72027623R00002 - GROW - Amendment 2.pdf

mailto:syriasolicitations@usaid.gov http://www.sam.gov./

SOLICITATION, OFFER, AND AWARD

2. CONTRACT NUMBER

PAGE OF PAGES

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

USAID/Middle East Regional Platform/Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance

Same as Item 7

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and copies for furnishings the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in item 8, or if hand carried, in the depository located in until local time (Hour) (Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision Number 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

A. NAME

Ketan Sood

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS) C. EMAIL ADDRESS

ksood@usaid.gov

AREA CODE NUMBER EXTENSION

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM I CONTRACT CLAUSES

B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

D PACKAGING AND MARKING PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

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 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 set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause Number 52.232-8)

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

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

AMENDMENT NUMBER DATE AMENDMENT NUMBER DATE

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND THE TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER

(Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS

DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AREA CODE NUMBER EXTENSION

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL OPEN COMPETITION UNDER THE

UNITED STATES CODE AT:

10 U.S.C. 3204(a) 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) ( )

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) Same as Item 7

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

See Section G

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Amy McQuade

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

28. AWARD DATE

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 12/2022)

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

5. DATE ISSUED

1/19/2023

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID (IFB) INVITATION FOR BID

NEGOTIATED (RFP) REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

72027623R00002

RATING 1. This Contract is a Rated Order under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) - Code of Federal Regulations - at 15 CFR 700.

Request for Proposals # 72027623R00002 Growing Agriculture and Incomes in Syria

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

PART I – THE SCHEDULE 8

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS 8

B.1. PURPOSE STATEMENT 8

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE AND CONTRACT SERVICES 8

B.3. ESTIMATED COST, AWARD FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT 8

B.4. CONTRACT BUDGET AND CEILINGS 8

B.5. INDIRECT COSTS 10

B.6. COST REIMBURSABLE 11

B.7. PAYMENT OF AWARD FEE 11

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT 13

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING 14

D.1. AIDAR 752.7009 – MARKING (JAN 1993) 14

D.2. BRANDING STRATEGY 14

D.3. BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY 15

D.4. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN 15

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 16

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 16

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE/RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL 16

E.3. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS)

EVALUATION 16

E.4. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 17

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 19

F.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 19

F.2. PERFORMANCE PERIOD 19

F.3. EXERCISE OF OPTIONS – SECTION 889 19

F.4. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 19

F.5. REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES 20

F.6. ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLAN (EMMP) AND

CLIMATE RISK MITIGATION (CRM) PLAN 31

F.7. KEY PERSONNEL 31

F.8. DISTRIBUTION OF PROJECT MATERIALS, PARTICIPATION IN PARTNER

MEETINGS AND PUBLIC EVENTS 34

F.9. AIDAR 752.7005 – SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT

EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS (SEPT 2013) 34

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 36

G.1. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY 36

G.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE 36

G.4. AIDAR 752.7003 – DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998) 37

G.5. PAYING OFFICE 39

G.6. INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS 39

G.7. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 39

G.8. CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT 39

G.9. CONTRACTOR'S PAYMENT ADDRESS 39

G.10. AWARD FEE EVALUATION 40

G.11. AIDAR 752.216-70 – AWARD FEE (MAY 1997) 41

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 42

H.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 42

H.2. AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.3. SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (OCT

2014) 43

H.4. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION 44

H.5. EMPLOYMENT OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS AND COOPERATING

COUNTRY NATIONALS (AIDAR 722.170) 46

H.6. PERSONNEL APPROVALS (AIDAR 752.7007 AND 752.7027) 47

H.7. AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE 48

H.8. AIDAR 752.222-70 – USAID DISABILITY POLICY – ACQUISITION (DEC 2004)

H.9. EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING 48

H.10. COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS 49

H.11. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY 49

H.12. FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL

CONFERENCES (JAN 2002) 49

H.13. LOGISTIC SUPPORT 50

H.14. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS 50

H.15. AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (APR 2014) 50

H.16. INSURANCE AND SERVICES 50

H.17. FRAUD REPORTING 51

H.18. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 51

H.19. AIDAR 752.204-70 PARTNER VETTING REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012) 53

H.20. VETTING REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBAWARDEES 55

H.21. ADDITIONAL VETTING GUIDANCE 56

H.22. SUBCONTRACTING PLAN, INDIVIDUAL SUBCONTRACT REPORT AND THE

SUMMARY SUBCONTRACT REPORT 56

H.23. CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT 56

H.24. NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES 56

H.25. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION 57

H.26. OWNERSHIP OF PROJECT DATA, REPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS 58

H.27. GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT 58

H.28. LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (APRIL

2018) (DEVIATION NOs. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-03c and M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-06c)

H.29. CLOUD COMPUTING (APR 2018) 60

H.30. AMMONIUM NITRATE AND CALCIUM AMMONIUM NITRATE RESTRICTION

(SEPTEMBER 2011) (CLASS DEVIATION OAA-DEV-LL-03C, EXPIRATION DATE

SEPTEMBER 8, 2016) 66

H.31. CONFLICT OF INTEREST 66

H.32. ADS 302.3.5.19 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOV 2017) 67

H.33. ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM 69

H.34. PRESS RELATIONS 70

H.35. USE OF GOVERNMENT FACILITIES 70

H.36. RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (MAY 2016) 70

H.37. CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013)

[DEVIATION (APR 2020)] 71

H.38. CONTRACTOR’S USE OF PROJECT VEHICLES AND LIABILITY INSURANCE

REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES 73

H.39. AIDAR 752.228-7 INSURANCE – LIABILITY TO THIRD PERSONS. (JULY 1997)

H.40. CHILD LABOR 74

H.41. COMPLIANCE WITH THE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS POLICY 74

H.42. BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL 74

H.43. GENERAL GRADE LEVEL GUIDES 74

H.44. USE OF SYNCHRONIZED PREDEPLOYMENT AND OPERATIONAL TRACKER

(SPOT) FOR CONTRACTORS SUPPORTING A DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR

MISSION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES (FEB 2016) 80

H.45. FAR PART 4.21 – PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (SECTION 889) (DEC 2021) 80

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES 81

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES 81

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS 116

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 116

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS 117

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

THE OFFEROR 117

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

RESPONDENTS 118

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 148

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1. PURPOSE STATEMENT

The purpose of this contract is to provide services that fall within the performance work statement (PWS) [To be inserted at the time of award] specified in Section C for the “Growing Agriculture and Incomes (GROW)” activity.

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE AND CONTRACT SERVICES

This is a cost-plus award fee (CPAF) contract of five (5) years consisting of one (1) three-year base period, one (1) two-year option period, and one (1) increased quantity option. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must achieve the performance objectives and deliverables, or outputs described in this contract.

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

a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of award fee and base fee, is [$TBD]. The base fee is [$TBD]. The maximum award fee is [$TBD]. The total estimated cost plus all fees, if any, is [$TBD].

b) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the two-year option period, if exercised, exclusive of fee, if any, is [$TBD]. The fee for the two-year option period, if any, is

[$TBD].

c) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the increased quantity option (IQO), if exercised, exclusive of fee, if any, is [$TBD]. The fixed fee for the IQO, if any, is [$TBD]. The estimated cost plus award fee, if any, is [$TBD].

d) Within the estimated cost plus fee 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.

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

B.4. CONTRACT BUDGET AND CEILINGS

a) The contract budget found herein is based on the Contractor’s original proposal and/or final proposal revision.

b) The following itemized budget sets forth the estimates for individual line items of cost:

CLIN Line Item Total

001 Base Period (Years 1-3) – Program Direct Costs (Inclusive of Subcontracts)

$TBD

Indirect Costs $TBD

Grants Under Contract (GUC)** $TBD

Base Fee $TBD

Maximum Award Fee $TBD

Total Estimated Cost Plus Award Fee: Base Period [$TBD]*

1001 Option 1 (Years 4 and 5) – Program Direct Costs (Inclusive of Subcontracts)

$TBD

Indirect Costs $TBD

Grants Under Contract (GUC)** $TBD

Base Fee $TBD

Maximum Award Fee $TBD

Total Estimated Cost Plus Award Fee: Option 1: [$TBD]*

TOTAL Base + Option 1: [$TBD]*

**GUCs amount for combined Base Period + Option 1 not to exceed $15,000,000. Offeror is to propose the split of GUCs per Base Period and Option 1 based on their PWS.

Increased quantity options* to be exercised between the period of Project Year 1 and Project Year 4.5:

CLIN Line Item Total

2001 Option 2 – Program Direct Costs (Inclusive of Subcontracts)

$TBD

Indirect Costs $TBD

Grants Under Contract (GUC) $TBD

Base Fee $TBD

Maximum Award Fee $TBD

TOTAL Estimated Cost Plus Award Fee: Option 2: [$10,000,000]**

TOTAL Estimated Cost Plus Award Fee: Base + Option 1 + Option 2: [$30,000,000 to $45,000,000]*

[* Per FAR Sections 17.207 and 17.208(e) and the use of clause 52.217-7, Option for Increased Quantity

- Separately Priced Line Item, the Increased Quantity Option is identified as a separately priced line item for USAID to unilaterally exercise to allow flexibility to increase the quantity of activities at the objective-level of the completion-type CPAF PWS. Delivery of added items shall continue at the same rate that like items are called for under the contract, unless the parties otherwise agree.

** 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. Amounts may not be transferred across CLINs unless authorized through a Modification signed by the Contracting Officer.

B.5. INDIRECT COSTS

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 appropriate bases for Prime Contractors and their major subcontractors.

Offeror Overhead

Rate % G&A

Rate %

[TBD]

[Offeror to propose additional indirect cost as applicable]

[TBD]

[Offeror to propose additional indirect cost as applicable]

PRIME [TBD] [TBD] [TBD] [TBD]

The Contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs that impacts this contract without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

Note: Contractors are allowed to recoup indirect costs (OH, G&A, etc.) as other direct costs if it is part of the Contractor’s usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31 and the Contractor's NICRA.

B.6. COST REIMBURSABLE

(a) The U.S. dollar costs allowable will be limited to reasonable, allocable, and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment (AUG 2018), AIDAR 752.216-70, Award Fee (MAY 1997), if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for Payment (NOV 1998).

(b) The application of the following clauses (incorporated by reference in Section I) is as follows: (i)

FAR 52.232-20 Limitation of Cost (applies when the contract is fully funded); and (ii) FAR 52.232- 22 Limitation of Funds (applies while the contract is funded in an amount less than the total cost plus award fee).

B.7. PAYMENT OF AWARD FEE

The Contractor may earn and be paid all or a portion of an award fee for performance under this contract.

The Government’s purpose in granting an award fee is to encourage and reward superior contract performance.

Payment of the base fee and award fee will be made as follows.

(a) Base Fee

The Contractor’s base fee is tied to the accomplishment of the performance objectives and deliverables or outputs described in Sections C, D and F, as well as complying with all contract requirements. Normally, the contractor will be paid the proportion of the fee that corresponds to the proportion of cost incurred by the Contractor during the period covered by the invoice divided by the total estimated cost (exclusive of base and award fee). Because of the clauses entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment” (FAR 52.216‐7) and “Award Fee” (AIDAR 752.216‐70) incorporated into this contract, the terms and conditions of these clauses apply after total payments of base fee reach eighty‐ five percent (85%) of the total base fee.

(b) Award Fee

The award fee earned will be paid after the award fee decision has been made for each evaluation period pursuant to the procedures in Section G.6. and the Award Fee Determination Plan. No interim payments of award fee will be made. Payment will be based upon Contractor’s achievement of the deliverables outlined in the PWS and reported upon to USAID in its regular performance reports.

The maximum award fee will be made available to the Contractor in seven increments, with the first evaluation at the end of FY 2023, the subsequent five evaluations occurring annually at the end of each fiscal year, and the final evaluation occuring at the end of the award period covering the period between end of FY 2028 and the end of the award period, as specified below:

Period of Performance Period

(Start/End date) Amount of Award Fee

Available

Award execution until end of FY

[TBD at Award] [TBD]

FY 2024 [TBD at Award] [TBD]

FY 2025 [TBD at Award] [TBD]

FY 2026 [TBD at Award] [TBD]

FY 2027 [TBD at Award] [TBD]

FY 2028 [TBD at Award] [TBD]

Remaining period of award [TBD at Award] [TBD]

Maximum Award Fee Available

[TBD]

The determination of the award fee, if any, earned by the Contractor must be in accordance with the Award Fee Evaluation Plan. Per FAR 16.401(e)(4), unearned award fee cannot rollover from one award fee increment to the next award fee increment.

Payment of any award fee earned by the Contractor must not be subject to the withholding provisions of the clause of this contract entitled "Allowable Cost and Payment" (FAR 52.216-7) clause.

Note: The award-fee pool is the total of the available award fee for each evaluation period. Base fee is paid on a regular basis without the Contractor’s performance being evaluated. Since the available award fee during the evaluation period must be earned, the Contractor begins each evaluation period with 0% of the available award fee and works up to the evaluated fee for each evaluation period.

Contractors do not begin with 100% of the available award fee and have deductions taken to arrive at the evaluated fee for each evaluation period. However, the potential for the Contractor to earn 100% of the award fee amount is a mutual goal as it demonstrates the program’s objectives were clearly communicated and achievable. The amount of base fee to include in the award fee pool is based on the particulars of this contract and has been determined to be [TBD] of the estimated cost of the contract exclusive of the fee.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE

WORK STATEMENT

USAID will insert the contractor’s Performance Work Statement (PWS) at award; see SECTION J, ATTACHMENT J.6 – STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO) that informs the development of Section C.]

[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 STRATEGY

Per ADS 320.3.2.1, the Branding Strategy for this Contract is as follows:

Program Name: The program will be known as the “USAID Growing Agriculture and Incomes in Syria (GROW)” activity. The USAID Identity and the program logo must be used on all program reports, memoranda, printed materials and other program-related documents.

USAID Logo: The USAID logo must be posted at every static support position. The USAID logo must be used on all reports and printed materials produced under the “USAID Growing Agriculture and Incomes in Syria (GROW).”

Contractor employee business cards will be marked so that any person reading the card can know this is a contractor employee. Contractor employee emails and correspondence will be marked so that any person reading the document can know this is a contractor employee.

Desired level of visibility: Where permissible, USAID GROW will use “exclusive branding” and the USAID tagline “from the American people” (the use of the Arabic tagline where the local language predominates, is encouraged). In the event of a waiver of use of the USAID logo, the implementing partner logo should also not be used.

Other organizations to be acknowledged: No other organizations are required to be acknowledged. To build goodwill, co-branding with local organizations is subject to approval. The presence of any logo or symbol belonging to the Contractor must conform to the policy in ADS 320 and is subject to negotiation.

Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan: The Contractor is required to submit a Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan within 15 calendar days of award.

D.3. BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

This Activity will be branded and marked in accordance with ADS 320 requirements for USAID direct contracting. Agency policy requires that implementing partners provide a “Branding Implementing Strategy,” indicating how they propose to name and promote the USAID-funded programs, and a “Marking Plan,” detailing Activity materials that will showcase the USAID identity.

a) A well-defined Branding Implementing Strategy describes how the Activity is named and positioned;

how it is promoted and communicated to beneficiaries, and Syrian citizens; and how USAID will be identified and acknowledged.

b) A well-defined Marking Plan details the public communications, commodities, and Activity materials and other items that will visibly bear the USAID identity.

The Contractor must comply with the requirements of USAID “Graphic Standards Manual” available at:

www.usaid.gov/branding with the policies found at Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 320, or any successor branding policy.

D.4. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 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]

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 52.252-2, “Clauses Incorporated by Reference” in Section I of this contract. See https://www.acquisition.gov/ for electronic access to the full text of a 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/RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

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. Unless otherwise stated, the designated Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

E.3. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS)

EVALUATION

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 provision of deliverables in Section F, and the Contractor's compliance with all other terms and conditions of the contract. Each evaluation will be conducted jointly by the COR and the CO, and must form the basis of the Contractor's permanent performance record with regard to this contract as required in FAR Part 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.

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

1) Technical (quality of product or service).

2) Cost Control.

3) Schedule/Timeliness.

4) Management or Business Relations.

5) Small business Subcontracting (as applicable).

6) Regulatory Compliance.

https://www.acquisition.gov/

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).

The QASP and Award Fee Determination that are incorporated as part of the contract will be, in part, used to inform the assessment.

E.4. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

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 in 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 GROW against the stated objectives and goals, to identify which elements of GROW had the most significant impact and which did not, and which aspects of GROW 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 GROW 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.

E.5 MULTI-TIERED MONITORING STRATEGY

USAID employs a Multi-Tiered Monitoring Strategy in Syria, which gathers data from multiple monitoring actors to help USAID triangulate results and make informed decisions. In accordance with ADS 201 - ADS 201.3.4.10 (B), USAID must perform site visits to provide oversight over agreements, inspect implementation progress and deliverables, verify monitoring data, and learn from implementation.

In non-permissive environments, Missions may use remote methods to conduct site visits, which may include third party monitoring. For Syria, USAID has contracted with a third-party monitoring firm to provide additional oversight of project implementation to ensure the project is achieving the results and objectives as intended. The Third-Party Monitor is contracted to conduct performance monitoring, which is defined as the ongoing and systematic collection of performance indicator data and other quantitative or qualitative information to reveal whether implementation is on track and whether expected results are being achieved. Performance monitoring includes monitoring the quantity, quality, and timeliness of activity outputs within the control of USAID or its implementers and includes visiting the sites where activity implementation is taking place. In an environment characterized by uncertainty, instability, inaccessibility and/or insecurity, and in which USAID’s ability to safely and effectively operate and/or carry out required processes are constrained, that environment is identified as “non-permissive.” In these situations, standard performance monitoring duties, such as visiting implementation sites, may be impossible. However, environments with restricted access may require increased monitoring efforts due to complex contextual factors, such as ongoing conflict and potentially the presence of sanctioned groups. These factors may limit both USAID's and implementing partners' ability to conduct community outreach or regular monitoring site visits, and it is important for USAID to implement http://www.usaid.gov/evaluation/policy creative solutions to address these challenges. Third-Party Monitoring is the systematic and intentional collection of performance monitoring and/or contextual data by a partner that is not USAID or an implementing partner directly involved in the work. In non-permissive environments, Missions rely on third-party monitoring systems to help supplement monitoring data and/or verify implementing partner reports. For this activity, the Contractor shall collaborate, coordinate and share monitoring, evaluation, research, analysis, and reporting data and products with the Third-Party Monitoring Contractor for verification, feedback, reporting and CLA purposes.

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.252-2, “Clauses Incorporated by Reference” in Section I of this contract. See https://www.acquisition.gov/ for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 Stop-Work Order APR 1989 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order – Alternate I APR 1984

F.2. PERFORMANCE PERIOD

a) The effective date of this award is [TBD].

b) The period of performance of the award is [TBD] to [TBD], consisting of one (1) three-year base period, one (1) two-year option period, and one (1) increased quantity option. Should USAID choose to exercise the options, they will be exercised in accordance with FAR Part 17.2.

F.3. EXERCISE OF OPTIONS – SECTION 889

[Note to Offerors: The language below will be added to the award if it is based on the Modified Foreign Assistance waiver. If the apparently successful offeror does not require a waiver, this additional language will be deleted from the award document.]

The exercise of the option is conditional on:

(a) The Contractor’s submission of the representation at FAR 52.204-24 or 52.204-26 no later than

March 31, 2028, indicating that the Contractor does not use covered equipment and services; or

(b) If a renewed or alternative waiver is in place, in which case the period of the option could extend for the period of time authorized in the new waiver. (See H.45, FAR Part 4.21 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Covered Telecommunications And Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Section

889) (DEC 2021)).

F.4. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

https://www.acquisition.gov/

The place of performance under this contract is non-regime-controlled areas of Syria.

F.5. REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

In addition to other required reports and deliverables in this contract, the Contractor must deliver the following for the approval to the COR, with a copy to the Contracting Officer. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor must allow at least 14 calendar days for review and comments from the COR on any draft report submission.

All reports and plans are subject to written approval by the COR, unless otherwise specified below.

The following table summarizes the deliverables and reports under this award. These reports must be submitted in English, unless otherwise stated herein. Other reports/deliverables may be required during the course of the award. These reports/deliverables will be within the scope of the contract, and the due dates for these will be agreed to between the Contractor and the COR as needed. All “days” referred to in the table below and in this section are calendar days.

Deliverable Description Due Date Approval/Concurrence

Branding and Marking Plan

Per Section D 15 days after award date Contracting Officer

Technical/Performance Deliverables Completion Reports

See below under F.5(a) Upon completion of each deliverable included in section F.5(a)

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Security Plan See below under F.5(b) 30 days after effective date of contract

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan

See below under F.5(c)1. See schedule below under F.5(b)1.

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Geographic Information Systems

See below under F.5(c)2. See schedule below under F.5(b)3.

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Indicator Results Data Reporting

See below under F.5(c)3. See schedule under (a)4.

below

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Annual Work Plans See below under F.5(c)4. See schedule under (a)5.

below

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Quarterly Activity Performance Reports

See below under F.5(c)5. See schedule under (a)6.

below

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Annual Activity Performance Reports

See below under F.5(c)6. October 30 of each year Contracting Officer’s Representative

Quarterly Financial Reports and Accruals

See below under F.5(c)7. Quarterly Contracting Officer’s Representative

Baseline Report See below under F.5(c)8. 180 days after the effective date of the contract

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Grants under Contract Manual

See below under F.5(c)9. See schedule under (a)10.

below

Contracting Officer

Demobilization Plan See below under F.5(c)10.

90 days before end of contract

Contracting Officer

Ad hoc reports See below under F.5(c)11.

As discussed with the Contracting Officer’s Representative

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Final Report See below under F.5(c)12.

60 days after completion of contract

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Data and Technical Materials

See below under F.5(c)13.

See schedule under F.5(b)13.

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

See below under F.5(c)14.

See schedule under F.5(b)14.

Contracting Officer

Subcontracting Plan Per FAR 19.704 30 days after the effective date of the contract

Contracting Officer

(a) Technical/Performance Deliverables (Outputs)

The Contractor must provide the following technical/performance deliverables:

[To be inserted prior to award. The Offeror to propose the draft Results Framework with indicator table in Annex D, based on their proposed PWS as part of the Technical Proposal. The Offeror must submit a report in support of completion of the Results Framework and indicator table that will be inserted prior to award. These reports must include:

● A description of the interventions that were undertaken to achieve the subject result and/or indicator.

● Relevant consultant reports, assessments, or surveys undertaken for the fulfillment of the subject report.

● All supporting documentation and communication that provide evidence of acceptance of the result and/or indicator by the relevant stakeholder or beneficiary.]

(b) Security Plan

The security plan will be due within 30 days of the effective date of the award. The Security Plan must be based on a credible threat analysis and risk assessment. The plan must provide a coherent, integrated security plan which demonstrates that the Contractor has undertaken a thoughtful review of their security needs and includes analysis of the various elements of a security system showing how threats will be mitigated. The plan must contain the processes and what the Contractor or the proposed subcontractor envision will be necessary to secure the contractors in the performance of this requirement. The Security Plan must include a point of contact to answer questions or provide clarifications regarding security. The Contractor is encouraged to acquire professional advice from an expert of its choosing to assist in establishing an overall security plan/system.

(c) Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

1. MEL Plan

The MEL Plan will describe how the Contractor and USAID will monitor progress, evaluate performance and/or impact, and how the Contractor intends to learn from the implementation and use the lessons learned to adapt its programing. The MEL Plan covers the full period of this Contract and will contain a section on “Monitoring,” a section on “Evaluation” and a section on “Learning.” The Contractor will describe how data collected under this document will be used for decision-making on improving performance and resource allocation.

The Monitoring section will specify indicators, targets, and monitoring methodologies in a Results Framework with an indicator table that allow the Contractor and USAID/Syria to track the progress of activity interventions towards achieving the expected results and targets related to activity objectives.

The Evaluation section will describe how activities will be assessed at the performance and/or impact level and include a schedule and tools for periodic evaluation/re-evaluation and revision of the approach if and as necessary.

The Learning section will describe how knowledge and learning will be gained from implementation, evaluation findings, and monitoring data, to adjust interventions and approaches, as needed.

The MEL Plan must also address plans for monitoring context and emerging risks that could affect the achievement of the activity’s results and include learning activities, including plans for capturing knowledge at the close-out of activities. The MEL Plan should be reviewed and validated regularly, at a minimum quarterly, and timely revised, if appropriate.

The MEL Plan must include relevant performance indicators of the activity’s outputs and outcomes, their baselines values (See Section F. Baseline Report), in addition to Yearly and Life of Project (LOP) targets, disaggregated appropriately, to measure success in achieving the objectives as described in the SOO. It must include both USAID Standard Foreign Assistance indicators (see https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/201_1.pdf) as well as customized outcome indicators developed specifically to measure the quality and impact of activities undertaken by GROW (See the Statement of Objectives). The Contractor must develop Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRs) and all indicators must include definitions, data sources, frequency of data collection and reporting, the responsibility among its implementation team for data collection, compilation, analysis, and data quality assessments. The Contractor must provide a target rationale that supports the set targets for each indicator. Proposed indicators must meet USAID data quality standards for validity, integrity, precision, reliability, and timeliness as described in ADS 201.3.5.8 (https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-200/201). All targets will be subject to revision and expansion based on the approved annual work plan, as well as quarterly progress reports (See Quarterly Reports above) and reviews conducted by USAID. In line with USAID gender guidelines the Contractor must include in the MEL plan standard gender indicators and custom gender indicators, as appropriate, and must collect and report sex disaggregated data and other qualitative https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/201_1.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-200/201 data on gender where possible.

The COR will have authority to determine the appropriate format of the MEL Plan and the Contractor must coordinate with the COR prior to drafting the MEL Plan.

The MEL Plan must be completed on the following schedule:

• The Contractor must submit the initial draft of the MEL Plan to the COR by no later than 60 days after the effective date of the Contract;

• USAID will provide comments on the MEL Plan no later than 75 days after the effective date of the Contract; and

• The Contractor must submit the final MEL Plan to the COR for USAID approval by no later than

90 days after the effective date of the Contract.

• For subsequent years, the annual updates to the MEL Plan must be completed on the following schedule:

⮚ The Contractor must submit the updated MEL Plan to the COR no later than August 16 of the corresponding year;

⮚ USAID will provide comments on the updated MEL Plan no later than September 1 of the corresponding year; and

⮚ The Contractor must submit the final updated MEL Plan to the COR for USAID approval by no later than September 15 of the corresponding year.

If revisions to the MEL plan are necessary or desirable, the Contractor must report any suggested significant MEL plan changes or revisions to the USAID COR and must obtain the USAID COR’s approval prior to implementing or undertaking such changes or revisions. MEL plans should not be submitted to USAID’s DEC.

2. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

The Contractor must include geographic data collection, analysis, and submission methods in the MEL and Work Plans as a separate section. The COR will work with the Contractor on an annual basis during preparation of the MEL Plan to determine what type of GIS data may be required by USAID to support activity management and performance monitoring. If the Contractor creates or acquires GIS datasets using USAID funds, it must submit them to the COR. There are three types of geographic data that USAID/Syria may require in a standardized manner:

A. Activity and Intervention Location Data: The Contractor may be asked to submit Activity and Intervention Location Data. Activity and Intervention Location Data refers to data that records a discrete point location for activity and intervention sites. Activity and Intervention Location Data is essential in establishing an effective method for managing, analyzing, and communicating project and activity information.

B. Thematic Data: This refers to data such as demographic and health indicators, land use land cover, hydrology, and transportation infrastructure. Thematic Data may help in supporting activity implementation, performance management, and can be useful to support USAID’s development planning.

C. Activity Specific Geographic Data: This refers to data such as the analytical output of a geographic analysis that is conducted while implementing an Activity and is useful to support activity implementation, performance management and USAID’s development planning.

To the extent possible, USAID expects Activity and Intervention Location Data from every implementing partner; however, Thematic Data and Activity Specific Geographic Data are only expected when actually created or acquired by the implementing partner. The Contractor must submit all geographic data collected to the COR.

3. Indicator Results Data Reporting

In addition to the Quarterly and Annual performance reports, the Contractor must report indicator results data to USAID in accordance with the assigned indicators’ reporting frequencies (quarterly, semi-annual and annual) as established in the MEL Plan.

The reporting of indicator results data allows USAID to aggregate data, assess the overall performance of activities, and generate reports for its internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to USAID Washington, Congress, and relevant government authorities.

The Contractor must comply with USAID’s Open Data Policy as outlined in ADS 579. The Contractor will be required to report into the Development Information Solution (DIS) system.

The indicator results data must be reported in accordance with the following schedule;

Quarterly reported indicators:

● Quarter 1, Quarter 2 and Quarter 3: 30 days after the end of the quarter

● Quarter 4, 30 days after the end of the quarter (October 30)

4. Annual Work Plan

The Contractor must develop annual work plans to be approved in content and format by the COR.

The Contractor must develop work plans in consultation and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

The work plans must describe in narrative form the activity rationale (meaning the development hypothesis) and expected outputs for all proposed interventions during the period of implementation.

The work plan must also include a discussion of how the Contractor will address cross-cutting areas such as gender and social inclusion and sustainability. The work plan must include:

● the activities/interventions planned to be conducted;

● the site (s), target areas and provinces where they will be conducted;

● benchmarks/milestones/baselines and annual performance targets;

● the outputs/outcomes which the Contractor expects to achieve; and

● the inputs planned to be provided by the Recipient, during the work plan period.

The work plans must be completed based on the following schedule. For the first year, the Contractor must begin working on the first annual work plan within 30 days. This plan must be completed on the following schedule:

● The Contractor must submit the draft work plan to the COR by no later than 60 days after the effective date of the Contract;

● USAID will provide comments on the draft work plan no later than 75 days after the effective date of the Contract; and

● The Contractor must submit the final work plan to the COR for USAID approval by no later than 90 days after the effective date of the Contract.

For the subsequent years, the work plans must be completed on the following schedule:

● The Contractor must submit the draft work plan to the COR no later than August 16 of the corresponding year;

● USAID will provide comments on the draft work plan no later than September 1 of the corresponding year; and

● The Contractor must submit the final work plan to the COR for USAID approval by no later than

September 15 of the corresponding year.

The Contractor must submit a plan for coordination and integration with other partners as a section of the annual work plan. In this plan, the Contractor must include a description of the approach that it will use to ensure coordination, collaboration and information sharing with other USAID activities, U.S. Government Agencies, other international donors, relevant government stakeholders, including district governments, and private sector stakeholders and civil society organizations, including any costs associated with such coordination.

The Annual Work Plan will also apply geospatial methods using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to support USAID’s effort to incorporate geographic data and analysis into USAID’s overall development planning, design, and monitoring & evaluation. The Contractor is not expected to purchase or utilize GIS software unless it is relevant for implementation of their activities. The Contractor can utilize any of the GIS tools publicly available. When geographic data is acquired through data use or ownership agreements with the host-country government or other entity, the Contractor must ensure that the contract makes it permissible for the geographic data to be submitted to, and used by, USAID and other U.S. Embassy agencies.

If revisions/changes to the annual work plan are necessary or desirable, the Contractor must report any suggested significant work plan changes or revisions to the USAID COR, and must obtain the USAID COR’s approval prior to implementing or undertaking such changes or revisions. Work plans must not be submitted to USAID’s DEC.

5. Quarterly Activity Performance Reports

The Contractor must submit a Quarterly Activity Performance Report on progress towards agreed performance targets every quarter. Each report must be submitted 30 calendar days after the end of each quarter, except for the fourth quarter of activity performance (this will be included in the Annual Activity Performance Report). The quarterly reporting cycle will align with USAID’s fiscal year as follows:

Quarter 1: October – December, Quarter 2: January – March, Quarter 3: April – June, Quarter 4: July – September.

The Quarterly Activity Performance Report should provide a brief and precise description of the intervention, progress on activity implementation during the reporting period, constraints encountered and suggestions for additional actions to be taken. The expected scope and format of the quarterly report will be established by the COR in consultation with the Contractor. The Quarterly Activity Performance Report must be submitted electronically to the COR. Upon approval by the COR, the report must be uploaded to the DEC.

6. Annual Activity Performance Reports

The Contractor must submit an Annual Activity Performance Report, describing cumulatively the performance of the activity in the reporting fiscal year, by October 30th of each year. The expected scope and format shall be established by the COR in consultation with the Contractor. At a minimum, the report will address:

● Progress on activity implementation during that reporting period, outlining achievements for each result area presented in the approved annual work plan;

● Progress made in the areas of monitoring, evaluation, and cross-cutting themes, such as gender integration, sustainability and local capacity building, and partnership engagement;

● An overview of major challenges and lessons learned during the reporting period;

● An overview of the collaborating, learning, and adapting strategy with an overview of information sharing with other partners during the reporting period and…