72051418R00006_(01)_-_Amendment.pdf

Issuance Date: May 31, 2018 Questions Due Date: June 15, 2018 Questions Due Time: 3:00 PM, Bogota time Closing Date: July 16, 2018 Closing Time: 3:00 PM, Bogota time

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 72051418R00006, USAID “Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Activity”

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Colombia, is seeking proposals from U.S. Small Business organizations to provide technical and advisory services related to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) of USAID/Colombia projects and activities.

The Authorized Principal Geographic Code for this solicitation is 937 – Default. The NAICS Code for this solicitation is 541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

USAID anticipates awarding a single Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion contract. This procurement will be conducted under a Total Small Business Set-Aside, pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1). The Total Estimated CPFF for services under this contract is estimated to fall within the range of $22.5 million and $24 million.

Please refer to Section L for information regarding proposal requirements. Offerors should take into account the expected delivery time required by the proposal transmission method they choose and they are responsible for ensuring proposals are received at USAID by the due date and time as specified in Section L. Failure to comply with the submission date and time will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated. Faxed or hard-copy proposals are not acceptable, nor will they be reviewed or evaluated.

Section L of the RFP sets forth all instructions for the preparation and submission of required proposal contents, including critical dates/times for the submission of questions, and the proposal submission closing date and time. Section M states the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of the contract will not be binding and will not constitute a formal amendment of the RFP.

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.

USAID expects that offerors will have equal access to all local organizations needed to implement this contract and strongly discourages exclusivity agreements with local organizations.

This RFP can be viewed and downloaded from www.fbo.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.

(x)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

72051418R00006 x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT

THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

34004

DPO, AA 34004

COLOMBIA

Unit 3030, Box 5101 Office of Acquisition & Assistance 00001 USAID Colombia

06/25/2018000001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

05/31/2018

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this amendment is to update the solicitation in order to reflect changes due to the Questions received.

Documents included:

- 72051418R00006 (01) - AMENDMENT

- 72051418R00006 (01) - List of Changes

- 72051418R00006 (01) - Q&A

- 72051418R00006 (01) - SF-30

- ATTACHMENT 4 - 72051418R00006 (01)

- ATTACHMENT 10 - 72051418R00006 (01)

- ATTACHMENT 11 - 72051418R00006 (01)

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Jonathan Banco

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

RFP NO. 72051418R00006 – MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING ACTIVITY TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1. PURPOSE

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

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

B.4. CONTRACT BUDGET AND CEILINGS

B.5. INDIRECT COST

[Reserved]

B.6. COST REIMBURSABLE

B.7. MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT AND CANCELLATION CEILING

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1. PURPOSE

C.2. BACKGROUND

C.3. TECHNICAL SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

C.4. SUPPLEMENTAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

C.5. EXPECTED RESULTS

SECTION D– PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1. AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

F.2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.5. REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

F.6. PERSONNEL

F.7. AUTHORIZED WORK DAY/WEEK

SECTION G– CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

G.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER AND CONTRACTING OFFICER’S

REPRESENTATIVE

G.3. CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT-OF CONTACT

G.4. PAYING OFFICE

G.5. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.6. CONTRACTOR’S PAYMENT ADDRESS

G.7. ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL

G.8. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY

G.9. TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS / RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1. USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOVEMBER 2017)

H.2. CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUGUST 2013) ... 46

H.3. USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION (JULY 2014)

H.4. SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY

(DDL) (OCTOBER 2014)

H.5. USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DEC 2004)

H.6. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.7. AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.8. DEFENSE BASE ACT INSURANCE

H.9. LOGISTIC SUPPORT

H.10. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.11. EXECUTIVE ORDER -- CLIMATE-RESILIENT INTERNATIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

H.12. EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING

H.13. FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL

CONFERENCES

H.14. PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

H.15. NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

H.16. CLOUD COMPUTING (MAY 2016)

H.17. ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (MAY

2016) 61

H.18. SECTION 508 OF THE REHAB. ACT OF 1978 AND FAC 97-27

“ELECTRONIC IT ACCOUNTABILITY”

H.19. CONFIDENTIALITY AND OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY . 62

H.20. CONTRACTOR’S STAFF SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND

LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS

H.21. ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.22. EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION LIMITATIONS UNDER THE CONTRACT

H.23. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.24. EXCHANGE VISITORS AND TRAINING

H.25. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY

H.26. HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12)

(SEPTEMBER 2006)

H.27. INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL AND CLOSELY ASSOCIATED

FUNCTIONS

H.28. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

H.29. PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

(JULY 2007)

H.30. PRESS RELATIONS

H.31. REQUESTS FOR CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT

H.32. SUBCONTRACTING PLAN AND THE ESRS SYSTEM – SUBCONTRACTING

REPORT FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS AND ESRS – SUMMARY CONTRACTING

REPORT

H.33. SECURITY CONDITIONS

H.34. SECURITY SERVICES AND LIFE SUPPORT

H.35. TITLE TO AND CARE OF PROPERTY

H.36. USAID LEGAL AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS

H.37. LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(DEVIATION NOs. M/OAA-DEV-FAR-18-2c and M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-18-2c) (APRIL 2018) 70

H.38. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY

(APRIL 2018)

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

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

I.3. FAR 52.216-24 LIMITATION OF GOVERNMENT LIABILITY (APR 1984)

I.4. FAR 52.229-8 TAXES – FOREIGN COST-REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS

(MAR 1990)

I.5. FAR 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS FOR

AUDIT. (FEB 2006)

I.6. SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.7. FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.8. AIDAR 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUNE 2012)

I.9. AIDAR752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY - USAID REPORTING

REQUIREMENTS. (JUL 1997)

I.10. AIDAR 752.252-2 AIDAR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(MAR 2015)

I.11. AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

PART III – DOCUMENTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS ... 82

ATTACHMENT 10 - MAIN USAID/COLOMBIA IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

USEFUL LINKS

PART IV – REPRESENTATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K– REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1. NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

K.2. FAR 52.203-18 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT

REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS -

REPRESENTATION (APR 2015) (DEVIATION 2015-02)

K.3. FAR 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS. (JAN

2018) 85

K.4. FAR 52.204-20 – PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR

K.5. FAR 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS.

(OCT 2015)

K.6. KEY INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATION NARCOTICS OFFENSES AND DRUG

TRAFFICKING

K.7. FAR 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS.

(JUL 2013)

K.8. SIGNATURE

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

RESPONDENTS

L.1. NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

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

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

L.4. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

L.5. DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.7. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN (REQUIRED

BUT NOT EVALUATED)

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

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1. METHOD OF EVALUATION

M.2. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.3. COST ANALYSIS/ COST REALISM ANALYSIS

M.4. SOURCE SELECTION

M.5. DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE

ATTACHMENT 1 - PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

ATTACHMENT 2 - BRANDING STRATEGY

ATTACHMENT 3 - BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN118

ATTACHMENT 4 – BUDGET TEMPLATE

ATTACHMENT 5 - CERTIFICATION REGARDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

COMPLIANCE PLAN

ATTACHMENT 6 - USAID FORM 1420-17-CONTRACTOR BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

SHEET

ATTACHMENT 7 – SF-LLL - DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

ATTACHMENT 8 – DESCRIPTION OF USAID JUSTICE FOR A SUSTAINABLE

PEACE (JSP) ACTIVITY

ATTACHMENT 9 – SALARY RANGES

ATTACHMENT 10 - ATTACHMENT 10 - MAIN USAID/COLOMBIA

IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

ATTACHMENT 11 - USAID/COLOMBIA EVAL QUARTERLY REPORTS

RFP NO. 72051418R00006 – MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING ACTIVITY SECTION B

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide the services described in the Statement of Work (SOW) to implement the “Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)” Activity (henceforth ‘the Activity’), as described in Section C.

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion contract. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must provide the deliverables or outputs described in Sections C and F in accordance with the performance standards specified in Sections C and F.

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

The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is [TBD]. The fixed fee, if any, is [TBD]. The estimated Cost plus Fixed- Fee, if any, is [TBD].

B.3.1 Payment of Fixed Fee

Payment of fixed fee will be made upon receipt of a proper invoice and must directly correspond to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. In accordance with FAR 52-216-8, Fixed Fee, the CO will withhold 15% of the total fee or $100,000, whichever is less until the required award conditions under the reference clause have been met.

B.3.2 Amount Obligated

Within the estimated cost-plus-fixed-fee (if any), the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee, if any) for performance hereunder is [TBD]. The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount nor will the United States Government (USG) be responsible for costs incurred should the Contractor do so.

Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through [TBD].

B.4. CONTRACT BUDGET AND CEILINGS

Direct Costs $TBD Indirect Costs $TBD Total Costs $TBD Fixed Fee $TBD

Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee $TBD

B.5. INDIRECT COST

The contract clause entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment (JUN 2013)”, FAR Subpart 52.216- 7, specifies that the indirect cost rates must be established for each of the Contractor’s accounting periods which apply to this contract. Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs should be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Description Rate Base Type Period

[TBD] [TBD] 1/ 1/ 1/

[TBD] [TBD] 2/ 2/ 2/

[TBD] [TBD] 3/ 3/ 3/

1/ Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/ Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/ Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

[RESERVED]

B.6. COST REIMBURSABLE

Allowable costs are limited to reasonable, allocable and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for Payment.

B.7. MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT AND CANCELLATION CEILING

This contract is subject to the requirements of FAR 17.106.

(a) Performance under this contract during the second and subsequent program years is contingent upon the appropriation of funds. All program years except the first are subject to cancellation. Cancellation shall occur by the dates specified below if the Contracting Officer:

1. Notifies the Contractor that funds are not available for contract performance for any subsequent program year, or

2. Fails to notify the Contractor that funds are available for performance of the succeeding program year.

(b) Cancellation Ceiling:

In the event that the Government cancels requirements for services in subsequent program years under this contract, the following conditions will apply.

(c) If cancellation under the clause at 52.217-2, “Cancellation Under Multi-year Contracts” occurs, the contractor will be paid a cancellation charge not over the cancellation ceiling defined as follows:

Program Year Cancellation Date Cancellation Ceiling

Year 1: 201X – 201X N/A N/A

Year 2: 201X – 201X TBD $0

Year 3: 201X – 20XX TBD $0

Year 4: 20XX – 20XX TBD $0

Year 5: 20XX – 20XX TBD $0

The Government’s liability for cancellation charges shall not exceed $0. This amount will be reduced accordance with FAR 17.106-1 (c)(1) at the conclusion of each program year as follows:

The cancellation ceiling shall be the amount allotted to this contract under the Limitation of Funds clause (FAR 52.232-22(b)) at the time the cancellation notice is issued by the Contracting Officer.

(d) In accordance with the Cancellation under Multi-year Contracts clause, the cancellation charge will cover only:

(1) Costs-

(i) Incurred by the contractor and/or subcontractor;

(ii) Reasonably necessary for performance of the contract; and

(iii) That would have been equitably amortized over the entire multi-year contract period but, because of the cancellation, are not so amortized; and

(2) A reasonable profit or fee on the costs.

[END OF SECTION B]

RFP NO. 72051418R00006. – MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING ACTIVITY SECTION C

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING (MEL) ACTIVITY

C.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Activity is to provide USAID/Colombia with technical and advisory services related to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) of USAID/Colombia projects and activities. This includes providing monitoring support services; designing and implementing performance and impact evaluations, as well as other studies and assessments;

developing collaborating, learning and adapting initiatives; and strengthening the Mission’s Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and analysis capacities. These efforts will facilitate informed program management decisions, shape the long-term strategic direction of programs and decision-making within the Mission, and enable USAID/Colombia to comply with USAID’s Evaluation Policy and USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) 201. The expected result of this Activity is to enhance the Mission’s MEL capability and to ensure empirical evidence for programming, learning and adapting.

C.2. BACKGROUND

C. 2.1 Colombia Context

Colombia is not a typical aid recipient, and USAID’s commitment stems from the instability and strife associated with the country’s more than 50 years of civil conflict. Colombia’s status as a steadily growing middle-income country masks severe inequities. In reality, there are two Colombias: the dynamic and sophisticated Colombia represented by urban centers such as Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin, and the poor, institutionally weak, conflict-ridden rural Colombia. While it is true that Colombia’s economy has grown and that foreign direct investment has increased almost tenfold, the benefits of sustained economic growth have been unequally distributed. Large parts of the country still remain beyond the authority of the State and have not benefited from the broader success of the Colombian economy. As a consequence of protracted historical neglect, these ungoverned, largely rural areas suffer from unacceptably high poverty rates, low basic human development indicators, and lack of sustainable, licit economic opportunities. The grievances surrounding these issues drive conflict, so it is important to address them in order to transition the country to a durable peace and advance its development objectives. This context has been complicated in recent years, particularly in the wake of the peace accord signed with the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016. Coca cultivation has risen and illegal armed groups have come into the void left by the FARC to take control of the territory, narcotics business, and to exert control over communities through violence. The Colombian government’s ambitious commitments made under the peace accord have been highly politicized, and the government’s slow pace and resource constraints are limiting factors for successful accord implementation. Moreover, as the State is slow to implement, particularly in the historically conflict-affected areas, communities continue to face violence, marginalization, and engage in illicit economies for lack of a viable, legal alternative.

C.2.2 USAID/Colombia Programs

USAID’s current strategy focuses on supporting the Government of Colombia (GOC)’s capacity to implement a sustainable and inclusive peace. USAID’s work with the GOC, civil society, and the private sector focuses on achieving more inclusive and equitable socio-economic development in prioritized rural parts of the country that are conflict-ridden, impoverished, institutionally weak and strategically critical to the success of the peace implementation. The current USAID 2014-2019 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) contains the United States Government (USG)’s assistance package in support of Colombian efforts to continue the transition out of conflict in these zones and includes support for the implementation of the recent peace agreement.

Progress toward this goal has been implemented through four development objectives (DOs):

(1) Effective presence of democratic institutions and processes in targeted areas; (2) Reconciliation advanced among victims, ex-combatants and other citizens; (3) Improved conditions for inclusive, rural economic growth; and (4) Environmental resiliency and low-emissions development strengthened.

The following summary of the current CDCS DOs provides context and a brief overall review of the scope and variety of projects and activities developed by USAID/Colombia. These DOs and their corresponding Projects and Activities will be the programming base on which the monitoring support, evaluation, and learning activities must be carried out by the Contractor, at least during the first half of the contract’s implementation period. During the past four years, USAID/Colombia has implemented an average of 40 activity mechanisms linked to the CDCS 2014- 2019.

During the implementation of the contract, a new CDCS may be issued.

DO1: Effective presence of democratic institutions and processes in targeted areas

USAID/Colombia is improving the capacity of local governments to deliver key municipal services. Toward this end, the Mission is working with local civil society organizations and governments to strengthen the ability of local governments to mobilize investment resources, better respond to public priorities, and formulate and implement plans for the delivery of services and infrastructure. Moreover, USAID/Colombia is supporting national and local authorities, as well as civil society organizations, to reduce corruption through greater transparency and accountability.

Additionally, USAID/Colombia promotes human rights by supporting the ability of local institutions, organizations, and officials – including mayors, human rights officials working for national institutions at the local level, civil society organizations, and law enforcement officials

– to prevent and respond to human rights violations. This work is done in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice and its programs, aimed at improving law enforcement and the justice system. This includes support for the investigation of human rights violations, implementation of the Victims’ Law and the early warning system, which provides notice of impending violations to authorities. Finally, USAID/Colombia strengthens the ability of local institutions, including national-level institutions working at the local level to provide greater access to justice to resolve conflicts, particularly as they relate to gender-based violence. In this context, the Mission is also supporting local justice committees, grassroots organizations, and justice houses to provide an array of conflict resolution services.

DO2: Reconciliation advanced among victims, ex-combatants and other citizens

USAID/Colombia is helping build the capacity of Colombian institutions to meet the needs of victims and demobilized ex-combatants, and seek reconciliation. In particular, USAID/Colombia is strengthening the Victims Unit’s capacity to support victims by providing access to basic services, psycho-social attention, economic opportunities, and reparations;

strengthening the Agency for the Reincorporation and the Normalization and the Family Welfare Institute to reintegrate former combatants and rehabilitate child soldiers; and strengthening the Center for Historical Memory and its affiliated local organizations to promote truth-telling and national reconciliation by documenting the scope and human impact of the conflict.

USAID/Colombia is also implementing specialized programs established to aid marginalized populations, including Afro-Colombians and indigenous communities. These groups, especially those of African and indigenous descent, who represent approximately one- quarter of Colombia’s population, are not necessarily defined as victims under the Law. However, they have suffered greatly from targeted recruitment of their youth by illegal armed actors, displacement from and loss of traditional lands, limited access to basic services, and restricted political representation.

DO3: Improved Conditions for Inclusive Rural Economic Growth

USAID/Colombia is focusing on building a robust and more diverse rural economy that has secure land rights, connectivity, infrastructure, private investment, access to financial services and strong market linkages. Partnerships with private firms to link small producers to domestic and global supply chains are essential elements of USAID’s approach.

USAID/Colombia is working to strengthen the capacity of GOC entities responsible for implementing land reparations and also help ensure that, once restituted, these households receive support to make the land productive. The Mission is providing technical assistance to GOC institutions in charge of formalizing land titles for reducing distortions in the rural land market, improving investment, and reducing inefficient land use patterns. USAID/Colombia is contributing to the design and development of projects focused on economic infrastructure in rural areas – such as roads, irrigation systems, and electricity – in order to connect rural communities with markets. The Mission is developing and promoting public-private partnerships and helping local government planning in order to mobilize public and private funds that can be harnessed for rural growth. USAID/Colombia is creating incentives for the use of Development Credit Authority (DCA) mechanisms, providing local workforce training in skills required for planned investment and other tools to attract private sector investment by mitigating risk. In addition, the Mission is supporting access to financial services for rural producers, which has proven critical for sustainable and equitable economic growth in these regions.

USAID/Colombia is strengthening small farmers and landowners – especially women heads of household – by working to strengthen producer associations and agricultural value chains, and providing business development support. The Mission is contributing to an improvement in equitable economic conditions of producer associations with a focus on increasing economic opportunities for both men and women rural farmers that contribute to a reduction in rural poverty, which is key to addressing the root causes of conflict.

DO4: Environmental Resilience and Low-emissions Development Strengthened

USAID/Colombia is working to reduce and eliminate the negative impacts on Colombia’s biodiversity and ecosystem by using a “threats-based” approach to support the GOC. Under this approach, USAID/Colombia works with the GOC, regional and local environmental institutions, and communities to do the following: strengthen environmental governance for the conservation of protected areas and ethnic territories; preserve, restore, or improve ecosystem services; ensure the environmental sustainability of natural resource-based livelihoods; mitigate or adapt to long-term impacts of climate change; effectively manage gold mining and address its environmental damages; and promote the use of renewable and clean energy.

USAID/Colombia therefore assists the country in reducing poverty while sustainably managing its natural resources in a way that facilitates a more sustainable and peaceful future. For example, USAID/Colombia supports GOC efforts to create incentives for firms and public sector entities to reduce their overall level of carbon emissions, while contributing to improved local livelihoods. USAID/Colombia also helps build resilience to anticipated climate change impacts by diversifying local economies and improving management of water supplies.

C.2.3 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

Through the monitoring, evaluation and learning practices applied to the Mission programming described in the previous section, USAID/Colombia will apply knowledge gained from evidence and analysis to improve its development outcomes and ensure accountability for the resources used to achieve them. USAID/Colombia also expects to rely on the best available information to rigorously and credibly make choices, plan effectively, manage adaptively, and learn systematically.

USAID/Colombia follows the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016 (FATAA), USAID ADS 201 regarding monitoring evaluating and learning, and the USAID Evaluation Policy.

According to ADS 201, monitoring is the ongoing and systematic tracking of data or information relevant to USAID strategies, projects, and activities. Monitoring informs strategy, project, and activity design and implementation. The analysis of monitoring data should inform efforts to manage adaptively and promote accountability. Evaluations are the systematic collection and analysis of information about the characteristics and outcomes of strategies, projects, and activities conducted as a basis for judgments to improve effectiveness, and timed to inform decisions about current and future programming. The purpose of evaluations is to ensure accountability to stakeholders and to learn to improve development outcomes. The subject of a USAID evaluation may include any level of USAID programming, from a strategy to an activity, intervention, or even a cross-cutting programmatic priority.

Strategic collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptive management link together all components of the Program Cycle. Sources for learning include data from monitoring, findings of research and assessments, evaluations, analyses conducted by USAID or third parties, knowledge gained from experience, and other sources. These sources should be used to develop plans, implement projects, manage adaptively, and contribute to USAID’s knowledge base in order to improve development outcomes. A Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) focus helps ensure that programming is coordinated, grounded in evidence, and adjusted as necessary to remain relevant and effective throughout implementation.

C.3. TECHNICAL SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

The Contractor must provide all necessary services and operations support to meet the purpose of the Activity. During its implementation, the Contractor will integrate and follow guidance and policy directives related to activities within the scope of work of USAID’s Evaluation Policy, ADS 201 and 205 and other MEL tools provided by the USAID Bureau of Policy, Planning and Learning (PPL) and the USAID Learning LAB. The Contractor must comply with the quality requirements, templates, procedures, toolkits, guidance and checklists provided by PPL. USAID/Colombia will provide other relevant documents specific to certain sectors, initiatives, or funding sources that will impact the services provided by the Contractor.

The Contractor will be responsible for providing fundamental services required to:

Ensure continuous MEL support to USAID/Colombia for managing its strategy, projects and activities;

Ensure effective mechanisms to recruit qualified experts in order to provide the evaluations, assessments, data collection, GIS services and other needed MEL services.

Respond to requests for supplemental technical assistance (STA) by USAID/Colombia.

Provide general oversight and administration, as well as the quality control required for all services to be provided under this contract.

The services provided will be under the following components.

C.3.1 Component I - Monitoring Support Services

The Contractor must provide performance and context monitoring support services required by USAID to increase its capacity to make well-informed decisions based on evidence, and facilitate compliance with USAID ADS 201. According to ADS 201, USAID must use complementary monitoring approaches (201.3.5.5.C), to supplement performance and context monitoring in situations where results are difficult to predict due to dynamic contexts or unclear cause-and-effect relationships. The Contractor must support USAID/Colombia in the design and implementation of these complementary approaches.

Illustrative Tasks:

Anticipated tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

● The Contractor will support the Mission in the development of Data Quality Assessments (DQAs). This task will entail field visits to review and analyze the quality of data collection procedures and ensure that the standard definition of indicators is being properly understood and applied.

● Identify jointly with USAID/Colombia relevant context indicators for the Mission’s programming at the national, departmental and municipal level. The Contractor must collect and update data for the context indicators identified in available secondary sources and USAID datasets derived from evaluations and assessments. It will also contribute to the construction of tables and dashboards for consulting context indicator data.

● Support the Mission and its implementing partners (IPs) (primarily responsible for performance indicator data collection and reporting) in the data collection of baselines and monitoring data. In particular, it may support Implementing Partners to identify and gather data on context and impact indicators.

● Review and analyze context and performance data collected by the Contractor or USAID implementing partners, particularly for MEL purposes.

● Contribute to data collection and standardization of cross-cutting issues, such as gender equality and female empowerment.

C.3.2 Component II - Performance and Impact Evaluations

The Contractor is required to conduct impact and performance evaluations of USAID/Colombia selected projects and activities according to ADS 201 principles, definitions and guidance.

Impact evaluations must include control groups of individuals not participating in USAID programming for approximating the counterfactual of what would have occurred in the absence of USAID’s intervention. Tasks for impact evaluations will include, but are not limited to, the design of the evaluation approach, including the identification of a control group, the collection of baseline data, the reconstruction of baseline information (in the event a baseline was not collected for an activity), mid-term and final data collection, analysis and dissemination of results.

The Contractor must also conduct mid-term and/or final performance evaluations. Tasks for performance evaluations may include, but are not limited to, the design of the evaluation approach, baseline reconstruction, data collection, analysis and dissemination of results.

All evaluation designs must be approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

The COR may also share evaluation designs with country-level stakeholders and implementing partners for peer review before approval.

Illustrative Tasks:

Anticipated tasks for evaluations include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Provide evaluation teams that meet the experience, language, technical skills and education needed for the evaluations required.

● Design evaluations appropriately to address stated evaluation questions, ensuring both qualitative and quantitative evaluation designs and data triangulation.

● Conduct scheduled performance and impact evaluations as required at the activity, DO, strategy or other levels.

● Conduct evaluations in accordance with the ADS 201 and the Evaluation Policy and planned by USAID.

● Provide deliverables pertaining to each evaluation.

● Provide all necessary logistical support, including travel arrangements (with required USAID clearances), meeting and interview arrangements, computer support, team planning facilitation, and report editing and dissemination. The Contractor is also required to provide central management and oversight of the evaluation activities.

USAID/Colombia has identified a preliminary list of evaluations of activities that are summarized below. Planned evaluations may be modified in the future depending on USAID/Colombia's needs, funding changes, changes in the Mission’s Performance Management Plan, evaluation agenda, or USAID decisions to perform joint evaluations with other donors. USAID will confirm scheduled evaluations through the Contractor’s Semi-Annual Workplan.

C.3.2.1 Activities for Impact Evaluations

Rural Financial Services (RFI) Duration: 2015-2020 Total Activity Estimated Investment: $22.7 million

Through a previous contract, USAID collected baseline data for an impact evaluation for five representative RFI municipalities during the second semester of 2017. The Contractor is expected to utilize the approach and results from this baseline. This includes collecting information for these five treatment municipalities and its corresponding control municipalities

Objective: This program promotes the provision of market-based rural financial services for micro, small and medium-sized producers and businesses in order to contribute with improving inclusive financial intermediation in conflictive areas.

Background: Implemented by Chemonics, the Rural Finance Initiative’s mission is to improve inclusive financial intermediation in select conflict areas, promoting the provision of market-based rural financial services for micro, small and medium-size producers and enterprises.[1] RFI’s implementation strategy has four components: improved rural financial intermediation;

reduced barriers to rural financial services; modernized financial environment; and learning, knowledge management and communications. RFI aims to accomplish the following program objectives: improve the quality of the portfolio of financial services provided by financial institutions; improve the access of rural and/or vulnerable populations to suitable financial services; reduce the costs of financial services for both the banks and the client through innovative strategies and improve the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of financial services.

C3.2.2 Activities for Performance Evaluations

The Contractor will be required to conduct mid-term and/or final performance evaluations of following USAID activities. Tasks for performance evaluations may include, but are not limited to, the design of the evaluation approach, baseline reconstruction, data collection, analysis and dissemination of results.

Producers to Markets Alliance (PMA) Duration: 2017-2022 Total Activity Estimated Investment: $ 71.4 million

Through a previous contract, USAID did a baseline study during the first semester of 2017.

This baseline study included surveys applied to 96 productive regional organizations, 653 producers (universe of 7.363) and 34 municipality institutions. The Contractor is expected to use the approach and results from this baseline for the mid-term and final evaluations.

Objective: USAID’s Producers to Market Alliance (PMA) seeks to strengthen legal economies in these areas by increasing the competitiveness of licit producers and the value of licit products.

Background: PMA will improve the capacity of rural producers and enterprises to respond to the quality standards and volume requirements of licit markets in selected conflict-affected areas where success is key to advancing Colombia’s peace. PMA will help close business deals between producers and buyers to increase incomes and employment opportunities for smallholder farmers, including women heads of household and members of minority ethnic groups. PMA will support high-potential value chains, including cacao, specialty coffee, natural latex, tropical fruits and vegetables, and sustainable dairy production. PMA will provide an important complement to Colombian efforts to reduce coca.

Community Development and Licit Opportunities Activity (CDLO).

Duration: 2017-2022 Total Activity Estimated Investment: $68 million

Through a previous contract, USAID has collected baseline data for a performance evaluation during the first semester of 2018. This baseline is including household, organization and institutions’ surveys for a set of approximately 50 municipalities. The Contractor is expected to utilize the approach and results from this baseline for the mid-term and final evaluation.

Objective: Implement comprehensive rural development activities in targeted conflict-affected regions characterized by low state presence, lack of economic opportunities, and a high presence of illegal crops.

Background: CDLO will serve to support and complement local government and GOC efforts through the following four objectives: 1)social capital, local community groups, and producer organizations strengthened2) community organizations engaged in the provision of public services and improvement and maintenance of infrastructure in conflict-affected regions3) productive and sustainable economic environment in conflict-affected areas enabled4) opportunities and mechanisms for discussion on regional development improved. Under the overall USAID Colombia CDCS goal “Colombia more capable of successfully implementing a sustainable and inclusive peace”, the CDLO Activity will contribute to the achievement of the Development Objective (DO) 3: “Improved Conditions for Inclusive Rural Economic Growth”, primarily through Intermediate Result (IR) 2: “Increased public and private investment in the rural sector”. The Activity will also contribute to IR 3: “More effective producer associations benefitting smallholder farmers” and will be instrumental to articulate the actions of other USAID activities that are hosted both under the same and different DOs.

Justice for a Sustainable Peace Program (JSP) Duration: 2017-2021 Total Activity Estimated Investment: $45 million

Objective: USAID’s Justice for a Sustainable Peace (JSP) activity aims to strengthen the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Colombian justice system, increase citizen support for the rule of law in conflict-affected regions, and address the critical justice needs of victims of the armed conflict.

Background: JSP works to augment the capacity of justice sector institutions to deliver effective justice at the local level, and strengthen local civil society organizations to support civic engagement and advocacy. A focus on supporting victims and other vulnerable populations is incorporated into all JSP activities, which are conducted in close coordination with governmental actors, civil society, and academic and private sector stakeholders.

Inclusion for Peace (IPA) Duration: 2016-2020 Total Activity Estimated Investment: $50 million

Objective: The Activity seeks to foster social and economic inclusion of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities that have been severely affected by conflict, with a special emphasis within that community on people with disabilities, LGBTI population, and victims of gender-based violence.

Background: The Inclusion for Peace Activity (IPA) is a groundbreaking initiative designed to significantly close the inclusion gap in Colombia between the general population and ethnic minorities. The strategic objective of IPA is to foster the social and economic inclusion of Afro- Colombian and indigenous communities that have been severely affected by conflict. IPA will realize significant gains in three domains: 1) Build the capacity of the GOC to respond to the differential needs of ethnic communities in the peacebuilding process; 2) Reduce poverty through the creation of income-generating activities; and 3) Address social and structural causes of discrimination and exclusion. Although each regional intervention has its own challenges and specific institutional and operational situations, IPA tactics respond to four strategic moments:

i) catalyzing projects and building consensus, ii) building capacity and empowering, iii) supporting ethnic-focused actions and mainstreaming sustainability, and iv) closing and planning ahead.

Colombian Election Monitoring (MOE) Duration: 2016-2019 Total Activity Estimated Investment: $2.06 million

Objective: Support MOE’s efforts to strengthen citizen engagement, observation, advocacy, and transparency in the 2014 electoral process, both at the national and regional levels.

Background: Activities include engaging communities to educate them about their electoral rights and roles, developing mechanisms for communities to observe and report electoral fraud and irregularities, improving oversight of campaign financing, and investigating the links between candidates and illegal groups. The activity will also seek to improve collaboration between civil society organizations, key electoral GOC institutions, and political parties to guarantee fair and transparent electoral process in 2014.

The Contractor must also develop baseline and/or mid-term evaluations of current and upcoming mechanisms on land, governance, reintegration, inclusion of ethnic minorities, civil society strengthening, and economic growth.

C.3.3 Component III - Research, Assessments, and Data Analysis

The management implications of context and performance data are not always self-evident.

Insightful data analysis and a compelling visual display of performance and context information can help spur achievement and demonstrate the need for changes in USAID strategies, projects, and activities.

Assessments typically have a wider focus than USAID projects and programs. Although they may include information about USAID projects or programs, they are typically designed to examine country or sector contexts to inform project activities.

Assessments include research activities that provide information and knowledge on culture, environment, institutions, politics, economics, social and geography dimensions and the application of this knowledge base to devise new interventions and adjust current ones. This research should contribute to the development, testing, refinement and evaluation of the acceptability and cost-effectiveness of USAID interventions. It should help inform policy, strategic direction of programs, and overcome barriers to implementation in developing country settings.

Important tools to be developed under this component are interviews, focus groups and surveys to collect information not available in secondary sources. Examples of surveys are: public opinion surveys or polls, victimization surveys, etc.

Illustrative Tasks

Anticipated tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Design, jointly with USAID, needs assessments for the new CDCS to inform its development and needs assessments for new activities to inform their design.

● Develop specific analytical products such as political economic assessments, regional case studies, and thematic assessments.

● Refine questions and designs related to cross-cutting issues to be examined in studies, as relevant, such as gender equality and female empowerment and sustainability in terms of local capacity.

● Conduct assessments, academic studies, situational analyses, rapid appraisals, surveys, polling, feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses (CBA) and cost- efficiency analyses (CEA), and others on certain sectors or issues relevant to USAID’s programmatic or strategic areas.

● Analyze and present data and findings obtained in the assessments.

● Link research to the Mission’s MEL systems and share the resulting analysis and information with different audiences.

C.3.4 Component IV - Geographic Information System (GIS) related services

GIS is a tool to display, analyze and illustrate spatial data represented by lines, points and polygons. One of the major benefits of GIS is that it provides a platform to integrate complex and diverse information into a map. It simplifies the synthesis of project information (data) into a mapping environment with complementary ancillary data sets such as census information, demographics and studies performed by various organizations.

Through this component, the Contractor must support and strengthen USAID/Colombia’s GIS mapping and analysis capacities to inform decisions and improve design, monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes.

The Contractor must assess, review, and update the Mission and its implementing partners’ (IPs) GIS capacities and will assist USAID/Colombia in developing all the necessary standards and templates for organizing and cataloging all Mission…