Request for Proposals (RFP) Number SOL_72066019R0011 - Bednet Distribution Final.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: January 12, 2020

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: February 3, 2020 at 5 pm Kinshasa Time

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 23, 2020 at 5 pm Kinshasa Time

ORAL PRESENTATIONS April 1 - 10, 2020

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) Number SOL_72066019R0011, “The

USAID Bednet Distribution Project”

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in the Democratic

Republic of the Congo (DRC) (henceforth referred to as USAID/DRC or the Mission), is seeking proposals from qualified companies and organizations interested in providing services described in Section C of this solicitation.

The Authorized USAID Principal Geographic Code for this solicitation is 935. The

NAICS Code for this solicitation is 923120.

USAID/DRC anticipates awarding one cost plus fixed fee completion-type contract.

The maximum amount of the contract (costs, fees and incentives) is estimated to fall between $30 and $40 million subject to availability of funds and successful performance. Nevertheless, revealing the total estimated cost for the contract does not mean that Offerors should necessarily strive to meet the maximum amount. Cost-effective approaches to achieving the program objectives stated in the government requirement are highly encouraged.

This procurement will be conducted under full and open competition, pursuant to Part

15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1). All types of organizations are eligible to compete. Please refer to Section L for information regarding proposal requirements. Offerors are responsible for ensuring proposals are received at USAID by the due date and time as specified above. Submissions that fail to comply with this requirement will not be evaluated.

If substantive questions are received which affect the response to the solicitation, or if changes are made to the closing date and time, as well as other aspects of the RFP, this solicitation will be amended. Any amendments to this solicitation will be issued and posted on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website. Offerors are encouraged to check this website (http://beta.sam.gov) periodically.

An Interested Vendor List is not included in this solicitation. Offerors can register and use the Interested Vendor List (IVL) on the FBO page, so that firms can contact one another for consideration of teaming arrangements and/or small business subcontracting opportunities in response to this solicitation.

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this solicitation to ensure that the solicitation has been received from the Internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for http://beta.sam.gov/ data errors resulting from download or conversion processes. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall be valid for no less than 160 days.

NOTE: ONLY Electronic submissions will be accepted.

Any questions regarding this RFP are to be submitted in writing to the attention of

Andre-Guy Soh via e-mail at asoh@usaid.gov with a copy to Andre-Nkuluntu at ankuluntu@usaid.gov, and kinshasaproposals@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above. Oral instructions or explanations given before the award of the contract resulting from this solicitation will not be binding. Answers to all offerors’ questions will be provided in writing, via solicitation amendment.

Please pay careful attention to, and complete in full, RFP Section K – Representations, Certifications and Acknowledgements. Offerors should carefully consider Section L –

Instructions to Offerors and Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award. Sections B through J of the solicitation will become substantive part of the anticipated contract with blanks to be completed by the Contracting Officer upon award. Proposals must be signed by an official who is authorized to bind the offeror’s organization.

Offerors must submit both a Technical Proposal and a Business/Cost proposal via email to the attention of Andre-Guy Soh via e-mail at asoh@usaid.gov with a copy to kinshasaproposals@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above.

Issuance of this solicitation does not in any way obligate the U.S. Government to award a contract nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Furthermore, the Government reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of the U.S.

Government.

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, Andre-Guy Soh

Contracting Officer

USAID/ Democratic Republic of the Congo mailto:asoh@usaid.gov mailto:ankuluntu@usaid.gov mailto:kinshasaproposals@usaid.gov mailto:asoh@usaid.gov mailto:kinshasaproposals@usaid.gov

SECTION A – CONTRACT/SOLICITATION FORM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A – CONTRACT/SOLICITATION FORM 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 9

PART I – THE SCHEDULE 11

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 11

B.1 PURPOSE 11

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE 11

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT 11

B.4 BUDGET SCHEDULE 11

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS 12

B. 6 ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING ON CEILING INDIRECT COST RATES AND FINAL

REIMBURSEMENTS FOR INDIRECT COSTS 13

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE 13

B.8 COST REIMBURSABLE 14

SECTION C-PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT 15

C.1 BACKGROUND 15

C.2 COUNTRY CONTEXTS 15

C.3 SCOPE 19

C.4 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 23

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING 25

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993) 25

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY 25

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY 25

D.4 ANTICIPATED ELEMENTS OF MARKING PLAN 29

D.5 APPROVAL OF CONTRACTOR BRANDING IMPLENTATION AND MARKING PLAN 29

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 30

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 30

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 30

E.3 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 30

E.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP) 31

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 32

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 32

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 32

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 32

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORKDAY / WEEK 32

F.5 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 33

F.6 REPORTS, PLANS AND OTHER DELIVERABLES 33

F.7 TECHNICAL APPROVALS REQUIREMENTS 45

F.8 AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

DOCUMENTS (SEP 2013) 45

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 47

G.1. AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998) 47

G.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING

OFFICE 48

G.3. TECHNICAL DIRECTION AND DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBLE USAID OFFICIALS 49

G.4. ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL 51

G.5. PAYING OFFICE 51

G.6. INVOICES 51

G.7. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 52

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 53

H.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 53

H.2. AIDAR 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (Defense Base Act) (DEC

1991) 53

H.3. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION 56

H.4. AIDAR 752.7031 LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (OCT 1989) 58

H.5. TRANSITION OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 61

H.6. AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE 61

H.7. LOGISTIC SUPPORT 62

H.8. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING 62

H.9. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 62

H.10. CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT 65

H.11. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY 65

H.12. FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES (JAN

2002) 65

H.13. VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) AND CUSTOMS DUTIES 66

H.14. CONTRACTOR’S USE OF PROJECT VEHICLES AND LIABILITY INSURANCE

REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES 66

H.15. ADS 302.3.5.21 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY

(DDL) (OCT 2014) 66

H.16. USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOV 2019) 68

H.17. EXECUTIVE ORDER -- CLIMATE-RESILIENT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 70

H.18. CLOUD COMPUTING (APRIL 2018) 70

H.19. ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM 77

H.20. SECURITY CONDITIONS 78

H.21. TITLE TO AND CARE OF PROPERTY 78

H.22. USAID/DRC COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH REQUIREMENTS 78

H.23 LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DEVIATION NOs.

M/OAA-DEV-FAR-18-2c and M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-18-2c) (APRIL 2018) 80

H.24 KEY PERSONNEL 81

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES 84

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES 84

I.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 84

I.2. 52.252-2 FAR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 84

I.3. AIDAR 752.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (MAR

2015) 88

I.4. AIDAR CLAUSES INCOPORATED BY REFERENCE 88

I.5. 52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVCIES OR EQUIPMENT (AUG 2019) 89

I.6. 52.216-7 ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT (AUG 2018) 92

I.7. 52.216-10 INCENTIVE FEE (JUN 2011) 99

I.8. 52.216-23 EXECUTION AND COMMENCEMENT OF WORK (APR 1984) 102

I.9. 52.216-24 LIMITATION OF GOVERNMENT LIABILITY (Apr 1984) 102

I.10. 52.216-25 CONTRACT DEFINITIZATION (OCT 2010) 102

I.11. 52.222-2 PAYMENT FOR OVERTIME PREMIUMS (JUL 1990) 103

I.12. 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES 104

I.13. 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ALTERNATE I (MAR 2015) 104

I.14. 52.227-23 RIGHTS TO PROPOSAL DATA (TECHNICAL) (JUN 1987) 115

I.15. 52.229-8 TAXES – FOREIGN COST-REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS (MAR 1990) 115

I.16. 52.243-7 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES (JAN 2017) 116

I.17. 52.244-2 SUBCONTRACTS (OCT 2010) 118

I.18. 52.244-2 SUBCONTRACTS (OCT 2010) – ALTERNATE I (JUN 2007) 121

I.19. 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORATION DOCUMENTS FOR AUDIT (FEB 2006) 124

I.20. 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (OCT 2015) 125

I.21. AIDAR 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUN 2012) 128

I.22. 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (Dec 2004) 129

I.23. 752.231-72 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013) 129

I.24. 752.7038 NONDISCRIMINATION AGAINST END-USERS OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

(OCT 2016) 130

I.25. 752.7036 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION (JUL 2014) 131

I.26. AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JUL 2007) 132

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS 134

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 134

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS 137

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, INSTRUCTIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS 137

K.1. NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 137

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

INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS- REPRESENTATION (JAN 2017)

K.3. 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS. (OCT 2018) 138

K.4. 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS. (OCT 2015) 142

K.5. 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) 144

K.6. 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX

LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONFICTION UNCER ANY FEDERAL LAW (FEB 2016) 146

K.7. 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (OCT 2015)

K.8. 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE-COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR 2005) 149

K.9. 52.204-24- REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (AUG 2019) 150

K.10. 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999) 151

K.11. 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984) 151

K.12. 52.225-20 PROHIBITION ON CONDUCTING RESTIRCTED BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN

SUDAN – CERTIFICATION (AUG 2009) 152

K.13. SIGNATURE 153

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 154

L.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) 154

L.2 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION 155

L.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984) 160

L.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006) 160

L.5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS 160

L.6 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS 162

L.7 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS 162

L.8 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORAL PRESENTATIONS 163

L.9 COST PROPOSAL 167

L.10 RESPONSIVENESS TO RFP 178

L.11 OFFEROR’S RESPONSIBILITIES 178

L.12 GOVERNMENT OBLIGATION 179

L. 14 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN 179

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 181

M. 1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) 181

M.2 GENERAL INFORMATION 181

M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA 181

M.4 COST EVALUATION 183

M.5 DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE AND CONTRACT AWARD 184

M.6 SOURCE SELECTION 185

ATTACHMENT J.1 – SF LLL – DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES 186

ATTACHMENT J.2 – APPROVED INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATIONS (IEE) 187

ATTACHMENT J.3 PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION SHORT FORM 188

ATTACHMENT J.4 DRC ITN distribution province and Donors_2019-2021 190

ATTACHMENT J.5 DRC Country Development Cooperation Strategy 191

ATTACHMENT J.6 192

ATTACHMENT J.7 192

ATTACHMENT J.8 192

ATTACHMENT J.9 193

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ADS Automated Directives systems

AIDAR United States Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulations

AMEP Award Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

ANC Antenatal care

ASSP Accès aux Soins de Santé Primaires

BIP Branding Implementation Plan

CAC Cellule d’Action Communautaire

CAGF Cellule d’Appui à la Gestion Financière

CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy

COR Contracting Officer’s Representative

CPFF Cost Plus Fixed Fee

CRM Climate Risk Mitigation

DEC Development Experience Clearinghouse

DFID United Kingdom Department for International Development

DHS Demographic and Health Survey

DRC Democratic Republic of the Congo

EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation

FLC Functional Labor Category

GBV

GHSC-PSM

Gender Based Violence

Global Health Supply Chain - Procurement and Supply Management

HUT Hang Up and Track

IDIQ Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

IMA Interchurch Medical Alliance

ITNs Insecticide Treated Nets

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MP Marking Plan

NARA National Archives and Records Administration

NMCP National Malaria Control Program

OFM Office of Financial Management

PD Program Description

PIRs Performance Indicator Reference Sheets

PMI President’s Malaria Initiative

PMP Program Management Plan

PSI Population Services International

SAM System for Award Management

SOO Statement of Objectives

SOW Statement of Work

TAN Technical Approach Narrative

TBD To Be Determined

TEC Technical Evaluation Committee

UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USAID IHP United States Agency for International Development Integrated Health Project

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide the services described in Section C of this solicitation to implement the USAID Bednet Distribution Project.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion type contract. For the consideration set forth below, the contractor shall provide the deliverables or outputs described in Section C and Section F in accordance with the performance standards outlined in Section E of this document.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

(a) The period of performance for this contract is five years from award issuance. The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $ TDB. The fixed fee is $TBD. The estimated cost-plus fixed fee, for this contract, is

$TBD

(b) The contract will be incrementally funded throughout the performance period in accordance with FAR Clause 52.232-22, Limitation of Funds.

B.4 BUDGET SCHEDULE

The following budget tables will capture the final negotiated budget for the performance of the work required to achieve the objectives of this activity.

Cost Element Amount

Program Implementation $

Sub-contracts $

Total estimated Cost $

Indirect Costs $

Fixed Fee $

Total estimated Cost-Plus Fixed Fee $

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs will be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

For the Prime Contractor:

Description Rate Base Type Period

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

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

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

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

3/Base of Application:

“Major subcontractors” are those subcontractors whose proposed total cost exceeds 20% of the offeror’s cost proposal.

B. 6 ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING ON CEILING INDIRECT COST RATES AND

FINAL REIMBURSEMENTS FOR INDIRECT COSTS

(1) Reimbursement for allowable indirect costs shall be at final negotiated rates but not in excess of the following ceiling rates:

1/ 1/ 1/

[To be determined]

For the Major Subcontractor(s):

1/ 1/ 1/

[To be determined]

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

(3) The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount should the final indirect cost rates exceed the negotiated ceiling rates. If the final indirect cost rates are less than the negotiated ceiling rates, the negotiated rates will be reduced to conform to the lower rates.

(4) This understanding will not change any monetary ceiling, obligation, or specific cost allowance or disallowance. Any changes in classifying or allocating indirect costs require the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

USAID will pay a proportion of the contractor’s fixed fee each month upon satisfactory completion of agreed upon services and acceptable deliverables and upon the receipt of a proper invoice. Payment of this portion of fixed fee shall be made according to a negotiated amount agreed upon prior to award.

From the agreed upon total fixed fee, $100,000 will be withheld for final settlement. The remainder will be divided by the number of months in the award (est. 60) and paid in equal installments when invoiced. Payment of withheld fee amounts shall be paid in accordance with

FAR 52.216-8.

B.8 COST REIMBURSABLE

(a) The U.S. dollar costs allowable shall be limited to reasonable, allocable and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, FAR

52.216-8, Fixed Fee, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for Payment.

No amounts will be paid in excess of the ceilings specified in Section B.3(a) above.

(b) Pursuant to FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, payment of fixed fee shall be allocated based upon the achievement of performance standards associated with the objectives outlined in

Section C, the approval of required deliverables listed in Section F, the proportion of allowable and allocable costs incurred to achieve the performance standards and complete deliverables.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C-PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C.1 BACKGROUND

Insecticide treated mosquito nets (ITNs) are a highly effective means of preventing infection and reducing malaria transmission. In populations with bednets, ITNs have been shown to reduce all-cause child mortality by about 20%, decrease clinical cases of malaria by about 50%, and severe malaria by 45%. These results were reported in five large trials, one using insecticide-treated screening material and four using ITNs. ITN coverage in these studies was maintained at levels of 80% or more of sleeping spaces and use among children was typically above 60%. Another study, focused on malaria in pregnancy, reported that ITNs were associated with a 38% reduction in the incidence of malaria parasitemia, a 47% reduction in the incidence of severe malaria anemia, and a reduction in the prevalence of low birth weight by 28% in gravidae 1-4.

C.2 COUNTRY CONTEXTS

The DRC is the second largest country by area in Africa (after Algeria) and the third most populated. A national census has not been conducted since 1984, but the Ministry of Health estimates (based on the population growth rate) the population to be 91,873,913 in 2018 and

94,813,878 in 2019, with the majority living in rural areas. The annual population growth rate is

3.2%.

Malaria is among the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in the DRC, accounting for

44% of all outpatient visits and for 22% of deaths (Rapport annuel PNLP 2018). Given that the majority of the population lives in high transmission zones, it has been estimated that the DRC accounts for 10% of all malaria cases and 11% of all malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa

(World malaria report 2017).

C.2.1 Progress in ITN Coverage and Use Indicators in the DRC

The 2013-14 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) showed that the DRC is making significant progress when compared to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2010. Improvements include: 1) the increase in the use of ITNs by children under five years of age, from 38% to 56%;

2) the increase of ITN use by pregnant women, from 43% to 60%; 3) the increase of households owning at least one ITN, from 51% to 70%. However, the recent 2017-18 MICS shows a reverse of the previous progress in the areas of net ownership and coverage (indicators 1-4 in Table 2).

The MICS results also highlight the importance of access, as use by all groups is significantly higher in households that have at least one ITN (indicators 5-7).

Various channels are used for making ITNs available to households, including mass distribution campaigns (nets given to the entire population based on household size), health facility channels targeting pregnant women and fully vaccinated children, and school-based distribution.

Table 1: Recent Mass and School Distributions Supported by PMI

Year Province Quantity Type

2016 Sud Ubangi 1,664,000 mass

2017 Kasai Central 2,650,000 mass

2018 Bas Uele 718,540 mass

Kasai 2,528,531 mass

Haut Lomami 252,641 school

Lualaba 230,074 school

Tanganyika 218,942 school

2019 Kasai Oriental 3,000,000 mass

Kasai Central 380,000 school

Table 2: Evolution of Key Malaria Indicators in the DRC

Indicator 2007

DHS

MICS

2013-14

DHS

2017-

MICS

NMCP 2020

Targets

1. % Households with at least one ITN 9% 51% 70% 63% ⋝80%

2. % Households with at least one ITN for every two people

N/A N/A 25% 44% N/A

3. % Children under five who slept under an ITN the previous night

6% 38% 56% 51% ⋝80%

4. % Pregnant women who slept under an ITN the previous night

7% 43% 60% 52% ⋝80%

5. % Household members who slept under an ITN the previous night, among households with at least one

ITN

N/A N/A 70% 75% N/A

6. % Children under five who slept under an ITN the previous night, among households with at least one

ITN

N/A N/A 76% 84% N/A

7. % Pregnant women who slept under an ITN the previous night, among households with at least one

ITN

N/A N/A 83% 91% N/A

Overview of Mass Campaigns

To rapidly and equitably achieve universal coverage, PMI and many other donors support freestanding, mass distribution campaigns designed to reach every household in malarious areas.

These campaigns have proven to be highly successful and have been associated temporally with a drop in child mortality in a number of PMI-supported countries. Mass distribution campaigns are only cost effective when a majority of ITNs need to be replaced; thus, it is currently recommended that campaigns are conducted every three years, based on projections of ITN longevity.

In the DRC, the NMCP provides leadership on the planning and implementation of mass campaigns financed by the different donors/partners. The Campaign National Coordinating

Committee meets regularly to review the status of ongoing and planned campaigns and to resolve issues. At the decentralized level, the Provincial Health Ministry and the Provincial Health

Division ensure this leadership, with close involvement of local administrative authorities and community leaders.

All partners supporting campaigns in the DRC subscribe to the same goal of achieving universal coverage, which is defined as one ITN for every two people in each household. The NMCP’s campaign strategy for achieving universal coverage provides the following practical guidance for distributing nets based on household size: 1) one net to a household of one to two persons, two nets to a household of three to five persons, three to households of six to eight, and four to a household of nine or more; and 2) one net per bed or sleeping space for hospitals and boarding schools (called ménages spécifiques).

Different models have been used by partners to achieve the goal of universal coverage, including community-based, fixed point, and door-to-door distribution. In general, however, all models follow the same general steps which are 1) determining how many ITNs are required for the targeted population, 2) procurement/delivery, 3) determining the number of nets each household will receive, 4) distribution, and 5) monitoring. Communication activities are also key to ensuring that the population is informed about the campaign and how to obtain the nets, as well as the appropriate use and care of the nets for maximum protection against malaria.

Overview of School Distribution

Following even highly effective mass campaigns, a supply of nets to the community is needed almost immediately to address: (a) those missed by the campaign; (b) new entries to the population by birth or immigration; and (c) the physical deterioration of existing nets. The maximum population reached for each continuous distribution approach falls well short of maintaining ITN coverage at sufficiently high levels that will provide community protection.

Therefore, a mix of several routine distribution approaches will be necessary to maintain a sufficiently high coverage over time.

Countries are increasingly considering schools as a channel for delivery of long-lasting ITNs, as this channel has the capacity to put large numbers of ITNs into communities throughout the country on an annual basis. School-based distribution is a viable channel in certain circumstances, including where there is high gross school attendance rate and strong commitment of local health and education officials, and it has a high level of flexibility, by adding or subtracting classes based on need. As the name implies, school-based distributions are a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.

In the DRC, school-based distribution is a fairly new channel. In 2015 and 2016, The United

Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) funded a school-based distribution pilot in two health zones of Kasai Province. As a result, the NMCP requested expansion of the school-based distribution approach. In 2017, PMI provided technical assistance to the NMCP and partners to develop guidelines for school-based distribution that will serve as standard planning, implementation, and evaluation guides for this activity. PMI supported its first school-based distribution in the provinces of Lomami, Lualaba, and Tanganyika during the 2017-2018 school year, and the evaluation is ongoing.

These activities target primary school students in odd classes (1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade) and the planning of campaigns is done such that the distribution happens at the appropriate time in the school year - not too close to the opening, when enrollment has not yet stabilized, and not at the end when exams are being prepared and administered. Working with local educational authorities to obtain student counts for each school is critical. Each student receives one net, and teachers and staff are generally included in the distribution as well.

Existing/Related Mechanisms

There are multiple partners working in the DRC to ensure the availability of ITNs for malaria prevention.

● The Global Fund is the largest single donor supporting mass campaigns in the DRC.

Currently their campaigns are implemented by a local organization, SANRU, and the Ministry of

Health CAGF (Cellule d’Appui à la Gestion Financier) using a fixed-point distribution approach

(generally health facilities). In 2019, the Against Malaria Foundation will provide ITNs for campaigns in Sud Ubangi and Equateur provinces, with operational costs being supported by the

Global Fund. The Global Fund also supports routine distribution through antenatal care (ANC) and vaccination visits in 19 provinces through SANRU. They do not currently implement school-based distribution.

● PMI has used two different partners in recent years for the implementation of mass and school distributions - UNICEF and the Global Health Supply Chain - Technical Assistance contract/Francophone Task Order. Both are using a community-based distribution approach for mass campaigns. This approach extends responsibility and accountability to a more peripheral level, as census and distribution activities are conducted through community mobilization groups

(cellule d’animation communautaire, CAC). PMI began supporting school-based distribution in

2018 through UNICEF. Routine distribution in health facilities is supported by USAID’s primary service delivery mechanism, the USAID Integrated Health Project (USAID IHP).

● DFID has also supported all three distribution channels in the DRC. Working with

Population Services International (PSI), DFID piloted the first school-based distribution in 2015 in two health zones of Kasai Province and 10 health zones of Kasai Central Province, targeting

120,000 children in 1,000 schools. An evaluation carried out in 2016 found that school distribution after a mass distribution exercise is an effective way to increase coverage. Through their health system strengthening program (Accès aux Soins de Santé Primaires, ASSP), implemented by Interchurch Medical Alliance (IMA), DFID introduced a door-to-door strategy for mass distribution campaigns in Kasai and Nord Ubangi provinces. The “hang up and track”

(HUT) strategy uses community health workers to distribute nets and hang them at the same time. Some of the nets for these campaigns were provided by the Against Malaria Foundation.

PMI procures the ITNs for all distribution mechanisms that it supports through the Global

Health Supply Chain - Procurement and Supply Management contract (GHSC-PSM).

No ITN procurement will be done under this contract. The ITNs needed for the mass campaigns in Lualaba and Kwango provinces and school distributions in Lomami province for calendar year

2020 have been ordered and delivery is expected in the last quarter of 2019/early 2020. For PMI procured bednets, GHSC-PSM is responsible for delivering ITNs to the regional distribution warehouse in the capital city of the province targeted for a distribution activity. The Global fund also procures bednets to be distributed with PMI funds through school-based distribution in CY

2020 and 2021. Those bednets will be delivered at entry point and this contract will transport the bednets from port of entry to end distribution point.

C.3 SCOPE

The ITN distribution activity will support the DRC National Malaria Control Program to achieve and maintain its goal of universal coverage of ITN through mass and school based distribution in targeted provinces as determined by NMCP and PMI, and strengthen the NCMP to efficiently plan and implement proven ITN distribution. The activity will not include procurement of bednets as this is done through another USAID mechanism.

C.3.1 Overall Goal and planned campaigns:

The overall goal of the ITN distribution contract is to support the DRC’s National Malaria

Control Program to achieve and maintain its goal of universal coverage with insecticide treated nets, defined as “one ITN for every two people”.

Table 3 below presents the current planning for mass and school-based distribution activities and the provinces. The provinces to be supported in 2021 will be determined in collaboration with the NMCP and other donors, at least one year in advance.

Table 3: Planned PMI Mass and School Distributions

Table 3 below presents the current planning for mass and school-based distribution activities to be implemented in 2020 and 2021and the targeted provinces. The provinces to be supported in

2022 and later will be determined in collaboration with the NMCP and other donors, at least one year in advance.

Table 3: Planned PMI Mass and School Distributions

MOP Implementation Year Targeted Province(s) Estimated Quantity of ITNs

FY17 2020 Lualaba (mass) 1,750,000

FY18 2020/2021 Kwango and Kasai

Central (mass)

4,410,000

Lomami (school) 256,000

FY19 2020 Kasai Oriental and

Kwilu (school)

1,000,000

FY20 2021 Equateur, Mongala, Nord Kivu, Nord Ubangi

(School)

1,150,000

FY20 2021 Bas Uele (Mass) 1,000000

C.3.2 Objectives and outcomes:

● Objective 1: Increase population access to ITNs through mass distribution campaigns by covering 90% of households in targeted provinces:

Expected Outcomes:

Outcome 1.1: ITN mass distribution campaign phases executed in a way to allow a smooth and timely distribution of ITNs to the population of the targeted provinces.

Outcome 1.2: Pre-campaign census conducted to determine and adjust the necessary ITN quantities to reach the entire population in targeted provinces

Outcome 1.3: ITN mass distribution campaigns implemented in targeted provinces to reach universal coverage as defined by the NMCP.

● Objective 2: Contribute to maintaining household ITN coverage through implementation of school-based distribution by reaching 95% of eligible school children in targeted provinces:

Outcome 2.1: Schools and eligible school children inventoried in targeted provinces to determine and adjust needed quantities of ITNs to be distributed

Outcome 2.2: ITN distributed to all eligible school children in provinces targeted for the school-based distribution of ITNs.

● Objective 3: Strengthen the capacity of the NMCP to plan and implement ITN distribution activities in line with international best practices

Outcome 3.1: NMCP ITN distribution policies and guidelines are reviewed and adapted to align with international best practices related to ITN distribution and integrate relevant/appropriate elements into the DRC’s approach.

Outcome 3.2: The NMCP is strengthened to lead and organize coordination committees and other mechanisms related to ITN distributions

The contractor is responsible for implementing all phases of preparing, executing, and evaluating both mass and school-based distribution activities in the provinces identified by PMI and the

NMCP. To achieve these objectives, the following key elements and parameters must be considered:

● Planning and coordination: This must be done in close collaboration with national and provincial health and education authorities.

● Logistics: The contractor must rely on the storage and distribution capabilities of regional distribution warehouses (CDRs) to the extent possible, in order to support capacity building of the local supply chain system.

● Training and supervision: These activities must be led by the local health and education authorities.

● Provision of financial and technical assistance to the NMCP and campaign coordination committee to better plan implement and monitor campaigns.

● Communication/social mobilization: The contractor must conduct communication and social mobilization activities with two distinct purposes:

- Ensuring a high degree of community participation in ITN distribution activities, and

- Promoting appropriate use of ITNs by all household members.

● Monitoring, evaluation and reporting: The contractor must assess its achievement in terms of coverage following each distribution activity but is not expected to conduct formal post-campaign surveys.

C.3.3 Performance Standards:

● Objective 1: Increase population access to ITNs through mass distribution campaigns by covering 90% of households in targeted provinces

Expected Outcomes Performance Std. Quality Assurance Plan

1.1 ITN mass distribution campaign

phases executed in a way to allow a smooth and timely distribution

● Activities outlined in the Gantt Chart executed according

Plan for monitoring the progress toward meeting performance standards of ITNs to the population of the targeted provinces.

to agreed timelines and targets for each distribution campaign (school and mass) including key and to be proposed by the

Offeror.

TBD at time of award

1.2 Pre-campaign census conducted to

determine and adjust the necessary

ITN quantities to reach the entire population in targeted provinces

● Household enumeration and census completed according to agreed timelines as specified in the activity implementation plan in targeted provinces.

● ITN quantities adjusted according to census figures before distribution.

Plan for monitoring the progress toward meeting performance standards

1.3 ITN mass distribution campaigns

implemented in targeted provinces to reach universal coverage as defined by the NMCP.

● at least 90% of targeted households received the quantity of ITNs determined by the size of the household.

Plan for monitoring the progress toward meeting performance standards

● Objective 2: Contribute to maintaining household ITN coverage through implementation of school-based distribution by reaching 95% of eligible school children in targeted provinces

2.1 Schools and eligible school

children inventoried in targeted provinces to determine and adjust needed quantities of ITNs to be distributed

● At least 95% of schools and eligible school children (Grades 1,3, and

5) identified and inventoried in the provinces.

● Quantities of ITN are determined and adjusted for each school distribution following the

Plan for monitoring the progress toward meeting performance standards inventory

2.2 ITN distributed to all

eligible school children in provinces targeted for the school-based distribution of

ITN.

● At least 95% of all eligible school children received an ITN through the school-based distribution.

Plan for monitoring the progress toward meeting performance standards

● Objective 3: Strengthen the capacity of the NMCP to plan and implement ITN distribution activities in line with international best practices

3.1 NMCP ITN distribution

policies and guidelines are adapted to align with international best practices related to ITN distribution and integrate relevant/appropriate elements into the DRC’s approach

● The NMCP ITN distribution campaign guideline revised and a new guideline that include innovative approaches is developed.

Plan for monitoring the progress toward meeting performance standards and to be proposed by the

3.2 The NMCP is strengthened to

lead and organize coordination committees and other mechanisms related to

ITN distributions

● The NMCP conducts monthly ITN campaign coordination meetings at national level resulting in recommendations and clear action plan for each meeting.

Plan for monitoring the progress toward meeting performance standards and to be proposed by the

C.4 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

C.4.1 OPERATING CONSTRAINTS

Infrastructure, Logistics and Security

Operating in the DRC is challenging for many reasons. Road, rail and water networks are under-developed or non-existent. Air travel is often unreliable. All means of transportation are expensive. Storage capacity is limited and does not often meet industry standards.

Telecommunications infrastructure is also variable. While urban areas generally have good access to cell coverage and internet, many rural areas remain out of range of cell tower signals.

Finally, insecurity and unrest are perpetual concerns that threaten to compromise activity implementation. The contractor should take these factors into account in developing its approach.

GHSC-PSM is responsible for delivering ITNs to the regional distribution warehouse in each province. The contractor must coordinate closely with GHSC-PSM and its designated freight forwarder regarding the timing of deliveries. The contractor is responsible for storage at the provincial level and delivery to/storage at peripheral levels (health zones, health areas and distribution sites) in advance of the activity.

C.4.2 Gender

USAID’s 2012 Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy identifies that gender equality and female empowerment are core development objectives, fundamental for the realization of human rights and key to effective and sustainable development outcomes. It further affirms that no society can develop successfully without providing equitable opportunities, resources, and life prospects for males and females so that they can shape their own lives and contribute to their families and communities. The policy’s focus is on achieving gender equality, reducing gender-based violence (GBV), and empowering women and girls. The goal of the policy is that all

USAID programming will incorporate these.

Women and youth empowerment are at the core of the USAID/DRC CDCS. Every USAID/DRC health activity must address male engagement and integrate GBV prevention and treatment as a means of improving women’s health status.

[END of SECTION C]

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

(a) It is USAID policy that USAID-financed commodities and shipping containers, and project construction sites and other project locations be suitably marked with the USAID emblem. Shipping containers are also to be marked with the last five digits of the USAID financing document number. As a general rule, marking is not required for raw materials shipped in bulk (such as coal, grain, etc.), or for semi-finished products which are not packaged.

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

Country to which commodities are being shipped, or in which the project site is located.

(c) Authority to waive marking requirements is vested with the Regional

Assistant Administrators, and with Mission Directors.

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

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

The Contractor must comply with the requirements of the USAID “Graphic Standards Manual” available at www.usaid.gov/branding, or any successor branding policy.

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

The Bednet Distribution Activity must adhere to USAID branding and marking guidance available at: http://www.usaid.gov/branding with the exception of the logo required for use. For all PMI-funded partners, where branding and marking requirements indicate use of a USAID logo, a PMI logo block with joint Agency logos must be utilized. Also, Bednet Distribution

Activity, in consultation with PMI DRC team can choose to use either of the PMI two logo variations available for marking/branding purposes.

PMI logo Pyramid http://www.usaid.gov/branding

PMI Logo Strip

In accordance with provision D.2 above, and where applicable, the Contractor shall 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

Contracting” at http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/320.pdf; and USAID “Graphic

Standards Manual” available at www.usaid.gov/branding, or any successor branding policy.

Target Audience:

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/320.pdf%3B

Primary audience: Government of DRC including government officials, Ministry of Health, National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Education, Provincial Directorates of Health, Provincial directorates of Education, policymakers, civil society, and private-sector groups that are involved in or related to the health sector (e.g., faith-based organizations, women's groups, the media, businesses, etc.) Secondary audience (supporters, influencers and beneficiaries): PMI, USAID, other USG agencies, USAID Implementing Partners, the Global Fund, other donor communities working in health, youth, and community organization private sectors entities, researchers and activity beneficiaries.

Materials:

Training materials, posters, pamphlets, brochures, press releases, fact sheets, compact disks, printed and electronic bulletins, organizational operational plans, studies, reports (progress and performance monitoring), work plans, promotional materials (bookmarks, leaflets, banners, etc.), public announcements, invitations, articles in the media, certificates, Power Point and other presentations, web sites and internet-based materials will incorporate the message “From the

American People” and include the PMI and USAID identities. For all printed and outreach material, the activity will use guidance set forth in the following documents: “The USAID

Branding and Marking Guidance ADS 320 (partial revision date 1/2/2015)

(https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/320)” and the “USAID Graphics Standards Manual and

Co-Branding Guide” (https://www.usaid.gov/branding).

Any other materials produced under the contract will be subject to USAID branding guidelines and must receive approval from the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Please note that marking is not permitted on items used as part of the administration of the contract, such as stationery products, equipment and offices. The goal is to mark programs and activities, not implementing partners. Thus, letterhead, name tags and business cards will not use the USAID identity.

Where appropriate, the materials and communications prepared under the contract will make clear that the product was produced with the support of the United States President’s Malaria

Initiative (PMI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This acknowledgment may not be appropriate in some activity materials, such as instances when the materials produced must appear to be coming directly from the host-country government or local organization.

Publication Disclaimer: All studies, reports, publications, web sites, and all informational and promotional products will contain the following provision:

This study/report/Web site [specify] is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the United States Agency for

International Development (USAID). The contents are the sole responsibility of the [name of https://www.usaid.gov/branding organization] and do not necessarily reflect the views of PMI, USAID or the United States

Government.

Events: At each public event PMI, USAID and the support from the American People will be verbally acknowledged in the following—or in an analogous—way: “This training/ conference/seminar/ fair/ workshop is made possible by the support of the American people through United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the United States Agency for

International Development (USAID). The content discussed is the sole responsibility of the contractor and does not necessarily reflect the views of PMI, USAID or the U.S. Government.”

Co-Branding: The contractor under the Bednet Distribution Activity may collaborate with other organizations that contribute funds to publications, products, and events. In such cases, the guidelines for co-branding (outlined in ADS 320) will be followed, assuming the funding contributed is more than a token amount. Otherwise, PMI/USAID approval will be required for co-branding.

Level of Visibility: The desired level of visibility of the Bednet Distribution Activity depends on the context of the given activity. At times the desired visibility may be low and at other times medium, moderate or high. Decisions on the level of visibility of the U.S. Government throughout the implementation of this activity will need to take into consideration the sensitive nature of the work requested under this RFP, and the need for the Tanzanian Government, civil society and the private sector to take ownership of processes and outcomes. In other cases, it may be beneficial to emphasize the role of U.S. Government assistance. Guidance on this issue will be provided by the COR.

It is USAID’s policy that contractors must not generate their own corporate publicity about a

USAID-funded activity without first obtaining permission from the Agency. USAID and PMI should also be notified before contractors make public the findings of USAID-funded studies or reports (e.g., at conferences, public meetings).

Exceptions: Situational Branding

The Mission in the DRC recognizes that full branding may not be appropriate for all materials/products/events, in all locations, at all times. A Branding Implementation Plan and

Marking plan will be developed by the Contractor and negotiated and approved by USAID/DRC prior to award date to provide USAID’s Bednet Distribution Project with pre-determined standard deviations from full branding to allow for marking adjustments without Mission

Director’s approval of case specific situations.

Other approval Procedures: In carrying out the approved Branding Implementation and

Marking Plans, the contractor must seek timely approval from the COR for all public and media documents, speeches, and event preparation forms as per Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) outreach and communication procedures. Note that COR approval is subject to

USAID designated Documentation Outreach and Communication Officer (DOC) prior concurrence which must be received before using any printed materials which incorporate the

USAID identity, thus Contractor must build in time for this procedure. Furthermore, it should be noted that in general, all releases/alerts are issued by the U.S. Embassy on behalf of USAID and all such news releases/media alerts must be coordinated with the COR for approval, D.4 ANTICIPATED ELEMENTS OF MARKING PLAN

Deliverables to be marked include products, equipment and inputs delivered; places where activities are carried out; external public communications, studies, reports, publications and informative and promotional products; and workshops, conferences, fairs and any such events.

Studies, reports, publications, Web sites, and all informational and promotional products not authored, reviewed, or edited by USAID must contain a provision substantially as follows, “This study/report/Web site (specify) is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID.) The contents of this

(specify) are the sole responsibility of (name of organization) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government”.

D.5 APPROVAL OF CONTRACTOR BRANDING IMPLENTATION AND

MARKING PLAN

The contractor’s…