION (OCT 2011)

H.22 SUBCONTRACTING CONSENT

H.23 PARTICIPANT TRAINING

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

I.2 752.231-72 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS

(AUG 2013)

I.3 752.231-71 SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR HOST GOVERNMENT

EMPLOYEES (MAR 2015)

I.4 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY - USAID REPORTING

REQUIREMENTS (OCT 2017)

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 THE OFFEROR

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (JAN

2018)

K.3 52.204-20 PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR (JUL 2016)

K.4 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES

OR EQUIPMENT (DEC 2019)

K.5 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR

SERVICES-REPRESENTATION (DEC 2019)

K.6 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

(OCT 2015)

K.7 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

(OCT 2018)

K.8 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING

DELINQUENT TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER

ANY FEDERAL LAW (FEB 2016)

K.9 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB

1999)

K.10 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984)

K.11 52.225-20 PROHIBITION ON CONDUCTING RESTRICTED BUSINESS

OPERATIONS IN SUDAN-CERTIFICATION (AUG 2009)

K.12 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND

CERTIFICATION (OCT 2015)

K.13 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE--COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE

CHANGES (APR 2005)

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

RESPONDENTS

L.1 FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.2 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

L.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L.5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR

L.6 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.8 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 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS

M.5 DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE AND CONTRACT

AWARD

M.6 SOURCE SELECTION

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide services as described in Section C, Description/Specifications/Statement of Work, for the implementation of USAID/Central Asia’s Agribusiness Development Activity.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion contract. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor shall provide the deliverables or outputs described in Section 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 shall not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

(c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through TBD. Funding for this contract will be on an incremental basis, subject to the availability of funds.

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.

In the event of discontinuance of the work in accordance with FAR 52.249-6 clause entitled “Termination (Cost Reimbursement)”, the fee must be re-determined by mutual agreement equitably to reflect the reduction in the work actually performed. The amount by which such fee is less than, or exceeds, payments previously made on account of the fee must be paid to, or repaid by the Contractor, as applicable.

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

FAR Subpart 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment (JUN 2013), 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.7 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 OF SECTION B]

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

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 (SOO).

[END OF SECTION C]

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 752.7009 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 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 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 and Partner Co-Branding Guide 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 AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

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 name of the project: “Agribusiness Development Activity in Uzbekistan” Translations to other applicable languages (Uzbek, Russian, etc.) must be proposed by the contractor and approved by USAID as part of the Branding Implementation Plan.

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

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 sub-contractor and/or sub-grantee 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) receives broad visibility not only among its beneficiaries and counterparts, but also among the general public in Uzbekistan. USAID’s experience in Uzbekistan demonstrates critical importance and multiple opportunities for public outreach through information dissemination. The contractor may identify, in consultation with USAID, additional target audiences for the project’s public communications.

Communication and Outreach Strategy The contractor and USAID will agree on a communication and outreach strategy that will detail how the desired level of visibility will be achieved. More specifically, the Communication and Outreach Strategy will detail: overall goal, objectives, intermediate results, indicative activities, communication products and how they will be distributed and to whom, budget, messaging, and an indicative monitoring and evaluation plan to assess to which extent the implementation of the strategy is achieving its target results.

Communication Activities The Contractor and USAID will agree on the type of activities, including frequency and geographic coverage, which will be designed and implemented to achieve the Strategy’s objectives. These may include but may not be limited to: opening or closing events, national or international day celebrations, regional or national media campaigns, community mobilization, cultural celebrations, partnerships with public figures, etc.

Communication Products The contractor will detail what communication tools and platforms it will utilize, with details on distribution, dissemination, and utilization of each. Communication tools may include, but are not limited to: brochures, flyers, posters, social media sites, television, radio, blogs, online publication, websites, newspaper, infographics, billboards, etc. The communication tools should be proposed while demonstrating how they are relevant to the context of this project and the targeted audiences.

Content Creation and Acquisition The contractor will explain how it will acquire professional, high quality content for the design and publication of its communication products. Content includes, and is not limited to:

photography, video or films, written text, infographics, illustrations, graphics, pictograms, maps, GIFs, etc. The contractor will share with USAID a list or group of professional and reputable content creators, along with their portfolios, that it proposes to hire for specific assignments.

While the contractor is encouraged to work with creatives and artists to produce original content for its communication and outreach activities, a certain amount of licensed or stock content may be utilized instead.

Any other organizations to be acknowledged:

Co-branding and co-marking of public communications with local partners, in particular national governments and partners in public-private partnerships, is allowable and encouraged in order to promote local ownership of the initiatives supported by USAID. Co-branding and co-marking are to be specified in the branding implementation plan and will require approval by USAID.

D.4 OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION PLAN

The contractor will be expected to develop and implement a high-quality outreach and communication plan that includes strategies and activities that meet international marketing, brand building, advertising, communication and content creation standards. The focus of the communication will be the results, impacts, and achievements of the project. The messaging and overall narrative of all communication and outreach efforts will focus on the people (or beneficiaries) of the project to highlight the transformative nature of the proposed developmental approach and activities. The contractor will propose content distribution options, including communication tools or products, to ensure that the acquired content reaches a wide audience and achieves the communication objectives it serves. The targeted audience will include all segments of the Uzbek public as well as selected segments of the American public. The contractor will propose a social media strategy with specific reach and engagement targets along with publication plans or approaches to achieve them. It is also expected that a high-quality, high-impact national campaign will be held to inform the Uzbek public about the project’s main achievement and results while supporting USAID brand building and brand recognition in the country.

D.5 APPROVAL OF CONTRACTOR BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND

MARKING PLAN

The Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan along with the Outreach and Communication Plan will be submitted for Contracting Officer’s approval. The contractor will follow the approved Branding Implementation and Marking 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 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far 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.

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 contractor must follow the QASP dated [TBD], incorporated into this contract as Attachment J.3. 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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

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

1. Meetings during contract implementation

2. Monthly progress review meetings

3. Review of Contractor’s scheduled reports

4. Feedback from stakeholders

5. Site visits by USAID personnel

6. Quarterly reviews of work plan with performance milestones

7. 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 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far 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 (APR 1984)

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The contract period for furnishing services as described in Section C will be five (5) years from the date of award.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Performance of this contract must be in Uzbekistan.

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Evaluation of the Contractor's overall performance will be in accordance with the performance standards set forth in Section C, the QASP, and corresponding USAID procedures, as appropriate. The COR and the Contracting Officer will jointly conduct the evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance and this evaluation 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:

1. Quality;

2. Schedule;

3. Cost control;

4. Management;

5. Utilization of Small Business (as applicable);

6. Regulatory Compliance; and

7. Other Areas (as applicable) (e.g., late or nonpayment to subcontractors, trafficking violations, tax delinquency, failure to report in accordance with https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Contract terms and conditions, defective cost or pricing data, terminations, suspension and debarments).

F.5 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.5.1 Annual Work Plan

Within 45 calendar days of the award, the contractor must submit a detailed annual work plan and budget to describe the activities specified in the 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 plans will be closely tied to the Performance Work Statement. The annual work plans will include a list of clearly defined Tasks, Activities, Deliverables, Benchmarks and Indicator Targets, and must have no inconsistencies with 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:

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

The proposed location of the activity;

The anticipated outputs and outcomes from each tasks conducted;

mailto:AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov

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

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

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

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, as appropriate. 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 will require the written approval of the COR.

F.5.2 Performance Monitoring, Evaluation, And Learning Plan

The contractor is required to develop and implement a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plan that is consistent with ADS 201, in consultation with the COR, and, as appropriate, with the mission monitoring and evaluation lead. The MEL plan shall cover the life of award. Annual MEL Plan development is NOT recommended. However, the contractor should review the MEL plan annually to ensure that it is still valid. If, over the course of implementation, modifications to the MEL plan become necessary, changes to the MEL plan shall be proposed to the COR and approved by the CO. Once approved, the contractor will then amend the MEL plan to reflect those changes and document clearly the changes as approved. If modified, the MEL plan shall not exclude data previously collected, and, to the extent possible, shall mitigate any significant variations in data collection methodology, indicator definition, or data presentation. The intent of the MEL plan is to show changes over time as a result of USAID intervention.

The MEL plan will be guided by the activity’s goal(s) and objective(s), anticipated results articulated in the results framework, the theory of change, and planned inputs/interventions as laid out in the annual work plan. The MEL plan will also serve as a tool of mutual understanding among all involved parties (e.g. USAID, the Contractor, Sub-contractor (if any), and other stakeholders) on stakeholders’ MEL roles and responsibilities and how the achievements of this award will be measured and presented. Routine MEL tasks and reports will give the contractor and USAID/CA a basis for gauging performance and return on investment, promoting learning, and facilitating adaptive management to allow activity adjustment due to unforeseen changes in strategy, approach, or operating environment that may be needed to achieve or maximize results.

The MEL plan must, therefore, articulate 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 MEL plan.

The MEL 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 60 days after activity start-up, before major implementations begin, and prior to the first indicator data is being collected.

Performance Monitoring

The MEL plan shall follow contents and instructions as specified in the USAID/CA MEL Plan Template1. At minimum, the MEL 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. To the extent possible, and with COR approval, baseline data should be collected prior to intervention inputs.

It is highly recommended that the MEL plan include no more than 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 activity as well as the Mission-wide Performance Management Plan (PMP). The existing U.S. Foreign Assistance Standard Indicators and/or those of the US Government’s Initiatives, the mission’s Regional Development and Cooperation Strategy, and other relevant IRSs shall be used as applicable.2

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 activity 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 activity nd/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 T equality and women’s economic empowerment.

1 MEL Plan templates will be provided by the COR after the award is signed.

2 http://f.state.sbu/Pages/Indicators.aspx http://f.state.sbu/Pages/Indicators.aspx

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 the 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 evaluations3, 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 COR clearance shall be obtained prior to 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 and 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. The contractor must work closely with and provide essential support to USAID and/or external evaluators as requested.

Learning

The contractor shall concisely describe the plan for adaptive learning in the MEL plan. This section shall explain the activity’s approach to learning from monitoring data, evaluation findings (if applicable), data presentation, and other learning activities, and how it will be adapted in response to new learning and knowledge, especially how the lessons can be applied to the USAID program cycle. Learning also includes creating case studies, best practices, and communications pieces to share internally to USAID and externally to partners and stakeholders.

F.5.3 Quarterly Performance Reports

3 Either by the Contractor’s or Sub-contractor’s staff or outsourced contractor or consultant. See definition in ADS 201.

*The templates will be provided by A/COR after the award is signed

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. The fourth Quarterly Performance Report (October 30) shall serve as part of the Annual Performance Report (see F.5.4). 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.

Additionally, the annual report must include a specific gender section with the following explanations:

Summary of the Contractor’s accomplishments in achieving specific gender related results and conclusions about areas that need future support.

Overall description of all gender related activities.

Achievement of results, intermediate-results, outputs, and targets for all gender related indicators.

Difficulties or challenges encountered in the implementation.

Achievement of results, intermediate-results, outputs, and targets for all indicators, with specific discussion of improvements in previously identified gender disparities and inequalities.

Sustainability of the gender related activities after the Activity has ended.

Documentation on lessons learned and best practices, including identification of new opportunities for men and women that were created, what negative impacts were addressed or avoided, and what needs and gender inequalities emerged or remain.

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; and 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 30 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 major 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 DELIVERY SCHEDULE FEE AMOUNT

Deliverables for Year 1 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 Performance Report

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

Year 1, 3rd Quarterly Performance Report

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

Annual Performance Report (inclusive of the 4th Quarterly Performance Report)

Within 30 calendar days after the end 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 Performance Report

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

Year 2, 2nd Quarterly Performance Report

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

Year 2, 3rd Quarterly Performance Report

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

Annual Performance Report (inclusive of the 4th Quarterly Performance Report)

Within 30 calendar days after the end of USG 4th fiscal quarter.

Deliverables for Year 3 Annual Work Plan 60 days prior to the end of the USG fiscal year Year 3, 1st Quarterly Performance Report

Within 30…