RFP_72062319R00003-Amendment_01.pdf

RFP #72062319R00003

Regional Integration and Stronger Economies (RISE) IDIQ

Solicitation Issuance Date: April 25, 2019

Closing Date and Time for submission of questions: May 1, 2019 at 12noon, Nairobi, Kenya Time

Closing Date and Time for submission of proposals: June 5, 2019 at 12noon, Nairobi, Kenya Time

Subject: Request for Proposal (RFP) Number 72062319R00003 for the

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Kenya and East Africa Mission (USAID/KEA) Office of Economic Growth and Integration (OEGI), is seeking proposals to provide programmatic support for projects to develop stronger economies in the East Africa region through improved market systems, increased cross border trade, more competitive industries and a more market oriented policy environment as described in the attached Request for Proposal (RFP).

USAID anticipates awarding up to five (5) Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (“IDIQ”) Contracts. USAID anticipates one (1) of the five (5) contracts may be “set aside” for award to small business concerns and as stated in section L.4 of this RFP. USAID reserves the right to award less, more or no awards as a result of this solicitation. The first task order will also be issued at award, to the IDIQ holder that offers the best value proposal.

USAID anticipates that the maximum aggregate ordering limitation for contracts resulting from this RFP will be $95,000,000.00 over the seven (7)-year period of performance. The maximum aggregate dollar value of task orders awarded to all contractors cannot exceed this contract ceiling. This ceiling is not being subdivided among the number of awardees nor is it being multiplied by the number of awardees. There is no guarantee on the number of task orders that the successful contractors will receive or the amount of money beyond the minimum order guarantee set forth in the RFP.

USAID invites all interested and responsible organizations to submit offers in accordance with the requirements of this solicitation. USAID will conduct this procurement as a full and open competition under which any type of organization may submit a proposal. The procedures set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) Part 15 will govern the procurement. The North American Industry Classification System (“NAICS”) Code is 541990.

Please refer to Section L for information regarding proposal requirements. Offerors must take into account the expected delivery time required by the proposal transmission method they choose, and they are responsible for ensuring proposals are received at USAID by the due date and time as specified in Section L. Section M states the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of the contract will not be binding. Failure to comply with the submission date will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated. Faxed proposals are not acceptable, nor will they be reviewed or evaluated.

Pursuant to Block 12 of Standard Form 33 of this RFP, offers must remain valid for 220 days.

This RFP in no way obligates USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Award of a contract under this RFP is subject to availability of funds and other internal USAID approvals.

This RFP and any amendments that may be issued can be viewed and downloaded from www.fedbizopps.gov. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

Prospective Offerors must submit questions about this solicitation to Mr. Nya Kwai S. Boayue at nboayue@usaid.gov and Jennifer Kiiru at jkiiru@usaid.gov by the time and date indicated above.

Sincerely, ________/s/________ Nya Kwai S. Boayue Contracting Officer USAID Kenya and East Africa http://www.fedbizopps.gov/ mailto:nboayue@usaid.gov mailto:jkiiru@usaid.gov

SF 33 FORM – AWARD/CONTRACT

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Bureau for Food Security BFS CAADP Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program CDR Ceiling Daily Rates COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa CPAF Cost Plus Award Fee CPFF Cost Plus Fixed Fee CPIF Cost Plus Incentive Fee DO Development Objective EAC East African Community FTF Feed the Future GFSS Global Food Security Strategy GUCS Grants under Contra ICT Information and Communication Technology IDIQ Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity IGAD Intergovernmental Authority on Development J2SR Journey to Self-Reliance RFP Request for Proposal RFTOP Request for Task Order Proposal SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary TCNs Third Country Nationals USAID United States Agency for International Development USAID/KEA USAID Kenya and East Africa USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture USG U.S. Government

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SF 33 FORM – AWARD/CONTRACT

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

SECTION B

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

B.5 FIXED FEE CEILING (Cost-Plus- Fixed-Fee Task Orders Only)

B.6 LABOR

B.6.1 Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR) B.6.2 Minimum Qualifications

B.6.3 Subcontractor Rates B.6.4 Unburdened (CDR) Rates Changes

B.6.5 Billing Central Management Costs

B.7 INDIRECT COSTS AND ADVANCED UNDERSTANDING ON CEILINGS

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 PURPOSE

C.2 BACKGROUND

C.3 OBJECTIVES

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (January 1993)

D.2 USAID BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY, IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS __________________________________________ 27

F.6 ORDERING PROCEDURES _____________________________________________________________ 29

F.7 TASK ORDER ADMINISTRATION ______________________________________________________ 37

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA _________________________________________ 39

G.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE _______________ 39

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER _____________________________________________________________ 39

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)___________________________________ 39

G.4 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT _______________________________________ 40

G.5 PAYING OFFICE ______________________________________________________________________ 40

G.6 CONTRACTOR'S PAYMENT ADDRESS _________________________________________________ 40

G.7 TECHNICAL DIRECTION/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID _________________________________ 40

G.8 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998) __________________________________ 42

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS _______________________________________ 44

H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE _______________ 44

H.2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION ______________________ 44

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE ____________________________________________________ 45

H.4 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE FOR 2015-2020 __________________________________ 45

H.5 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING ______________________________________ 46

H.6 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM ____________________________________________________ 46

H.7 ADS 302.3.5.21 Submission of Datasets to the Development Data Library (DDL) (October 2014) _____ 47

H.8. USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR ACQUISITION (JULY 2014) 48

H.9 USAID Disability Policy - Acquisition (December 2004) _______________________________________ 50

H.10 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT (GUCs) __________________________________________________ 50

H.11 Title to Contractor Acquired Property (In the absence of bi-lateral agreement) __________________ 51

H.12 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: DESIGN/IMPLEMENT, INDEFINITE

QUANTITY (September 2018) _______________________________________________________________ 51

H.13 Organizational Conflicts of Interest: Preclusion from Furnishing Certain Services and Restriction on Use of Information (September 2018) __________________________________________________________ 51

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES ___________________________________________________________ 53

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES ________________________________________________________ 53

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE ________________ 53

752.225-70 Source and Nationality Requirements FEB 2012 _____________________________________ 56

752.231-72 Conference Planning and Required Approvals AUG 2013 _____________________________ 57

I.2 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS

(JUN 2016) ________________________________________________________________________________ 57

I.3 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995) ________________________________________________________ 59

I.4 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995) ______________________________________________ 59

I.5 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995) ____________________________________________ 59

I.6 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) _______________________________________________ 60

I.7 52.222-50 COMBATTING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (JAN 2019) ___________________________ 60

I.8 AIDAR 722.170 EMPLOYMENT OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCNs) AND COOPERATING COUNTRY NATIONALS (CCNs) ____________________________________________________________ 67

I.9 AIDAR 731.205-46 TRAVEL COSTS _______________________________________________________ 68

I.10 AIDAR 752.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA-GENERAL (OCT 2007) _______________________________ 68

I.11 AIDAR 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) (DEC 1991) ________________________________________________________________________________ 69

I.12 AIDAR 752.228-70 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (JUL 2007) _____________ 69

I.13 AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007) _________________________ 70

I.14 AIDAR 752.231-71 SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR HOST GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

(MAR 2015) _______________________________________________________________________________ 71

I.15 AIDAR 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY—USAID REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

(OCT 2017) _______________________________________________________________________________ 71

I.16 AIDAR 752.245-71 TITLE TO AND CARE OF PROPERTY (APR 1984) ________________________ 73

I.17 AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JULY 2007) ______________________________ 74

I.18 AIDAR 752.7008 USE OF GOVERNMENT FACILITIES OR PERSONNEL (APR 1984) _________ 74

I.19 AIDAR 752.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (JUNE 2018) ___________________ 74

I.20 AIDAR 752.7025 APPROVALS (APR 1984) ________________________________________________ 75

I.21 AIDAR 752.7028 DIFFERENTIALS AND ALLOWANCES (JULY 1996) _______________________ 75

I.22 AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (APR 2014) (Class Deviation OAA-DEV-14-01c) ________________________________ 78

PART III – SECTION J _____________________________________________________________________ 79

LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS _____________________________ 79

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER __________________________ 80

STATEMENTS OF THE OFFEROR__________________________________________________________ 80

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE ________ 80

K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (OCT 2018) ________________ 80

K.3 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY ______________________________________ 83

K.4 52.204-3 TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION (OCT 1998) _______________________________________ 83

K.5 52.209-2 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC _________________ 84

CORPORATIONS—REPRESENTATION (NOV 2015) __________________________________________ 84

K.6 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2015) ___________ 85

K.7 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) ____________ 87

K.8 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (OCT 2015) ______ ________________________________________________________________________________ 88

K.9 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE--COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR 2005) _ 90

K.10 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX

LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (FEB 2016) _____________ 90

K.11 52.203-18, PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN

INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS –REPRESENTATION (JAN 2017)

K.12 52.215-6 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE (OCT 1997) ________________________________________ 92

K.13 52.222-56 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ____________________ 92

COMPLIANCE PLAN (MAR 2015) ___________________________________________________________ 92

K.14 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS ________________________________________________________ 93

K.15 SIGNATURE _________________________________________________________________________ 93

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS 94

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE ________ 94

L.2 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984) ________________________________________________ 95

L.3 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006) _______________________________________________ 95

L.4 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS_____________________________________________________________ 95

L.5 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS ____________________________________________________________ 97

L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL ______________ 98

L.7 CONTENT OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL _________________________________________________ 99

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE IDIQ COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL _____ 100

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD _______________________________________ 106

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION ___________________________________________________________ 106

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA ________________________________________________ 106

M.3 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE _________________________________________ 108

M.4 COST/PRICE EVALUATION __________________________________________________________ 108

M.5 SOURCE SELECTION ________________________________________________________________ 109

M.6 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN____________________________________________________________ 109

M.7 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS __________________________________ 110

M.8 CONTRACTING WITH U.S. SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ

PROGRAM ______________________________________________________________________________ 110

LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS ____________________________ 111

ATTACHMENT J.5 _______________________________________________________________________ 111

REGIONAL AGRICULTURE AND MARKET SYSTEMS (RAMS) ______________________________ 111

Request for Task Order Proposal (RFTOP) ___________________________________________________ 111

SECTION B

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide services that fall within the Scope of Work (SOW) specified in Section C for the Regional Integration and Stronger Economies (RISE) Activity.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. The Government will issue task orders that are either Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) (term or completion), Cost-Plus- Award-Fee (CPAF), Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF) or Firm Fixed-Priced, or any combination thereof.

B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

The basic contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $10,000.00 to cover the minimum order guarantee USAID is required to order. The Contractor is required to furnish the minimum order amount of services.

Following this initial obligation, individual task orders will obligate funds to cover the work required under that task order.

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

This is a multiple award Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ) with an overall ceiling price of $95,000,000.00. The maximum aggregate dollar value of task orders awarded to all contractors must not exceed the overall ceiling. This ceiling is not being subdivided among the number of awardees nor is it being multiplied by the number of awardees.

B.5 FIXED FEE CEILING (Cost-Plus- Fixed-Fee Task Orders Only)

(a) The ceiling on fixed fee does not apply to FFP, CPIF, and CPAF Task Orders. Fees for CPIF or CPAF Task Orders will be negotiated by the Task Order Contracting Officer (“TOCO”) at the time of task order award.

(b) For each CPFF task order issued under this IDIQ, the TOCO and Contractor agree to negotiate a fixed dollar amount for fee. In negotiating the fixed dollar amount for fee, the TOCO must consider the policies and factors for establishing fee in FAR § 15.404-4 as well as any applicable USAID policy on establishing a fixed fee amount. The fixed fee in any individual task order must not exceed ___% [Offeror insert proposed fixed fee percentage] of the task order’s total estimated cost, excluding fee. The fixed fee ceiling applies to the prime contract and all cost- reimbursement subcontracts.

(c) The Total Estimated Cost-Plus- Fixed- Fee for each task order must be negotiated in accordance with the terms of this contract.

(d) Payment of fixed fee will be in accordance with FAR 52.216-8. Pursuant to FAR 16.306(d), the fixed fee payable under this contract will be tied to the execution of tasks and achievement of results per objective outlined in the respective task orders in compliance with the terms of the contract. Upon acceptance by USAID and receipt of approval from the Contracting Officer, the Contractor must submit an invoice for the amount of the fee associated with the deliverable and approved fee schedule as detailed in each Task Order:

B.6 LABOR

(a) This Section B.6 is only applicable to Cost-Reimbursement task orders.

(b) Compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation (July 2007) (See Section I.).

B.6.1 Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR)

(1) The task order rates must not exceed the ceiling daily rates set forth in the table below.

(a) Each CDR for personnel listed below is “unburdened” and must only include salary costs or consulting rates of the individual providing the services. The CDR for employees must not include the following:

• Payroll costs (fringe benefits, FICA, allowances, differentials, etc.);

• Indirect Costs applicable to labor; and

• Profit or fee, if any.

(b) The CDRs set forth below are fixed for the contract period and is for a productive eight (8) hour day. The CDRs apply to all labor (i.e., the prime contractor, subcontractor, Third Country Nationals (“TCNs”), Cooperating Country Nationals (“CCNs”), and consultant salaries) on cost-type task orders. CCN and TCN labor are also governed by the local compensation plan limitations.

Actual salaries for all personnel will be negotiated under task orders and final approval is provided by the TOCO. The ceiling rates presented below do not constitute approval of final salary rates above the Contractor Salary Threshold (CST) (see ADS 302).

(2) The single unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category/group below represents the junior, mid-level and senior level rate in each category/grouping. One unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category/grouping is included in the contract to provide more flexibility under task orders.

Table 1: Labor Category and Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR) Table

NOTE: Offerors must complete this table and in addition provide the CDRs in the table provided in Attachment J.1.

Labor Category Level Year

Year

Year

Year

Year

Year

Year

1 General Administrative Specialist

Senior Mid Junior

2 Market Systems Specialist Senior Mid

3 Resilience Specialist Senior Mid Junior

4 Food Security Specialist Senior Mid Junior

5 Project Management Specialist

Senior Mid Junior

6 Knowledge Management Specialist

Senior Mid Junior

7 Workforce Development Specialist

Senior Mid Junior

8 Gender Specialist Senior Mid

9 Operations Specialist Senior Mid

10 Engineering and Infrastructure Specialist

Senior Mid Junior

(3) Definition of labor categories:

(i) General Administrative Specialist - The General Administrative Specialist will provide administrative support to the IDIQ/Task Order Manager/Project Manager and other personnel in the day-to-day operations and management of the contract. They will provide program management support including but not limited to managing project documentation, producing and distributing project related correspondence, supporting of general contract management through asset management, monitoring of project deliverables and variables, scheduling meetings and travel reservations, and ensuring project activities are finished on time and within budget.

(ii) Market Systems Specialist- Provides subject matter expertise as necessary to strengthen market systems and interrelated areas, including customs and trade, policy reform, and finance and investment. Provides specific leadership, analysis, capacity building and technical skills to advise on digital platforms and e-commerce, trade and customs trends, policies and enforcement, and financial sector to support private sector driven economic growth and inclusion. Financial expertise may include providing access to credit, business development services and leveraging diverse financial tools such as credit guarantees, and private capital.

(iii) Resilience Specialist - The Resilience Specialist will provide expertise on resilience matters, including linking with humanitarian response, supporting advocacy efforts, policy activities, and building strong relationships with stakeholders and partner organizations.

Resilience expertise includes the ability to sequence, layer and integrate multi-sectoral efforts at project and policy levels.

(iv) Food Security Specialist- The individual will provide subject matter expertise as necessary to strengthen food security and interdependent areas of the initiative such as agriculture, nutrition, value chain and market systems and private sector engagement. In addition, provide specific technical and partnership leadership, analysis, and capacity building, including regional agriculture, and nutrition sector priorities, constraints, opportunities and threats. They will provide support for sector specific action planning, performance measures and indicators, organizational assessments, sector and/or industry assessments, technical assistance, and relationship management to leverage significant improvements in regional food security.

(v) Project Management Specialist- The individual will provide subject matter expertise as necessary to manage the project, including collaboration, learning and adaptation, communications and knowledge management. The specialists will lead integration of CLA strategies into the project and provide for robust communication and knowledge management tools, including employing technology to gather evidence, foster project learning, adaptation and advocacy.

(vi) Knowledge Management Specialist- This individual will provide subject matter expertise as necessary to implement the project, including information technology and management, data analytics, GIS systems, workforce development and gender empowerment.

The specialist will provide cutting edge technical leadership in subject areas to ensure that efficient technology systems, data analytics and mapping underpin project operations and enable maximum impact. Specialists will provide technical expertise in work force sector opportunities challenges and gender empowerment to increase inclusion of vulnerable populations and overall project impacts.

(vii) Workforce Development Specialist- The Workforce Development Specialist will address matters regarding workforce development, including efforts that reach out to the poor, youth, women and other marginalized populations with skill enhancement efforts that support increased employability and inclusion of the targeted populations.

(viii) Gender Specialist- The Gender Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to address gender issues, inclusion and empowerment during program implementation.

(ix) Operations Specialist- The Operations Specialist will provide subject matter expertise as necessary to manage the project, including sub-contracts/ sub-grants, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation. They will provide industry specific skills to contribute to the day to day operations and ongoing monitoring and measurement of the project.

(x) Engineering and Infrastructure Specialist- The individual will provide construction, implementation, engineering, and infrastructure administration support to RISE as well as provide overall construction guidance. Provide operational testing and construction evaluation support for the RISE task orders as appropriate.

B.6.2 Minimum Qualifications

In order to perform the statement of work set forth in Section C, the Contractor must provide personnel that meet or exceed the minimum education and experience requirements set forth below. These minimum qualifications for junior, mid-level and senior personnel correspond to the unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates set forth in Table 1 above.

Table 2: Minimum Qualifications

Language fluency, relevant regional experience, and international development experience requirements will be specified in individual task orders.

*Highest degree obtained must be related to work being performed.

** Experience must be related to the work being performed.

***Relevant Work Experience is required for the levels indicated. Relevant work experience is experience directly related to the respective labor category.

B.6.3 Subcontractor Rates

The following provides guidance for various subcontracting arrangements:

(i) The Prime subcontracts with an approved subcontractor from the original IDIQ competition

The unburdened CDR’s for the prime contract apply to the subcontractor.

(ii) The Prime contracts with a new subcontractor not yet approved

The unburdened CDR’s for the prime contract apply to the new subcontractor.

(iii)Prime subcontracts with a new subcontractor not yet approved and may or may not have a different cost accounting system that only processes fully burdened rates. Further, subcontractor proposes rates that are “above” the prime IDIQ rates.

The Prime may then include in its TO proposal, (i) the fully burdened rate proposed to the Prime by the Subcontractor,(ii) allocation of the Prime’s indirect costs in accordance with established accounting practices, and (iii) a reasonable profit. If the rates proposed to USAID, inclusive of the Prime’s allocable indirect costs and a reasonable profit are above the Prime’s unburdened CDRs , the Prime must disclose the amount of the indirect costs, and the amount of the proposed profit that were added to the Subcontractor’s proposed rates. A reasonable profit will be negotiated by the TOCO for the specific TO. The CDRs of the subcontractor must not exceed the prime’s CDRs in the IDIQ contract.

B.6.4 Unburdened (CDR) Rates Changes

The unburdened labor rates (including any escalation) are fixed for all contract years; however, the Contractor may submit a proposal reducing the labor rates and/or indirect rates at any time during the life of this contract. The Government will review these proposals and determine if the revised rates are realistic and in the best interests of the Government. If the rates are accepted, the Government will modify the contract by incorporating the new rates into the contract.

B.6.5 Billing Central Management Costs

The Contracting Officer has determined that a key (full time) technical manager is not necessary or required to administer this basic IDIQ Contract. Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ Contract or under task orders.

Contractors must propose a centralized management structure that allows for recovery of IDIQ management costs as part of its indirect costs.

B.7 INDIRECT COSTS AND ADVANCED UNDERSTANDING ON CEILINGS

(a) Ceilings are not applicable to Small Business Offerors or local organizations serving as the prime or a subcontractor.

(b) Indirect rates are only applicable to cost reimbursement task orders.

(c) Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, USAID will reimburse allowable indirect costs on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates the appropriate bases to the contractor’s current executed Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (“NICRA”).

Table 3: Indirect Costs and Ceilings

Offeror

Fringe Overhead Overhead G&A G&A Ceiling

Rate % Rate % Ceiling Rate % Rate % Rate %

PRIME (Insert Name)

Base of Application

Source: (insert)

Period: (insert)

Major Subcontractors

(Insert Name (s))

Base of Application

Source: (insert)

Period: (insert) NOTE: Insert additional indirect rates as needed for all primes and major subcontractors in the above table.

*Special Note: The un-shaded columns in the indirect cost table are the current approved indirect cost rates for the prime and major subcontractor(s).

(d) USAID will reimburse the contractor for indirect costs at the final negotiated rates, but not in excess of ceiling rates specified above.

(e) The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount associated with indirect costs above the ceiling rates established in the contract. This advance understanding must not change any monetary ceiling, cost limitation, or obligation established in the contract without prior approval of the IDIQ Contracting Officer.

NOTE: For Fixed-priced Task Orders, the overhead ceilings serve as a basis for negotiation only.

NOTE: Contractors are allowed to recoup indirect costs (OH, G&A, etc.) as other direct costs if it is part of the contractor’s usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31 and the contactor’s NICRA.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of the RISE IDIQ is to develop stronger economies in the East Africa region through improved market systems, increased cross border trade, more competitive industries and a more market oriented policy environment. In support of the US government’s recently announced Prosper Africa initiative, the RISE IDIQ efforts will result in increased economic development, more self-reliant countries, improved livelihoods, especially for the most vulnerable populations, and a more secure, integrated East Africa region that is less vulnerable to shocks.

C.2 BACKGROUND

DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE AND PROBLEM STATEMENT:

In July of 2016, USAID Kenya and East Africa (KEA) Mission adopted its five-year Regional Development and Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) 2016 – 2020, with the goal to ‘Enhance East Africa-led sustainable economic growth and resilience’. To accomplish this goal, the strategy will support East African countries as they harmonize policies and standards, scale up technologies and best practices in trade, investment, agriculture, private sector, energy transmission, environmental and natural resource management, climate change, countering violent extremism, as well as manage critical health threats. This contract will contribute to the RDCS’s goal by supporting the following three development objectives (DOs):

DO1: Sustainable regional economic integration advanced

DO2: Improved management of risks that transcend borders

DO3: East African institutions’ leadership and learning strengthened

Opportunities for economic growth in East Africa are strong. According to a report by the Harvard Business Review, six sectors are primed for growth, including 1) wholesale and retail,

2) food and agri-processing, 3) health care, 4) financial services, 5) light manufacturing, and 6) construction. A recent McKinsey report noted that Africa could double its manufacturing output by 2025, provided countries create an improved environment for manufacturers. Three quarters of this manufacturing growth potential could come from meeting domestic demand since Africa currently imports one-third of the food, beverages, and similar processed goods it consumes.

Agriculture is the backbone of the East Africa economy, accounting for 32% of the regional gross domestic product and 70% of the employment opportunities in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Unfortunately, the Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) region remains far less productive when compared to other developing regions of the world such as Latin America or Asia. While the East Africa region has made some positive strides in terms of reducing poverty, the agricultural sector remains weak, undermining Africa’s overall productivity and food security. According to the World Economic Forum, “A substantial body of the literature finds that agriculture-led growth has greater impact on poverty reduction than non-agriculture-led growth. The agriculture sector is a key to achieving inclusive growth because, in Africa, it consists mostly of smallholder farmers, the majority of whom are women.”

In the arid and semi-arid lands in the region, the scenario is dire. Drylands are experiencing more frequent cycles of drought, which in combination with other factors, contributes to recurring poverty and high levels of humanitarian aid. Frequent and severe shocks and stresses, especially those caused by recurring extreme and prolonged droughts, limit the livelihood opportunities available to millions of poor households and undermine efforts to eradicate poverty.

The African continent population is expected to increase by 910 million people by 2050, of which 830 million will be in SSA. This population growth will only exacerbate existing economic, social and environmental challenges. The World Bank estimates that by 2030, the number of vulnerable, drought-affected people living in drylands is projected to be 60% higher than in 2010. As the population continues to expand, the continent, including East Africa, is experiencing a massive youth bulge between ages 18 - 34.

Other challenges include Africa’s low level of intraregional trade, which lies well below that of other regions in the world. In 2016, intra-African exports made up 18 percent of total exports, compared to 59 and 69 percent for intra-Asia and intra-Europe exports, respectively. The figures for imports are similar. Trade outside the region is also limited. For example, the African continent exports less farm produce than Thailand. Products that are currently exported are often basic commodities, such as coffee, cut flowers, tea, tobacco, fish and vegetables. Value added production remains very limited.

Reducing trade barriers could contribute significantly to the resilience of people living in the drylands by improving access to needed production inputs, as well as by making food more available and affordable during periods of temporary shortfalls. Uncertainty caused by ad hoc trade measures also discourages investments in storage and trade infrastructure that would buffer price shocks. More transparent and better information for civil society on the presence and effects of trade barriers and for government on the realities in local food markets may facilitate reforms.

To facilitate increased trade and cooperation in East Africa, the East Africa Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) were established. These organizations made progress in easing trade restrictions, however, much more work is required.

To encourage increased trade with the United States, the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was established in 2000 to improve trade relations between the US and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). More recently, the European Union and the EAC negotiated the Economic Partnership Agreement to encourage increased trade, however, this agreement is still not ratified by all EAC countries.

Ultimately, a more competitive and inclusive economy in East Africa and more resilient populations and systems will contribute to the United States national interests by: (1) making the East Africa region more self-reliant, less dependent on donor assistance and relief food, (2) opening a market of over 280 million people in the East Africa region to American goods as the local economies improve, and (3) diminishing the influence of terrorist groups who target young adults that see little opportunity to improve their lives.

C.3 OBJECTIVES

This contract’s interventions are focused on the following five technical areas:

1) Cross border trade and market systems;

2) Access and scaling up of technologies;

3) Regional resilience;

4) Regional policy environment; and

5) Finance and investment

Task orders will provide technical assistance in any or all of the component areas. Each Task Order will develop specific targets and results on a case by case.

C.3.1 Cross Border Trade and Market Systems Contractor’s must provide assistance that will strengthen trade and cross border market systems so they are better able to compete, respond to shocks and stresses, and benefit from new regional and international market opportunities. In addition to supporting local and regional trade linkages, activities will expand international trade linkages, in particular between the U.S. and East Africa. This may include efforts that remove trade barriers and promote a more predictable, transparent and enabling business environment in East Africa by supporting adherence to intra-regional and international trade agreements and conformity to international standards. This component focuses on improving the region’s trade competitiveness, encouraging the diversification of exports beyond natural resources, and promoting broader, more-inclusive economic growth in alignment with current and future U.S.G. initiatives such as the Feed the Future Presidential Initiative (FtF), the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), the African Competitiveness Trade Expansion Initiative, the USG-East Africa Community (EAC) Trade and Investment Partnership, Prosper Africa and the Journey to Self-Reliance.

The Contractor will align with USAID guidance on the Journey to Self-Reliance 1and will articulate and demonstrate regional contributions to country level progress. The Contractor will coordinate with USAID and other partners to articulate a vision and indicators for regional self-reliance, and to demonstrate the interdependence between bilateral and regional progress.

Value chains supported by the contractor’s activities must include a wide variety of products, typically where regional issues are an impediment to growth. Interventions may vary from country to country but must promote a regional coherence necessary to achieve the project objectives. To the extent possible, the contractor should seek and promote opportunities for value added production, in addition to basic commodities. While agriculture is a dominant sector in East Africa, this component may support other value chains, such as the manufacturing industry, service providers, technology industry and the financial sector. All forms of inputs to these industries, including workforce development, may be supported in the effort to strengthen the targeted value chains.

1 https://www.usaid.gov/selfreliance https://www.usaid.gov/selfreliance

The contractor’s interventions may be in the form of technical assistance and Grants Under Contract to assist value chains to meet regional and international standards, thereby opening up new market opportunities. The contractor’s may also support investments in cross-border cooperation and infrastructure needed to improve the regional and international movement of products. Other the contractor’s interventions may focus on increasing the visibility of women’s contributions, improved production, trade, and monitoring for quality and safety of locally produced products.

Interventions must also address gender-in-trade, especially aspects related to challenges and opportunities in cross-border trade for women and youth.

The contractor must be skilled in providing technical assistance in the following areas:

• Cross border trade of products;

• Market systems that contribute to increased trade, such as commodity exchanges;

• Strengthening value chains and encouraging value added products;

• Capacity building of private sector firms;

• Attracting increased private sector and public sector investment to facilitate stronger value chains and increased trade;

• Capacity building of regional organizations, associations and dealers;

• Data analytics and measurement in the context of cross-border trade including trade in agricultural food staples. Rapid collection of baseline information, development and maintenance of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, will be essential;

• Quality control including Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Standards and other international standards; and

• Workforce development.

C.3.2 Access and scaling of technologies To achieve increased competitiveness throughout the region, it is necessary to facilitate increased access to modern, innovative technologies. For example, in the agricultural sector such technologies may include all forms of agricultural inputs, such as seed, fertilizer, pesticides, irrigation, feed, fodder, pharmaceuticals. Other sectors, such as textiles, can also benefit from access to improved technologies that will make the sector more competitive.

This component will also leverage activities and lessons learned in one country so that these experiences may be scaled up and applied region wide. The Contractor must promote interoperability of country systems and policies and the scaling of new technologies to rapidly increase adoption of these technologies in the region. In addition to scaling up new technologies, efforts must include increased adoption of improved practices or mechanisms that reduce existing or emerging regional threats such as Fall Armyworm and plant and animal diseases, which presently inhibit regional trade. In all instances, the Contractor’s efforts must facilitate the regional context in order to complement, not duplicate, the activities performed at the bilateral mission level.

The contractor is expected to perform the following kinds of services under this objective:

• Strengthening regional inputs industry and associations (e.g., seed, feed, fodder, fertilizer, etc.);

• Supporting non-financial services, including logistics, transport, etc.;

• Facilitating expanded regional trade of and investment in necessary inputs; and

• Scaling up and facilitating the commercialization of improved technology/practices.

C.3.3 Regional Resilience

USAID defines resilience as the ability of people, households, communities, countries and systems to mitigate, adapt to and recover from shocks and stresses in a manner that reduces chronic vulnerability and facilitates inclusive growth. to The contractor must strengthen regional systems and institutions that increase flow of affordable and safe food, leading to transformation that improves short and long term capacity to respond to shocks and stresses. The contractor’s activities are expected to build systems- level resilience to drought; contribute to reducing humanitarian needs; and build the capacity of governments in the region to prepare for, respond to, and recover from shocks and stresses, both natural and man-made.

Broadly, the Contractor must contribute to topline resilience goals in East Africa including bilateral USAID efforts that strive to:

• Increase responsiveness and recovery from major shocks and stresses in select border areas in the region.

• Reduce humanitarian needs in specific zones of influence in the region.

• Improve food security in the arid and semi-arid lands in the region.

The contractor’s engagement with resilience must be achieved by 1) implementing integrated, complementary and mutually reinforcing activities across the region, 2) sharing and scaling best practices in resilience across the region, and, 3) identifying and promoting shared measurement of resilience across the region. The contractor must promote cross-border and evidence based learning. The Contractor must also be responsive to emerging needs by developing close relationships with key development partners for greater leveraging and layering of resources in the region.

Resilience efforts may work with a variety of stakeholders (regional and member state institutions, private sector, civil society and implementing partners) to address regional issues, such as: harmonizing policies, promoting regional integration, increasing economic opportunities and facilitating trade and cross-border activities that promote resilience. The contractor’s resilience activities must focus on efforts that increase cross border trade and access to safe, nutritious food and will complement other USAID and donor initiatives.

The Contractor is expected to perform the following kinds of services under this objective:

• Facilitate the coordination of partners and resources to respond to pests and diseases that threaten food security;

• Build capacities of local, national, and regional governments including cross border stakeholder associations to prepare for and respond to shocks and stresses;

• Assist in rapid response to livelihood and food security shocks;

• Development and institutionalization of trade policies and cross-border coordination approaches that minimize trade barriers during shocks;

• Support increased intergovernmental collaboration during times of drought and famine;

• Improve policies on cross border movement of agricultural goods, livestock and services; and

• Strengthen cross border market systems in recurrent crisis zones.

C.3.4 Regional Policy Environment USAID requires technical assistance that builds the capacity of regional stakeholders to implement an open, trade-friendly and resilient policy environment. This will include building on the progress made in the Tripartite agreement between SADC, COMESA and EAC and recognition of the continental support for free trade through the Continental Free Trade Agreement. The Contractor will encourage the adoption and implementation of trade supportive policies in the region, as well as common industry standards that facilitate increased trade. The Contractor will engage with the private sector (food processors, traders, farmers) and other stakeholders, such as COMESA, EAC and IGAD, to ensure that regional policy initiatives are demand driven and align with the needs of the private sector. Policy efforts must be results driven and remove specific constraints and/or advance strategic progress on standards and trade issues or address immediate threats (e.g., pests, disease, drought, etc.). Where appropriate, the Contractor will complement and leverage cross sectoral (environment, humanitarian, health, etc.)

approaches.

The Contractor must address Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. Technical support must include mechanisms to improve regional SPS capacity and infrastructure. Additionally, SPS assistance must encourage mutual recognition of SPS protocols that will facilitate increased trade.

The Contractor must encourage the adoption of trade supportive policies, as well as common industry standards, that facilitate increased trade of agricultural products.

The contractor is expected to perform the following kinds of services under this objective:

• Support regional institutions to enhance their ability to fully implementing regional rules and processes governing agricultural products and inputs;

• Facilitate increased domestication and enforcement of regional policies, industry standards and processes among member states in the region;

• Enhance compliance with international and regional standards, such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures;

• Strengthen the capacities of stakeholders, including government institutions, as well as Regional and National Trade Associations; and

• Conduct ad-hoc studies and events at USAID’s request that support regional or bilateral policy initiatives.

C.3.5 Finance and Investment This component addresses improved access to finance and activities that encourage increased investment. Businesses, in particular agriculture enterprises, are challenged to access reasonable sources of credit for working capital and investment needs. Policy constraints, such as Kenya’s interest rate cap, inhibit lending in the region. Investment by both public and private sources is also limited. This lack of investment, including in good roads, irrigation, cold chain facilities and other necessary infrastructure, inhibits the ability of businesses to bring goods to domestic, regional and international markets.

The Contractor must provide technical assistance that contributes to increased available credit and the growth in private investment. This may include advising on microfinance, banking reform, trade finance, and credit guarantees, such as USAID’s Development Credit Authority.

Increased investment must also be facilitated by the Contractor, which may include supporting targeted outreach to international companies that could invest in the region and providing technical assistance to high potential firms and financial institutions to assist them in closing specific transactions. The contractor must be prepared to work with a wide range of financial institution counterparties to close transactions, including local, regional and international commercial banks, microfinance institutions, private equity and impact investment funds and development finance institutions, including the newly established U.S. Development Finance Corporation. Contractor technical assistance must also be available to address policy reforms that encourage increased finance and investment in the region.

The contractor is expected to perform the following kinds of services under this…