72052322R00001 SURGES RFP.pdf

Date Issued: February 10, 2022 Questions Due Date: February 24, 2022, 9:30 AM Mexico City Time Closing Date: March 30, 2022 Closing Time: 9:30 AM Mexico City Time

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: 72052322R00001 REFERENCE: Southern Mexico – Generating Employment and Sustainability

(SURGES)

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) mission Mexico is seeking proposals from qualified organizations interested in providing services as described in the attached solicitation.

This competitive procurement will be conducted through full and open competition, for which the procedures for “contracting by negotiation, trade-off process” as set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15 will govern. All types of organizations (large or small commercial for-profit firms, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations) meeting USAID source and nationality geographic code 937 are eligible to compete. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this action is 541990 — All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. USAID encourages the participation to the maximum extent possible of small business concerns, small disadvantaged business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in this activity as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor, in accordance with Part 19 of the FAR.

USAID/Mexico intends to award a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract for five years from the date of award, with a total estimated cost of $25,000,000 to $30,000,000.

Revealing the estimated cost for the contract does not mean that Offerors should necessarily strive to meet the maximum amount estimated. Offerors must propose costs that they believe are realistic and reasonable for the work described in their proposal. The most effective approach for achieving the expected results is encouraged and the award will be made to the Offeror whose proposal offers the best value to the Government considering technical and cost factors (see Section M) of the solicitation.

Offerors are encouraged to read the entire solicitation, paying special attention to Section L – Instructions to Offerors and Section M – Evaluation Criteria. Any blanks in Sections B through J will be completed by the Contracting Officer before award. Offerors must comply with FAR Clause 52.204-7, System for Award Management and adhere to the requirements set forth in Section K – Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors.

Amendments to this solicitation will be made available through the Federal Business Opportunities website at https://sam.gov. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to check this site periodically for official updates and amendments to the solicitation. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any costs incurred in the https://sam.gov/ preparation and submission of a proposal in response hereto. Furthermore, the Government reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of the Government. Please note that USAID/Mexico will deem all offers nonresponsive if they fail to comply with the terms of this solicitation. It is the responsibility of the recipient of this solicitation document to ensure that it has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process.

Offerors must send separate technical and cost proposals to the Office of Acquisition and Assistance. USAID/Mexico will evaluate responsive proposals in accordance with the evaluation factors provided in Section M, “Evaluation Factors for Award.” USAID/Mexico will not evaluate nonresponsive offers. By email only, please also submit all questions and requests for clarifications about this RFP no later than the deadline above to the Office of Acquisition and Assistance at mexicoaa@usaid.gov; include the RFP number in the email subject line. Oral instructions, answers, or guidance from any USAID source prior to the award of the contract shall not be binding.

Issuance of this solicitation does not in any way obligate USAID/Mexico to award a contract or commit it to pay for costs incurred preparing and submitting a proposal. Indeed, USAID/Mexico absolutely will NOT reimburse offerors for ANY COST associated with the development of their proposal. Offerors incur such costs at their own risk. Furthermore, USAID/Mexico reserves the right to reject any and all offers when considered by the Contracting Officer to serve the best interests of the U.S. Government.

The Agency point of contact for this solicitation is the Office of Acquisition and Assistance, at mexicoaa@usaid.gov.

Thank you in advance for your interest in this procurement.

Sincerely, Elizabeth Colarik Contracting Officer mailto:mexicoaa@usaid.gov

72052322R00001

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

1 120

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

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

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

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

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

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 BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

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

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 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-523-22-00000102/28/2022

X

720523

USAID/Mexico

PASEO DE LA REFORMA 305

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO 06500

0930 AMC 04/13/2022

Gabriela Garcia +52 000x4234 ggarcia@usaid.gov

555-0802

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

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PAGE(S)

Elizabeth Colarik

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____180_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 120

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

72052322R00001

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

0001 USAID/Mexico Southern Mexico Generating

Employment and Sustainability (SURGES) Activity.

The activity seeks to promote economic growth, sales, and investment in Southern Mexico.

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

Request for Proposal 72052322R00001 Southern Mexico – Generating Employment and Sustainability

Contents

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

B.3 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

B.4 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

B.5 CONTRACT BUDGET

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

B.7 REIMBURSABLE COSTS

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

D.4 MARKING

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE14

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE16

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION & PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.5 KEY PERSONNEL

F.6 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 TECHNICAL DIRECTION AND DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBLE USAID

OFFICIALS

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY

G.3 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.4 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.5 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.6 PAYMENT AND INVOICES

G.7 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.8 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.2 CONTRACTOR’S STAFF SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICS

ARRANGEMENTS

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.4 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL)

ADS 302.3.5.21 (OCTOBER 2014)

H.5 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM (JULY 2014)

H.6 PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS (22 CFR Part 140) 39

H.7 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT (GUC)

H.8 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK

H.9 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING

H.10 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL

CONFERENCES (JAN 2002)

H.11 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT

H.12 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN REPORT FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS AND

SUMMARY CONTRACTING REPORT

H.13 DEFENSE BASE ACT INSURANCE AND SERVICES

H.14 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE (22 CFR 216)

H.15 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.16 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

H.17 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.18 FAR PART 4.21 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (SECTION 889) (DECEMBER 2021)

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE48

I.2 FAR 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NOV 2021)

I.3 FAR 52.222-2 PAYMENT FOR OVERTIME PREMIUMS (JUL1990)

I.4 FAR 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (jun 2020)

I.5 FAR 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES

(JUN 2020)

I.6 FAR 52.223.99 ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR

FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021) (DEVIATION #M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

I.7 FAR 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS FOR AUDIT

(FEB 2006)

I.8 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.9 AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

I.10 AIDAR 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY—USAID REPORTING

REQUIREMENTS (OCT 2017)

I.11 AIDAR 752.252-2 AIDAR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (MAR

2015)

I.12 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS ... 63

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS

OF OFFERORS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 FAR 52.204-3 TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION (OCT 1998)

K.3 FAR 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (JAN 2022)

K.4 FAR 52.204-20 PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR (AUG 2020)

K.5 FAR 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

K.6 FAR 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR

SERVICES-REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020)

K.7 FAR 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (AUG

2020)

K.8 FAR 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT

2018)

K.9 FAR 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING

DELINQUENT TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY

FEDERAL LAW (FEB 2016)

K.10 FAR 52.209-12 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TAX MATTERS (OCT 2020) ... 80

K.11 FAR 52.209-13 VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATIES OR AGREEMENTS-

CERTIFICATION (NOV 2021)

K.12 FAR 52.215-6 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE (OCT 1997)

K.13 FAR 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (SEP 2021)84

K.14 FAR 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB

1999)

K.15 FAR 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984)

K.16 FAR 52.225-2 BUY AMERICAN CERTIFICATE (FEB 2021)

K.17 FAR 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND

CERTIFICATION (JUN 2020)

K.18 FAR 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE—COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE

CHANGES (APR 2005)

K.19 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

K.20 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.21 SIGNATURE

SECTION L –INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFEROR

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 PROPOSAL98

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL

L.8 WAIVERS UNDER FAR PART 4.2101 PROHIBITION ON COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES AND

EQUIPMENT (DEC 2021))

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 OVERVIEW

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.3 EVALUATION OF COST PROPOSALS

M.4 DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.5 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND DISADVANTAGED

ENTERPRISES

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this activity is to strengthen market systems to increase investment in sustainable productive and natural ecosystems, employment, and sales in southern Mexico.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion Type Contract. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must perform the services and provide the deliverables or outputs described in Sections C, D, and F in accordance with performance standards specified in Section E.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

(a) The total estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the period of performance combined hereunder, inclusive of fixed fee, if any, is: $TBD. The fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. USAID will not pay the Contractor any sum in excess of the total estimated cost.

(b) Within the total 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.

(c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through TBD.

(d) The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount unless authorized by the Contracting Officer pursuant to the clause of this contract entitled "Limitation of Funds" (FAR 52.232-22). In accordance with Section F, the Contractor must not exceed the Pre-Mobilization Budget to be proposed by the Contractor after award until otherwise notified in writing by the Contracting Officer.

B.4 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

Pursuant to FAR 16.306(d) Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contracts, payment of the fixed fee will be divided between fixed payments for activity deliverables found in Section F.6 (25 percent) and fixed payments based on the completed performance indicators/targets (75 percent) found in the Fixed Fee Schedule below.

[Selected Offeror’s Fixed Fee Schedule to be inserted at time of award.]

All deliverables are subject to the inspection and acceptance by USAID as specified in Section E of the same and in compliance with the terms of this contract. Upon successful completion of a deliverable, the Contractor must provide evidence of its achievement in accordance with performance standards specified in Section E to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Upon receipt of concurrence by the COR, the Contractor shall submit an invoice for the amount of the fee associated with the deliverable.

Pursuant to FAR 52.216-8 Fixed Fee, after payment of 85 percent of the fixed fee, further payment of the fee will be withheld until a reserve is set aside not to exceed 15 percent of the total fixed fee or $100,000, whichever is less.

B.5 CONTRACT BUDGET

The total cost (including fixed fee) stated below may not be adjusted without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer. No amounts in excess of the amounts specified for each line item below shall be billed against the Contract:

CLIN Category Total (USD)

Direct Costs $TBD Subcontracts $TBD Grants Under Contract $TBD Indirect Costs $TBD Fixed Fee $TBD Total Estimated Cost $TBD

a) The inclusion of any costs in the above budget does not obviate the requirement for prior approval by the Contracting Officer of cost items designated as requiring prior approval by any of the terms and conditions of this contract, including the applicable cost principles (see FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Cost and Payment”); nor, does it constitute a determination of allowability by the Contracting Officer of any item of cost, unless specifically stated elsewhere in this contract. Also, the Contractor must not adjust these amounts without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor must not bill any amounts against this contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item.

b) The Contractor agrees to furnish data that the Contracting Officer may request on costs expended or accrued under this contract.

c) Without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor must not exceed the total estimated cost set forth in the budget or the total obligated amount, whichever is less.

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

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

(NICRA):

• [To Be Determined at Award]

Description Rate Base Type Period Indirect Cost [•]% 1/ 1/ 1/

a) Description or type of rate indicated as a percentage, e.g. G&A

- Base, e.g. Direct Labor for Labor Overhead

- Period, e.g. CY 2018

b) The Contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

c) The Contractor will use the indirect cost recovery rates proposed during negotiations and accepted by the Contracting Officer for the subcontractors that received Contracting Officer consent. The Contractor must not apply different indirect cost recovery rates for the subcontractors without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.7 REIMBURSABLE COSTS

The U.S. dollar costs allowable will be limited to reasonable, allocable, and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 31 (contract cost principles), FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment FAR 52.216- 8 Fixed Fee, FAR 52.232-20 Limitation of Cost, and FAR 52-232-22 Limitation of Funds, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003 Documentation for Payment.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

USAID will insert the Contractor’s Performance Work Statement at award. Please see SECTION J, Attachment J.1 for the Statement of Objectives (SOO) that informs the development of Section C.

[END OF SECTION C]

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

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

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

(b) Specific guidance on marking requirements should be obtained prior to procurement of commodities to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construction sites and other project locations. This guidance will be provided through the cognizant technical office indicated on the cover page of this contract, or by the Mission Director in the Cooperating Country to which commodities are being shipped, or in which the project site is located.

(c) Authority to waive marking requirements is vested with the Regional Assistant Administrators, and with Mission Directors.

(d) A copy of any specific marking instructions or waivers from marking requirements is to be sent to the Contracting Officer; the original should be retained by the Contractor.

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

(a) The Contractor must comply with the requirements of the policy directives and required procedures outlined in USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) 320.3.2 “Branding and Marking in USAID Direct Contracts” (Version from February 5, 2020) at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/320.pdf ; and USAID “Graphic Standards Manual” available at www.usaid.gov/branding , or any successor branding policy.

(b) Pursuant to ADS 320.3.2 USAID policy requires exclusive branding and marking in USAID direct acquisitions.

(c) “Exclusive Branding” means that the program is positioned as USAID’s, as showcased by the activity name.

(d) “Exclusive Marking” means that contractors may only mark USAID-funded programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities with the USAID Standard Graphic Identity and, when applicable, the host-country government or ministry symbol or another U.S.

Government logo.

(e) Prime and subcontractors’ corporate identities and logos must not be used on USAID funded program materials in accordance with USAID policy.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/320.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/branding

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

In accordance with ADS 320.3.2.1, the Contractor must prepare a Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP) to address the Branding Strategy. This is to ensure that the Contractor’s Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan under this contract are in compliance with the USAID Graphics Standard Manual available at http://www.usaid.gov/branding and any successor branding policy, as detailed in ADS Chapter 320.

USAID policy is to require exclusive branding and marking in USAID direct acquisitions.

“Exclusive Branding” means that the project is positioned as USAID’s, as showcased by the project name (e.g., USAID’s SURGES Activity). “Exclusive marking” means contractors may only mark USAID-funded programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities with the USAID Standard Graphic Identity and, where applicable, the host-country government or ministry symbol or logo. It is USAID‘s policy that contractors and subcontractors corporate identities or logos may not be used on USAID-funded program and communications materials.

Objective: To deliver the message that the assistance is from the American People.

Activity Name: Southern Mexico – Generating Employment and Sustainability (SURGES) or until a final name is agreed to with the Contractor.

Positioning: The Contractor will have the responsibility to position USAID’s name in each activity to be supported to ensure that people recognize and identify that those activities are developed by the generous contribution of the US Government and the American people.

Level of visibility: The Contractor will ensure a high level of USAID visibility in most of their activities, at both the national and sub-national levels. Due to the nature of policy and institutional reforms which usually is developed with high level of political will, in the cases where the themes appear as sensitive, low profile will be used. When a sensitive situation needs to be considered, the Contractor will strictly follow USAID recommendations.

Anticipated elements of marking plan: Deliverables to be marked, include products, equipment and inputs delivered; places where project activities are carried out; external public communications, studies, reports, publications and informative and promotional products; and workshops, conferences, fairs, media related activities and any such events. Publications authored by contractors or other non-USAID employees must include the following disclaimer on the title page:

“The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.”

Threats and restrictions to the security of the project need to be identified and assessed in order to request any necessary exception from the marking requirement in accordance with ADS 320.3.2.

D.4 MARKING

1. Description of public communications and program materials to be produced as part of the activity that will visibly bear the USAID Identity:

Standard USAID Identity:

2. “This project was made possible by the United States Agency for International Development and the generous support of the American People.”

As laid out in F.6.4 below, the Contractor will prepare the Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan as part of an overall communications strategy post award.

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION

(48 CFR Chapter 1)

52.246-3 INSPECTION OF SUPPLIES—COST-REIMBURSEMENT MAY 2001

52.246-5 INSPECTION OF SERVICES—COST-REIMBURSEMENT APR 1984

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

a) USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports, and other required deliverables or outputs will take place at:

USAID/Mexico (U.S. Embassy) Paseo de la Reforma 305, Cuauhtémoc Mexico City, Mexico 06500

b) USAID reserves the right to inspect and accept any services, reports, and other required deliverables or outputs where the services are performed and where reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) listed in Section G has been delegated the authority by the Contracting Officer (CO), to inspect and accept all services, reports, and required deliverables or outputs.

E.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

The progress, success, and impact of the contractor’s performance under this contract will be monitored and evaluated as a part of the overall activity results. The QASP is a management process with the intent of encouraging maximum performance, efficiency, and cost effectiveness by the contractor and can be modified at any time by the Government.

The QASP will be used as a Government monitoring process to enforce the inspection and acceptance clauses of the contract. The QASP may require modification and/or updates after selection for award to reflect the contractor’s known strengths and weaknesses. The QASP is a “living” monitoring process that should be discussed, reviewed and updated regularly but no less than on an annual basis. It is based on the premise that the contractor, not the Government, is responsible for managing and ensuring that quality controls meet the terms of the contract.

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The Government reserves the right to modify performance standards and/or metrics during the life of this contract, in order to ensure that the right outcomes are being assessed and that the performance standards are appropriate. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to follow up with the COR to ensure the QASP monitoring process is implemented and updated. The QASP is incorporated as a component of the Activity.

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER AUG 1989

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER ALTERNATE I APR 1984

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

(a) The period of performance for this contract is a five years from the start date of September XX, 2022.

(b) The Contractor must ensure that the Contracting Officer approved adjustments to the original estimated completion date, if any, do not result in costs incurred that exceed the total estimated cost of the contract. Under no circumstances will such adjustments authorize the Contractor to be paid any sum in excess of the contract price.

(c) [Note to Offerors: This language will be added to the award if it is based on the Modified Foreign Assistance waiver. If the apparently successful offeror does not require a waiver, this additional language will be deleted from the award document.]

The period of performance for this contract is subject to the conditions set forth in Section H.18.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

a) The Contractor shall perform the services described in Section C in Mexico.

b) The Contractor may perform certain tasks outside of Mexico (such as in the Contractor’s home offices or elsewhere related to drafting strategy, drafting, or compiling reports, etc.)

as appropriate.

F.4 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION & PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance shall be conducted jointly by the COR and the Contracting Officer and shall form the basis of the Contractor’s permanent performance record with regard to this contract.

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F.5 KEY PERSONNEL

A. Key Personnel are defined as those personnel directly responsible for management of the contract, or those personnel whose professional and technical skills are certified by the requiring office as being essential for the successful implementation of the contract activity. The Key Personnel that the Contractor must furnish for the performance of this contract are as follows:

i. Name/Position Title ____[TBD]______________/______[TBD]_________

[Up to five Key Personnel to be inserted at time of award]

B. The personnel specified above are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. The Contractor must remain responsible for providing such Key Personnel for full-time performance for the term of this contract unless otherwise agreed to by the Contracting Officer. Prior to replacing any of the specified individuals, the Contractor must notify both the Contracting Officer and the COR reasonably in advance and submit written justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. No replacement will be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer.

C. Unless failure to provide the designated Key Personnel as specified above is beyond the control, and without the fault or negligence, of the Contractor (e.g., non-acceptance or termination of employment by the individual, illness or death of the individual), failure to provide such Key Personnel as specified above may be considered nonperformance by the Contractor.

D. If the Contractor, at any time, is unable to comply with these requirements, the Contractor shall simultaneously notify, in writing, the Contracting Officer and the COR reasonably in advance of the individual's departure or non-acceptance of employment and shall submit written justification and explanation in sufficient detail (including implications for the CPFF total contract) to permit evaluation of the impact on the program.

E. No replacement of Key Personnel shall be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer; provided, that the Contracting Officer may ratify in writing such replacement and such ratification shall constitute the consent of the Contracting Officer required by this clause.

F.6 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports in Sections I, and in accordance with AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the Contractor must submit reports, deliverables or outputs as further described below to the COR (referenced in Section G).

F.6.a General Reporting

The Contractor must submit to the COR one electronic copy of the below described plans and reports. All reports must be submitted in English and, on a case-by-case basis and as requested by the COR, in Spanish. All reports are considered drafts until approved as final by USAID.

Draft reports must be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word (or similar format approved by the COR), with the word “DRAFT” as a watermark or header. Approved reports must be submitted in PDF form. USAID will review and accept all documents produced under this award. COR approval of reports will be provided within 15 calendar days. The Contractor will then have 15 calendar days to incorporate the modifications and resubmit the report for COR approval. COR approval of the revised submission will be within 15 calendar days. This applies to the list below as well as any other studies, reports, briefings, or any other document for public distribution (on a case-by-case basis).

The Contractor is explicitly advised that all activities planned and included in the required deliverables listed below must be within the scope and terms of the contract. Furthermore, the COR’s approval of activities and any corresponding cost estimates included in these deliverables does not supplant the Contracting Officer’s written approval in cases in which it is required.

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

NOTE: Any changes to the due dates of the following deliverables must be approved by the COR, in advance and in writing. The Contractor must comply with the schedule for the submission of each report listed below. For the purpose of this section, all days are to be considered as calendar days

F.6.b Deliverables

All reports and deliverables must be submitted to the COR by the due dates specified below, Mexico Time, in electronic copy (in Unlocked PDF and MS Word formats). Submissions of reports and deliverables in hard copy may be requested by the COR. Within the first 60 days of the effective date of award, the Contractor and the COR will set a fixed schedule and standard formats for reports including due dates if not otherwise specified in the Contract, except for those reports that will be provided on an ad hoc basis or upon COR request.

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of deliverables in Section C of the contract, as further specified in the Work Plans, and in accordance with AIDAR 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the Contractor must submit the reports, deliverables, or outputs as further described below to the COR.

All reports and deliverables must be in the English language, while executive summaries must be in both English and Spanish. Some reports may be required to be translated into Spanish upon request of the COR. All reports must also follow best practices in the USAID Style Guidance (https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/style-guide). The COR will inspect all submitted reports and approve according to the list below.

Upon the COR request and direction, the contractor must share selected reports with the Mexico Government counterparts.

The Contractor must promptly notify the COR of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that materially impair the Contractor’s ability to meet the requirements of the contract.

List of Reports and Deliverables

No. Description Due Dates Planning and Start Up Reports and Deliverables

F.6.b.1 Updated Rapid Mobilization Plan Within 15 calendar days after the performance start date.

F.6.b.2 Updated Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

Within 45 calendar days after the performance start date.

F.6.b.3 Value Chain Selection Ground-Truthing Report

Within 60 days after the performance start date.

F.6.b.4 Collaborative Start Up Workshop Within 75 days after the performance start date.

F.6.b.5 Annual Work Plans August 15th of each year. The first, Annual Work Plan is due within 100 calendar days after the performance start date.

F.6.b.6 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (MEL Plan)

Within 90 days after the effective date of award. The MEL Plan will be updated annually and submitted by August 15th.

F.6.b.7 Grants Under Contract Management Manual

Within 90 calendar days after the performance start date.

F.6.b.8 Gender Analysis Report and Gender and Social Inclusion Action Plan

Within 180 calendar days after the performance start date.

F.6.b.9 Strategic Communications Plan Within 180 calendar days after the performance start date.

F.6.b.10 Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Report (EMMR)

The EMMP will be delivered within 180 calendar days after the effective date of award and the EMMR will be delivered within 30 days after the end of each fiscal year.

Periodic Report/Deliverables F.6.b.11 Bi -Weekly Highlights Bi-Weekly as instructed by

COR.

F.6.b.12 Mission Events Calendar Update Weekly (Mission Events

Calendar) Otherwise, as requested.

F.6.b.13 Quarterly Performance Reports Within 30 calendar days after the end of each Quarter.

F.6.b.14 Annual Performance Reports. Within 30 calendar days after the end of USG fiscal year (September 30).

F.6.b.15 Quarterly Financial Reports Within 30 calendar days after the end of each quarter.

F.6.b.16 Accruals Reports 15 calendar days prior to the close of each fiscal year quarter

F.6.b.17 Reporting of Foreign Taxes Yearly, by April 16 F.6.b.18 Other Reports As requested.

Close Out Plans and Reports F.6.b.19 Final Performance Report Within 60 calendar days after the Contract completion date.

F.6.b.20 Demobilization and Closeout Plan Within 90 calendar days prior to contract completion date.

F.6.b.1 Rapid Mobilization Plan

The rapid mobilization plan (RMP) must include a plan for rapid start–up, covering the first 120 days of the contract. The RMP must describe the Contractor’s plan to ensure timely establishment of its offices in accordance with the Management Approach.

It must also address benchmark technical, management, and logistical (vehicles, offices space, warehouses, etc.) requirements that include planning and schedule for the prompt mobilization of Chief of Party and/or key personnel. The Rapid Mobilization plan will include sections on 1) Operational Start-Up and 2) Technical Start-Up, including but not limited to:

Operational Start-Up:

• Office rent,

• Procurement,

• Finance and legal operations,

• Management and complying systems,

• Subcontract management (chart, etc.), and

• Anticipated personnel start dates will be presented.

Technical

• Stakeholders engagement including development of a Gender and Social Inclusion

Analysis as well as consultations with private sector partners and indigenous peoples following USAID’s Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

• Initial assessments, including the Rapid Assessment and any other relevant studies as described in the Performance Work Statement.

F.6.b.2 Updated Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan provides transparent oversight of the Contractor’s quality control efforts to ensure that the results are delivered on time and meet the expectations, as detailed in the Contract.

The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will outline the steps that the Contractor will take to ensure quality control of the Purposes/Outcomes and Results to be achieved in order to meet terms of the Contract.

The QASP will have ideally four parts:

i. Deliverables to be completed.

ii. Performance standards (What is expected).

iii. Acceptable quality level (AQL) of deliverables.

iv. Surveillance method/frequency (the frequency surveillance process will be determined by the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), Chief of Party (COP) and adjusted as needed during the life of the activity.

The QASP will be reviewed annually, together with the MEL plan. The QASP will detail:

• The roles and responsibilities of staff in the quality assurance surveillance process.

• The Method of Surveillance Mechanism.

• Benchmarks to be achieved and followed up by COR in coordination with Contractor.

• Summary planning table (detailing all deliverables, their acceptable quality level, their surveillance mechanisms and their due dates)

• Detail corrective actions in case external challenges impede to achieve either deliverables or due date.

F.6.b.3 Value Chain Selection Ground-Truthing Report

The Contractor will summarize in a report insights on the state of existing market systems and value chains in priority geographic locations, and to ensure contextual understanding of the geographic locations, including general environmental condition related to selected value chains, existing challenges and opportunities, social and political economy issues existing in relation with selected value chains sector.

The report will be used to develop an improved theory of change or strengthen proposed interventions, inform priority geographic locations and market systems and value chains, and will serve as bases to develop the first year Work Plan. The report must include the following:

• Identification of key stakeholders and actors per geographic location and market system and/or value chain, from private and public sector, and community level, potential allies and/ partners.

• General status of proposed market systems and value chains in priority geographic locations in Mexico.

• Social, cultural, and economic dynamics, including gender issues, within selected market systems and value chains.

• Status of environmental conditions and smart climate practices, within selected market systems and value chains.

• General identification of main challenges, opportunities, barriers and threats for each selected value chain.

F.6.b.4 Collaborative Start Up Workshop

The contractor will organize a startup meeting in coordination with the COR. The agenda and participants list will be approved by the COR. The workshop will provide an opportunity to generate a common vision among key partners on the activity’s theory of change and proposed interventions, including priority value chains and geographic areas.

The objective of the collaborative Start-Up Workshop is to provide a dedicated Forum for USAID staff, relevant Government of Mexico Ministries and Agencies, and public and private stakeholders (as applicable) to collaborate with the Contractor, their partners and key stakeholders of selected supply chains to refine the Offeror-submitted technical approach and implementation plan, including the proposed theory of change and its strategic approaches to achieve results and performance targets and indicators.

The refined theory of change will serve as the foundation for the Annual Work Plan, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan, the Quarterly and Annual Performance Reports. This workshop will be preceded by preparatory meetings to discuss workshop objectives, participants, and roles of each.

F.6.b.5 Annual Work Plans

The scope and format of the Annual Work Plan will be agreed between the COR and the Contractor.

The purpose of the Annual Work Plan is to provide strategic framework and implementation strategy, assess the strategic context and its potential impact on activity objectives’, describe the work to be done for each planned objective and expected year one results, assess risks and describe risk mitigation initiatives, identify potential synergies and alliances with other ongoing projects in Mexico funded either by USAID/Mexico, other donors or Government of Mexico.

The Annual Work Plan will present how the activity’s components are integrated to optimize and achieve the objectives and sub objectives and their impact on women and social inclusion, environment, inclusive markets, and economic growth. The Work Plan will also explain how the activity’s Grant Program, Gender and Social Inclusion Action Plan, Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan will combine to support the achievement of the objectives.

At a minimum the Annual Work Plan must include:

• Executive Summary.

• Introduction detailing any progress to date, changes in context and key expected achievements.

• Description of proposed activities and components in accordance with the activity’s theory of change and results framework.

• Description of interventions per geographic area and key partners.

• Table summarizing proposed interventions, timeline and progress to-date as applicable.

• Financial Summary and projected quarterly expenditures.

• Procurement Plan.

o Including specifications and the estimated costs of all non-expendable supplies and equipment to be purchased under the contract;

o Identifying any IT equipment and vehicles to be purchased;

o Providing an explanation of the intended use of each item;

o Describing of how the Contractor will monitor and control use of non-expendable resources; and o The Contractor must comply with all source and origin requirements when procuring non-expendable commodities under this Contract following direction provided timely by COR.

• Changes to Key Personnel.

• Capacity Building efforts

• Gender and Youth integration.

• Indigenous Peoples integration.

• Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan.

• Updated indicator targets, including anticipated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

• Planned events and travel.

• Shapefiles of target areas where actions will be developed should be delivered in the First

AWP and should be updated as the Activity develops and achievements are accomplished.

The Contractor shall submit the first Annual Work Plan within the first 100 days from contract award date. The first Annual Work plan will cover the implementation period from the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 through September 30, 2023, unless otherwise stated by the COR. The second Annual Work Plan will cover the implementation period for fiscal year 2024.

Subsequent Annual Work Plans, and their budgets will be submitted for COR approval by August 15 and must cover the period of October 1 - September 30.

The budget for the Annual Work Plan period must be attached and disaggregated by budget line item, month and activities, so that monitoring of expenditures can be directly related to the monitoring of planned activities.

F.6.b.6 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (MEL Plan)

The Contractor must submit a draft MEL plan to the COR 60 days after the period of performance start date for review and comments, so that it is finalized 90 days after the period of performance begins, using the USAID/Mexico template that the COR will provide upon the award date. The MEL Plan will specify indicators, targets, and methodologies that will be used to monitor the progress of contract activities towards achieving key milestones and results related to the contract’s objectives, expected outcomes, impacts, and measures of accountability.

The MEL Plan covering the complete contract period must be submitted for approval to the COR. Any subsequent changes in the MEL Plan will require COR approval.

The MEL Plan will include performance and context indicators to measure progress towards achieving each of the results included in the contract, anticipated life of the contract and annual targets for these indicators, and a strategy for monitoring these indicators during implementation.

The MEL plan must include the applicable standard, Foreign Assistance indicators and each standard indicator must have a Data Quality Assessment (DQA) conducted after the first year of data collection, and after three years from the first DQA.

The MEL Plan will include a brief description of proposed evaluations to be managed by the Contractor. These evaluations are considered internal as they are managed internally by the Contractor. Such evaluations will not replace the occasional need for external evaluations conducted by third-party firms and managed by USAID/Mexico apart from this contract. The need for an external evaluation will be determined by USAID/Mexico and the COR will notify the Contractor in the event of such an evaluation.