SOL_72048218R00006.pdf

Issue Date: March 16, 2018 Questions Due Date: March 29, 2018 Questions Due Time: 8:00 a.m. Burma, Local Time (GMT +6:30) Proposal Submission Date: May 1, 2018 Proposal Due Time: 8:00 a.m. Burma, Local Time (GMT +6:30) Geographic Code: 937

Subject: Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 72048218R00006 Myanmar Analytical Activity

Dear Sir/Madam:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) mission in Burma (USAID/Burma) is seeking proposals to provide analytical services, as described in herein.

USAID anticipates awarding a Firm Fixed Price contract with a period of performance of five years.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6 and Subpart 13.5, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number is 72048218R00006 and is issued as request for proposal (RFP).

This solicitation incorporates Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2005-96. This procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) is 541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

Description of requirements: The Statement of Work, deliverables, date and place of delivery and acceptance are provided in Attachment I.

Provisions: All applicable provisions are provided in Attachment II.

FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items applies to this acquisition.

FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items applies to this acquisition.

Offerors must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, with its offer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 72048218R00006

ATTACHMENT I

STATEMENT OF WORK

USAID/ BURMA

MYANMAR ANALYTICAL ACTIVITY

1. Purpose

USAID/Burma (Myanmar) requires analytical support to supplement its current portfolio of democracy and governance, national reconciliation, economic growth and health activities. This analytical support is aligned with the Democracy and Governance Project Appraisal Document and will primarily focus on the drivers of conflict impacting the implementation of development programs by USAID/ Burma. The activity will enable the Mission to better address emerging issues, take advantage of opportunities, and react to unexpected political and economic events and social conditions.

2. Background

USAID/Burma maintains an active portfolio valued at more than $100 million annually, to address political reforms, economic growth, health, and conflict in the context of Myanmar’s democratic transition. The transition is complicated by wide-ranging historical, political, economic, and social factors including: entrenched discrimination toward ethnic minorities, active military conflict; the impact of rapid economic opening and liberalization; and a bureaucracy decayed by decades of mismanagement. Political, economic, and historical grievances are played out on a daily basis within remote farming villages, in rapidly expanding urban industrial areas, and within the government’s administrative center in Nay Pyi Taw. The multitude of layers impacting Myanmar’s development and democratic transition require continuous monitoring and analysis allowing the Mission to make strategic adjustments to implementation.

3. Activity Description

The contractor will be responsible for analyzing and reporting on events identified by the Mission across the entirety of Myanmar. USAID/Burma anticipates the most significant need for support in addressing conflict dynamics in Kachin, Shan, and Rakhine States, southeastern Myanmar, and the influence of national political and economic actors and institutions based in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw. The contractor must have in place, or the demonstrated capability to rapidly assemble, a network of organizations and contacts in Myanmar and the region. Due to the nature of events and developments in Myanmar, the contractor must be prepared to assess the impacts of, or on, regional actors including but not limited to Thailand, China, and Bangladesh.

The contractor or its sub-contractors may also face access constraints in Kachin, Shan, and Rakhine States due to the volatile nature of the conflict and government travel restrictions in these areas. USAID/Burma expects the contractor to be capable of managing networks remotely, as necessary, and responding to periodic and ad-hoc responses to emerging events as described further below.

USAID/Burma seeks a contractor capable of balancing information from local networks, scholars, and USAID partners with the use of advanced data collection, research, and analysis techniques, adding depth and frequency to the collection and analysis of information. The information and analysis provided will support the development and modification of planned and ongoing USAID development activities in Myanmar. Research techniques and methods of interest to USAID include, but are not limited to: tracking of open source reporting on conflicts and conflict drivers in Myanmar; data mining of existing public datasets, such as the Demographic Health Survey, publicly available census information; public opinion polling, and other quantitative and qualitative research publicly available, such as World Bank and United Nations data; geospatial analysis related and relevant to conflict and development activities;

crowd-sourcing or other social-media based research and analysis techniques; and other innovative or technology-based analytical tools. These tools can be complimented by more conventional techniques including key informant interviews, engagement of scholars and researchers, focus groups discussions, or quantitative surveys. The tools used by the contractor will be used to develop the required analytical reports, mapping, and consulting services detailed under Contract Tasks.

4. Contract Tasks

(A) Task 1: Monthly Atmospheric Report

The contractor will produce a monthly atmospheric report on political, economic, and social developments across Myanmar with an emphasis on factors related to local, regional, or national-level conflict. The report will be structured by geographic and thematic issues including but not limited to: the security and political environment in conflict-affected geographies; incidents of active conflict; political developments affecting conflict such as inter- and intra-group leadership dynamics; economic opportunities and constraints, including the role of informal and black markets; the impact of proposed and ongoing infrastructure projects; tracking of economic information such as foreign investment projects, prices of staple commodities, and migration patterns; access to essential services including health, education, water, and electricity; drug use, production, and trafficking as related to basic services and potential for conflict; profiles of key political actors and institutions; analysis about the impact the peace process has on economic, social and political development; and the perceived role of regional and international actors. Not all topics will be covered in each monthly report, and themes and geography may change based on developments in Myanmar.

Monthly reports will not exceed 15 pages and must include an executive summary, not to exceed one page; must be analytical in nature, addressing the implications of identified events, dynamics and trends within the country and specifically for USAID activities; and include visual products that support the contractor’s analysis, such as maps, images, charts, or other graphics. The first report will not be due until two months after award. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will provide guidance to the contractor on specific monthly topics or shifts in emphasis.

The monthly reports are subject to approval and acceptance by the COR.

(B) Task 2: Quarterly Special Report

The contractor will provide a quarterly special report on a topic to be selected by USAID/Burma.

The quarterly special report will include a narrative not to exceed 25 pages; include an executive summary of no more than two pages; and, must be analytical in nature, using a mix of the tools described in the Activity Description (C.3). The report must include primary research on the topic provided, and may require travel to and within Myanmar. Data analysis and visualization products, such as maps, images, charts or other graphics, must be integrated into the report. The quarterly special report must include a section on the implications on, and recommendations for, USAID/Burma activities. USAID/Burma will provide the contractor with the final topic and research guidance no later than the first day of each quarter. The contractor may propose to USAID topics for the quarterly special report, subject to final approval by the Mission through the COR. The Quarterly Special Report is subject to the approval and acceptance by the COR.

(C) Task 3: Ad Hoc Reporting and Geographic Data Analysis and Mapping

(a) Ad Hoc Reports

USAID may submit up to four (4) requests per quarter for ad hoc reports. The contractor must be prepared to provide five to seven page responses to Mission questions on new and emerging issues in Myanmar. Ad hoc reporting will be based on tools described in the Activity Description (C.3). Ad hoc reports may serve as the foundation for subsequent quarterly special reports, and may be integrated into, or supplement monthly atmospheric reports. The final content, scope, and length, and submission timeline for ad hoc reports will be determined by the COR in conjunction with the contractor based on the urgency and complexity of the request. The timeline will generally be seven to 14 days, but may be more or less based on the request. All ad hoc reports are subject to the approval and acceptance of USAID through the COR.

(b) Geographic Data Analysis and Mapping

USAID may submit up to six (6) requests per quarter for Geographic Data Analysis and Mapping products. USAID anticipates the request for mapping project or activity locations; and analytical products including but not limited to overlays of project, activity, and economic, demographic, conflict, humanitarian aid, or political data. The final specifications and timeline for delivery of ad hoc geographic data analysis and mapping reports will be determined by the COR in conjunction with the contractor based on the urgency and complexity of the request. All geographic data analysis and mapping products are subject to the approval and acceptance of USAID through the COR.

(D) Task 4: Analytical Database

The contractor must develop or maintain a database of analytical information. This database will contain all information created and obtained by the contractor, and publicly available studies, research and data related to analytical products produced by the contract, providing a centralized location for data mining and other requested or required analyses. The database may be cloud based. The contractor must also include a summary “in the database a user-interface, such as a dashboard” of trends in drivers, that allows for the search and tracking of conflict, to be agreed with information and trends based upon the information generated under the contract and provided by USAID/Burma after award. The analytical database must be capable of multiple levels of access, including complete access for the contractor and USAID, ranging to partial read-only access for local partners or the public, as directed by the COR. The analytical database must also be able to run customized contractor and customer generated reports integrating open source, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and contractor generated information contemplated under this contract. USAID/Burma will determine, based upon the sensitivity of the data and the current political environment whether the data contained in the database will be, in whole or in part, for internal government purposes only, or made available to the public. The database will be developed, populated, and maintained by the contractor over the period of performance and transferred to USAID in a useable form, to be subsequently determined, upon the termination or expiration of the contract. Pursuant ADS 579: USAID Development Data, datasets must be submitted to the Development Data Library (DDL) in open and machine-readable formats.

(E) Task 5: Mission Consultations

(1) Initial Consultations: Upon award of the contract, the Key Personnel will travel to Yangon, Myanmar for consultations with USAID and its partners. The initial consultations will take place within 30 days of award. The purpose of the initial consultations is for the contractor to detail its capabilities to the broader Mission;

understand USAID/Burma’s development activities; and, to hold introductory meetings with other government, donor, and local interlocutors.

(2) Quarterly Consultations: The contractor will provide formal quarterly consultations with the Mission in conjunction with the release of the quarterly special report. USAID/Burma anticipates that two of these consultations per year will be conducted in person in Yangon, Myanmar. The remaining two will be conducted remotely by phone or video teleconference. The consultations will include a presentation of overall findings to the Mission and individualized consultations with USAID/Burma technical offices and Mission leadership.

(3) Ad hoc Consultations: Based upon the findings and results of Tasks 1-3, the contractor must be in regular contact with the Mission, ensuring timely updates to identified issues. The contractor must also be available to the Mission for ad hoc discussions on the implications of research findings and new developments on program implementation and strategy. USAID anticipates that up to four hours of consultations will be required per week, exclusive of management and oversight of other tasks under this contract.

5. Additional Considerations

(A) Gender, Youth, and the Environment

The impact of and implications for development programs for gender, youth, and the environment are central to USAID/Burma. As an analytical activity, the direct impacts on Myanmar women, youth, and other vulnerable communities, as well as the environment will be minimal. However, the contractor must be prepared to address specific questions related to gender (C.5.C), youth, and the environment in each of the required tasks, as directed by the

COR.

(B) Information and Data from USAID and USAID/Burma Partners

USAID/Burma, at its discretion, may provide the contractor with quantitative and qualitative reports and data from its current or past implementing partners. This information may be subject to non-disclosure agreements or other restrictions imposed by USAID, or directly between the contractor and USAID grantees.

(C) Conflict sensitivity and Gender

All analyses under this contract should be undertaken with a conflict lens in terms of understanding the context, root causes, key actors and mitigating factors related to conflict.

When conducting the analysis and whenever relevant and feasible, the different perspectives and perception from women, men and other vulnerable groups should be explored. It is also worthwhile to assess the role of gender dynamics in shaping the grievances that drive the conflicts and ensure the analytical methodology is gender-sensitive.

6. Key Personnel

Senior Consultant: The senior consultant will have a minimum of 7 years demonstrated experience assessing multi-disciplinary issues, including politics, governance, economics, and delivery of social services as they relate to development activities in conflict environments. A Masters or Ph.D (or equivalent) is preferred in a relevant field including international relations, political science, economics, public health, law, public administration, or data sciences. Direct professional experience in excess of five years may be substituted for advanced degree requirements. The Senior consultant must have demonstrated experience briefing reports to senior level officials such as Ambassadors, flag officers, C-level positions in the private sector (e,g, CEO, CIO, COO). USAID strongly prefers a Senior Consultant based in the region to facilitate communications and required consultations. Burmese language capabilities are desired but not required.

7. Table of Illustrative Deliverables

DELIVERABLE FORMAT

QUANTITY

DUE DATE

CONTRACT

REFERENCE

Monthly Atmospheric Report

Document, to be submitted electronically

1 per month commencing the second month, 23 over the base period of the contract.

Third day of each proceeding month (e.g., January report is due February 3)

4.A

Quarterly Special Report

Document, to be submitted electronically

1 per quarter (4 per year)

First day of each following quarter (e.g., CY Q1 report covering January-March due April 1)

4.B

Ad hoc reports TBD – document, or graphic to be submitted electronically

4 per quarter (16 per year)

Upon mutual agreement of the COR and contractor

4.C(a)

Geographic data analysis and mapping

TBD – document, or graphic to be submitted electronically

6 per quarter (24 per year)

Upon mutual agreement of the COR and contractor

4.C(b)

Analytical Database TBD – Cloud and/or electronic file

1 To be populated and maintained over the life of the contract;

handed over to USAID upon conclusion of the contract.

4.D

ATTACHMENT II

SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

1. 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

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

48 CFR – VOLUME 1 – CHAPTER 1 – FEDERAL ACQUISTION REGULATION

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.203-18 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES

THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS-

REPRESENTATION JAN 2017

52.204-6 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER OCT 2016

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2016

52.204-22 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL JAN 2017

52.214-34 SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE APR 1991

52.214-35 SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN U.S. CURRENCY APR 1991

52.225-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES

ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR TRANSACTIONS

RELATING TO IRAN-REPRESENTATION

AND CERTIFICATIONS OCT 2015

2. 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

Note: SF 1449 (mentioned below) is not used for this solicitation in accordance with FAR 12.603 -- Streamlined Solicitation for Commercial Items. (synopsis/solicitation. The NAICS code is provided on the cover page.

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code and small business size standard for this acquisition appear in Block 10 of the solicitation cover sheet (SF 1449). However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show—

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) “Remit to” address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see

FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender’s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation), or alternative commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and—

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government’s control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item

Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to—

GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section Suite 8100 470 East L’Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20407

Telephone (202) 619-8925 Facsimile (202) 619-8978.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST (https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

(ii) Quick Search (http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(iii) ASSISTdocs.com (http://assistdocs.com).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by—

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600

EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers exceeding $3,500, and offers of $3,500 or less if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation “Unique Entity Identifier” followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror’s name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) System for Award Management. Unless exempted by an addendum to this solicitation, by submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the SAM database prior to award, during performance and through final payment of any contract resulting from this solicitation. If the Offeror does not become registered in the SAM database in the time prescribed by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer will proceed to award to the next otherwise successful registered Offeror.

Offerors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the SAM database accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov.

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency’s evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror’s offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of provision)

3. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

Offerors will submit an offer which must include all of the below components. Additional documents/components provided by the offeror, or components in excess of the page limitations stated below will not be read or considered.

1. A corporate experience and methodology and approach statement of no more than seven pages.

The statement must include:

a. Corporate Experience. The offeror must describe at least five examples of projects similar to the requirements of this RFP that the offeror has completed in the past five years.

b. Methodology and Approach. The offeror must provide a summary of the methodology and approach the offeror will use to accomplish the five tasks in the SOW in accordance with the SOW and deliverables. The summary will describe the tools and people that will be employed on the project.

2.Past Performance. Summary of at least five organizations that the offeror has successfully provided similar services to within the past five years. This section must include a description of the similar service provided, as well as point of contact information at the customer organization that USAID/Burma may use to evaluate past performance. The past performance section is limited to three pages.

3. An example PDF monthly report in accordance with Statement of Work and Deliverables. The example monthly report must not exceed 15 pages (letter-sized pages, 8.5" x 11 ").

4. Price Proposal. The price proposal priced by deliverable by year. No page limit.

The price proposal will be in a separate file from the corporate experience and methodology and approach and the past performance files.

4. FAR 52.212-2, EVALUATION -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

The USAID/Burma intends to evaluate offers in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated below and award to the responsible offeror whose quote represents the best value to the U.S.

Government. "Best Value" is defined as the proposal that is determined to be the most advantageous to USAID/Burma, considering price and other factors.

The below evaluation criteria, when combined, are approximately equal in importance to price.

Offerors who do not have adequate Corporate Experience will not be evaluated. Offerors who do not submit offerors in accordance with the Instructions to Offerors will not be evaluated.

The evaluation criteria are equally weighted.

Corporate experience. USAID will evaluate the quality of the examples of projects similar to the requirements of this RFP that the offeror has completed in the past five years.

Methodology and Approach. USAID will evaluate the summary of the methodology and approach the offeror will use to accomplish the five tasks in the SOW in accordance with the SOW and deliverables. USAID will evaluate the quality of the tools and people that will be employed on the project. The example monthly report will be evaluated under this criteria.

Past performance. USAID will evaluate the quality of the firms past performance on similar projects.

(b) Reserved

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

5. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

In accordance with ADS 320.3.1.2, Pre-Award Procedures, the Offeror will respond to the Branding Strategy below by preparing and submitting the Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and a Marking Plan (MP). The BIP and MP will be negotiated prior to award and included in and made a part of the resultant contract. Failure to submit and negotiate a BIP and/or MP will make the Offeror ineligible for award of the contract. The Offeror must include all estimated costs associated with monitoring and enforcement of branding and marking requirements into their cost proposals.

Branding Strategy:

Activity Name: Myanmar Analytical Activity

Positioning: The activity must be referred to as USAID’s and all materials and communications must be positioned as from the American People, using the USAID Identity.

The corporate identity or logo of the Contractor must not be used on any activity materials.

Marking is required on Contractor offices and commodities/equipment visible to the public.

Marking is not required on Contractor vehicles, office supplies, or other commodities used solely for administration of this contract. These rules apply to all subcontractors as well.

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

Prospective Contractors may include requests for specific, programmatic exceptions to marking requirements in their Marking Plan, if needed.

Level of visibility: The activity’s audience will primarily be the USAID/Burma Mission, and its implementing partners. In consultation with USAID, the Contractor may identify other groups as target audiences. In the case of highly sensitive political issues, a lower profile may be required.

Other organizations to be acknowledged: No other organizations are required to be acknowledged. When appropriate, the Contractor may co‐brand and co‐mark materials and communications being jointly sponsored by USAID and a host country government. In these cases, all identities must be of equal size and standing, following USAID regulations. This will be determined in consultation with USAID.

Anticipated elements of Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan:

Deliverables to be marked include, but are not limited to:

● External communications (studies, reports, publications, posters, DVDs and other informative and promotional products);

● Events (trainings, workshops, conferences, fairs, and other public meetings); as well as

● Training materials.

USAID’s mandatory branding/marking requirements are contained in ADS 320.2.

USAID’s web page contains the electronic version of the Graphic Standards Manual that is compulsory for all Contractors. The Contractor will be expected to budget for the costs of adequately branding and marking in the cost proposal.

6. 52.212-3 OFFEROS REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-

COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2017)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://www.sam.gov/portal. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (u) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— “Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern” means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

“Highest-level owner” means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

“Immediate owner” means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror. Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

“Inverted domestic corporation”, means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

“Manufactured end product” means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000-9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

“Place of manufacture” means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

“Predecessor” means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

“Restricted business operations” means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education;

or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

“Sensitive technology”—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

“Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern”—

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

“Small business concern” means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR Part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

“Small disadvantaged business concern”, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1002, means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that—

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by—

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States;

and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding $750,000 after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2);

and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

“Subsidiary” means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.

“Veteran-owned small business concern” means a small business concern—

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38

U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

“Successor” means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term “successor” does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

“Women-owned business concern” means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

“Women-owned small business concern” means a small business concern—

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

“Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program” (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127), means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States.

(b)(1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications posted on the SAM website.

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the SAM website accessed through http://www.acquisition.gov. After reviewing the SAM database information, the offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs

[Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at (c) through (t) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any.

These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted electronically on SAM.]

(c) Offerors must complete the following representations when the resulting contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. Check all that apply.

(1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a small business concern.

(2) Veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(3) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(2) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

(4) Small disadvantaged business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, that it □ is, □ is not a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13 CFR 124.1002.

(5) Women-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it □ is, □ is not a women-owned small business concern.

(6) WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a women-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(5) of this provision.] The offeror represents that—

(i) It □ is,□ is not a WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program, has provided all the required documents to the WOSB Repository, and no change in circumstances or adverse decisions have been issued that affects its eligibility; and

(ii) It □ is, □ is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 127, and the representation in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this provision is accurate for each WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program participating in the joint…