72061124R00006 ZADS Solicitation .pdf

Issuance Date: June 21, 2024 Questions Due Date and Time: July 10, 2024 at 17:00 local Lusaka time Closing Date and Time for Proposals: September 3, 2024 at 17:00 local Lusaka time

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) Number 72061124R00006 USAID Zambia Agriculture Diversification Support (ZADS)

Dear Prospective Offerors, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Zambia is seeking proposals from qualified entities to provide technical services for the USAID Zambia Agriculture Diversification Support activity, as described in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP).

Only local organizations, as defined below, are eligible for the award. USAID defines a “local entity” as an individual, a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or another body of persons that:

1) Is legally organized under the laws of Zambia;

2) has its principal place of business or operations in Zambia;

3) is majority owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of Zambia; and

4) is managed by a governing body the majority of who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the country receiving assistance.

For purposes of this section, ‘majority owned’ and ‘managed by’ include, without limitation, beneficiary interests and the power, either directly or indirectly, whether exercised or exercisable, to control the election, appointment, or tenure of the organization's managers or a majority of the organization's governing body by any means.

USAID anticipates the resulting award will be a Fixed-price contract with a prospective price redetermination, for a maximum five (5) year period of performance subject to the availability of funding.

A pre-proposal conference is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 10:00 am, Lusaka Time, to discuss the application process and address submitted questions.

Potential offerors are requested to send their intent to participate in the pre-proposal conference to Doreen Muleya at dmuleya@usaid.gov and copy Charles Nyanoka at cnyanoka@usaid.gov. The Deadline for registration is July 5, 2024 at 17:00 Lusaka Time.

You are welcome to invite sub-partners; however, the total number of people cannot exceed four (4) individuals per organization.

This contract requires that performance of work commence on or about October 15, 2024, following awarding of the contract. Please provide us with your proposals for accomplishing this work no later than the time noted at the top of this letter, and ensure to read Sections C, L, and M for the submission instructions and evaluation factors.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this solicitation is 541990. The authorized geographic code for the prime contractor of this procurement is 935.

This letter in no way obligates USAID to award a Contract nor does it commit the U.S Government any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the foregoing. Do not incur any expense or begin work until informed that your Offer has been awarded, in writing by the Contracting Officer. Please refer any questions about this requirement to Doreen mailto:dmuleya@usaid.gov

Muleya at dmuleya@usaid.gov and copy Brian LeCuyer at blecuyer@usaid.gov any time during your proposal preparation.

Sincerely, Brian LeCuyer Contracting Officer Office of Acquisition and Assistance

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road PO Box 320373 Lusaka, Zambia – 10101 infozambia@usaid.gov mailto:infozambia@usaid.gov

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

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FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

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541990

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR720611

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

08/08/2024 1400 B

06/21/2024

Elizabeth Chisala (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

72061124R00006

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 84OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

Lusaka Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$19.5

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USAID/Zambia

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

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ITEM NO.

the purpose of the Zambia Agriculture Diversification Support activity is to contribute to transforming Zambia’s agricultural sector into an efficient, equitable, and sustainable producer of high quality and nutritious food for consumption, sale, and trade.

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Brian LeCuyer

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

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COMPLETE

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42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

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32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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SECTION B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS:

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is for the Contractor to implement the USAID Zambia Agriculture Diversification Support activity in accordance with Section C – Performance Work Statement.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

USAID will award a fixed-price contract with a prospective price redetermination contract consistent with Federal Acquisition Regulations 16.205. For the consideration set forth in this Section B, the Contractor must deliver the items as described in Section C and the Deliverables as described in Section F.

B.3 CONTRACT PRICE

The maximum price of this contract is TBD for the performance of the work required hereunder and delivery of the deliverables. Consistent with FAR 52.216-5 “Price Redetermination-Prospective (JAN 2022)” in Section I of this contract, the proposed price will be redetermined on a regular basis.

B.4 PAYMENT

(a) The Payment Schedule for the contract is as follows (to be filled out by offeror):

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Annual Work Plans (AWP) TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD Annual Progress Report TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

AMELP TBD

Baseline Survey TBD Agricultural Diversification: The variety of crops and/or livestock produced by small agribusinesses has increased by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror]

TBD TBD TBD TBD

Sustainable Farming Practices: Sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices are adopted by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror] of participating small agribusinesses TBD TBD TBD TBD Market Systems: Functional outgrower schemes developed: [# TBD, as proposed by Offeror] outgrower scheme by the end of the second contract year in each province and [# TBD, as proposed by Offeror] by the end of the contract performance period in each province. TBD TBD TBD TBD

Profits: Income levels of participating small agribusinesses have increased by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror] TBD TBD TBD TBD Nutritional Impact: Through social and behavior change, dietary diversity among women and children has increased by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror]

TBD TBD TBD TBD

(a) Payment will be made only for deliverables accepted by the Government.

B.5 KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN A DYNAMIC

ENVIRONMENT

Due to the somewhat fluid nature of the Zambian development context, USAID/Zambia must be able to adapt to changing circumstances on the ground. Adaptive management will be required from the implementer to maintain, sustain, or expand development gains achieved through activity implementation.

The Contractor must anticipate the need to adapt to changing conditions on the ground either of a positive or negative nature to achieve the contract's objectives. These objectives are defined in Section C.

Implementation of these changes will be governed by FAR 52.243-1 Changes-Fixed-Price. The changes must be within the general scope of this contract. These changes will be made to address changing circumstances in Zambia. Examples of the circumstances include but are not limited to:

Data indicates and the Mission Director determines in writing that there is a high probability of a crisis developing in the operating environment that affects the contract’s objectives and any of the expected results, requiring adjustments to ongoing programming.

The purpose of this section is to inform the Contractor of the somewhat fluid nature of development work in Zambia and the likely need to adapt to changing circumstances while still achieving the contract’s objectives. There may be other needs that require the use of the changes clause but the extreme fluidity of the operating environment in Zambia warrants this section in order to increase the probability of success in achieving the contract’s objectives.

[END OF SECTION B]

Rural Poverty: Reduction in extreme poverty by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror] TBD TBD TBD TBD

SECTION C: PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C.1 TITLE OF ACTIVITY

The title of this activity is Zambia Agricultural Diversification Support (ZADS) Project.

C.2 PURPOSE

This activity aims to contribute to transforming Zambia’s agricultural sector into an efficient, equitable, and sustainable producer of high quality and nutritious food for consumption, sale, and trade. This transition will foster growth in Zambia’s agricultural sector and enhance resilience to climate shocks while improving the market competitiveness of the targeted agricultural commodities and increasing the consumption of nutritious foods at the household level.

C.3 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Zambia's economy, burdened by debt and COVID-19 impacts, contends with a 79% rural poverty rate. The economy is heavily supported by over a million informal - and 30,000 formal - micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), constituting approximately 97% of all businesses and contributing significantly to GDP and employment. The agricultural sector in Zambia is vital, with over 40% of households engaged in activities such as farming, livestock, and fisheries, with maize as the staple crop. However, small-scale farmers, who are over 60% of the labor force, suffer from low productivity due to limited access to resources compared to commercial farms.

Challenges for small agribusinesses include restricted access to credit, leading to reliance on traditional farming which is highly vulnerable to climate variability, diseases, and pests. The agricultural sector's limited processing capacity hampers diversification into higher-value crops, causing losses when markets are flooded with the same products. Moreover, many domestic food producers lack the capacity to scale up the production of nutritious foods, affecting food availability and affordability. Small agribusinesses also lack adequate access to markets and resources, due to underdeveloped transportation and logistics infrastructure, resulting in input delivery delays and post-harvest losses. National programs in agricultural research, extension, and nutrition are underfunded and rely on external support. Private sector involvement, which is currently limited, has the potential to enhance productivity through technology demonstration, input distribution, and extension services. See Figure 1 below for an example of an agricultural market in Zambia.

Food insecurity is widespread in both urban and rural Zambia. The World Food Program (2023) highlights that 4.3 million people in Zambia face food shortages. Additionally, the country is grappling with high levels of malnutrition: UNICEF (2022) reports that over 31% of children under five in Zambia suffer from stunted growth.

Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) interventions in agricultural markets and global events like the Ukraine-Russia conflict have affected input costs and productivity.

However, the GRZ is addressing these issues through initiatives such as the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), and the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP). GRZ also aims to increase land cultivation area and productivity by improving market access, extension services, and infrastructure.

Aligning with GRZ’s objectives, USAID's strategy is to transform subsistence agriculture into a commercially-oriented sector, enhancing resilience and creating income opportunities for the rural population.

Figure 1. Example of an agricultural marketplace in Zambia. This figure shows the complexity of an agricultural system. The relationships between various market actors are illustrated through solid line arrows, representing well established relationships. Dotted lines represent weak or aspirational linkages between market actors. The top of the diagram represents the enabling environment composed of laws, policies, and regulations. The enabling environment provides a governance structure to market actors from producer to end user. In the case of Zambia, many of the laws, policies, and regulations are inconsistent.

C.4 GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS

The Feed the Future (FTF) Zone of Influence (ZOI) covers 10 districts across three provinces:

Copperbelt, Central, and Eastern. The Contractor must select 5 out of the 10 provinces listed below and implement the ZADS activity in the following provinces and districts:

● Copperbelt Province: Mpongwe and

Masaiti

● Central Province: Mkushi, Kapiri

Mposhi, Kabwe, Chibombo, and Luano

● Eastern Province: Nyimba, Petauke, and

Sinda

The Contractor must select five out of the ten districts listed above for inclusion in ZADS, and indicate these five districts in the work plan. The selected districts must include two from Central Province, two from Eastern Province, and one from Copperbelt Province. Selected districts must be approved by USAID.

C.5 THEORY OF CHANGE

IF Zambia diversifies and increases its agricultural production AND IF the country strengthens its agriculture market systems, AND IF a variety of nutritious crops and feeding practices are promoted and adopted THEN food production and nutrition will improve, market systems will be profitable, and rural poverty will be reduced, leading to healthier, more resilient communities that can actively contribute to - and benefit from - Zambia's economic growth.

C.6 OUTCOMES

To achieve the outcomes and required minimum results listed below, the Contractor’s technical approach must focus on incentivizing private sector SMEs to facilitate the development of both upstream (processors/traders) and downstream (producers) components of the selected agricultural value chains (offeror selects value chains based on their own assessment of each district as part of proposal). To strengthen the agriculture sector, the Contractor must support small agricultural businesses, directly impacting job creation within these businesses. To improve dietary diversity and nutrition, the Contractor must directly engage with the households that benefit from small agribusiness support, particularly the smallholder farmers who supply produce to these agribusinesses.

Within the five geographies (districts) in the ZOI, the Contractor must achieve the following outcomes (see Section C.7 for minimum amounts):

Outcome 1: Increased agricultural yields and diversified food production among small agribusinesses.

To achieve this outcome, the Contractor, at a minimum, must:

● Collaborate with Private Sector and Government: Engage with both the private sector and government agencies to enhance the market systems supporting small and medium agribusinesses, ensuring the production of a broader range of nutritious foods, encompassing both crops and livestock value chains.

● Promote Sustainable Farming: Promote sustainable, climate-friendly farming practices that conserve soil and water resources, and minimize production risks for producers.

● Implement 'Farming as Business' Strategy: Promote the "farming as business" approach, equipping small agribusinesses to effectively manage climate-induced production fluctuations, market uncertainties, and economic disruptions.

● Facilitate Technology and Innovation Transfer: Collaborate with the private sector (including financial institutions), and other institutions such as: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Department of Commerce, Land Grant Universities, and other US-based research institutions to facilitate the transfer of cutting-edge technology and innovative practices technology (which may include climate-smart and/or nutrient-dense improved seed varieties, livestock breeds, irrigation techniques, improved machinery, etc.) to Zambian small agribusinesses

To meet this outcome, illustrative activities could include (but are not limited to):

● Provision of improved crop varieties, improved irrigation methods, rainwater harvesting, conservation agriculture, pest and disease management, and organic farming.

● Establish for-profit and/or GRZ extension services that offer improved seed delivery, guidance on livestock management, breeding, and health practices.

● Training/improved technologies in sustainable fish farming practices, including pond construction, fish health management, and feed management.

● Training/improved technologies in climate preparedness and risk reduction strategies to withstand extreme weather events.

Outcome 2: Enhanced market systems through robust private sector engagement and strengthened value chains of selected agricultural commodities from producers.

● Strengthen Market Connections: Establish and enhance market linkages at local, regional, and international levels to expand market access and increase the diversity of food production.

● Apply Market Systems Development (MSD) Approach: Utilize MSD strategies to heighten the profitability of agribusinesses by identifying market inefficiencies and ensuring linkages to other relevant value chain actors is essential for increased diversity of food production.

● Engage with Domestic and International Companies: Collaborate with both domestic and international businesses to develop strong business cases for the marketing and sales of nutritious crops and food products.

● Incentivize Investment: Identify and incentivize companies who are motivated by sound business prospects in Zambia, and are committed to realizing social benefits, such as improved nutrition, income and job creation, and the empowerment of women and youth, by connecting producers and processors to markets.

To meet this outcome, illustrative activities could include (but are not limited to):

● Partnerships between private sector entities and smallholder farmers, women's groups, agribusinesses, and cooperatives.

● Connecting agribusinesses with financial institutions, promoting innovative financing mechanisms, and providing training on financial literacy.

● Improving supply chain logistics, and supporting market-driven production practices.

● Collecting and disseminating data on crop prices, supply and demand trends, weather conditions, and market data.

● Capacitating agribusinesses (including producers, traders, outgrowers) to collect, analyze, and disseminate market information.

Outcome 3: Enhanced dietary diversity and improved food security.

● Enhance Nutrition and Well-being: Implement targeted agricultural interventions and food-based strategies to enhance the nutrition and well-being of vulnerable Zambian households, aiming at poverty reduction and improved dietary quality.

● Collaborate with GRZ and Private Sector: Work closely with the GRZ and the private sector to develop a nutrition programming approach aimed at increasing the demand and consumption of nutritious foods..

● Incorporate Lessons from Past Programs: Utilize insights and lessons learned from previous USAID programs as outlined in the USAID Zambia Nutrition Strategy and in alignment with the GRZ’s 8th National Development Plan.

To meet this outcome, illustrative activities could include (but are not limited to):

● Nutrition education campaigns targeting communities, schools, and healthcare facilities.

● Training on the cultivation and consumption of indigenous and nutrient-rich crops.

● Breastfeeding awareness campaigns and training to mothers/caregivers on appropriate complementary feeding practices.

● Train community health workers to promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices during home visits.

● Enhance the capacity of maternal and child health clinics to provide nutrition counseling and support for pregnant women and caregivers of young children.

● Promote the use of micronutrient powders or fortified complementary foods to improve the nutrient intake of infants and young children.

If a comprehensive and synergistic strategy for tackling poverty and malnutrition is effectively proposed and implemented, we anticipate these three outcomes will be successfully achieved. This integrated approach is key to creating a sustainable impact on food security, economic growth, and health, ultimately generating employment, business growth, and mitigating malnutrition.

C.7 REQUIRED MINIMUM RESULTS

The Contractor must ensure measurable results aligned with their technical approach.

Minimum results, by year, will be results compared to baseline levels. Baseline will be conducted by the Contractor. The required minimum results under this contract are:

[NOTE: The results will be the successful offeror’s proposed results, as accepted by

USAID.]

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Agricultural Diversification: The variety of crops and/or livestock produced by small agribusinesses has increased by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror]

TBD TBD TBD TBD

Sustainable Farming Practices: Sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices are adopted by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror] of participating small agribusinesses TBD TBD TBD TBD https://drive.google.com/file/d/13QV3e_AmHkQU5JGJFzopqxmaKWbPJE3b/view?usp=sharing https://www.zda.org.zm/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/8th-NDP-2022-2026.pdf

C.8 COORDINATION

USAID/Zambia is implementing several complementary activities in agriculture: 1) Through the Enterprise Development and Growth Enhanced (EDGE) project, more than 300 agribusinesses are being supported to improve their financial management and expand investment opportunities for scaling up production; 2) the Eastern Kafue Nature Alliance and Luangwa Livelihoods and Conservation Project, part of USAIDs Health, Ecosystems, and Agriculture for Resilient, Thriving Societies (HEARTH) - Zambia Activity, are engaged in conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity. These projects improve livelihoods around prominent national parks and collaborate with the private sector to facilitate outgrower schemes for a variety of crops; and 3) the Business Enabling Project (BEP) is tackling several policy barriers faced by agriculture producers to foster a stable and conducive business environment. USAID/Zambia’s existing relationships with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) offers a robust network of potential partnerships, while BEP is clearing the way for further investment.

The Contractor must actively engage and coordinate with current and future USAID activities as well as other USG programming, ensuring synergy and leveraging existing frameworks for enhanced agricultural development.

C.9 COLLABORATING, LEARNING, AND ADAPTING

Under this contract, the Contractor must generate, capture, analyze, share, and apply information and knowledge, including performance monitoring data, findings from evaluations, research, and experience to collaborate, learn and adapt.

C.10 CROSS-CUTTING REQUIREMENTS

Climate Change Integration To build resilience to the factors that increase poverty, and diminish food security and nutrition due to climate change, the Contractor must develop and mainstream sustainable practices, such as climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy adoption, and disaster risk

Market Systems: Functional outgrower schemes developed: [# TBD, as proposed by Offeror] outgrower scheme by the end of the second contract year in each province and [# TBD, as proposed by Offeror] by the end of the contract performance period in each province. TBD TBD TBD TBD

Profits: Income levels of participating small agribusinesses have increased by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror] TBD TBD TBD TBD Nutritional Impact: Through social and behavior change, dietary diversity among women and children has increased by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror]

TBD TBD TBD TBD

Rural Poverty: Reduction in extreme poverty by [% TBD, as proposed by Offeror] TBD TBD TBD TBD reduction measures. Additionally, capacity building and awareness-raising initiatives should be implemented to equip communities and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to address climate challenges. See section H. 7 for additional requirements for climate action and environmental compliance.

Gender The Contractor must adopt a comprehensive approach involving sensitization of communities and traditional leaders on cultural factors hindering women's economic participation, as well as empowering women and women-led businesses for inclusive and sustainable participation in Zambia's agriculture and trade sectors.

Youth Integration The Contractor must support meaningful, inclusive, youth engagement to ensure that the diverse perspectives and experiences of young individuals shape and inform program design.

The project must actively involve youth as targeted participants or beneficiaries, aligning with the USAID Youth Policy 2022-2030 (https://www.usaid.gov/policy/youth). The project must facilitate youth-friendly access to services, information, and opportunities, empowering youth to participate in activities that contribute to positive change and amplify their collective voice.

[END OF SECTION C]

https://www.usaid.gov/policy/youth

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 program construction sites and other program 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 program construction sites and other program 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 program 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) USAID policy on the branding and marking of the work products of this contract is contained in the USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) Chapter 320. The Branding and Marking Implementation Plan communicates to beneficiaries and stakeholder audiences that the work of this contract is from the American people. Requested exceptions to ADS Chapter 320 requirements, shall be included in the Branding and Marking Implementation Plan. The Zambia Agriculture Diversification Support activity will adhere to USAID branding and marking guidance in the USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co-branding Guide and available at: http://www.usaid.gov/branding.

(b) The Contractor must develop a Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP) for the contract to describe how program deliverables shall be branded. The BIP will implement USAID branding strategy for the Zambia Agriculture Diversification Support activity:

Activity Name: “Zambia Agriculture Diversification Support (ZADS) Activity”

Branding: The branding will incorporate the message that the assistance is “From the American People through USAID.”

http://www.usaid.gov/branding

Desired Level of Visibility: High. USAID identity must be prominently displayed in the following: commodities or equipment, printed, audio, or electronic public communications;

studies, reports, publications, web sites, and all promotional and informational products; and at all events.

Organizations to be acknowledged: With concurrence from the USAID/Zambia’s Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team and COR, equipment, publications, and materials developed and produced under this activity may be co- branded with the Zambian Government’s official seal, cooperating partners’ logos, and where applicable, other U.S.

Government agencies and initiatives. The Marking Plan must enumerate all of public communications, commodities, infrastructure projects, program materials, events, deliverables, and other items that will be marked with the USAID identity or brand.

The Marking Plan may include requests for exceptions to marking requirements for programmatic reasons, to be approved by the Contracting Officer. Waivers, as defined by ADS 320, may be necessary for compelling political, safety or security concerns, or if the marking will have an adverse effect in the host country. Marking and attribution for physical structures may need to be visible as soon as work commences. Contract deliverables to be marked with the USAID identity must follow design guidance for color, type, and layout in the Graphic Standards Manual, available at www.usaid.gov/branding, and all successor branding policies (if any).

D.3 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

The Branding Implementation and Marking plan must be submitted thirty days after Contract Award and address the following:

(a) How to incorporate the message, “This assistance is from the American People,” in communications and materials directed to beneficiaries, or provide an explanation if this message is not appropriate or possible.

(b) How to publicize the program, project, or activity in the host-country and a description of the communications tools to be used. Such tools may include the following:

● Press releases

● Press conferences

● Media interviews

● Site visits

● Social media content

● Success stories

● Beneficiary testimonials

● Professional photographs

● Print and online Public Service Announcements

● Videos

● Webcasts, e-invitations, or other e-mails sent to group lists, such as

● Participants for a training session, blast e-mails, or other Internet activities.

http://www.usaid.gov/branding

(c) The key milestones or opportunities anticipated to generate awareness that the program, project, or activity is from the American People, or an explanation if this is not appropriate or possible. Such milestones may be linked to specific points in time, such as the beginning or end of an activity, or an opportunity to showcase publications or other materials, research findings, or activity success. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Launching the activity

● Announcing findings from the situational analysis

● Publishing reports or studies, including the transformation and sustainability plans

● Spotlighting trends

● Highlighting success stories

● Featuring beneficiaries as spokespeople

● Securing endorsements from ministry or local organizations

● Facilitating deals or transactions between beneficiaries and the private sector

● Promoting final or interim reports

● Communicating activity impact/overall results

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” (effective date: 02/05/2020) at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/320.pdf, and USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co-Branding Guide, or any successor branding policy.

D.4 SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE OUTREACH

Social media is often part of an integrated communications campaign. It should always be used to communicate directly with stakeholders or beneficiaries in host countries. It should never be used to promote a program or Contractor. Social media channels may be approved as part of a project’s marking plan in consultation with the CO, COR, and DOC team. To avoid confusion with official USAID social media channels, the USAID logo should not be used as a profile picture. A photo reflective of the project should be used as a profile picture.

A USAID-branded photo should be displayed as the banner photo, and acknowledgement of USAID support should appear in the “Profile” or “About” section. For more information, please refer to the USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co- Branding Guide.

[END OF SECTION D]

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/320.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1869/USAID_GSM-02_04_2020.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1869/USAID_GSM-02_04_2020.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1869/USAID_GSM-02_04_2020.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1869/USAID_GSM-02_04_2020.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1869/USAID_GSM-02_04_2020.pdf

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. Full text of the FAR clauses is available at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and full text of the AIDAR clauses is available at http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar-http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/3 00.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.216-5 Price Redetermination-Prospective JAN-2022 52.246-4 Inspection of Services- Fixed-Price AUG-1996

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required or outputs will be subject to the performance standards set forth in Sections C, H, and F.

Inspection and acceptance will take place at:

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road PO Box 320373 Lusaka, Zambia – 10101 or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The Contracting Officer, unless delegated to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) has the authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

[END OF SECTION E]

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar-http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/300

SECTION F: DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract is five years. The specific dates for the contract will be determined at the time of award and specified within the award.

F.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance for this contract is Zambia.

F.3 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated based on the completion of specific tasks as outlined in the PWS and reports submitted to the COR in accordance with the performance standards set forth in Section C. Evaluations will be conducted jointly by the COR and the Contracting Officer and will form the basis of the Contractor's permanent performance record with regard to this contract as required in FAR Part 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORK DAY/WEEK

The workweek for the Contractor's employees must not be less than 40 hours and must be scheduled to coincide with the workweek for the US Embassy in Zambia.

F.5 KEY PERSONNEL

F.5.1 Approved Key Personnel

The following positions are considered Key Personnel for this contract:

TITLE NAME

1. Chief of Party (COP)

2. TBD (to be proposed by Contractor) TBD

3. TBD (to be proposed by Contractor) TBD

This solicitation identifies the need for three (3) key personnel positions critical to the successful delivery of the project objectives. The Chief of Party has been defined as a Key Personnel. The Offeror is required to propose the other two (2) full-time key personnel positions for the performance of this contract. All Key Personnel must be employed by the Prime Contractor and be full-time in Zambia. The proposed positions should include position title, job description, and minimum qualifications necessary to achieve the project's goals effectively.

Prior to replacing the specified individual, the Contractor must immediately notify both the Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) reasonably in advance, and must submit written justification (including proposed substitution) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the contract. No replacement of Key Personnel may be made by the Contractor without written consent of the Contracting Officer.

F.5.2 Key Personnel Requirements

The following are the requirements for the Key Personnel under this contract:

1. Chief of Party The Chief of Party (COP) must act as the primary point of contact with the COR with regard to day-to-day implementation and management matters relating to the contract. The COP is also responsible for facilitating communication and close coordination with all stakeholders of the activity and must work closely with other key personnel to ensure goals of the activity are met. The COP’s responsibilities encompass various aspects of project management, technical oversight, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and ability to speak for and bind the Contractor. The COP will serve as the principal institutional liaison to USAID/Zambia and should be expected to have regular and transparent communication with the USAID/Zambia COR.

The COP’s minimum required qualifications are:

● Graduate degree in Agriculture, Agriculture Economics, Business, or other relevant areas.

● Minimum 10 years experience (at least 5 years of senior level experience) in managing agriculture value chain projects in the South and/or East African regions.

● Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role managing project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

● Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management roles, including direct responsibility for budget oversight and financial reporting.

● Fluent in English.

2. Other Key Personnel to be proposed by offeror:

Must include:

● Position Title

● Roles and Responsibilities

● Minimum Requirements

F.6 PLANS, REPORTS, DELIVERABLES, AND PERFORMANCE

MONITORING

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports in AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the Contractor must submit required deliverables or outputs as specified below.

All reports and other deliverables must be in the English language. All reports and other deliverables must be submitted to the approver in either electronic format, hard copy, or both, as determined by the COR.

F.6.1 Due Dates for Plans, Reports, and Deliverables

The following table outlines the plans, reports, and deliverables required under this contract, and the due dates for each:

REQUIRED PLANS

Deliverable Due Date Approver

Annual Work Plans

(AWP)

Draft 1st Year AWP: Due 15 days after contract period of performance start date.

Final 1st Year AWP: Due 60 days after contract period of performance start date.

Subsequent AWPs: Due 30 days before the beginning of the next contract year.

COR

AMELP Draft: The initial AMELP shall be submitted as part of the technical proposal by proposal due date

Final: Within 90 days after contract period of performance start date

CO

Baseline Survey Due 180 days after contract period of performance start date

CO

Closeout / Demobilization Plan

Due 120 days before contract period of performance end date.

COR

REQUIRED REPORTS

Deliverable Due Date Approver

Quarterly Progress 30 days after the end of each USG quarter.

(USG quarterly periods are from: October 1–December 31; January 1- March 31; April 1 – June 30; and July 1 – September 30)

Fourth quarter reports will be included as part of the Annual Progress Report.

COR

Annual Progress Report 30 days after the end of each contract year.

The fifth Annual Progress Report will be replaced by the Final Project Completion Report.

COR

Final Project Completion Report

45 days before contract period of performance end date. COR

F.6.2 Required Plans

The following plans are required under this contract:

1. Annual Work Plan (AWP)

The Annual Work Plan (AWP) will establish the framework for the activities to be executed each contract year under this fixed-price contract with price redetermination. The AWP should enumerate the major activities planned, offering a rationale for these actions, and detailing how they will contribute to the desired results. The AWP must not alter any contractual commitments that influence pricing determinations already agreed upon. The preparation of AWPs demands a collaborative approach with USAID, relevant private sector entities, business associations, and appropriate Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) entities.

The AWP must be structured based on performance, delineated by USG fiscal year and quarter, and directly linked to the overarching goal and specific objectives and expected outcomes of the activity. The format of the first year and all Annual Work Plans will be agreed upon between the Contractor and the COR. It's essential to note that any substantial changes to the AWP require prior written approval by the COR, and USAID retains the right to review and revise these plans as needed.

For the purpose of the AWP, “Annual” is defined according to the U.S. Government fiscal year (October 1 to September 30). The initial draft AWP covering the first year of the contract period (until September 30th) must include a description of the activities the Contractor intends to implement during the first year of the contract through September 30, 2025.

2. Baseline Survey

The Baseline survey, validated by a third party, will serve as a benchmark on which ZADS success will be assessed. The report must be clear and easy to understand and will include an executive summary of no more than 2 pages with all key findings and a full report.

3. Closeout/Demobilization Plan

The Plan will include, at a minimum, an illustrative Property Disposition Plan addressing all requirements under contractual and local law for the transfer of property; a plan for the phase out of the award’s operations; a delivery schedule for all reports or other deliverables required under the award; and a timeline for completing all required actions in the Demobilization Plan, including the submission date of the final Property Disposition Plan to the Contracting Officer.

Both the illustrative and final Property Disposition Plans must include the inventory schedule, a plan for the disposition of property to eligible parties and a timeline for the disposition of such property. The Closeout/Demobilization plan must be submitted to the COR 120 days before the contract period of performance end date. The Closeout/Demobilization Plan must be approved in writing by the COR and the Contracting Officer.

F.6.3 Required Reports

The following reports are required under this contract:

1. Quarterly Progress The report must reflect the structure of the AWP and address the following points:

● Summary of key achievements and challenges for the quarter;

● Activities completed under each planned intervention;

● Activities to be undertaken in the following quarter;

● Outputs accomplished in comparison to annual targets;

● Challenges during the implementation period and proposed solutions;

● Lessons learned during the implementation period and proposals on how to apply the lessons;

● Collaboration and coordination with other relevant USAID and donor activities and other partners within the implementation environment;

● Aggregate outputs accomplished and results realized since project inception;

● Demonstration of steps taken to analyze the Contractor’s own progress against desired results and to devise solutions, propose course corrections, and identify whether new stakeholders should be engaged to ensure program success.

● Copies of all reports, success stories, and other relevant documents prepared during the quarter must be submitted as attachment.

● The fourth quarter progress report must serve as the annual report and include an updated assessment of the project’s critical assumptions and associated risks, and recommend changes based on monitoring results and documentation of successes and shortcomings/failures of the interventions, and reasons for shortcomings with recommended actions to overcome them. For each action, the Contractor must designate responsible parties and establish a timeframe for completion.

2. Final Project Completion Report

The Final Project Completion Report must include the following:

● Executive summary of the Contractor’s accomplishments over the contract period of performance;

● Overall description of the Contractor’s activities during the life of the contract;

● A summary of the accomplishments of the contract, methods of work used, best practices, and lessons learned;

● Recommendations regarding unfinished work and/or project continuation;

● Index of all reports and information products produced under the contract;

[END OF SECTION F]

SECTION G: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in the requirements of this Contract and notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this Contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment must be made in the contract terms and conditions, including cost/price.

All questions concerning the administration of this award must be sent to the Contracting Officer. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to inform the Contracting Officer of requests that affect any and all sections of this award. The Contracting Officer is located at:

Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) USAID/Zambia Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road P. O. Box 320373 Lusaka, Zambia

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

USAID/Zambia will provide technical oversight to the contract through the designated COR. The CO will issue a letter designating a COR for the contract and will provide a copy of the designation letter to the Contractor. The COR is based at the office and address provided below:

TBD

USAID/Zambia Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road P. O. Box 320373 Lusaka, Zambia

G.3 CONTRACTOR’S POINT OF CONTACT

The Contractor appoints the following as the primary point of contact:

[To be completed upon award]

G.4 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

a. Technical directions must be in writing, and must be within the scope of the contract, as detailed in Section C. Technical directions include:

1. Written directions to the Contractor that fill in details, suggest possible lines of technical inquiry, or otherwise facilitate completion of the work;

2. Provision of written information to the Contractor that assists in the interpretation of drawings, specifications, or technical portions of the work statement; and

3. Review and, where required, written approval of technical reports, drawings, specifications, or technical information to be delivered.

b. The CO, by separate designation letter, authorizes the COR to take any or all action with respect to the following, unless specifically prohibited by the terms of this contract:

1. Provide technical direction.

2.…