72026820R00001_Amendment No. 3.pdf

Question No. 1:

Page 127, paragraph “f” of Amendment No. 1 of the RFP requires a list of the contracts for the last three years which the Offeror submitted subcontract reports to eSRS and a copy of any similarly recent subcontracting reports if they were not submitted to eSRS. Given that this would total more than 100 pages, could USAID confirm that offerors can submit a list of ten (10) relevant eSRS reports and a copy of ten (10) SF-294 forms that are not duplicated on the eSRS?

USAID Response to Question No. 1:

Yes. Offerors are requested to submit a list of ten (10) relevant eSRS reports and a copy of ten

(10) SF-294 forms that are not duplicated in eSRS. Please see the attached revised RFP.

Question No. 2:

I am writing to respectfully request that USAID consider extending the deadline of the subject RFP by a minimum of two weeks.

The USAID Lebanon Agriculture and Rural Empowerment (ARE) Activity will be a complex $50M to $60M project in a rapidly changing political and economic/financial environment.

Although USAID issued a Request for Information (RFI) for this opportunity last fall, prospective offerors were not provided with a draft Statement of Objectives (SOO) or Statement of Work (SOW) for the Activity that they could review in advance of solicitation release to better prepare their bids. Accordingly, and in order to enhance competition for this procurement - for the benefit of the U.S. Government - we request that you consider granting an extension of the closing date.

USAID Response to Question No. 2:

USAID will not extend the proposal submission date at this time.

Amendment No. 03

Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: 72026820R00001 Issue Date for Original RFP: February 5, 2020 Issue Date for Amendment 3: February 12, 2020 Questions Due Date: February 18, 2020 at 5:00 PM, Beirut local time, 10:00 AM Washington, D.C (EST) Past Performance Due (Information Only): February 20, 2020 at 5:00 PM, Beirut local time, 10:00 AM Washington, D.C (EST) Technical and Cost Proposals Submission Due Date:

March 5, 2020 at 5:00 PM, Beirut local time, 10:00 AM Washington, D.C (EST)

SUBJECT: Request for Proposal (RFP) #72026820R00001

USAID/Lebanon Agriculture and Rural Empowerment (ARE) Activity

Dear Prospective Offeror:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), Mission in Lebanon (henceforth referred to as USAID/Lebanon or the Mission) seeks proposals to develop rural economies in Lebanon through support to the agro-food sector and other industries to unlock local and export sales potential while also creating jobs and increasing farmers’ and workers’ incomes. The subject Request for Proposals (RFP) provides top-level objectives of the acquisition in a Statement of Objectives (SOO). The Performance Work Statement (PWS) submitted by offerors in response to this solicitation must outline cost-effective solutions and innovative approaches to meet the outlined objectives in the SOO. From the PWS, USAID/Lebanon will assess the bidder’s understanding of all aspects of the effort to be performed.

USAID/Lebanon anticipates awarding one Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Completion-type contract as a result of this solicitation covering an estimated period of five (5) years from the date of contract award, consisting of three (3) base years, two (2) one-year option periods, and up to three (3) increased quantity options. Subject to availability of funds, USAID estimates the maximum amount of this contract (costs and fee) is in the range of $50,000,000 to $60,000,000, covering a period of performance of five years.

However, offerors should not necessarily strive to equal this amount. Cost-effective approaches to achieving the program objectives stated in the government requirement are highly encouraged. Further information on available funding and the evaluation of cost proposals is in Section M of this document.

The principal geographic code for this contract is 937.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541990.

This requirement is subject to the availability of funds. This contract is expected to be awarded by no later than September 30, 2020.

This procurement will be conducted under full and open competition, pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1). Eligibility of organizations to submit an offer is

RFP # 72026820R00001

Agriculture and Rural Empowerment (ARE) Activity unrestricted. USAID encourages the participation to the maximum extent possible of local Lebanese organizations, small business concerns, veteran owned small business, service-disabled veteran small business, HUB zone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns and small business concerns in this activity as the prime contractor or as subcontractors.

USAID strongly discourages offerors from entering exclusive arrangements with local or international entities.

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this solicitation to ensure that the solicitation has been received from the Internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from download or conversion processes. If your organization decides to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation, it must be submitted by the designated date and time indicated in Block 9 of the RFP Cover Page (Standard Form 33). Proposals received after the closing date and time will be processed as late and handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall be valid for no less than 240 days.

NOTE: ONLY Electronic submissions will be accepted. No other forms of submission will be accepted.

Please note that the designated initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure for proposal submission is the USAID/Washington Internet server which will determine the timeliness of submission.

Any questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing via email to ARELebanonProposals@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above. Oral instructions or explanations given before the award of the contract resulting from this solicitation will not be binding.

Answers to all offerors’ questions will be provided in writing, via solicitation amendment.

Proposals must be submitted via email to ARELebanonProposals@usaid.gov. If your organization decides to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation, detailed requirements for Offerors’ proposals are outlined in Section L of this solicitation. Proposals must be signed by an official who is authorized to bind the organization and are to be submitted to USAID no later than the closing date and time stated above.

If substantive questions are received which affect the response to the solicitation, or if changes are made to the closing date and time, as well as other aspects of the RFP, this solicitation will be amended.

USAID reserves the right to amend or rescind this solicitation at any time. This solicitation, amendments to this solicitation, and announcement of contract award will be made available through the government point of entry at http://beta.sam.gov/. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to check this site periodically for official updates to this solicitation. Issuance of this solicitation and the submittal of a proposal do not constitute a commitment on the part of the U.S. Government nor USAID to make an award; neither does it constitute an obligation for any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal.

Furthermore, the U.S. Government reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government. USAID appreciates the time and effort put into preparing proposals in response to this solicitation.

Sincerely, Amy McQuade Regional Contracting Officer mailto:ARELebanonProposals@usaid.gov mailto:ARELebanonProposals@usaid.gov http://beta.sam.gov/

72026820R00001

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

7 157

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-268-20-000003

5:00pm Beirut time

Amy McQuade ARELebanonProposals@usaid.gov

PAGE(S)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

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

+961

USAID Lebanon 00001 United States Embassy Beirut El Metn, Lebanon

LEBANON

02/05/2020

March 5, 2020

04-542600

Amy McQuade

ARELebanonProposals@usaid.gov

11-14

16-17 18-19

20-39

40-44

45-81

82-109

112-144

145-150

Table of Contents

PART I SCHEDULE 10

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS 10

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT 14

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING 15

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 17

SECTION F – DELIVERIES AND PERFORMANCE 19

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 39

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 44

PART II CONTRACT CLAUSES 81

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES 81

PART III LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS 109

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 109

PART IV REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS 110

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS 110

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS 111

SECTION M – EVALUATION CRITERIA 144

ABBREVIATIONS

ADS Automated Directives System AIDAR USAID Acquisition Regulation ARE Agriculture and Rural Empowerment BEO Bureau Environmental Officer BIP Branding Implementation Plan CAGE Commercial and Government Entity CBO Community Based Organizations CCN Cooperating Country Nationals CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy CFR Code of Federal Regulations CO Contracting Officer COP Chief of Party COR Contracting Officer’s Representative CPFF Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee DCOP Deputy Chief of Party DLA Defense Logistics Agency DOC Development, Outreach and Communication EA Environmental Assessment EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan ERAC Environmental Review and Assessment Checklist ESR Environmental Status Report FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation GIS Geographic Information System GOL Government of Lebanon IEE Initial Environmental Examination LCP Local Compensation Plan MELP Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan MERP Middle East Regional Platform MP Marking Plan NAICS North American Industry Classification System NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization NGO Non-Governmental Organization NSPA NATO Support and Procurement Agency OAA Office of Acquisition and Assistance OP Operational Plan PERSUAP Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan PIR Performance Indicator Reference PPR Performance Plan and Report PWS Performance Work Statement RFP Request for Proposal RMFO Regional Financial Management Office SAM System for Award Management SF Standard Form SOO Statement of Objectives https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IOP2tTK1BaBF5tElmixIW2zuE-jL9zaH/edit?ts=5dfc7a09#heading=h.2koq656

STTA Short-Term Technical Assistance TCN Third Country Nationals US United States USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK]

PART I – SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE STATEMENT

The purpose of the Agriculture and Rural Empowerment (ARE) activity is to develop rural economies in Lebanon through support to the agro-food sector and other industries to unlock local and export sales potential while also creating jobs and increasing farmers’ and workers’ incomes.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion-type contract of five (5) years consisting of three (3) base years, two (2) one-year option periods, and three (3) increased quantity options. For the consideration set forth below, the contract shall provide the deliverables described in Section F in accordance with the performance standards outlined in Sections C, E and J.1 of this document.

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

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the three (3) year base period, 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) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the first one-year option period, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The fixed fee for the first one-year option period, if any, is $TBD. The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the second one-year option period, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The fixed fee for the second one-year option period, if any, is $TBD. The estimated cost plus fixed fee, if any, is $TBD.

(c) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the increased quantity of technical assistance objective 1 option period, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The fixed fee for the increased quantity of technical assistance objective 1 option period, if any, is $TBD. The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the increased quantity of technical assistance objective 2 option period, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The fixed fee for the increased quantity of technical assistance objective 2 option period, if any, is $TBD. The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the increased quantity of technical assistance objective 3 option period, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The fixed fee for the increased quantity of technical assistance objective 3 option period, if any, is $TBD. The estimated cost plus fixed fee, if any, is $TBD.

(d) 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 must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount unless authorized by the Contracting Officer pursuant to the clause of this contract entitled "Limitation of Funds" (FAR 52.232-22).

(e) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through [To be inserted at the time of award].

B.4 BUDGET SCHEDULE

CLIN Line Item Total 001 Base Period (Years 1-3) – Technical Assistance $TBD Direct Costs (Inclusive of Subcontracts) $TBD Indirect Costs $TBD Fixed Fee $TBD Grants Under Contract (GUC) $6,000,000 Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee: Base: [$15,000,000 - $20,000,000]* 1001 Option 1 (Year 4) – Technical Assistance $TBD Direct Costs (Inclusive of Subcontracts) $TBD Indirect Costs $TBD Fixed Fee $TBD Grants Under Contract (GUC) $2,000,000 Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee: Option 1: [$6,000,000 - $7,000,000]* 2001 Option 2 (Year 5) – Technical Assistance $TBD Direct Costs (Inclusive of Subcontracts) $TBD Indirect Costs $TBD Fixed Fee $TBD Grants Under Contract (GUC) $2,000,000 Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee: Option 2: [$6,000,000 - $7,000,000]* TOTAL Base + Option 1 + Option 2: [$27,000,000 - $34,000,000]*

Increased Quantity Options to be exercised between the period of Project Year 1 and Project Year 4.5:

3001 Option 3 – Technical Assistance Objective 1 $TBD Direct Costs (Inclusive of Subcontracts) $TBD Indirect Costs $TBD Fixed Fee $TBD Grants Under Contract (GUC) $3,000,000 Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee: Option 3: [$7,000,000 - $9,000,000]* 4001 Option 4 – Technical Assistance Objective 2 $TBD Direct Costs (Inclusive of Subcontracts) $TBD Indirect Costs $TBD Fixed Fee $TBD Grants Under Contract (GUC) $2,000,000 Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee: Option 4: [$5,000,000 - $7,000,000]* 5001 Option 5 – Technical Assistance Objective 3 $TBD Direct Costs (Inclusive of Subcontracts) $TBD

Indirect Costs $TBD Fixed Fee $TBD Grants Under Contract (GUC) $3,000,000 Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee: Option 5: [$8,000,000 - $10,000,000]* TOTAL Option 3 + Option 4 + Option 5: [$20,000,000 - $26,000,000]*

[* Final dollar amount to be inserted at time of award based on selected offeror’s proposal]

These CLIN amounts may not be adjusted without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer. The contractor will not bill any amounts against this contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item as illustrated above. The base amount plus the cumulative amount of any or all options exercised cannot exceed the total estimated cost of the contract.

B.5 ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING ON CEILING INDIRECT COST RATES AND FINAL

REIMBURSEMENT FOR INDIRECT COSTS

Ceilings are not applicable to Small Business Offerors or local organizations serving as the prime or a subcontractor.

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs must be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriates bases for prime contractors and their major subcontractors.

(a) Reimbursement for indirect costs shall be at the lower of the negotiated final (or predetermined) rates or the following ceiling rates:

Description Rate Base Period

% 1/ 1/ % 2/ 2/ % 3/ 3/

1/ Base of Application:

Period:

2/ Base of Application:

Period:

3/ Base of Application Period:

NOTE: Insert additional indirect rates as needed for all primes and major subcontractors in the above table.

(b) The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount should the final indirect cost rates exceed the negotiated ceiling rates. If the final indirect cost rates are less than the negotiated ceiling rates, the negotiated rates will be reduced to conform to the lower rates.

(c) This understanding shall not change any monetary ceiling, obligation, or specific cost allowance or disallowance. Any changes in classifying or allocating indirect costs require the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.6 COST REIMBURSABLE

The U.S. dollar costs allowable will be limited to reasonable, allocable, allowable, and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment (AUGUST 2018), FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee (JUNE 2011), if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for Payment

(NOV 1998).

The applicable of the following clauses incorporated by reference in Section I is as follows: FAR 52.232-20 Limitation of Cost (applies when the contract is fully funded). FAR 52.232-22 Limitation of Funds (applies while the contract is funded in an amount less than the total cost plus fixed fee).

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

Pursuant to FAR 16.306 (d) Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contracts, payment of the fixed-fee will be divided between fixed payments for activity deliverables (twenty-five percent) and fixed payments based on the completed performance deliverables (seventy-five percent) found in the Fixed-Fee Schedule. The fixed fee payable under this contract will be tied to the completion of the reports and deliverables specified in Section F.8 of the contract and in accordance with the fixed fee payment schedule (See Section L.5 (e)(2) - Cost Instructions (b) Proposed Costs/Prices Part 3. Budget Line Item Definitions and Illustrations 11. Fixed Fee, for required template).

[Selected Offeror’s Fixed Fee Schedule to be inserted at time of Award]

All fixed fee payments are subject to the inspection and acceptance by USAID as specified in Section E of the same and in compliance with the terms of this contract. Upon successful completion of a deliverable, the Contractor must provide evidence of its achievement in accordance with performance standards specified in Section E to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Upon receipt of concurrence by the COR, the Contractor shall submit an invoice for the amount of the fee associated with the deliverable. In the event of discontinuance of the work in accordance with the clause of the contract entitled FAR 52.249-6 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. Pursuant to FAR 52.216-8 Fixed Fee, after payment of 85 percent of the fixed fee, further payment of the fee will be withheld until a reserve is set aside not to exceed 15 percent of the total fixed fee or $100,000, whichever is less.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

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

[END OF SECTION C]

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

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

(b) Specific guidance on marking requirements should be obtained prior to procurement of commodities to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construction sites and other project locations. This guidance will be provided through the 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

The Offeror shall comply with the requirements of the USAID branding policies available at:

www.usaid.gov/branding and appropriately mark all deliverables and public communications with the USAID brand.

Note: USAID receives “exclusive branding and marking” for the work conducted under all acquisition awards. This means that the foreign assistance delivered is clearly credited to the American people. It also means that competing logos or identities are excluded unless otherwise indicated in the award (Contract).

Activity name: This activity will be named “Agriculture and Rural Empowerment.” It is anticipated that the Final Report under this award will be visibly branded as a USAID project utilizing the appropriate USAID/Lebanon templates.

Desired level of visibility: All publications, public materials and documents, public communication, media releases, press conferences and public events should incorporate the USAID identity. Approval by the USAID Mission Development Outreach and Communication Officer (DOC) to be obtained through COR should be received before using any materials which incorporate the USAID identity.

Limitations: USAID places limitations on the release of sensitive or confidential information in the materials produced in performing the contract. The contractor should consult through the COR with the Contracting Officer and the Regional Legal Advisor or Office of the General Counsel.

http://www.usaid.gov/branding

The Marking Plan enumerates the public communications, commodities and program materials and other items that visibly bear or will be marked with the USAID identity (e.g., program sites, evaluations and reports, events, and commodities). It should include a table specifying the expected program deliverables to be produced under this Award and whether they will be marked or not. The Marking Plan is where requests for exceptions to marking requirements can be made.

News releases/media alerts must be coordinated with the COR. In general, all releases/alerts are issued by the U.S. Embassy on behalf of USAID, and USAID only submits these to the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office.

D.3 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

In accordance with provision D.2 above, and where applicable, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the policy directives and required procedures outlined in USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) 320.3.2 “Branding and Marking in USAID Direct Contracting” at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/320; and USAID “Graphic Standards Manual” available at http://www.usaid.gov/branding/, or any successor branding policy.

D.4 APPROVAL OF CONTRACTOR BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING

PLAN

The contractor’s Branding Implementation and Marking Plan dated (TBD) is hereby approved by the Contracting Officer for the life of the award, unless otherwise rescinded earlier. The contractor will follow the plan during implementation of this contract and will request and obtain waivers from the Contracting Officer when required. Guidance on applying for waivers can be found in USAID Automated Directives System Chapter 320, Branding and Marking.

[END OF SECTION D]

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/320 http://www.usaid.gov/branding/ http://www.usaid.gov/branding/

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 “52.232-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE” in Section I of this contract. See the following address (https://www.acquisition.gov/far/) for electronic access to the full text of a FAR clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

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 shall take place at the principal place of performance or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) listed in Section G has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

E.3 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

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

An evaluation plan will be developed and implemented by USAID taking into consideration input from partners and stakeholders on the evaluation questions. Mid-term and final evaluations will be conducted. Evaluation elements, including baseline and results comparisons, impact analysis, and critical analysis related to ARE’s theory of change will be considered during co-design of the evaluation plan.

The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated annually and at contract completion, utilizing at minimum, the following factors:

1) Technical (quality of product or service).

2) Cost Control.

3) Schedule/Timeliness.

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

4) Management or Business Relations.

5) Small business Subcontracting (as applicable).

6) Regulatory Compliance.

7) Other (as applicable) (e.g., adaptive management of problems encountered, 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).

E.4 PROGRAM PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS

The Contract will undergo program performance evaluations twice during the period of performance, (separate from the annual Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluation as described in FAR Part 42), and Section E.3. Under a separate mechanism, USAID expects to conduct an independent mid-term program evaluation scheduled near the end of the second year of the contract.

The focus of the program evaluation will be to assess the achievements of ARE against the stated objectives and goals, to identify which elements of ARE had the most significant impact and which did not, and which aspects of ARE design need to be considered for continuation under future possible programs. The Contractor will be requested to provide input into the program evaluation and must be prepared to collaborate in the implementation of the program evaluation. USAID intends to conduct a final performance evaluation of ARE at the end of the contract. Unless agreed otherwise by USAID, funds for evaluation are outside the budget for the Contract, and evaluation will be contracted with a third-party contractor. This evaluation will meet all the high-quality evaluation criteria as described in USAID's Evaluation Policy (available at http://www.usaid.gov/evaluation/policy). The Contractor shall provide any documentation or other information required to assist with the evaluation or monitoring mission, and grant access rights.

[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 (https://www.acquisition.gov/far/) 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

52.242-15 STOP WORK ORDER ALTERNATE I APRIL 1984

F.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance under this contract is the Republic of Lebanon.

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This contract’s period of performance is a three (3) year base period, two (2) one year option periods and up to three (3) increased quantity options from the date of contract award.

F.4 TECHNICAL DIRECTION AND DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBLE USAID

OFFICIALS

The Contracting Officer for this contract may be contacted at the following address:

Amy McQuade Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA)

USAID/MERP

Email: amcquade@usaid.gov

Please copy Mrs. Rana El Jordi (reljordi@usaid.gov) and Mr. Juan E. Proaño (jproano@usaid.gov) in all official communications.

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will be designated by separate memorandum at the time of award.

F.5 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK

A five-day workweek is authorized under this Contract. No overtime or premium pay is authorized unless otherwise provided below or approved in advance by the Contracting Officer.

(a) The length of the contractor’s U.S. workday must be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies and practices and must not be less than eight (8) hours per day and forty (40) hours per week.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ mailto:amcquade@usaid.gov mailto:reljordi@usaid.gov mailto:jproano@usaid.gov

(b) The length of the workday for individuals providing/performing services overseas must coincide with the workday for employees of the USAID Missions. Unless otherwise specifically authorized in advance and in writing by the CO, the work-week for individuals providing services overseas must be forty (40) hours per week.

(c) Short-Term Technical Assistance (STTA) - A six (6) day work-week is hereby authorized for TCN and international short-term technical assistance, with no premium pay.

(d) On special occasions when there are essential and time-sensitive tasks to be performed that cannot be accomplished during a five (5) day workweek, a six (6) day workweek may be authorized. The Contractor must document these instances and inform the COR with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

F.6 KEY PERSONNEL

(a) The Contractor must furnish the following positions deemed Key Personnel for the performance of this contract. The final number of Key Personnel will be determined by the Contractor’s approach, but the Contractor must not exceed five (5) Key Personnel positions, including the three required positions described below. Final number and title of positions and names will be inserted in the final contract.

No. Key Personnel Position 1 Chief of Party 2 Deputy Chief of Party/Chief Technical Officer 3 Business Development Officer

4 TBD

5 TBD

The best candidates will combine strong technical and managerial skills, an understanding of the context, the ability to communicate effectively with a range of persons, facilitation and negotiation skills, and commitment to the goals of the activity. USAID encourages the use of Lebanese staff as Key Personnel, either immediately or as part of a transition plan during the life of the project. The following key personnel are considered as essential for the overall management and success of the program and must meet the minimum requirements specified in their respective paragraphs below:

(b) The Key Personnel identified above are considered essential to the work being performed under this contract. The Contractor must remain responsible for providing such Key Personnel for full-time performance for the term of this contract unless otherwise agreed to by the Contracting Officer.

(c) The failure to provide the Key Personnel designated above may be considered nonperformance unless such failure is beyond the control, and through no fault or negligence of the contractor.

(d) Prior to replacing any of the specified individuals, the Contractor must immediately notify both the CO and the COR, preferably 30 days prior to the key personnel departure but at a minimum two (2) weeks in advance and must submit written justification (including proposed replacement, immediate action to rectify the situation, budget impact statement, and timeline to replace) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. The proposed substitute personnel must have at least substantially equal ability and the same qualifications as the applicable Key Personnel specified above.

Failure to do so will be considered nonperformance by the Contractor.

(e) The Contractor must not replace any of the Key Personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer and the COR whether provided in advance or by ratification.

(f) USAID reserves the right to adjust the level of Key Personnel during the performance of this contract.

Chief of Party (COP):

Responsibilities: This is a Key Personnel position required for the duration of the period of performance of the contract. The COP is responsible for leading all aspects of contract performance, providing technical guidance to all tasks under the contract, and representing the Contractor’s activities as a whole to outside audiences. The COP is responsible for leading the strategic planning of the project, including annual work plans; ensuring close coordination with the USAID COR and program partners in the private sector, business associations, universities, and donor communities; ensuring close collaboration and teamwork; and for the day-to-day operational oversight and administration of the project.

Education Requirement:

o A Graduate degree or equivalent in a relevant field to the technical direction of ARE. In circumstances where a candidate possesses exceptional relevant experience but lacks a graduate degree, relevant post-education experience might be considered.

Experience Requirement:

o A minimum of seven (7) years of recent experience (within the last 15 years) at a senior level on a successful project(s) similar in scope and scale to ARE, with experience in agri-business and market-systems approaches, rural and peri-urban economies, productive sectors and other relevant topics.

o A minimum of five (5) years of recent senior management experience (within the last 15 years) for projects including private sector with similar magnitude and complexity in developing countries.

o Proven ability to perform and achieve results under challenging or nonpermissive environments.

o Strong interpersonal, managerial, and written communication skills.

Specialized Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

o The COP must possess language skills at the following Foreign Service Institute proficiency level or equivalent: English Level IV, and Arabic is preferred but not required.

Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)/Chief Technical Officer:

Responsibilities: This is a Key Personnel position required for the duration of the period of performance of the contract. The DCOP assists the COP in the management of the various technical components of the activity. He/she must ensure that activity components are results-oriented, that deliverables are high quality, and that reporting is relevant and timely. The DCOP must focus on achieving results in all areas on schedule and ensuring synergies and cohesion between the various result areas. This individual must participate and engage in technical meetings and maintain positive relationships with GOL officials, partners, and implementing partners. The DCOP will work in close coordination with the Business Development Officer to ensure that proper sub sectoral technical aspects are incorporated in the activity’s grants and technical assistance.

Education Requirements:

o A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in fields relevant to the work implemented by ARE such as agricultural economics, rural development or others. While experience will be valued more highly than academic trainings, candidates with a graduate degree and less, but relevant post-education experience, will be considered.

Experience Requirements:

o A minimum of seven years of recent relevant experience (within the last 12 years) in technically leading activities related to agri-business, markets systems and/or rural development with demonstrated results.

o The DCOP must have experience in program management, either as COP, DCOP, or comparable role.

o Experience in Lebanon or other fragile and conflict affected country is preferred but not required.

o The DCOP must demonstrate competency in negotiation and communication skills and excellent interpersonal, managerial, and written communication skills.

o Flexibility and ability to interact with rural communities of different backgrounds and ability to manage delivering work under non-permissive conditions.

Specialized Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

o The DCOP must possess language skills at the following Foreign Service Institute proficiency level or equivalent: Arabic Level IV; and English Level IV.

Business Development Officer:

Responsibilities: This is a Key Personnel position required for the duration of the period of performance of the contract. The Business Development Officer will provide the overall management to the private sector engagement aspect of the activity in terms of grants and technical assistance. The Business Development Officer will work in close coordination with the DCOP/Chief Technical Officer to maintain complementarity of technical and business development aspects of ARE’s interventions.

Education Requirement:

o A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in management, business of other fields related to ARE’s technical activities.

Experience Requirement:

o A minimum of seven years of recent relevant experience (within the last 12 years) related to private businesses, including engagement in trade, exports business transactions, business consultancies and others with demonstrated results.

o Strong interpersonal, managerial, and written communication skills.

Specialized Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

o The Business Development Officer must language skills at the following Foreign Service Institute proficiency level or equivalent: Arabic Level IV; and English Level IV.

F.7 REPORTS, PLANS, AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports and deliverables in Sections C, F, H, J, AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports (OCT 2007) and AIDAR 752.7005 Submission Requirements for Development Experience Documents (SEP 2013) below, the Contractor must submit the following deliverables or outputs to the COR specified in Section F. Each of the reports must be submitted electronically. Electronic versions of the reports must be submitted using Microsoft Word, Excel, or Portable Document Format, or PowerPoint software. All reports must be written in English.

All reports and plans are subject to written final approval and acceptance by the COR.

The Reports, Plans, and Deliverables or Outputs must incorporate the following Cross-Cutting Requirements:

a) Additionality, Impact, Sustainability and Self-Reliance

All sub-awards, technical assistance, and other interventions under this activity must meet USAID best practices for development assistance and must lead toward sustainability and self-reliance of all selected sectors for intervention. Interventions must be designed to create markets that continue to attract investment and new entrants, increasing sector competitiveness beyond the life of the activity.

Furthermore, interventions must be designed to be scaled up and replicated easily in other regions or even sectors. This management objective emphasizes the stakeholders’ improved capability to reach new markets, producers’ ability to supply quality inputs and products, and for the sector to be more resilient to shocks. Sustainability elements must incorporate gender as a key element as this is critical to the successful continuity of the activity’s results.

All assistance must demonstrate “additionality” in that it must be shown both that identified partners are unlikely to meet activity objectives without USAID assistance and should demonstrate that USAID assistance would “unlock” export, investment, livelihoods, and enabling environment opportunities. All assistance must build local markets and/or institutions so that they will be able to continue the efforts made through this activity after its conclusion, leading to sustainability of targeted sectors. Assisted beneficiaries and most of the broader assisted sectors in Lebanon should be considered sustainable at the conclusion of this activity and additional US assistance should not be required.

A. TECHNICAL DELIVERABLES

The Contractor must provide the following technical deliverables:

[To be inserted prior to award. The Offeror to propose the technical deliverables based on their proposed PWS as part of the MEL Plan.]

The Contractor must provide the following plans and reports:

B. REPORTS

1.) MONTHLY REPORTS

The Contractor must prepare and submit monthly reports five (5) calendar days after the month being reported. The monthly reports must be submitted electronically to the COR and are intended to be concise reports (no more than 5 pages) that summarize progress toward accomplishment of the benchmarks set forth. The report must: (1) provide an update of progress made toward fulfillment of the activity objectives/results, (2) identify implementation issues, (3) contain a discussion of obstacles encountered and possible delays, if any, in fulfillment of activities included in the work plan, and/or achievement of targets set forth in the MEL Plan, and (4) contain a forecast of activities for the month immediately following the period being reported. The final format of the reports must be agreed upon in consultation with the COR. On the month where the Quarterly Performance Progress Report is due, the quarterly report takes the place of the monthly report.

2.) QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORTS

Quarterly performance reports must be submitted 15 calendar days after the end of the quarter. Quarterly performance reports will present progress on all activities and will include the following information at a minimum:

● Outline of project purpose and project approach;

● Description of significant events during the reporting period;

● Status of each of activities and tasks as defined in the Work Plan;

● Status of overall project progress per impact indicators as defined in the Work Plan and the performance monitoring plan;

● Reporting on elements of MEL Plan;

● List of reports/deliverables completed in the reporting period;

● Performance problems during the reporting period;

● List of major activities planned for next quarter including indicators and associated targets;

● Any relevant information that has affected or will affect project progress;

● Geographic data reporting requirements: The contractor will submit Activity Location Data, which indicates the geographic location, or locations where an activity is implemented. Geographic disaggregation is required to the first administrative level at a minimum (Caza/District level). Further geographic disaggregation is encouraged (Village level). The contractor is required to collect and provide spatial data and use Geographic Information System (GIS) for spatial data development and reporting. Activity Location Data will be submitted as part of the quarterly reports.

The Annual Report will take the place of the fourth Quarterly Performance Report. A fourth Quarterly Performance Report is not required.

3.) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT

Quarterly financial reports will be submitted 15 calendar days after the end of the quarter to USAID.

They should be disaggregated by element level and contain, at a minimum:

● Total funds awarded to date by USAID into the contract;

● Total funds previously reported as expended by contractor by main line items;

● Total funds expended in the current quarter by the contractor by main line items;

● Total un-liquidated obligations by main line items;

● List of the significant expenses incurred during the period;

● Projected expenditures for next quarter.

The contractor is solely responsible for not exceeding obligated amounts and is reminded of the required notification to the CO as to the percentage of funds expended against the total obligated and available amount as set forth in FAR § 52.232-22 “Limitation of Funds.”

4.) QUARTERLY ACCRUAL REPORT

Quarterly accrual reports will be submitted ten (10) calendar days before the end of the quarter to USAID that will provide contractual information pertaining to the following information:

● Total Estimated Cost remaining in the contract;

● Unobligated balance in the contract;

● Accrual amount;

● Estimated Pipeline amount;

● Other project financial information.

If needed the COR will provide a template for the contractor to follow.

5.) ANNUAL REPORTS

The contractor will prepare and submit to the USAID COR an annual report within 30 calendar days after the end of the first year and annually thereafter (unless a different annual schedule is provided by USAID), for each authorized year of performance.