72038324R00003 - RFP - Economic Modernization Activity.pdf

Issuance Date: June 12, 2024

Deadline for Questions: June 26, 2024 at 09:00am Colombo time

Closing Date/Time: July 29, 2024 at 09:00am Colombo time

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) # 72038324R00003 – USAID/Sri Lanka Economic Modernization Activity.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Sri Lanka and Maldives (USAID/Sri Lanka and Maldives) is seeking proposals to provide services that support the “Economic Modernization” Activity as described in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP).

USAID anticipates a single Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract with task orders funded and awarded individually thereafter.

USAID anticipates that the maximum aggregate limitation for contracts resulting from this RFP will be $40 million. There is no guarantee on the number of task orders that the successful contractor will receive or the amount of money beyond the minimum order guarantee set forth in the RFP. The first task order – Task Order 1 for the Modernizing the Agriculture Sector in Sri Lanka activity – is described within this RFP and USAID anticipates awarding this task order simultaneously with the overall IDIQ award.

The Authorized Geographic Code for this solicitation is 937. The NAICS code for this procurement is 541690 – Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.

Please refer to Section L for information regarding proposal requirements. Offerors are responsible for ensuring proposals are received at USAID by the due date and time specified in Section L, considering the expected delivery time required for electronic submission. Failure to comply with the submission date will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated. Faxed proposals are not acceptable. Section L of the RFP outlines all instructions for preparing and submitting the required proposal content, including critical dates and times for submitting questions and the proposal submission closing date and time. Section M details the criteria for proposal evaluation. Oral explanations or instructions given before contract award will not be binding.

RFP 72038324R00003

Economic Modernization Activity

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

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

Sincerely, Craig Smith Regional Contracting and Agreement Officer Deputy Director, Office of Acquisition and Assistance Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) U.S. Agency for International Development http://www.sam.gov./

PART I

SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

72038324R00003

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

System (DPAS) - Code of Federal Regulations - at 15 CFR 700.

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

SEALED BID (IFB) INVITATION FOR BID

NEGOTIATED (RFP) REQUEST FOR

5. DATE ISSUED

1. This Contract is a Rated Order under the Defense Priorities and Allocations RATING PAGE OF PAGES

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

AREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)

NUMBER EXT.

A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

CAUTION: LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

I

J

K

L

M

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

PACKAGING AND MARKING

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) DESCRIPTION SEC. (X)

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

EXTENSIONAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER15A. NAME

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

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

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

CALENDAR DAYS (%)(%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8) by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 3304 (a)

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

REQ-383-24-000015

720383

Office of Acquisition & Assistance USAID/ Sri Lanka and Maldives #210 Galle Road Colombo 03 Sri Lanka.

Hirantha Heenatigala hheenatigala@usaid.gov

PAGE(S)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 12/2022)

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

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

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within ___0____ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

PROPOSAL

AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION UNDER THE

22.

UNITED STATES CODE AT:

X

7/29/2024

Craig Smith x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Table of Contents

PART I 3

SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 3

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS 9

B.1. PURPOSE 9

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES 9

B.3. MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT 9

B.4. MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING 9

B.5. FIXED FEE CEILING (COST-PLUS- FIXED-FEE TASK ORDERS ONLY) 9

B.6. LABOR 10

B.7. INDIRECT RATES 10

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK 12

C.1. PURPOSE 12

C.2. BACKGROUND 12

C.3. OBJECTIVE & SCOPE 12

C.4. RESULTS 13

C.5. TASKS 13

C.6. OPERATING CONSTRAINTS AND CONTRACT PARAMETERS 14

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING 18

D.1. AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (January 1993) 18

D.2. BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY 18

D.3. BRANDING STRATEGY 18

D.4. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN 19

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 20

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 20

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) 20

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE/RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL 20

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 21

F.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 21

F.2. PERFORMANCE PERIOD 21

F.3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 21

F.4. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 21

F.5. REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS 22

F.6. ORDERING PROCEDURES 23

F.7. KEY PERSONNEL 30

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 31

G.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 31

G.2. CONTRACTING OFFICE 31

G.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) 31

G.4. TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID 31

G.5. PAYING OFFICE 33

G.6. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 33

G.7. CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT 34

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 35

H.1. GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS (GUC) 35

H.2. AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2023) 37

H.3. USAID-FINANCED PROJECT WEB SITES (APRIL 2024) (DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-

DEV-AIDAR-24-04c) 38

H.4. ADS 302.3.5.21 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA

LIBRARY (DDL) (OCTOBER 2014) 39

H.5. AIDAR 722.170 EMPLOYMENT OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCN'S) AND

COOPERATING COUNTRY NATIONALS (CCN'S) 41

H.6. AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE 42

H.7. 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (Defense Base Act) (DEC 1991) [(DEVIATION JUN 2022)] Class Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-10c 42

H.8. LOGISTIC SUPPORT 43

H.9. EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING 43

H.10. PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS 43

H.11. EXCHANGE VISITORS AND TRAINING 43

H.12. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY 43

H.13. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (APRIL

2024) (DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-24-04c) 43

H.14. ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM 44

H.15. FAR PART 4.21 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

(SECTION 889) (JUNE 2023) 45

H.16. AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT

EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS (SEP 2013) 46

H.17. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 48

H.18. RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (MAY 2016) (DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-

DEV-AIDAR-24-05c) 49

H.19. AIDAR 731.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS [DEVIATION (JUNE

2018)] (Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-24-07c) 49

H.20. SOVEREIGN RELATIONSHIPS 50

H.21. PRESS RELATIONS 50

H.22. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY 50

H.23. MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT OF SRI LANKA MINISTERS 51

PART II 52

SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES 52

I.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 52

I.2. 52.204-1 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT. (DEC 1989) 57

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

TELECOMMUNICATION AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV

2021) 57 I.4. 52.239-70 Information Technology Authorization (MAY 2024) 60

I.5. 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995) 61

I.6. 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (NOV

2021) 62

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER 67

ATTACHMENTS SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 67

ATTACHMENT J.1 TASK ORDER NO. 1 67

ATTACHMENT J.2 INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE) AND GUIDE FOR

INCORPORATING ENVIRONMENTAL & CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS IN ACQUISITION &

ASSISTANCE AWARDS. 67

ATTACHMENT J.3 PAST PERFORMANCE MATRIX 67

ATTACHMENT J.4 PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FORM 67

ATTACHMENT J.5 BUDGET TEMPLATE 67

ATTACHMENT J.6 MATRIX OF BRANDING AND MARKING PLAN 67

ATTACHMENT J.7 LOCAL COMPENSATION PLAN 67

ATTACHMENT J.8 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN TEMPLATE 67

ATTACHMENT J.9 SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION PLAN 67

ATTACHMENT J.10 DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES 67

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS 68

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF THE

OFFEROR 68

K.1. NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 68

K.2. 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (FEB 2024) 68

K.3. 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (AUG 2020) 72

K.4. 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) 74

K.5. 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021) 76

K.6. 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES-

REPRESENTATION. (OCT 2020) 79

K.7. 52.222.22 – PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999) 79

K.8. 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX

LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (FEB 2016) 79

K.9. 52.227-15 REPRESENTATION OF LIMITED RIGHTS DATA AND RESTRICTED

COMPUTER SOFTWARE (DEC 2007) 80

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

2020) 81

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

(APR 2005) 83

K.12. INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY 83

K.13. SIGNATURE 84

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

RESPONDENTS 85

L.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 85

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1) 85

L.2. 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984) 85

L.3. 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006) 85

L.4. WAIVERS UNDER FAR PART 4.2101 PROHIBITION ON COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

(JUNE 2023) 86

L.5. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 86

L.6. DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS 88

L.7. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL 89

L.8. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL 93

L.9. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF BRANDING AND MARKING PLANS 101

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 103

M.1. GENERAL INFORMATION 103

M.2. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION 103

M.3. COST/PRICE EVALUATION 105

M.4. DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE 106

M.5. SOURCE SELECTION 106

M.6. CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS 107

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 of the Economic Modernization Activity.

USAID Task Order Contracting Officers (TOCOs) will order services 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) or Fixed- Priced type. The Contractor will furnish the services set forth in task orders at terms consistent with the terms specified in this contract.

B.3. MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

The initial obligation of funds under Task Order No. 1 constitutes the minimum obligation amount for the IDIQ.

B.4. MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

This is a single award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract with an overall ceiling price of $40,000,000 for the Economic Modernization Activity IDIQ. The maximum aggregate dollar value of task orders must not exceed the contract ceiling.

B.5. FIXED FEE CEILING (COST-PLUS- FIXED-FEE TASK ORDERS ONLY)

NOTE: The ceiling on fixed fee does not apply to Fixed-Priced Task Orders.

(a) For each cost-reimbursement task order issued under this IDIQ, the Task Order Contracting Officer and Contractor agree to negotiate a set dollar amount for fixed fee. In negotiating the appropriate 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 [TBD] percent of the task order’s estimated cost, excluding fee.

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 percentage of fixed fee that corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs approved by the TOCO.

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.

B.6. LABOR

a) Central management costs: A key (full-time) technical manager is not necessary or required to administer the basic IDIQ. Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ 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) The work day and work week policies and method of accounting for paid absences including holidays for the contractor and major subcontractors is set forth in Attachment

J. [FILLIN#1#THE CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL FILL IN THE ATTACHMENT NUMBER AT THE

TIME OF AWARD AND INCORPORATE THE INFORMATION FROM THE CONTRACTOR’S

PROPOSAL INTO SECTION J OF THE CONTRACT].

c) Compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation (July 2007) (See Section H).

B.7. INDIRECT RATES

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.

NOTE: Insert additional indirect rates as needed for all primes. Subcontractor(s) rates will be on file with the Government and available for internal use only.

*Special Note: The indirect cost table above is the current approved indirect cost rates for the prime and major subcontractor(s).

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.

[END OF SECTION B]

Offeror Fringe Rate

Overhead Rate %

G&A Rate

PRIME (Insert Name) Base of Application

Source: (insert) Period: (insert)

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL), and other stakeholders with a broad range of technical assistance and expertise to improve the business enabling environment and the performance of small and medium businesses in ways that will contribute to economic competitiveness and inclusive growth of Sri Lanka. If the enabling environment is improved, and if export competitiveness and growth of SMEs are enhanced, then economic competitiveness and inclusive growth in Sri Lanka will be increased.

The title of this contract is the Economic Modernization Activity (EMA).

C.2. BACKGROUND

Sri Lanka faces several challenges, including economic disparities, political instability, infrastructure deficiencies, and natural disasters. These issues hinder sustained economic growth and inclusive development. In this context, enhancing economic competitiveness through improving the enabling environment and bolstering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) plays a pivotal role.

By fostering a conducive business environment, Sri Lanka can attract investments, stimulate innovation, and create job opportunities. SMEs, especially in the agriculture sector, are vital for inclusive growth as they contribute significantly to employment and rural development.

Empowering enterprises and entrepreneurs through access to finance, technology, and skills can amplify their productivity and competitiveness, catalyzing broader economic advancement.

Efforts aimed at enhancing the performance of SMEs, coupled with structural reforms to improve the overall economic climate, can pave the way for sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and the creation of a more resilient economy in Sri Lanka.

C.3. OBJECTIVE & SCOPE

EMA has two primary objectives:

1. Business enabling environment improved.

2. Export competitiveness and growth for SMEs enhanced.

Through this contract, the Contractor will support USAID to improve economic competitiveness and inclusive growth of Sri Lanka.

The Contractor must provide technical assistance and expertise in a broad range of areas including support to GoSL and other relevant partners to create favorable regulatory and policy frameworks and improved economic governance institutions that will facilitate the establishment, growth, and success of businesses in Sri Lanka and increase total foreign direct investment (FDI), and provide support to SMEs to compete in international markets, expand their export capabilities, overcome barriers and take advantage of opportunities in the global marketplace.

C.4. RESULTS

Under this contract, the Contractor must ensure the following results:

1. Business enabling environment improved.

a) Facilitation/establishment, growth, and success of businesses including export-oriented companies in Sri Lanka.

b) Increased foreign direct investment (FDI).

c) Enhanced regulations, laws, and policies and economic governance institutions established, fostering a conducive environment for business development.

2. Export competitiveness and growth for SMEs enhanced.

a) SMEs equipped with expanded export capabilities, enabling them to effectively compete globally.

b) Barriers to SME exports overcome, and opportunities in the global marketplace effectively utilized, leading to increased exports and economic growth.

C.5. TASKS

Objective 1: BUSINESS ENABLING ENVIRONMENT IMPROVED

The Contractor will provide technical assistance and expertise to improve the business enabling environment. The Contractor will provide technical assistance to improve the clarity and transparency of regulations, laws, and policies governing export businesses and foreign investments. This may include streamlining approval processes for obtaining licenses and permits, simplifying regulatory compliance, and building investor confidence in economic governance institutions. The Contractor will also provide technical assistance and expertise to facilitate access to finance, build a skilled workforce, improve market access, and promote strong supportive institutions. The Contractor will also provide technical assistance and expertise to create favorable conditions and support for the agriculture sector, including policy reforms, access to finance, infrastructure development, research and development, capacity building, market access, climate resilience, and innovation and technology development.

Objective 2: EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS AND GROWTH FOR SMES ENHANCED

The Contractor will provide technical assistance and expertise to enhance the export competitiveness and growth of SMEs by helping them tap into international markets, reach a wider customer base, and increase revenue. The Contractor will support SME development by conducting market research and identifying potential export markets suitable as targets for Sri Lankan products and services. The Contractor will provide technical assistance and expertise to support businesses in making their workplaces more accessible and inclusive to employees, including commonly underemployed and excluded groups and diaspora returnees. The Contractor will facilitate collaboration between vocational and academic institutions and the private sector to ensure effective and fair job matching, and that prospective employees receive the training required for future jobs, particularly in soft skills and personal initiative. The Contractor will provide training and educational resources to help small businesses understand and comply with trade rules and procedures, and to follow international best practices to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and services across borders. The Contractor will facilitate access to finance to cover the costs associated with entering and expanding in international markets including marketing, product development, logistics and distribution. The Contractor will support various forms of management consulting or mentoring, including peer mentoring from adjacent industries, and/or insourcing and outsourcing marketing and accounting. The Contractor will provide technical assistance that enables SMEs to leverage digital technologies and e-commerce platforms to reach global customers, overcome geographical barriers and streamline export operations. The Contractor will also provide support to trade promotion agencies and business associations that support small businesses in sectors of high growth, e.g., by organizing trade missions, exhibitions and networking events to connect them with potential partners, buyers, and distributors. The Contractor will support interventions that foster inclusive employment opportunities and entrepreneurship by removing barriers and biases that prevent marginalized individuals and groups from fully participating in employment and entrepreneurship activities.

The Contractor must leverage and mobilize local resources with the public/private sector, when possible, in order to secure commitment and promote the sustainability of the activities.

C.6. OPERATING CONSTRAINTS AND CONTRACT PARAMETERS

1. Private Sector Engagement (PSE)

PSE is a strategic approach to planning and programming through which each USAID activity consults, strategizes, and collaborates with the private sector for greater scale, sustainability, and effectiveness of development. The PSE umbrella concept includes public-private partnerships (PPPs). Private sector partners bring special resources, expertise, technologies, capabilities, and other resources to the table that can augment the impact of USAID interventions when strategically aligned. PSE is key for designing market-driven solutions and sustainable investments that go beyond the life of the activity. The Contractor must identify strategic long-lasting engagement with the private sector throughout the activity’s components.

The Contractor will ensure the COR and/or their designee will be present at high level meetings with potential private sector partners. The Contractor will also seek partnerships related to digital tools and technology to support implementation of all activity components. Private sector actors engaged in this activity may include micro and small businesses, in addition to larger companies.

2. Community Participation

To promote self-reliance and long-term sustainability, the Contractor must work with community, public, and private Sri Lankan organizations to the maximum extent possible. The Contractor must engage communities in design processes which will improve community ownership and sustainability of interventions. Increased communication and collaboration between community, public, and private actors will also contribute to leveraging public and private funding to complement USAID’s efforts.

3. Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion

Gender: USAID policy requires that gender issues be addressed as appropriate in all USAID-funded activities. USAID/Sri Lanka conducted a Gender and Social Inclusion Analysis in 2020 to inform the Country Development Cooperation Strategy 2020-2025. According to the Analysis, Sri Lanka has made notable strides towards achieving gender equality in education and health indicators; but women’s participation in the labor force and political representation remains relatively low. Women make up one third of the labor force, but experience double the unemployment rate of men. They are more likely to work in the informal sector, particularly in the agriculture sector, with a lack of social protection. Women face significant barriers to employment, lacking safe transport, flexible working hours, part time work, onsite day care and accommodation. Gender disparities exist in terms of occupational segregation, wage gaps, and leadership roles. Female entrepreneurs have limited access to markets and credit, and they are more likely to own SMEs. Social norms and practices disadvantage women and girls in Sri Lanka.

Violence against women remains a significant concern. Efforts are being made by the government, civil society organizations and international development partners to address these challenges and promote gender equality. Continued efforts and collaboration between various stakeholders are necessary to achieve gender equality and empowerment in Sri Lanka.

Equity: Sri Lanka experiences disparities in terms of regional development, income distribution and access to basic services. The Northern and Eastern provinces, which were affected by the Civil War, and the Estate Sector continue to face development challenges. Income inequality exists, with a significant proportion of the population living below the poverty line especially after the economic crisis. Ethnic and religious minorities including Tamils and Muslims, face discrimination and marginalization in certain contexts.

Social Inclusion: Sri Lanka is a diverse country with various ethnic, and religious communities.

Ensuring social inclusion involves recognizing and addressing the needs of all communities and ensuring their participation in the decision making processes. Efforts are needed to promote inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony, reduce discrimination and address historical grievances. Persons with disabilities face accessibility and social barriers that hinder their full participation in society.

The Contractor will take into account gender, equity and social inclusion implications of its activity and develop approaches to address clearly defined gaps, such as in wage rates or labor force participation rates, and promote gender mainstreaming, equity and social inclusion in Activity results.

4. Adaptive Management

The Contractor must manage adaptively and adjust to changes in emphasis under the overall scope. The Contractor will adapt its management and implementation strategy to the changing political, economic, and security context. To this end, the Contractor will continuously monitor the security situation and will coordinate with the local authorities, communities, and the USAID Security Liaison Specialist to increase or decrease the number or intensity of its interventions in target regions as needed.

5. Sustainability And Localization

The Contractor must promote the sustainability of activities supported under the EMA. To the extent possible, the Contractor must provide assistance that continues to meet the needs of target beneficiaries beyond the life of the program. The Contractor must promote local ownership of the activities from the time of conception, participatory approaches in identifying activities and local partners and consideration of long term financial viability of the activities in ways that contribute to sustainability.

6. Grants Under Contract

The Contractor will utilize grants under contract (GUC) to issue grants to non-governmental partners as part of program implementation, where appropriate and as defined at the task order level. Grants under this contract will be made to carry out activities that are consistent with the activity objectives. A key pillar of the GUC component is also to provide technical and capacity building support to relevant local organizations. Specifically, under the New Partners Initiative and to support self-reliance, the Contractor will work with local entities to build their capacity toward managing direct partnerships with USAID in the future, to increase the pool of local partners for future USAID programming.

All applicable regulations for sub-recipients and ADS 302 apply. USAID will retain the ability to terminate unilaterally any grant activities under extraordinary circumstances.

7. Communication and Outreach

Communication and outreach will form an integral part of the activity's success. Stakeholders and beneficiaries of the activity will be properly informed and engaged with the project activities. The successes and achievements of the activity will be widely disseminated by the Contractor. The Contractor will have adequate resources and capabilities to ensure effective communication with relevant stakeholders and the general public. Communications with high ranking government officials must be coordinated in advance with USAID, and may not occur without the prior approval of USAID. The activity’s communication is bound by USAID’s branding strategy requirements.

The Contractor must develop an overall Communication and Outreach Plan for individual Task Orders that details the Contractor’s approach towards communication with the project's audience and promotion of its impact and achievements. The plan must include the Contractor’s proposed communication protocol with USAID and other stakeholders, a list of proposed communication and outreach activities and required resources for implementation.

[END OF SECTION C]

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 activity construction sites and other activity 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 activity construction sites and other activity 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 activity 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 CO; the original should be retained by the Contractor.

D.2. BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

All USAID-funded foreign assistance (including programs, projects, activities, public communications, or commodities) must be communicated, promoted, and marked as coming from the American People through USAID. Specific communications and promotion measures must be described in the “Branding Strategy” and “Branding Implementation Plan,” and specific marking will be described in the “Marking Plan” for the contract. Branding and marking under this contract must comply with the USAID Automated Directive System Chapter 320 Branding and Marking (ADS 320) at http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/320.pdf.

D.3. BRANDING STRATEGY

The name of the project:

The project name is Economic Modernization Activity.

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

How the materials and communications will be positioned:

In all project communications and materials, the project will be referred to as USAID’s. In all public events and public communications, the project will also acknowledge and make it visible http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/320.pdf and understandable that the project, all its activities and/or materials/deliverables are made possible by the American People. Any materials and communications produced by any sub-contractor must follow USAID branding requirements.

The desired level of visibility:

The contractor must ensure that the project (as well as the fact that it is made possible by the American people through USAID) receives broad visibility not only among its beneficiaries and counterparts, but also among the general public in Sri Lanka. USAID’s experience in Sri Lanka demonstrates critical importance and multiple opportunities for public outreach through information dissemination.

In the case of events, trainings or conferences related to market based solutions that are put on by private sector lead firms and not directly by the implementer or its sub-contractors, a reduced branding and marking approach can be applied. This is to promote more visibility for the role of the private sector and private sector actors in leading these events. However, this does not apply when an event, training or conference is being directly sponsored by the implementing partner and its sub-contractors.

Any other organizations to be acknowledged:

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

D.4. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

The contractor’s approved Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan will be included under individual task orders and must comply with the following requirements.

The cover page of all report deliverables required in Section F will include the USAID Identity (or the name of the Agency written out) prominently displayed, the Contract number (see the cover page of this Contract), the Task Order number, Contractor name, name of the responsible USAID office, the publication or issuance date of the document, document title, author name(s), Activity number, and Activity title. Descriptive information is required whether Contractor furnished products are submitted in paper or electronic form. All materials will include the name, organization, address, and telephone/fax/internet number of the person submitted the materials.

The Contractor must comply with the requirements of the USAID “Graphic Standards Manual” available at www.usaid.gov/branding, or any successor branding policy.

[END OF SECTION D]

http://www.usaid.gov/branding http://www.usaid.gov/branding

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE” in Section I.1 of this contract. See http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html for electronic access to the full text of a FAR clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) (48 CFR CHAPTER 1)

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE/RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs must take place at USAID/Sri Lanka or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) identified in Section G has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports, and deliverables required by the IDIQ Contract.

TOCORs will be designated for a specific Task Order. In accordance with the clauses of this Contract entitled ―Inspection of Services – Cost Reimbursement, (FAR 52.246-5) and ―Inspection of Services – Fixed-price, (FAR 52.246-4), inspection of results or other deliverables required by each Task Order issued hereunder must be made by the cognizant TOCOR for that Task Order. Acceptance of goods/services and reports or other deliverables by the cognizant TOCOR for that Task Order must form the basis for payments to the contractor, and will form the basis of the contractor’s permanent performance record with regard to this contract.

[END OF SECTION E]

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES-FIXED PRICE AUG 1996

52.246-5 INSPECTION OF SERVICES-COST REIMBURSEMENT APR 1984

http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html

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.1 of this contract. See

F.2. PERFORMANCE PERIOD

a. The period of performance for the Contract is seven years from TBD, until TBD. (subject to the conditions set forth in Section H.15)

b. The ordering period is five years from TBD to TBD.

c. Task orders may be issued at any time during the ordering period. Task Orders may have a maximum of five years period of performance regardless of issuance date within the ordering period. Task orders may not extend past two years of the IDIQ ordering period.

[Note to Offerors: The language in bracket 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.]

F.3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Performance of this contract and Task Orders issued hereunder will be in Sri Lanka.

F.4. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Evaluation of the contractor’s performance must be conducted for each task order in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the Task Order, if any, the Contractor’s overall performance toward achievement of the objectives in Section C and provision of deliverables in Section F of the task order, and the Contractor’s compliance with all other terms and conditions of the IDIQ and task order. Each evaluation will be conducted jointly by the

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989) - ALTERNATE I

(APR 1984)

52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)

TOCOR and the TOCO, and must form the basis of the contractor’s permanent performance record with regard to this Contract and task orders as required in FAR Part 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.The Contractor’s performance under TOs will be evaluated annually and at Contract completion, in accordance with the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), utilizing at minimum, the following factors:

(i) Quality;

(ii) Schedule;

(iii) Cost control;

(iv) Management or business relations;

(v) Utilization of Small Business (as applicable);

(vi) Regulatory Compliance;

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

Evaluations will be tailored to the Task Order type, size, content, and complexity of the requirement.

F.5. REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports in Sections C, I, and J, and in the AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the Contractor must submit required deliverables as specified in individual task orders to the COR specified in Section G with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

(1) Subcontract Reporting (Large Businesses Only)

The Contractor's subcontracting plan dated ______________ is hereby incorporated as a material part of this Contract. The Contractor must comply with the subcontract reporting requirements in FAR 52.219-9.

Large business prime contractors must submit periodic reports which show compliance with their subcontracting plan. The Contractor must submit its report via the electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) in accordance with the instructions on the website.

The annual Subcontracting Report and the final Summary Subcontracting Report (SSR) are available online at http://www.esrs.gov. The email to use is: FILL IN ___________ (Administering CO) and FILL IN _________ (COR)

The work of the small businesses identified in the Subcontracting Plan must be tracked against the Prime’s proposed goals.

The Contractor must submit the Subcontracting Report electronically via the eSRS within the deadlines specified in the above table. No separate SSR submission at the task order level is required via eSRS and therefore, subcontracting plans are NOT required for the task order.

One (1) SSR is required at the contract level for all subcontract awards accomplished, (which is a roll-up of all task order awards with Task Order Award numbers) and submitted to the IDIQ Contracting Officer via eSRS for review and acceptance. When failure to meet the goals of the small business subcontracting plan as stated in Section H, Subcontracting, of the contract, the Contractor must state in the report (either remarks field or separate letter) what good faith effort has been made to meet the goals; and/or future plan on how to improve small business opportunities for future task orders.

The Contractor must promptly notify the Contracting Officer and COR of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which materially impair the Contractor's ability to meet the requirements of the Contract.

F.6. ORDERING PROCEDURES

F.6.1. 52.216-18 ORDERING. (AUG 2020)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from [TBD] through [TBD].

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

A delivery order or task order is considered “issued” when—

(1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the Government deposits the order in the mail;

(2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor's fax number; or

(3) If sent electronically, the Government either—

(i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or

(ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor's email address.

(c) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract.

(End of clause)

F.6.2. General

(1) To obtain services or other deliverables that are within the scope of this contract, the TOCO may issue orders using any of the pricing types specified in the contract.

(2) The Contractor must respond to the Request for Task Order Proposal (RFTOP) in accordance with the terms therein.

(3) No separate payment will be made to the contractor for the cost to prepare, submit and/or negotiate a task order proposal.

(4) The Contractor must not commence work until a signed Task Order is issued and the Contractor is authorized by the TOCO.

(5) All USAID Mission Contracting Officers (includes Mission Directors and Executive Officers) may issue task orders within their authorities to provide desired services within the scope of Section C and the terms and conditions of this IDIQ.

(6) TOCOs must negotiate and administer task orders in accordance with the ordering procedures set forth herein.

(6) If Grants Under Contract (GUCs) are authorized at the Task Order level, the TO will so state.

All relevant provisions will be included therein.

F.6.3. Request for Task Order Proposal

(1) Task Orders may be issued by Contracting Officers within the IDIQ statement of work described in Section C.

(2) Each Task Order will identify a specific Task Order number which will be cited on each invoice placed against this Contract.

(3) In no event must the aggregate total of all Task Orders exceed the Maximum Ordering Limitation authorized in the IDIQ Contract. All Task Order statements of work and performance periods must be within the statement of work and effective period of this Contract.

(4) The FAR and AIDAR clauses/provisions included in the Contract are applicable to Task Orders as issued based on their individual statements of work. Clauses and provisions remain applicable throughout the terms of the Contract and orders. Additionally, there may be clauses/provisions that apply only at the Task Order level.

(5) All Statements of Work of prospective task orders must be approved by the IDIQ COR. The proposed estimated total cost must be cleared by the IDIQ COR prior to release of the solicitation.

All Task Order proposals must include the Contractor's cost or price to perform the anticipated Task Order. The RFTOP request must be in writing (via mail, e-mail, fax, or other, as set out in the RFTOP) and include a SOO or SOW and the evaluation procedure, including the relative weighting of cost/price and non-cost/price criteria. If the selection is based upon information obtained from other than the Contractor's proposals, the RFTOP must identify the other evaluation criteria. The evaluation may be based solely on cost/price and past performance but may also include one or more technical factors such as corporate experience, personnel, and or technical approach.

Past performance information specific to the task order requirement may be requested.

(6) The terms of this Contract require that whenever a task order award is contemplated, the Contractor will receive a RFTOP. All task order proposals must include the contractor’s cost or price to perform the anticipated task order. The RFTOP request must be in writing (via mail, e-mail, or other, as set out in the RFTOP) and include a description of the intended Services.

The following content should be included (as appropriate):

A. RFTOP Content

(a) RFTOP number

(b) Closing Date of RFTOP proposal submission

(c)…