72011521R00002.pdf

72011521R00002

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

1 146

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

01/15/2021 X

720115

USAID/Central Asia/Kazakhstan 41 Kazibek Bi St.

Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan

1000 F 03/25/2021

Tatyana Timoshenkova ttimoshenkova@usaid.gov

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

PAGE(S)

Joshua Schramm

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

6-8

10-12 13-14 15-28 29-33 34-75

76-85

87-121

122-141

142-146

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____70_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

RFP 72011521R00002

USAID Trade Central Asia Activity

CONTENTS

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 TYPE OF CONTRACT

B.3 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

B.5 FIXED FEE (CPFF)

B.6 LABOR

B.7 INDIRECT COSTS (CPFF)

B.8 CEILING ON INDIRECT COST RATES

B.9 COST REIMBURSABLE (CPFF)

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

D.4 OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION PLAN

D.5 APPROVAL OF BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

SECTION F – DELIVERIES AND PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORKDAY / WEEK

F.5 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.6 DELIVERABLES AND REQUIRED REPORTING

F.7. DELIVERY SCHEDULE AND FIXED FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE

F.8 FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE

F.9 KEY PERSONNEL

F.10 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

DOCUMENTS (SEPTEMBER 2013)

F.11 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCTOBER 2007)

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.4 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998) (CPFF)

G.5 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.6 PAYING OFFICE

G.7 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.8 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.2 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.3 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.4 LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (APR 2018)

H.5 AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (APRIL 2014)

H.6 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.7 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY

H.8 ADS 547 MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE

H.9 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

H.10 AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

H.11 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUNE 2012)

H.12 ACCESS TO USAID FACILITIES AND USAID’S INFORMATION SYSTEMS (AUGUST 2013)

H.13 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DECEMBER 2004)

H.14 302.3.5.19 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOVEMBER 2017)

H.16 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR ACQUISITION (JULY

2014)

H.17 302.3.5.22 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL)

(OCTOBER 2014)

H.18 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.19 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, AS

AMENDED

H.20 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.21 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS

H.22 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING SYSTEM (PMRS)

H.23 GENDER EQUALITY AND FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

H.24 PARTICIPANT TRAINING

H.25 OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

H.26 AIDAR 752.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (JUN 2018)

H.27 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL (DEVIATION NO. M/OADEV-FAR-20-3C)

(APRIL 2020)

H.28 PROCUREMENT OF “COVERED MATERIAL” (AUGUST 2020)

H.29 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING (FEBRUARY 2002)

H.30 SOFTWARE LICENSE ADDENDUM (MAY 2016)

H.31 PRIVACY AND SECURITY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS INCIDENT

REPORTING (APRIL 2018)

H.32 SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVACY AND SECURITY STAFF

(APRIL 2018)

H.33 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES (APRIL 2018)

H.34 CLOUD COMPUTING (APRIL 2018)

H.35 GIS REQUIREMENT

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.2 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.3 52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (AUG 2020)

I.4 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

I.5 52.229-8 TAXES-FOREIGN COST-REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS (MAR 1990)

I.6 52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS (DEC 2013) (DEVIATION JUN 2020)

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

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAR 2020)

K.3 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (OCT 2020)

K.4 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES-

REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020)

K.5 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (AUG 2020)

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 (FEB 2016)

K.8 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(NOV 2020)

K.9 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999)

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

2020)

K.11 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE—COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR

2005)

K.12 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.13 52.222-56 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS COMPLIANCE

PLAN (OCT 2020)

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

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

L.4 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.6 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL VOLUME

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST VOLUME

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.5 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS

M.6 CONTRACTING WITH U.S SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ

PROGRAM

M.7 DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE AND CONTRACT AWARD

M.8 AWARD

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to obtain services as described in Section C.

B.2 TYPE OF CONTRACT

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 AND FIXED FEE

(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

a. Direct Costs

b. Indirect Costs

c. Fixed Fee

d. Total Estimated Cost

B.5 FIXED FEE (CPFF)

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

B.6 LABOR

(a) The workday and workweek policies and method of accounting for paid absences including holidays for the contractor and major subcontractors 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 (CPFF)

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

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

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

B.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)

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

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

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

< 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 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

(a) It is USAID policy that USAID-financed commodities, shipping containers, project construction sites and other project funded locations be suitably marked with the USAID identity.

Shipping containers are also to be marked with the last five digits of the USAID financing document number. As a general rule, marking is not required for raw materials shipped in bulk (such as coal, grain, etc.), or for semi-finished products which are not packaged.

(b) Specific guidance on marking requirements should be obtained prior to procurement of commodities to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construction sites and other project locations. This guidance will be provided through the contracting officer’s representative (COR) 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 and Communications 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 Automated Directive System Chapter 320 Branding and Marking (ADS 320) and the USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co-Branding Guide.

D.3 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 name of the activity: The full project name is “USAID Trade Central Asia Activity”. The name USAID Trade Central Asia Activity may not be used alone without being preceded by

USAID.

https://www.usaid.gov/branding/gsm

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

Materials and communications positioning: Any materials and communications produced by any subcontractor must follow USAID branding requirements. 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-grantee must follow USAID branding requirements as applicable to grants.

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, partners and counterparts, but also among the broader business sector and the general public. USAID’s experience demonstrates the critical importance and multiple opportunities for public outreach through positive information dissemination.

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, 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 Central Asian 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 international campaign will be held to inform the Central Asian public about the project’s main achievement and results while supporting USAID brand building and brand recognition in the country.

D.5 APPROVAL OF BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN

The contractor’s Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan will be finalized and approved prior to award. The contractor will follow the approved plan during implementation of this contract unless a waiver is requested and approved. Guidance applying for exceptions and waivers to Contract Marking Requirements 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 FAR 52.252-2 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

52.246-3 INSPECTION OF SUPPLIES--COST-REIMBURSEMENT MAY 2001

52.246-5 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--COST-REIMBURSEMENT APR 1984

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs will take place primarily in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. 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 SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

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

The QASP 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 QASP is implemented and updated.

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

1. Weekly meetings

2. Monthly or quarterly progress review meetings

3. Review of Contractor’s required scheduled reports (see Section F)

4. Feedback from client and other partners

5. Site visits by USAID personnel to the Contractor’s offices, other implementation and partner locations

6. Quarterly reviews of work plan performance milestones against achievements

7. Periodic internal or external impact evaluations or assessments

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F – DELIVERIES AND 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 “52.232-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE” in Section I of this contract. See the following address www.acquisition.gov for electronic access to the full text of a FAR clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 STOP WORK ORDER AUG 1989

ALTERNATE I APR 1984

F.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance under this contract is the five countries of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

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

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORKDAY / WEEK

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

F.5 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

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

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

A. Quality.

B. Schedule.

C. Cost control.

D. Management.

E. Utilization of Small Business (as applicable).

F. Regulatory Compliance.

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

F.6 DELIVERABLES AND REQUIRED REPORTING

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports in Section I and in the AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the contractor must submit the reports and deliverables in this section electronically to the Contracting Officer’s Representative and a copy to the Contracting Officer at AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov.

All deliverables and required reporting must be submitted in clearly written English language, free of typographic, spelling, or grammatical errors, unless approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The contractor must promptly notify the COR of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that materially impair the contractor’s ability to meet the requirements of the contracted deliverables or required reports. 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.

The contractor must provide the following plans and reports:

A. Annual Work Plans

The Contractor must submit a work plan for the approval of USAID/CA within 30 days after the award. The annual work plan will contain a detailed schedule for program implementation, expected results, indicators, and targets for each task and for the program as a whole as well as contain a performance monitoring plan for the program.

The number of countries, counterparts, and partners involved in the project and the fluid nature of politics in the region mean the contract will be implemented in a complex and frequently changing environment. This makes it important to take stock frequently during implementation, adjust direction as needed, and communicate project developments clearly and on a timely basis. That being the case, the contractor may be requested by the COR once during the annual work plan cycle to revise the workplan due to changing circumstances.

The contractor must submit a detailed annual work plan and budget to describe the activities specified in the scope of work and must cross reference the applicable sections in Section C of this contract. 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 Section C. 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 plan(s) to USAID for review and approval no later than 30 days prior to end of the USG fiscal year. USAID will have 30 days to review and provide comments. After receiving USAID comments, the contractor must finalize the work plan within 30 days after the USG fiscal year.

The annual work plan will include a list of clearly defined tasks, activities, deliverables, benchmarks and indicator targets. 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 a monthly basis.

● The proposed location of the activity.

● The anticipated outputs and outcomes from each task conducted.

● The anticipated level of effort required from program technical staff and financial resources 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 regarding achieving the anticipated objectives of the contract and how they will be mitigated; and

● 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 Contracting Officer’s Representative and by approval of the Contracting Officer (CO). Initial list of commodities due with technical proposal updated and finalized within 45 days of the contract award.

B. 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 must cover the life of award.

Annual MEL Plan development is NOT recommended. However, the contractor must 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 must 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 30 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 30 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 first monitoring report is due no later than 30 days after each activity (fiscal) year, and within 30 days following the activity’s conclusion.

The MEL plan shall follow contents and instructions as specified in the USAID/CA MEL Plan Template. 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 includes 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 U.S. Government’s Initiatives, the mission’s Regional Development and Cooperation Strategy, and other 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 an IRS. If a qualitative indicator is used it must also be accompanied by an 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 no/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 disaggregated by geographical locations at the Administrative 1 (province or state) level. All people indicators must be disaggregated by sex and include other metrics that allow the full capture of effect on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

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.

The USAID Central Asia Mission is working to deploy Development Information System (DIS) to effectively manage monitoring data and enhance learning. Once DIS is fully deployed for USAID/CA and the appropriate trainings provided to the implementing partner, the contractor will be required to regularly submit monitoring information through DIS.

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 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.

C. Financial Reports

The Contractor will submit quarterly expenditure reports containing a summary page, which reflects spending by line item and program components for both the quarter and the life of program. The summary will be followed by a detailed breakdown of all spending under each line-item category and components. The contractor will establish and maintain a system to track the use of bilateral and regional USAID funds obligated to the contract. Bilateral funding for each country needs to be reported separately from regional funds. The financial report will show, by line item, the cumulative totals for the previous report, the total for the quarter being reported on, the new cumulative total, and the amount remaining to be expended for the line item and the task order as a whole. This report will be submitted at the same time as, and as part of, the quarterly progress report/annual report listed above.

D. 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 TEAMS 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 TEAMS 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.

E. Gender Reporting

Annual activity reports must include a specific gender section with the following explanations:

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

Overall description of all gender-related activities.

Achievement of results, intermediate-results, outputs, and/or targets for all gender related indicators, disaggregated by sex, with specific discussion of improvements in previously identified gender disparities and inequalities.

Difficulties or challenges encountered in the implementation of gender-related activities.

Recommendations for 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.

F. Weekly Updates

The contractor must submit weekly updates no later than on Monday following the end of each week to the COR and a copy to the Activity Managers in each country. Weekly updates may be submitted electronically in an informal format approved by the COR that is sufficient to convey the necessary information. The reports must not be more than 3 pages. The reports will describe progress and activities for every country made during the past week and brief on planned activities and travels for the following week.

G. Monthly Progress Reports

The contractor must submit monthly performance reports no later than 10 calendar days following the end of each month to the COR and a copy to the CO at AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov. Reports may be submitted electronically. The reports must not be more than 5 pages, excluding annexes. The reports will describe progress made towards goals in the month most recently ended, including a comparison of progress against planned achievements under the performance monitoring plan, as well as suggestions, if any, for adjustments to implementation plan and strategy. The contractor will also report on indicators in accordance with the monitoring and evaluation plan. 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. The final Monthly Progress Report in a quarter may be a section of the Quarterly Report but must contain all information required under this section.

H. Quarterly Progress Reports

The contractor must submit quarterly performance reports no later than 30 calendar days following the end of each standard USG fiscal quarter to the COR and a copy to the CO at AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov. This report may also include the final monthly progress report for the quarter. In this case a separate final monthly progress report is not required. 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 reports must not be more than 15 pages, mailto:AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov mailto:AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov excluding annexes. The reports will describe progress made towards goals in the calendar quarter most recently ended, including a comparison of progress against planned achievements under the performance monitoring plan, as well as suggestions, if any, for adjustments to implementation plan and strategy. The contractor will also report on indicators in accordance with the monitoring and evaluation plan. In addition, these reports will contain program expenditures by contract line item and by program component, 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. The 4th Quarter Performance Report may be a section of the Annual Report but must contain all information required under this section.

I. Annual Reports

An Annual report will be due within 30 calendar days after the end of each USG fiscal year, ending September 30. This report may also include the 4th quarter Quarterly Progress Report;

therefore a 4th quarter quarterly progress report is not required. These reports must be based on the approved Annual Work Plan and 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 MEL Plan targets and any deviations.

● Progress in coordination with host government, other donors, USAID-funded projects, and other stakeholders.

● At least two success stories, suitable for publication, for each country in which the

Contractor has worked, in a format approved by the COR.

● Summary of administrative/management issues; and

● Planned main activities for the next year.

Annual reports must include as separate attachments:

● List of commodities procured and revised inventory.

● List of all reports, analyses, presentations, and other key documents produced during the year.

● 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 requested by the COR.

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 reports will be translated into Russian and/or any relevant local language, as appropriate, for presentation to government partners and other local counterparts.

J. Final Report

Thirty days prior to the Project end date the Contractor must provide a report describing the main activities, accomplishments and challenges faced by the project throughout the life of project. All M&E data should be reported for each year indicating baseline data, annual targets and achieved results. Any modifications to the indicators or targets made throughout the life of the award that were previously approved by the COR should be noted in the report. The Final Report should provide sufficient narrative highlighting the main successes and outcomes of the project with tables indicating activities completed as well as all source level M&E data.