72051422R00012 - Productive Ecosystems Activity.pdf

Issuance Date: August 05, 2022 Questions Due Date: August 18, 2022, 17:00 Bogota Local Time Past Performance Due Date: August 18, 2022, 17:00 Bogota Local Time Full Proposal Due Date: September 06, 2022, 08:00 Bogota Local Time

Subject: Request for Proposal (RFP) No 72051422R00012, “USAID Productive Ecosystems” Activity

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Colombia, is seeking proposals from U.S. or non-U.S., non-profit or for-profit organizations, to provide services to improve human well-being and biodiversity conservation by engaging key stakeholders, particularly the private sector, in the implementation of nature-based solutions that preserve ecosystems and ecosystem services in Colombia, as described in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP).

The Authorized Principal Geographic Code for this solicitation is 937 – Default. The NAICS Code for this solicitation is 541620 – Environmental Consulting Services. The small business size standard for this NAICS Code is USD $16.5 million.

USAID anticipates awarding a single Hybrid - Cost plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion - Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract. The Total Estimated Cost-Plus Fixed Fee for services under this contract (CLIN 001 & CLIN 002) is estimated to fall within the range of $40 million to $47.5 million. This procurement will be conducted under Full and Open Competition procedures, pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1).

Please refer to Section L for information regarding proposal requirements. Offerors should consider the expected delivery time required by the proposal transmission method and they are responsible for ensuring proposals are received at USAID by the due date and time as specified in Section L. Any proposal not received by USAID by the date/time specified in this RFP will not be reviewed or evaluated. Faxed 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. The competition will utilize a Highest Technical Rated with Fair and Reasonable Price and Realistic Cost (HTR) process, not a tradeoff process. In this process, USAID is concerned with getting the best technical solution that has a fair and reasonable price and realistic cost. There will not be a tradeoff to justify paying a premium for a higher technical rated proposal.

Offerors must carefully review Sections L and M of this RFP for details of this process. 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 that are not formalized with an amendment will not constitute a formal amendment of the RFP and will not be binding.

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

Interested firms can register and use the Interested Vendor List (IVL) accessible through this solicitation on www.sam.gov, so that firms can contact one another for consideration of teaming arrangements and/or small business subcontracting opportunities in response to this solicitation.

Sincerely, R. Clark Pearson Contracting Officer USAID/Colombia http://www.sam.gov/

72051422R00012

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

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

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

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 172

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

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

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

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IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

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

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the

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

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BYCODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

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

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

REQ-514-22-00009808/05/2022

X

720514

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

DPO, AA 34004

until 800 AB local time 09/06/2022

Andrea Naranjo anaranjo@usaid.gov

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PAGE(S)

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

R. Clark Pearson USAID/Colombia

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

6-8 9-29 32-59 60-64 65-81

82-104

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123-147 148-152

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____0_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

72051422R000012 – Productive Ecosystems Activity SECTION B

Table of Contents

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 LEVEL OF EFFORT (CLIN 002)

B.6 INDIRECT COST

B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

C.1 TITLE

C.2 INTRODUCTION

C.3 BACKGROUND

C.4 WORK REQUIREMENTS

C.5 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

C.6 SUPPLEMENTAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (CLIN 002)

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 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.5 REPORTING AND DELIVERABLES MATRIX

F.6 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

F.7 FIXED FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE [CLIN 001]

F.8 KEY PERSONNEL

F.9 AUTHORIZED WORKDAY/WEEK

F.10 ORDERING SUPPLEMENTAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CLIN 002

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER – 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 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY

G.8 TECHNICAL DIRECTION/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

H.2 AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JUL 2007)

H.3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.4 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.5 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.6 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING

H.7 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL) (OCTOBER

2014)

H.8 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS (GUC)

H.9 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOVEMBER 2017)

H.10 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

H.11 PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

H.12 LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (APRIL 2018)

(DEVIATION NOS. M/OAA-DEV-FAR-20-3C AND M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-20-2C) (APRIL 2020)

H.13 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.14 EXCHANGE VISITORS AND TRAINING

H.15 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY

H.16 INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL AND CLOSELY ASSOCIATED FUNCTIONS

H.17 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

H.18 PRESS RELATIONS

H.19 SECURITY CONDITIONS

H.20 LIFE SUPPORT AND SECURITY SERVICES

H.21 TITLE TO AND CARE OF PROPERTY

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.2 752.252-2 AIDAR SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (MAR

2015)

I.3 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (NOV 2021)

I.4 52.204-1 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (DEC 1989)

I.5 52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATION AND

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

I.6 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020) (CLIN 002)

I.7 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995) (CLIN 002)

I.8 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995) (CLIN 002)

I.9 52.223-99 ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-ALTERNATE 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01C)

I.10 52.229-8 TAXES – FOREIGN COST-REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS

I.11 52.244-2 SUBCONTRACTS (JUNE 2020)

I.12 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS FOR AUDIT. (FEB 2006)

I.13 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) (DEC 1991) [(DEVIATION

JUN 2022)]

I.14 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JUL 2007)

PART III – DOCUMENTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

J.1 TECHNICAL LINKS FOR REFERENCE

J.2 ACRONYMS LIST

J.3 BRANDING AND MARKING TEMPLATE

J.4 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE REPORT - SHORT FORM

J.5 BACKGROUND

J.6 BUDGET GUIDANCE AND TEMPLATE

J.7 AMELP TEMPLATE

J.8 AMELP GUIDANCE

J.9 USAID/COLOMBIA GENDER ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT REPORT

J.10 INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE)

J.11 SECTION 889 RULE GUIDANCE

J.12 USAID DIGITAL STRATEGY 2020-2024

J.13 BIOGRAPHICAL DATA SHEETS

J.14 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN TEMPLATE

J.15 NON-U.S. ORGANIZATION PRE-AWARD SURVEY GUIDELINES AND SUPPORT

J.16 STANDARD INDICATORS

J.17 REGIONAL INTEGRATION STRATEGY GLOSSARY

J.18 LOCAL COMPENSATION PLAN – PAY SCALE

J.19 DOCUMENTS UPLOADED TO DEC – COLOMBIA NATURAL WEALTH

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 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (JAN 2022)

K.3 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO

SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

K.4 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES-

REPRESENTATION. (OCT 2020)

K.5 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

K.6 52.209-12 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TAX MATTERS (OCT 2020)

K.7 52.209-13 VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATIES OR AGREEMENTS CERTIFICATION

(NOV 2021)

K.8 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (JUN 2020)

K.9 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE—COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR 2005)

K.10 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.11 SIGNATURE

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 NOTICE LISTING CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

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

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

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

L.5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.6 GENERAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

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

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2 METHOD OF EVALUATION

M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.3.1 TECHNICAL APPROACH - CLIN 001 (SEE SECTION L.7.2)

M.3.2 MANAGEMENT APPROACH– CLIN 001 AND 002 (SEE SECTION L.7.3)

M.3.3 PAST PERFORMANCE (SEE SECTION L.7.4)

M.4 COST EVALUATION

M.5 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE

ATTACHMENTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

J. 1 – TECHNICAL LINKS FOR REFERENCE

J. 2 – ACRONYMS LIST

J. 3 - BRANDING AND MARKING - GUIDANCE AND TEMPLATE FOR ACQUISITION AWARDS

J.4 - PAST PERFORMANCE REPORT – SHORT FORM

J.5 - BACKGROUND

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 “USAID Productive Ecosystems Activity” (henceforth ‘the Activity’), as described in Section C.

The purpose of the Activity is to improve human well-being and biodiversity conservation by engaging key stakeholders, particularly the private sector, in the implementation of nature-based solutions that preserve ecosystems and ecosystem services.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a FAR 16.102(b) combination award consisting of a Cost-plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion (CLIN 001) and a single-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract (CLIN 002) for the purpose of providing supplemental technical assistance.

Under the CPFF portion of the contract, which represents 80% of the total estimated cost, (CLIN 001), the Contractor must furnish all personnel, materials, equipment, supplies, facilities, services (except as expressly set forth in this contract as furnished by the U.S. Government (USG)) and perform all activities necessary for, or incidental to, the performance of work described in Section C and other sections of the contract not specifically identified under CLIN 002 as the IDIQ Supplemental Technical Assistance.

Under the IDIQ portion of the contract, which represents 20% of the total estimated cost, (CLIN 002), the Contractor must furnish additional supplemental technical assistance arising out of or related to the completion portion of the contract as required by USG-issued Level of Effort (LOE) Task Orders.

For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must achieve the performance objectives and deliverables, or outputs described in Sections C and F, and otherwise comply with all contract requirements.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

The Total Estimated Cost (TEC) for CLIN 001 and CLIN 002 is [TBD].

a. Estimated Cost and Fixed Fee for CLIN 001

The Total Estimated Cost for this CLIN is [TBD], exclusive of fixed fee, if any. The fixed fee, if any, is [TBD]. The estimated Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee, if any is [TBD].

b. Estimated Cost and Fixed Fee for CLIN 002

The Total Estimated Ceiling Cost for this CLIN is [TBD], exclusive of the associated maximum fee of [TBD]. The total estimated ceiling cost and maximum fee is [TBD].

c. Payment of Fixed Fee

CLIN 001: Pursuant to FAR 16.306(d), the fixed fee is payable under CLIN 001 and will be tied to the conditions and completion of the deliverables specified in Section F.7 of this contract and in accordance with the amounts in B.3.a.

CLIN 002: Payment of the corresponding fixed fee for each Task Order will be negotiated at the task order level upon receipt of a proper invoice and must directly correspond to the percentage of level of effort being paid. In no event, the fixed fee percentage of the Task Orders under CLIN 002 will exceed the fee percentage negotiated under CLIN 001.

d. Amount Obligated

CLIN 001: Within the estimated cost-plus fixed fee (if any) specified in paragraph a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee, if any) for performance hereunder is [TBD]. The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount 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

CLIN 001

Direct Costs $TBD Activity Fund (Minimum of 50% of the TEC of CLIN 001) $TBD Indirect Costs $TBD Total Costs $TBD Fixed Fee $TBD Total Estimated Cost-Plus Fixed Fee $TBD

CLIN 002

Direct Costs $TBD Indirect Costs $TBD Maximum Fee $TBD Total Ceiling $TBD Total Estimated Cost-Plus Fixed Fee CLIN 001 and CLIN 002: $TBD

B.5 LEVEL OF EFFORT (CLIN 002)

a. In performing Government orders for Technical Assistance under CLIN 002, the

Contractor is obligated to provide up to a maximum of TBD.

b. The CLIN 002 fee set forth in B.3.b is based upon furnishing the level-of-effort specified in B.5.a. The total estimated cost and fixed fee will be established in the individual Government-issued Task Order and will not exceed the amounts set forth in Section B.4.

B.6 INDIRECT COST

The contract clause entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment (AUG2018)”, 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 shall be reimbursed based on 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:

B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE

Allowable costs shall be 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.

[END OF SECTION B]

72051422R00012 – Productive Ecosystems Activity SECTION D

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

C.1 TITLE

Productive Ecosystems Activity – PEA

C.2 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the Productive Ecosystems Activity (PEA) is to improve human well-being and biodiversity conservation by engaging key stakeholders, particularly the private sector, in the implementation of nature-based solutions that preserve ecosystems and ecosystem services.

PEA seeks to positively influence private sector participation in NbS implementation through the design of on demand, cost-effective and market driven NbS. Concomitantly, the capacity of local communities is built under the program to independently design, manage and maintain NbS negotiated for private sector support, while the Government of Colombia is strengthened and provided with necessary tools to foster these ventures and benefits from the program’s results for regulation improvement, reporting progress in national conservation targets and replication.

C.3 BACKGROUND

The role of NbS in biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation has been recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), NbS can be used to mitigate and adapt to climate change12.

The adoption of NbS aligns with the U.S. Government’s (USG) Climate Change Strategy.3 Socio-economic policies4 as well as decree 690 of 2021 from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and bill 336 of 2021 passed to Congress on Climate Change, support the Government’s commitment to the country’s successful economic and environmental recovery through implementation of NbS.

The standardization of NbS as an approach that benefits biodiversity conservation, human wellbeing and climate change is required to avoid over generalizing what can be considered a legitimate NbS. The IUCN has a global standard for NbS to serve as a guide for design, selection and implementation of NbS5.

The private sector plays a key role in NbS implementation, success and sustainability. Jaime Arteaga and Associates’ Private Social Investment Index6 demonstrates the private sector’s

1 https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/info_brief_eba_effectiveness_unsg_climate_summit.pdf 2 https://www.iucn.org/theme/climate-change/resources/key-publications/strengthening-nature-based-solutions-national-climate-commitments#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%20NbS%20could,term%20hazards%20of%20climate%20change.

3 https://www.state.gov/remarks-on-the-urgency-of-global-climate-action/

4 CONPES 3934,CONPES 4023, CONPES 4050, CONPES 4058

5https://www.iucn.org/theme/nature-based-solutions/resources/iucn-global-standard-nbs

6 https://iisp.com.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/INFORME-RESULTADOS-IISP-2021-.pdf interest to invest in environment protection, showing that the 138 companies surveyed on this index have been increasing their investments in forest protection and biodiversity conservation over the past several years. Jaime Arteaga and Associates also reported that total social and environmental investments by these 138 companies was approximately USD $740 million in

2020.7 This amount is four times greater than the Colombian Ministry of Environment’s 2020 budget, and 2.7 times greater than the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s 2020 budget.8 Based on this information, the private sector is willing to invest in NbS for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services preservation, improved human well-being, and for the sustainability of their own business models.

C.4 WORK REQUIREMENTS

The Productive Ecosystems Activity (PEA) will engage public, private, and community stakeholders in the implementation of NbS to improve biodiversity conservation and protect ecosystem services. To accomplish its Components and Intermediate Results (IRs), the Contractor will establish partnerships with the private sector, and improve local stakeholders’ ability to identify, implement, manage and negotiate specific NbS with the private sector.

GOC participation in this activity will enable government actors to learn more about, and scale-up successful NbS work in other regions of the country, as well as develop incentives to promote the private sector’s environmental investment. The Contractor must align with the National Planning Department's efforts to promote the Corridor for Climate Change Financing, specifically with the conservation cluster, the CONPES, which is under development on Climate Change Adaptation, and other actions such as the Red Nacional de Soluciones Basadas en la Naturaleza (RNSBN), and projects under the National Adaptation to Climate Change Plan (PNACC)(Section J). The Contractor must align with Government regulations and policies, such as CONPES 4050, 4023, 3934 and 4058 as well as decree 690/21 amongst others.

The Contractor will prioritize the engagement of marginalized groups including youth, women, indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations. The Contractor will also engage GOC entities, financial institutions, environmental defenders, private sector actors, and civil society organizations. All of these actors will be involved in decision-making, and will be engaged throughout the life of the activity. Other actors that will be engaged in the activity through consultations, information sharing, and monitoring efforts include, but are not limited to:

academia, investment funds, international donors, and other USAID activities.

Efforts to engage the private sector will need the PEA to act as a catalyzing agent, as well as facilitator of networks between different stakeholders related to private sector operations. These stakeholders include, but are not limited to, companies, private guilds, private sector associations, chambers of commerce (including regional ones), superintendencies, and national agencies of each economic sector. For NbS to be effective and sustainable in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service resilience, the demand from the private sector must meet the NbS supply from local communities. The use of private sector logic and language increases companies’ trust and

7 Ibid.

8 Ibid.

understanding to invest in NbS. Consequently, it is important to work along with the private sector in the generation of the necessary metrics and measurements to report out a baseline and subsequent progress on NbS work for reporting purposes.

Considering several companies manifest their engagement and commitment to climate equity, climate netzero strategies, climate policies and the like, the Contractor will include the design and implementation of NbS to conserve biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services for climate change adaptation with an additional lens focused on the benefits they can produce in decarbonization or mitigation when private sector highlights this as a preference. On the other hand, private sector companies value the option of building upon what has already been built in regards to NbS; the Contractor must take in consideration activities already in place, with preliminary results associated to the purpose of this Activity, that can be scaled up or replicated to gain commitment from the private sector when possible.

Table 1 presents the activity’s results framework. The theory of change behind this framework assumes that if: private sector actors are incentivized to invest in NbS, stakeholders have the capacity to implement NbS, and NbS are cost-effective and market-driven, then more actors in Colombia will use NbS to protect key ecosystems and their services, consequently improving human wellbeing as well as environmental protection.

Table 1. Productive Ecosystems Activity results framework.

Component 1:

Policies and mechanisms enable private sector funding for nature based solution implementation.

Component 2:

Public, private, and community actors implement nature-based solutions.

Component 3:

Nature-based solutions are cost-effective and market-driven.

IR 1.1 Regulations are developed and/or improved to foster private sector adoption of nature-based solutions.

IR 2.1 Stakeholders have the tools and knowledge needed to develop and negotiate sustainable nature-based solutions.

IR 3.1 Private Sector actors demand the inclusion of nature-based solutions in existing business models.

IR 1.2 Mechanisms are developed to facilitate the private sector’s implementation of nature-based solutions.

IR 2.2 Nature-based solution agreements are established between communities and the private sector.

IR 3.2 Nature-based solutions are made profitable through cost reduction and market differentiation strategies.

C.4.1 Component 1: Policies and mechanisms enable private sector funding for nature-based solution implementation.

The GOC requires private sector actors to offset their carbon emissions, mitigate biodiversity loss, and use ecosystem services when developing new projects and activities.

For example, Resolution No.1428 from 2018 outlines the procedures that public entities need to follow to approve environmental damage offset projects.9 However, many GOC-

9https://www.minambiente.gov.co/images/normativa/app/resoluciones/3d-RES%201428%20DE%202018%20(2).pdf mandated environmental regulations are overly complicated or need to be better structured, and private sector actors have trouble understanding and implementing the regulations as a result. In the case of Resolution No. 1428, private sector actors do not understand the kinds of environmental damage offset projects they can invest in because there is no clear guidance about the allowable size, location, and types of ecosystems these projects should protect. Even when the private sector understands and follows existing regulations, like Law 1530 of 2012 which requires extractive industries to contribute funds to the General System of Royalties (SGR),10 the GOC does not have the capacity to use or to monitor the investments generated.11

For Component 1, the Contractor will increase the private sector’s understanding of, and engagement in, conservation and natural resource management through improved implementation of regulation, financial mechanisms, and other incentives. Under this Component, the Contractor’s actions must enable the private sector to support biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience through NbS, and as part of their legal commitments to protect the environment. To do this, PEA must work with the GOC to effectively channel private funding into NbS initiatives that support Colombia’s proposed environmental targets.12

Enabling the conditions for the private sector to invest in NbS in compliance with regulation or the companies’ business plans or environmental programs, will allow the Contractor to leverage more than USD $10 million from the private sector for implementation of NbS with local communities. The composition of this leverage must be approximately 60% in kind and 40% in cash. The Contractor must also consider blended leverage opportunities with more than one company in order to reach the leverage target and its desirable composition. During the life of the activity, the Contractor must establish public-private partnerships to achieve the leveraged resources Component. From these partnerships, at least 50% must be different from the ones already developed through the Natural Wealth Activity (Table 2).

Table 2. Private Sector companies that participated in USAID/Colombia’s Natural Wealth Activity

10 SGR is the national account from which municipal and departmental governments can request funds to finance public works projects. Its funds are generated through taxes on exploitation industries in Colombia (e.g., oil and mining).

11 https://www.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/norma.php?i=47474

12 http://sdg.iisd.org/events/2020-un-biodiversity-conference/

Intermediate result 1.1 Regulations are developed and/or improved to foster private sector adoption of nature-based solutions.

The Contractor, under this IR will review current and proposed environmental regulations, and will define actions to trigger fast and efficient use of private sector funds in NbS. The achievement of this IR will require the Contractor to analyze the current regulation and its effectiveness to mobilize funds to the field to improve environmental management and conservation. This analysis will set the baseline for the current regulation under implementation, regulation under scrutiny by the GOC for future application, differentiating between regulation working appropriately and regulation operating inefficiently to allow the flow of funds for environmental investment. The Contractor must support Strategic thinking that will define the regulations requiring improvement to positively and significantly impact private sector investment on-the-ground will be derived from the same analysis. As a result, the Contractor will use this information to set specific indicators and corresponding targets that measure performance in improving regulation implementation; enhanced regulation implementation must be considered as the ability to change the pace of funds received and used by local communities or organizations to develop NbS and other environment projects.

Improved understanding, adoption and implementation of environmental laws will encourage private sector actors to fulfill their environmental obligations and voluntary investments through projects that enhance conservation and ecosystem resilience to climate change. Under this IR, the Contractor’s support to the government will focus on the process of reviewing and passing new regulations to enable and increase private sector engagement benefiting the country and the Government’s environment targets. It is important to consider how effectively government institutions, at all levels, are strengthened and processes are simplified to expedite mobilizing and monitoring private sector funds to the field for environmental projects.

Intermediate result 1.2 Mechanisms are developed to facilitate the private sector’s implementation of nature-based solutions.

Under this IR, the Contractor will create financial, technical, and partnership mechanisms that incentivize and enable private sector investment in biodiversity conservation through NbS. The Contractor must be innovative and strategic in selecting and developing these mechanisms in order to effectively attract private sector investment and provide a flow of funds to continue NbS implementation for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service sustainably in the future.

To a certain extent, the achievement of this IR requires contact with the financial sector to promote mechanisms that can incentivize the private sector and increase their investment on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service provision. In parallel, the financial sector will be strengthened in the knowledge and incorporation of environment, social and governance (ESG) non-financial factors for the sector’s risk and growth opportunities analysis. Therefore, the Contractor’s work with the financial sector under this IR must result in the development of financial mechanisms to improve private sector investments for NbS implementation delivering positive outcomes in biodiversity conservation.

Partnership mechanisms facilitated by the Contractor must seek to reduce a tailored approach and focus on making this a more efficient and effective process to attract other private sector companies. The Contractor must also promote public private partnerships where companies strengthen their internal procedures and processes to align their providers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in their value chains with NbS. Specific mechanisms that attend particular private sector needs, must be considered if there are strategic, innovative opportunities to increase investments in NbS by the private sector.

At a minimum, the Contractor will implement the following activities:

● Increase the number of mechanisms available to invest in NbS that enhance biodiversity conservation, ecosystem provision and climate change resilience.

● Streamline and improve the efficiency in the allocation of resources in compliance with regulation.

● Establish and support new regulation to increase private sector investment in NbS, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation.

● Strengthen the capacity of national, regional, and local government institutions to monitor and develop adaptive management of NbS implementation.

● Reduce bottlenecks in processes and procedures of the implementation of regulations that allocate private sector resources.

● Strengthen the capacity of national, regional, and local governments to problem-solve and adaptively-manage the implementation of environmental regulation to reduce the risk of stagnation in the use of private sector funds for conservation purposes.

● Incentivize active and sustained financial sector participation in the establishment of financial mechanisms for the development of NbS.

● Develop private sector partnerships in order to scale up the impact of NbS in biodiversity conservation, wellbeing of local communities, and climate change resilience.

C.4.2 Component 2: Public, private, and community actors implement nature-based solutions.

In August 2021, President Duque convened a meeting with Latin American decision makers to prepare for the next Conference of the Parties under the CBD. The purpose of the meeting was to identify critical elements to include in the new global biodiversity framework. In the case of Colombia, critical elements identified included: promoting sustainable production and consumption; conserving at least 30 percent of marine and terrestrial ecosystems by 2030; and establishing cross-sectoral commitments to preserve biodiversity.13 To achieve these Components, public, private, and community stakeholders will need to work together to leverage investments in biodiversity initiatives, and NbS will serve as an essential tool.

The Contractor under Component 2 will improve the understanding of stakeholders such as local communities, government actors and the private sector of the social, economic, and environmental benefits of NbS. The Contractor will develop a Capacity Building Strategy that considers the main components and plan for improving the capacities of Community-Based Organizations (CBO) and Local Businesses (LB) to provide high-quality nature based solutions that sustain conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The Strategy will offer training in various fields of knowledge including but not limited to: marketing, communications, business and financial management, compliance with national and local regulations, and land governance approaches. Through innovation, technology, technical assistance, gender equity and inclusion, as well as capacity building, community members and government entities will become important allies in the implementation of NbS. The Contractor must identify and address linkages between natural resource management, gender equality, and women’s economic empowerment, taking into account the gender analysis provided in section J, and that: 1) men and women have a differential use of and access to natural resources; 2) the roles that men and women have in conservation of biodiversity, including management of water and forest resources; 3) payment for, and access to environmental services; 4) income-generating opportunities for men and women in agroforestry; and 5) renewable energy. The Contractor will include efforts to strengthen communities’ cultural, agricultural, and land conservation practices, as well as recognition of local knowledge for the implementation of NbS. Capacity building on reporting biodiversity and ecosystem services benefits of the NbS implemented must be developed in conjunction with local government officials and guidelines. With the knowledge of NbS, private and community actors will be able to align their investment priorities that result in sustainable private sector investment and engagement.

It is expected that the achievement of Component 2 presents at least 30 NbS agreements between communities and small to large-sized companies established to protect at-risk ecosystems. The Contractor under this activity must actively manage the unequal power dynamics that can occur between the private sector and civil society. The Contractor must work to elevate civil societies’ participation and power in decision-making, particularly with respect to NbS agreements. This is important when considering relationships between

13https://www.minambiente.gov.co/asuntos-ambientales-sectorial-y-urbana/la-precop-gran-evento-sobre-biodiversidad-en-leticia/ the private sector and ethnic communities, as well as other marginalized groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Intermediate result 2.1 Stakeholders have the tools and knowledge needed to develop sustainable nature-based solutions.

The Contractor under this IR will work with local stakeholders, including community members, civil society actors, and government actors, to understand and identify viable NbS in their communities. NbS will be chosen through this analysis considering local land use practices, socioeconomic conditions, and conservation regulations. The use of this analysis will help guarantee that the selected NbS respond to opportunities, private sector interests, and regional needs from the perspective of biophysical conditions and the sociocultural and economic considerations of local communities. The Contractor’s interventions under this IR must focus on building communities’ capacity to develop, negotiate, finance, and manage NbS. The Contractor will also include interventions that strengthen civil society organizations and government officials’ capacities to communicate and monitor NbS implementation. The Contractor under this IR will scale-up lessons learned from USAID’s previous experience engaging stakeholders in environmental initiatives. The Contractor will also encourage technology investments to better monitor NbS, such as technology for NbS product traceability and biodiversity conservation monitoring, and digital technology innovations to incorporate NbS into the core business of the private sector Technology used for NbS must be cost effective for local communities and the private sector. The use of technology has to take into account the stakeholder’s digital literacy, the gender digital divide, and cybersecurity risks (e.g. digital hygiene).

Intermediate result 2.2 Nature-based solution agreements are established between communities and the private sector.

The Contractor under this IR will promote collaboration between public, private, and community actors to ensure that NbS interventions are sustainable, inclusive, and demand-driven. With NbS embedded in the private sector’s core business, the activity will create and facilitate opportunities for public, private, and community actors to formally establish NbS agreements through different platforms, networks, and in-person events. A diverse and inclusive profile participation of community actors must be incorporated into these interventions. The PEA will monitor the agreements established during the life of the activity, and along with the involved private sector companies and local communities, will practice adaptive management in their implementation with the intention of making it an iterative process so that both stakeholders can develop their own when the activity ends.

Best practices regarding NbS agreements will be communicated and scaled-up from previous activities, such as Natural Wealth’s experience establishing a carbon credit sale agreement between the airline LATAM and cattle ranchers in Orinoquia. Under this agreement, cattle ranchers developed silvopastoral systems and improved land use planning to conserve biodiversity and generate carbon credits which were then used to offset LATAM’s carbon footprint.

● Increase the number of women-led organizations with private sector agreements in place for NbS implementation.

● Strengthen youth leadership in local communities to promote NbS for income generation, climate change resilience, and overall wellbeing.

● Increase local communities' understanding to adequately adopt technology tools to implement and monitor NbS implementation

● Work with local organizations to adopt NbS that incorporate cultural practices, traditional knowledge and other social elements within the regional context

● Improve the negotiation skills of local organizations and enhance their active participation in the definition, negotiation and implementation of NbS with the private sector.

● Establish networks to increase the impact and sustainability of private sector investment in NbS.

● Reduce the communication breach between private sector companies and local communities.

● Improve the private sector’s understanding of the local context and local stakeholders.

● Strengthen public sector skills to monitor agreements between the private sector and local stakeholders in NbS implementation on-the-ground.

● Facilitate agreements for NbS implementation between local communities and the private sector.

● Promote inclusiveness, fairness and equal distribution of benefits in local communities through agreements for NbS implementation.

● Develop NbS that effectively address ESG needs by the private sector.

C.4.3 Component 3: Nature-based solutions are cost-effective and market-driven.

When aligned with the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,14 private sector investment can increase profits, and result in positive environmental impact and social benefits for communities. The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) encourages private finance for sustainable development, and has highlighted the need for companies to invest in sustainable development initiatives to reduce their vulnerability to climate change.15 As stated by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, private sector participation is key to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 for strong global partnerships and cooperation.16 Private sector actors can contribute to SDG 17 through innovation, good governance, sustainable business practices, 14https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals?utm_source=EN&utm_medium=GSR&utm_content=US_UNDP_PaidSearch_Brand_English&utm_campaign=CENTRAL&c_src=CENT RAL&c_src2=GSR&gclid=CjwKCAjwkvWKBhB4EiwA-GHjFqGANHIy-IMbSyAqbEpDfUcC5IwzOuNj6WLtErERk__n2Zxgl- GLKxoCp3sQAvD_BwE

15https://www.oecd.org/about/secretary-general/private-finance-for-sustainable-development-conference-paris-january-2020.htm

16https://unctad.org/press-material/developing-countries-face-25-trillion-annual-investment-gap-key-sustainable and smart investments in initiatives like NbS.17

Under Component 3, the Contractor will work with private sector actors to invest in, and adopt, NbS as a way to strengthen their businesses and, at the same time, channel social and environmental investments. Companies will recognize the benefit of investing in NbS that reduce business costs, support sustainable supply chain development, and produce premium goods and services that result in added value for their consumers along with higher profits for their companies. In other words, the Contractor will work on costs, revenues, opportunities and risks related to NbS implementation for the benefit of companies’ business models. The Contractor will also promote innovation and technology solutions for the private sector in relation to NbS. Moreover, it will increase consumer awareness of socially and environmentally sustainable goods and services produced through NbS. Support to the private sector in the incorporation of NbS in their business model will also include educating the private sector to measure and report on the impact in their investments regularly. In turn, companies that are associated with NbS goods and services will have stronger reputations, and will experience greater consumer trust and loyalty.

Taking in consideration the meaning of a value chain as described by the Harvard Business School18 the achievement of Component 3 must have NbS be a determinant in the development of at least 15 value chains of different economic sectors.

Intermediate result 3.1 Private Sector actors demand the inclusion of nature-based solutions in existing business models.

Under this IR, the Contractor will work with the private sector to demonstrate the social, economic, and environmental benefits of NbS, and identify NbS business models that respond to corporate needs and support the long-term sustainability of this activity. The Contractor will ensure that NbS supply and demand correlate by working on cost structures, business models, and cost benefit analysis of NbS under a shared value perspective for the private sector. As part of this exercise, the Contractor will work along with companies on the analysis of the value chain to define if adjustments are needed to effectively develop NbS that deliver biodiversity conservation and ecosystem provision.

This will help private sector actors to better understand how they can leverage NbS in existing business models and value chains. NbS implementation must align to the core business model instead of a corporate social responsibility activity, in order to generate cost reductions, contribute to ESG performance, create new revenue streams, amongst others, to guarantee the sustainability of the efforts. In addition, the Contractor will also help companies to include this work on their ESG reporting in correspondence to the Sustainable Development Goals that the companies contribute to. The Contractor will engage community and public sector stakeholders in interventions supported under this IR so that they better understand and communicate how NbS can be used to strengthen existing value chains. This will reinforce IR 2.2 by strengthening communities’ capacity

17 https://sdgs.un.org/goals

18 https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-value-chain-analysis to…