72027819R00006_BRICC_RFP.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Issuance Date: July 24, 2019 Closing Date/Time: August 28, 2019, 4:30 PM U.S. Eastern time Closing Date/Time for Receipt of Questions: July 31, 2019, 4:30 PM U.S.

Eastern time

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 72027819R00006

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals to implement the Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Activity, for the Southern Syria Assistance Platform (SSAP) as described in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP). USAID anticipates the award of up to seven (7) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contracts (IDIQs). USAID anticipates up to three (3) of the contracts for award to U.S.-based small business concerns. The incumbent of the previous contract is Blumont.

Task orders will be placed in accordance with Section F Ordering procedures.

USAID anticipates that the maximum aggregate ordering limitation for contracts resulting from this RFP will be $150,000,000 over the five (5)-year ordering period. The maximum aggregate dollar value of task orders awarded to all contractors cannot exceed this contract ceiling. This ceiling is not being subdivided among the number of awardees nor is it being multiplied by the number of awardees. There is no guarantee on the number of task orders that the successful contractors will receive or the amount of money beyond the minimum order guarantee set forth in the RFP.

Prospective offerors must submit questions about this solicitation electronically to FrankfurtBRICC@usaid.gov by the time and date indicated above. No questions will be accepted after this date and time. Each e-mail must contain a subject line, which clearly indicates the name of the offeror and the solicitation number.

Upon award of the BRICC IDIQ contracts, USAID anticipates issuing one initial Request for Task Order Proposal (RFTOP). The period of performance of this task order is expected to be for five years with a total estimated cost (TEC) between $40,000,000 - $50,000,000.

NOTE: Only electronic proposals sent to FrankfurtBRICC@usaid.gov in response to this RFP by the date and time specified above will be accepted. Failure to comply with the submission date will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated.

mailto:FrankfurtBRICC@usaid.gov mailto:FrankfurtBRICC@usaid.gov

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Section L of the RFP sets forth all instructions for the preparation and submission of required proposal contents, including critical dates/times for the submission of questions, and the proposal submission closing date and time. Section M states the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated. It is the responsibility of the recipient of this solicitation to ensure that the solicitation has been received from the Internet in its entirety. If your organization decides to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation, it must be submitted by the time and date specified above in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall be valid for no less than 240 days.

This RFP in no way obligates USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Award of a Contract under this RFP is subject to availability of funds and other internal USAID approvals.

This RFP can be viewed and downloaded from www.fedbizopps.gov. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. Further, be aware that amendments to solicitations are occasionally issued and will be posted on the same website from which you downloaded the solicitation. USAID advises to regularly check the above website for amendments.

Sincerely, /s/

Tracy J. Miller Supervisory Contracting Officer

USAID/MERP

http://www.fedbizopps.gov/

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide services that fall within the Statement of Work (SOW) specified in Section C for the Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) activity. USAID Task Order Contracting Officers (TOCOs) will request the work through the issuance of task orders during the ordering period as specified in Section F of the contract.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. The Government will issue task orders that are either Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) (term or completion), Cost-Plus- Award-Fee (CPAF), Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF), Firm Fixed-Priced (FFP) or any combination thereof resulting from this solicitation. The Contractor must perform the services set forth in task orders at prices consistent with Section B of this contract.

B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

The basic contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $50,000 to cover the minimum order guarantee USAID is required to order and the Contractor is required to furnish the minimum order amount of services.

Following this initial obligation, individual task orders will obligate funds to cover the work required under that task order.

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

This is a multiple award Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ) with an overall ceiling price of $150,000,000. The maximum aggregate dollar value of task orders awarded to all contractors must not exceed the contract ceiling. This ceiling is not being subdivided among the number of awardees nor is it being multiplied by the number of awardees.

B.5 FIXED FEE CEILING (Cost-Plus- Fixed-Fee Task Orders Only)

(a) For each cost-reimbursement task order issued under this IDIQ, the TOCO and Contractor agree to negotiate a set dollar amount for fixed fee. In negotiating the fixed dollar amount for fee, the TOCO must consider the policies and factors for establishing fee in FAR 15.404-4 as well as any applicable USAID policy on establishing a fixed fee amount. In no event, however, may the amount of fixed fee in any individual task order exceed [negotiated approved ceiling percentage] of the task order’s estimated cost, excluding fee).

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

This fee ceiling is not applicable to Grants under Contracts (GUCs), if any, or other costs that have a separate fee ceiling established in the contract. The fixed fee ceiling applies to the prime contract and all cost reimbursement subcontracts.

Fees for CPIF or CPAF task order types will be negotiated by the TOCO at the time of task order award.

(b) The Total Estimated Cost -Plus- Fixed- Fee for each Task Order must be negotiated in accordance with the terms of this contract.

(c) Fixed Fee Payment. For any Task Order issued under this Contract, at the time of each payment of allowable costs to the contractor, the USAID paying office ordinarily pays the contractor a percentage of fixed fees that directly corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. Two exceptions to paying fixed fee in this manner apply:

(1) If the TOCO determines that this method results in paying a disproportionately higher ratio of fixed fee than the percentage of work that the contractor has completed, then the TOCO may suspend further payment of any fixed fee until the contractor has made sufficient progress to justify further payment, up to the agreed percentage.

(2) Because the clauses entitled "Allowable Cost and Payment" (FAR 52.216-7) and "Fixed Fee" (FAR 52.216-8) are incorporated into this Contract, the terms and conditions of these clauses apply after total payments of fixed fee reach eighty-five percent (85%) of the total fixed fee.

(d) Separate Fixed Fee Ceiling Applicable To Grants Under Contracts (GUCs)

If a Letter of Credit has been issued to the Contractor for GUC expenditures only, in no event may the amount of fixed fee (if any) applicable to GUCs in any individual task order exceed _____ percent (Offeror proposes ceiling percentage) of the task order GUC cost.

B.6 LABOR

B.6.1 Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates

a) This Section does not apply to FFP task orders, FFP subcontracts, or FFP contract line items.

(b) Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (“CDR”) apply to all labor (i.e., the prime contractor, subcontractor, Third Country Nationals (“TCNs”), Cooperating Country Nationals (“CCNs”), and consultant salaries) on cost-type task orders. CDRs assume a productive, eight hour work day.

(c) Additional requirements and approvals under the IDIQ Contract may apply to labor costs, including, but not limited to the following:

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

(i) Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (“AIDAR”) § 752.7007, Personnel Compensation (July 2007), as provided in Section I.26;

(ii) Approval of subcontractors as required under FAR Part 42;

(iii) Approval of any final salary rates that exceed the Contractor Salary Threshold

(“CST”);

(iv) AIDAR § 722.170, Employment of third country nationals and cooperating country nationals, Rules requiring that CCN and TCN labor comply with a USAID Mission’s Local Compensation Plan (“LCP”), as provided in Section I.13.

(d) The Contractor will negotiate approved labor rates at equal to or lower than the CDRs. The TOCO will provide the final approval of any labor rate. USAID will not pay any daily rate that exceeds the CDR set forth in Table 1 without prior TOCO approval.

(e) The CDR for personnel listed in Table 1 is “unburdened” and must only include salary costs or consulting rates of the individual providing the services. The CDR must not include the following:

(i) Payroll costs (e.g., fringe benefits, Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”), allowances, differentials);

(ii) Indirect costs applicable to labor; and,

(iii) Profit or fee, if any.

(f) The CDRs set forth in Table 1 apply to Year 1 of the IDIQ’s period of performance. An escalation rate of [Offeror proposes escalation rate]% per year applies to those CDRs.

(g) The CDRs apply to all consented subcontractors under this IDIQ Contract and new subcontractors proposed for specific cost-type task orders.

“The unburdened CDR for each labor category in Table 1 represents the rate for the senior-level, mid-level and junior-level for each labor category.

(h) Actual salaries for all personnel will be negotiated under task orders and final approval is provided by the TOCO. The ceiling rates presented below do not constitute approval of final salary rates above the Contractor Salary Threshold (CST) (see ADS 302).

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Table 1. Labor Categories

Labor Categories Unburdened CDR

(Senior- Level) Unburdened CDR

(Mid- Level) Unburdened CDR

(Junior- Level)

Director $ $ $

Advisor/Expert $ $ $

Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader

Officer $ $ $

Assistant $ $ $

Table 2. Examples of Labor Categories

Labor Categories Illustrative Examples

Director Chief of Party (COP) Deputy COP Director of Engineering Director of Livelihoods Director of Governance Director of Education Director of Health Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Analysis, and Reporting Director of Finance Director of Operations

Advisor/Expert Resilience/Stabilization Advisor Coordination Advisor Engineering Advisor Architect Local Governance Advisor Community Development Advisor Conflict Resolution, Community Cohesion, Peacebuilding Advisor

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Agricultural Advisor Economist Livelihoods/Economic Governance Advisor Gender Advisor Microfinance/Financial Services Advisor Education Advisor Education Governance Advisor Vocational Training Advisor Public Health Advisor Primary Health Advisor Mental Health Advisor Psychosocial Health Advisor Health Governance Advisor Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Analysis, and Reporting Advisor Operations Advisor

Manager/Supervisor/ Team Leader

Engineer Team:

Civil Engineering Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Industrial Engineering Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Agricultural Engineering Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Construction Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader

Governance Team:

Community Resilience/Stabilization Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Governance Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Livelihoods/Economic Governance Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Education Governance Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Health Governance Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader

Livelihoods Team:

Agriculture Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Professional Development Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Microfinance/Financial Services Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Education Team:

Formal Education Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Vocational Training Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader

Health Team

Health Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Mental Health Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Psychosocial Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Analysis, and Reporting Team

Monitoring Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Evaluation Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Learning Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Analysis Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Reporting Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader

Operations Team

Accounting Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Payroll Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Grants Under Contract Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Procurement Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Logistics/Transport/Warehouse Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader Personnel Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader IT Manager/Supervisor/Team Leader

Officer Engineer Team:

Civil Engineer Industrial Engineer Agricultural Engineer Construction Officer Drafter

Governance Team:

Community Resilience/Stabilization Officer Governance Officer Livelihoods/Economic Governance Officer Education Governance Officer Health Governance Officer

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Livelihoods Team:

Agriculture Officer Professional Development Officer Microfinance/Financial Services Officer

Education Team:

Formal Education Officer Vocational Training Officer

Health Team

Health Officer Mental Health Officer Psychosocial Officer

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Analysis, and Reporting Team

Monitoring Officer Evaluation Officer Learning Officer Analysis Officer Reporting Officer GIS Officer

Operations Team

Accounting Officer Payroll Officer Grants Under Contract Officer Procurement Officer Logistics/Transport/Warehouse Officer Personnel Officer IT Officer Translator

Assistant Engineering Assistant Governance Assistant Livelihoods Assistant Education Assistant:

Health Assistant Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Analysis, and Reporting Assistant Finance Assistant Grants Under Contract Assistant Procurement Assistant

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Logistics/Transport/Warehouse Assistant Personnel Assistant IT Assistant Driver

(i) Locally-Hired National Personnel or Other Non-U.S. Expatriate Rates. All locally hired national personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates must be paid in accordance with AIDAR 722.170. Salaries for individual locally-hired personnel and other non-U.S.

expatriates under this contract and any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation (July 2007), and should be based upon a combination of factors including the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and consideration of the individual's education, work experience and recent relevant salary history. Unless otherwise authorized by USAID, the compensation for CCN and TCN labor must not exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country. Unless otherwise authorized, the currency in which compensation is paid to contractors shall be in accordance with the prevailing local compensation practice of the post.

B.6.2 Minimum Qualifications for Labor Categories

The minimum qualifications for the junior-level, mid-level and senior-level personnel that would correspond to the Unburdened CDRs set forth in Table 1 are detailed below in Table 3.

Table 3: Minimum Qualifications for Labor Categories:

Labor Categories

Senior Mid Junior

Relevant Work Experience Only (years)

Relevant Work Experience Only (years)

Relevant Work Experience Only (years)

Director 15 5 2

Advisor/ Expert

10 5 2

Manager/ Supervisor

/Team Leader

10 5 2

Officer 5 3 2

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Labor Categories

Senior Mid Junior

Assistant 5 3 0

B.6.3 Subcontractor Labor Rates

The following provides guidance for various subcontracting arrangements:

(i) If the Prime subcontracts with an approved subcontractor from the original IDIQ competition The unburdened CDR’s for the prime contract apply to the subcontractor.

(ii) If the Prime contracts with a new subcontractor not yet approved The unburdened CDR’s for the prime contract apply to the new subcontractor.

(iii) Prime subcontracts with a new subcontractor not yet approved and may or may not have a different cost accounting system that only processes fully burdened rates. Further, subcontractor proposes rates that are “above” the prime IDIQ rates.

The Prime may then include in its TO proposal, (i) the fully burdened rate proposed to the Prime by the Subcontractor,(ii) allocation of the Prime’s indirect costs in accordance with established accounting practices, and (iii) a reasonable profit. If the rates proposed to USAID, inclusive of the Prime’s allocable indirect costs and a reasonable profit are above the Prime’s unburdened CDRs , the Prime must disclose the amount of the indirect costs, and the amount of the proposed profit that were added to the Subcontractor’s proposed rates. A reasonable profit will be negotiated by the TOCO for the specific TO. The CDRs of the subcontractor must not exceed the prime’s CDRs in the IDIQ contract.

B.6.4 Unburdened CDR Rate Changes

The labor rates are fixed for all contract years; however, the Contractor may submit a proposal reducing the labor rates and/or indirect rates at any time during the life of this contract. The Government will review these proposals and determine if the revised rates are realistic and in the best interests of the Government. If the rates are accepted, the Government will modify the contract by incorporating the new rates into the contract.

B.6.5 Billing Central Management Costs

Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ Contractor or under task orders. Contractors must propose a centralized management structure that allows for recovery of IDIQ management costs as part of its indirect costs.

B.7 INDIRECT COSTS AND ADVANCED UNDERSTANDING ON CEILINGS

(a) This Section only applies to prime contractors performing cost-type task orders.

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

(b) Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, USAID will reimburse allowable indirect costs on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases pursuant to the contractor’s current executed Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (“NICRA”):

Table 4

[To Be Determined at Award]

Description Fringe Rate

Overhe ad Rate

Overhea d Ceiling Rate

G&A Rate

G&A Ceiling Rate

Prime Contractor:

Base of Application:

Source: [•])

Period: [•]

Note: The unshaded columns in Table 3 are the current approved indirect cost rates for the prime contractor.

(c) The Contractor must not change its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without the prior written approval of the IDIQ Contracting Officer.

(d) USAID will reimburse the Contractor for indirect costs at the final negotiated rates, but not in excess of the ceiling rates specified in Table 3. The Government must not be obligated to pay any additional amount associated with indirect costs above the ceiling rates established in the contract. This advance understanding must not change any monetary ceiling, cost limitation, or obligation established in the contract.

(e) For FFP task orders, the overhead ceiling rates serve only as the basis of negotiation only.

(f) The Contractor can recoup indirect costs (e.g., overhead, G&A, etc.) as other direct costs if it is part of the Contractor’s usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31 and the Contractor’s NICRA.

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

B.8 REIMBURSABLE COSTS

For cost-reimbursement task orders, USAID will only reimburse the Contractor for allowable costs in accordance with FAR § 52.216-7, “Allowable Cost and Payment,” FAR § 52.216-8, “Fixed Fee,” FAR § 52.232-20, “Incentive fee,” FAR § 52.216-10, “Limitation of Cost,” and FAR § 52-232-22, “Limitation of Funds,” if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, “Documentation for Payment.”

END OF SECTION B

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 OVERVIEW

The Resilience Objective (RO) of the Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) activity is to foster resilience and stability in conflict-affected communities across Syria to prevent the re-emergence of extremist groups such as Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS); counter the influence of malign actors such as Iran; empower communities to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict; and pave the way for safe, dignified, and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.1 BRICC Task Order (TO) Contractors (e.g., BRICC Contractor(s)) are expected to achieve this RO by working with stakeholders to achieve five intermediate results (IR):

(1) essential services restored and accessible;

(2) inclusive, participatory, accountable, and transparent governance strengthened;

(3) livelihoods restored and economies revived;

(4) access to education and vocational training expanded; and

(5) access to healthcare, mental health, and psycho-social support services expanded. To achieve this RO, BRICC TO Contractors are expected to apply an integrated, multi-sectoral, conflict-sensitive approach across all IRs. TO Contractors are expected to coordinate and collaborate closely with other USAID and U.S. Government (USG) activities and like-minded donors.

C.2 BACKGROUND AND OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

Syria is in the midst of a nearly decade long conflict that has led to more than 500,000 killed, 5.5 million refugees, and the internal displacement of another 5.9 million people.2 In addition to trauma, violence, and displacement, Syrians face a myriad of socioeconomic impacts of war, including: failing public services; damaged and destroyed infrastructure; weakened governance institutions; severe economic decline; and substantial gaps in education and workforce development. These challenges are most acutely experienced by women, IDPs, returnees, youth, religious and ethnic minorities, and other disadvantaged groups, many of whom lack adequate representation. Furthermore, the conflict has resulted in dramatic demographic shifts between men and women, which is changing the socio-political-economic roles for these populations.

These challenges require interventions that are creatively designed across sectors to strengthen community resilience and stability.

Implementation of activities in this environment requires a high degree of coordination and communication among implementing partners, the USG, Defeat ISIS Coalition partners, other donors, and Syrian stakeholders. The dynamic environment involving active conflict, shifting lines of control, and multiple actors has a direct impact on access to specific geographic locations, Syrian organizations, and individuals. There are also significant logistical

1 USAID defines resilience as “the ability of people, households, communities, countries and systems to mitigate, adapt to, and recover from shocks and stresses in a manner that reduces chronic vulnerability and facilitates inclusive growth.”

2 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006 requirements that demand close coordination with USAID and Syrian partners. These challenges pose risks to the design and implementation of individual activities within communities, the timely delivery of material and technical assistance, and the verification and monitoring of activities within Syria. Mitigation of these risks requires an approach that leverages extensive and detailed analysis of the environment and all groups on the ground, strong relationships with relevant Syrian organizations and individuals, and the diplomatic resources of USAID and other USG and international actors.

C.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

C.3.1 Technical Approach To achieve the RO and IRs detailed above, BRICC IDIQ Contractor is expected to apply an integrated, coordinated, multi-sectoral, conflict-sensitive, gender-sensitive, inclusive, and systemic technical approach. It is imperative that the technical approach not only accomplish the tasks detailed below, but that those tasks----in the aggregate----achieve the IRs and contribute substantially to the overall RO and stability of Syria.

C.3.2 Rapid Response Capacity:

C.3.2.1 Task Order-Level Rapid Response Capacity Individual BRICC TO Contractor shall develop and implement a Rapid Response Capacity to quickly adapt and respond to the dynamic context in Syria by being able to quickly identify and deploy short-term technical and operational staff to support Task Order implementation.

C.3.3 Intermediate Results BRICC IDIQ Contractor is expected to provide services to achieve the following Intermediate Results:

C.3.3.1 - Intermediate Result (IR) 1: Essential Services Restored and Accessible Context: Equitable, inclusive, and effective provision of essential services is critical to helping communities rebuild and to restore primary aspects of pre-conflict daily life. Essential services include, but are not limited to water, energy (especially renewable energy), public waste management, restoration of public buildings (e.g., schools and hospitals), agriculture (e.g., irrigation rehabilitation and access to markets), telecommunications (especially mobile), and civil administration (e.g., provision of civil records).

Such services play a foundational role as needed inputs for businesses, governance structures, households, healthcare, education, and other services.

Under the IDIQ Task Orders, Contractor(s) may be engaged to:

● Assess the state of essential services, as well as the political-economic-security dynamics of access and control of essential services, and propose specific essential service projects that will support the overall RO and stability of Syria;

● Rehabilitate essential service systems that support the overall RO and stability of Syria;

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

● Increase the governance capacity of Syrian partners to deliver, administer, and equitably manage public resources across demographic lines (e.g. gender, ethnicity, youth, religion, tribal, ability ); and

● Coordinate essential services projects with other implementers and stakeholders.

C.3.3.2 - IR 2: Inclusive, Participatory, Accountable, and Transparent Governance Strengthened

Context: Strengthening good governance is the cornerstone for long-term stability, transition, and resilience in Syria. Nascent governance institutions, such as local councils, remain open to technical assistance to strengthen governance processes and better serve communities. At the same time, tensions in communities remain high as resources are limited, essential services lag, power dynamics remain upended, and security threats prevail. Governance stakeholders include citizens, communities, advocates, authorities, institutions, civil society, the media, businesses, and others. The need to engage stakeholders, resolve conflicts, reintegrate combatants and returnees, protect minorities, and strengthen good governance overall is critical to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and a political transition in Syria.

● Assess the governance context, including political-economic-security dynamics in targeted communities, districts, and governorates, and propose good governance interventions that will support RO and stability of Syria;

● Work with governance stakeholders to empower nascent governance bodies, such as local and provincial councils, to apply good governance principles to issues such as:

○ Reintegrating returnees, IDPs, and ex-combatants into the community;

○ Resolving housing, land and property issues;

○ Strengthening cohesion between ethnic, religious, and other groups;

○ Empowering and engaging vulnerable populations in governance processes and decisions;

○ Supporting participatory, inclusive, transparent, and accountable processes to resolve the armed conflicts in Syria;

○ Public administration, budgeting, revenue, and financial management;

○ Public outreach and communications;

○ Engaging women, youth, returnees, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, as well as civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders in governance processes;

○ Supporting community, civil society, and others to engage in governance processes, increase access to essential services, foster transparency, hold political leaders accountable, and promote and protect human rights;

○ Supporting stakeholders to implement governance solutions identified through participatory, inclusive, transparent and accountable processes; and

● Coordinate governance tasks with other implementers and stakeholders.

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

C.3.3.3 - IR 3: Livelihoods Restored and Economies Revived

Context: In 2011, Syria saw promising Gross Domestic Product growth of 4% to $67 million ($3,225 GDP per capita). After eight years of armed conflict, massive population displacements, the destruction of economic infrastructure, collapse of financial and commercial systems, and the rise of a war economy driven by unscrupulous actors, Syria’s economy today is devastated.

Restoring markets and reviving livelihoods is essential to stabilizing Syria and empowering communities economically and politically.

● Assess economic conditions, including the political-economic-security dynamics, in target communities, districts, and governorates, and propose conflict-sensitive livelihoods interventions that will support the overall RO and stability of Syria;

● Implement market-based interventions that are inclusive -- especially of women --scalable, pro-poor, and view livelihoods and economic growth as a means of income generation and improving economic security for both households and communities as a whole;3

● Link livelihoods interventions to restoration of essential services, where appropriate;

● Link vocational training activities implemented under IR 4 to employment opportunities in the marketplace;

● Revive market-based financial systems and introduce new, innovative systems to increase access to cash, capital. and credit; and

● Coordinate with other livelihoods’ implementers and stakeholders.

C.3.3.4 - IR 4: Access to Higher Quality Education and Vocational Training Expanded

Context: When surveyed, education is consistently ranked among the highest priorities among Syrian families. It is also a major factor considered by Syrians when deciding whether to return to their community or remain in the host communities or countries they fled to during the conflict. Education is a necessary element for helping families normalize their daily lives, supporting children and youth to socialize and work through trauma brought on by war, and building the human capital required to support robust and inclusive economies as well as governance and social structures. Given the investments by other actors into primary education and child-focused non-formal education, USAID anticipates focusing more on secondary, vocational, accelerated, and other youth-focused education opportunities, especially as linked to employment opportunities. However, should the context change, BRICC may also support primary education.

3 Research and international best practice divide basic approaches to livelihoods in either household or market-based approaches. While these approaches are not mutually exclusive, Contractor should focus on market-based approaches, initially and as long as humanitarian actors continue to support the household level.

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

● Assess education and vocational training context, including the political-economic-security dynamics, in target communities, districts, and governates, and propose education and vocational training interventions that will support the overall RO and stability of Syria

● Expand equitable access to education by tackling the key barriers (e.g. social, cultural, physical, financial) faced by students and families;

● Improve the quality of education through support to teachers, administrators, and the overall education system;

● Create school environments that holistically support the needs of students in a post-conflict context;

● Expand and strengthen vocational, accelerated, and non-formal educational options with direct linkages to post-secondary education or job opportunities;

● Strengthen education governance, community engagement, and increase transparency and accountability to students and parents; and

● Coordinate with other education implementers and stakeholders.

C.3.3.5 - IR 5: Access to Healthcare, Mental Health, and Psycho-social Support Services Expanded

Context: After eight years of war----including four years of ISIS rule in the northeast----Syria’s health system is near collapse. To date, 137 hospitals and clinics have been targeted by ground and air strikes, and many more are being used by combatants as bases. Doctors, nurses, and health professionals have been targeted for their humanitarian efforts or have fled the country, leaving the health system severely understaffed. The supply chain of medicines, supplies, and equipment is severely constrained, leading to shortages in pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals.

Water-borne infectious diseases are prevalent due to damaged water and sanitation systems as well as poor hygiene practices. Access to quality maternal, neonatal, and child health services is poor. The capacity to diagnose and treat HIV and tuberculosis is limited just as the risk of spreading these diseases increases due to the war and migration. Vaccination rates are low, leading to occasional outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Given the constraints, referral to secondary or tertiary care remains a challenge. Access to mental health care----especially care tailored to survivors of armed conflict and violence----is severely limited. Despite wide-spread demand, psycho-social care for victims of violence and conflict is available from only a handful of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

● Assess health, mental health, and psycho-social support context, including the political-economic-security dynamics, in target communities, districts, and governorates, and propose interventions that will support the overall RO and stability of Syria;

● Support a range of interventions to strengthen the local health systems in close coordination with other health sector implementers;

● Increase access to mental health services and psycho-social support consistent with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines; and

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

● Coordinate with other health, mental health, and psycho-social support implementers and stakeholders.

C.3.3.6 Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Analysis, and Reporting

Context: Syria is a complex and high-risk environment that requires robust monitoring, evaluation, learning, analysis and reporting. Moreover, to effectively increase resilience and stability requires the constant learning and adaptation of best practices to the dynamic context and specific needs of each community. At the same time -- given the political sensitivities and security dynamics in Syria -- monitoring, evaluation, learning, analysis and reporting must be done safely and with conflict sensitivity.

Accordingly, as part of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Analysis and Reporting technical approach, Contractor(s) may be engaged to implement the following tasks and deliver the following products:

● Develop and maintain Performance Management Plans (PMPs);

● Collect data and track indicators (both performance and context data/indicators, disaggregated by a number of factors including gender);

● Perform assessments (organizational capacity, risk and resilience), surveys (formative baseline-endline), and asset mapping, as needed for smart designs;

● Conduct polling;

● Develop and apply learning approaches and tools, as well as apply those developed by

ART (below) for standard implementation across BRICC Task Orders;

● Conduct research and analysis to inform smart, innovative, evidence-based activity decisions;

● Prepare ad hoc reports at the request of USAID or as needed for activity interventions;

● Incorporate collaboration, learning, and adapting (CLA) throughout all activities; and

● Collaborate and coordinate closely with ART, including providing ART with regular access to data, indicators, reports, monitoring, evaluation, learning, analysis, and reporting.

Collaboration with USAID’s “Accountability and Research Team” (ART) Third Party Monitoring Contractor

USAID is in the process of procuring a third party monitoring contractor to implement the “Accountability and Research Team” (ART) - to independently monitor, verify, and evaluate USAID-funded activities in Syria, including the BRICC IDIQ and Task Orders.

ART will provide a range of services and products to USAID and BRICC TO Contractor, such as:

● Third-party monitoring of BRICC Task Orders;

● External evaluations and assessments of BRICC Task Orders;

● “Deep dive” studies of topics relevant to the Syrian context and IDIQ or Task Order objectives;

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

● Learning approaches and tools, including workshops and seminars on best practices, indicator development, data collection, data quality analysis, reviews of PMPs, indicators, and MEL plans;

● Regular political atmospheric studies;

● Mapping and Geographic Information Systems; and

● Data visualization.

The monitoring and verification data, evaluations, research, and analysis conducted by ART is crucial for verifying BRICC results, evaluating stabilization results, prioritizing stabilization needs, and informing USAID’s stabilization strategy in Syria. Accordingly, BRICC IDIQ and Task Order Contractors shall cooperate, coordinate, and work closely with ART.

C.4 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

C.4.1 Grants Under Contract (GUC), including Infrastructure Rehabilitation

The IDIQ Task Orders resulting from this procurement may include GUC components. GUCs provide an opportunity for Contractor to co-create activities with local and regional civil society actors and local councils, among others. At the TO level, GUCs may be used for community interventions, provision of technical assistance to Syrian communities, or capacity building for Syrian partner organizations. GUCs may also be used to build the capacity of Syrian organizations to eventually receive direct USAID awards by facilitating pre-award surveys and audits, addressing survey and audit findings, and strengthening organizational and technical capacities to meet USAID direct funding standards.

GUCs may be awarded to municipalities and local councils in areas where BRICC is active, when the Contractor can certify to the COR that the entity is not part of, or under the control of the Syrian Arab Republic Government (SARG), and other maligned actors or those designated as terrorist organizations.

Issuance of GUCs must be done in accordance with Section H.12 and USAID’s Automated Directive System (ADS) Chapters 302 and 303. GUCs used for construction or rehabilitation must document compliance, specifically the “Approach for proposed construction work” as specified in the USAID “Request for Waiver from the Application of the USAID Construction Policy to Permit Construction/Rehabilitation through Grants Under Contract by the Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract and Subsequent Task Orders (TOs)” as detailed below in Section C.4.3.

The value of construction must not exceed $500,000 per project site when using GUCs. All GUCs are subject to the approval of the TOCO or his/her designee.

The Contractor must coordinate with the TOCOR the grants management tasks that include the following for working with local organizations throughout each phase of the award process:

1. Pre-Solicitation Phase: Develop the solicitation

2. Solicitation Phase: Issue/advertise opportunity, hold solicitation conferences and/or co-creation events.

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

3. Evaluation Phase: Screen potential grantee partners, evaluate proposals consistent with USAID policies at ADS 303 and procedures and document the proposed awardee selection. The TOCO must first approve grants unless otherwise stated in the task order.

The process for approving grants will be specified in individual task orders.

4. Award Phase: Establish grants in accordance with USAID policies.

5. Post Aware Phase: Monitor implementation and deliverables and grant close-out as directed in the task order.

C.4.2 IDIQ Geographic Scope

Syria is the primary place of programmatic performance. BRICC program efforts will initially launch in areas outside of Regime control in northeast Syria. If the political, legal, and security situation permits, BRICC may expand program efforts to other parts of Syria.

Operationally, the head office for BRICC Task Order activities -- where the Chief of Party will sit -- will be in Amman, Jordan, unless directed otherwise by USAID. BRICC TO Contractor will be expected to maintain field office(s) or other operational arrangement(s) in Syria.

Operational support office(s) may also be established in neighboring countries, such as Iraq, if necessary for the success of the program.

All locations require the approval of USAID TO Contracting Officer.

C.4.3 Infrastructure Activities

TO Contractor will carry out infrastructure activities either via subcontracts or GUCs in accordance with procedures mentioned immediately below in accordance with the USAID “Request for Waiver from the Application of the USAID Construction Policy to Permit Construction/Rehabilitation through Grants Under Contract by the Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract and Subsequent Task Orders (TOs)” or as defined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) subpart 2.1, including the rehabilitation or restoration of essential public services.

BRICC TO contractors will follow the USAID Construction Policy instead of relying on GUCs, depending on the context, cost, complexity, urgency, and other factors on the ground. BRICC TO contractors -- in consultation with USAID -- would evaluate each rehabilitation activity on a case-by-case basis to determine the most applicable approach.

Task orders that include construction must include additional cost control measures and requirements for construction quality assurance and mitigation of “by unaffiliated entities in order to mitigate potential or actual conflicts of interest. The TO Contractor must undertake construction components through sub-contracts using a design-bid-build delivery method where A&E services and construction works are performed under two separate but complementary sub-contracts. The sub-contractor that undertakes the A&E services (design and construction bidding support) must also provide quality assurance and construction management services in the construction phase. A&E subcontractors must be selected based on demonstrated competence and qualifications.

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

Construction sub-contracts must be implemented under firm-fixed price contracts to the maximum extent practicable to allow for cost-reimbursement if there is a specific need. CO approval of cost-reimbursement contacts is required. Any Task Order including construction activities must include a separate line item in the budget for the construction component.

In general, BRICC TO contractors will work in partnership with potential GUC recipients to identify and prioritize rehabilitation projects. Potential GUC recipients will develop a proposal (including architectural/engineering/technical designs, bills of quantity (BOQs), labor estimates, and other technical and cost elements) for submission to BRICC TO contractors. BRICC TO engineers will independently assess the proposed rehabilitation project and develop an independent BRICC TO cost estimate, BOQ, and other elements.

For more complex projects, BRICC TO contractors may engage a sub-contracted architectural and/or engineering firm to either independently assess the project or provide a secondary review of the potential GUC recipient’s designs and cost estimates and/or the BRICC TO contractor’s independent designs and cost estimates. BRICC TO contractors and the potential GUC recipient will then negotiate specific, verifiable milestones to be included in a Fixed Amount Award.

Likewise, BRICC TO contractors and potential GUC recipients will negotiate milestone payments based on cost-estimates, including BOQs, labor, time, and other factors. Upon agreement, the BRICC TO contractor and the GUC recipient will conclude the Grant under Contract. BRICC TO contractors will monitor implementation of the project by the GUC recipient. GUC recipients will report on completed milestones, which both BRICC TO engineering field staff and/or BRICC TO monitoring and evaluation staff will verify.

Middle East Bureau’s independent third party monitoring contractor (the Accountability and Research Team, ART) will also verify some project milestones as well as some completed projects to triangulate reported results. Likewise, the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), other USAID staff, Department of State staff, and Department of Defense Civil Affairs teams may conduct site visits to monitor results of construction-rehabilitation GUCs.

The COR will also maintain a network of stakeholders in Syria (local council counterparts, NGOs, other stabilization implementers, other donors) to gather information on the results of GUCs, concerns from community members, or any indicators of poor performance, fraud, waste, or abuse. USAID’s Inspector General is also expected to monitor from time to time GUCs awarded under BRICC and respond to any complaints of fraud, waste, or abuse.

C.5 IDIQ MANAGEMENT

The Contractor must provide the management necessary to fulfill all the requirements of the contract, including cost and quality control of all tasks and assignments. To this end, the Contractor will designate an IDIQ Manager, Section F.5 Key Personnel, to provide overall technical, administrative, and logistical management of the Contract and overall management of Task Orders awarded under this IDIQ contract. The IDIQ Manager is responsible for all technical aspects of contract performance, as well as procurement, personnel, reporting, and other IDIQ management related tasks. The IDIQ Manager will be the main point of contact for

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

USAID on procedural and substantive matters, will serve as the liaison between the Contractor and CO/COR, and between the Contractor and Chief of Party in awarded Task Orders.

Individual Task Orders will have their own Task Order management approach and structure.

END OF SECTION C

Project Title: Building Resilient and Incentive Communities in Conflict (BRICC) Solicitation #: 72027819R00006

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (January 1993)

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

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

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