72066025R00005 Solicitation.pdf

Physical Address:

U.S. Agency for International Development Mobil Building N° 198 Avenue Isiro Gare Centrale / Gombe / Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo

Pouch Address:

USAID

2220 Kinshasa Place Dulles, VA 20189-2220

Tel: (+243) 81 555 4430 https://www.usaid.gov/democratic-republic-congo

Request for Proposal (RFP) No.: 72066025R00005

Date Issued: 12/12/2024 Deadline for Questions: 12/20/2024, 17:00 (EST) Closing Date: 01/13/2025, 17:00 (EST)

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: 72066025R00005 Feed the Future Democratic Republic of the Congo Resilient Food Systems

Dear Potential Offeror:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for Development (USAID) Democratic Republic of the Congo (USAID/DRC), is seeking proposals to provide technical assistance from qualified organizations to implement the Feed the Future (FTF) Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Resilient Food Systems activity (Resilient Food Systems), as described in enclosed Request for Proposal (RFP) and detailed in Section C- Statement of Work. Subject to the availability of funds, USAID/DRC anticipates awarding a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee completion-type contract as a result of this solicitation, covering an estimated period of five (5) years. The anticipated total estimated cost of the contract is $38-42 million. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this activity is 541690 – Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services. The authorized geographic code is 937.

This procurement will be conducted utilizing competitive proposal procedures pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1). The Offerors are encouraged to read the entire solicitation, which includes the closing date and time, all pertinent contract requirements, and the conditions and instructions required for submitting a proposal. Please pay particularly close attention to Sections L and M. Section K - Representations, Certifications and Acknowledgments must be filled out and completed in full by the Offerors and their proposed subcontractors. Proposals must be signed by an official who is authorized to bind the organization and are to be submitted to USAID/DRC no later than the closing date and time stated above.

Proposals must be received by the Government no later than the time and the date stated above and in the RFP and be submitted consistent with the requirements in Section L. Proposals received after the closing date and time will be processed in accordance with FAR 15.208.

Prior to the submission of proposals, amendments to this solicitation will be made available through the Government homepage at SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the recipient of this solicitation document to ensure that it has been received from the internet in its entirety; USAID bears no responsibility for data errors from https://www.usaid.gov/democratic-republic-congo https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/

Physical Address:

U.S. Agency for International Development Mobil Building N° 198 Avenue Isiro Gare Centrale / Gombe / Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo

Pouch Address:

USAID

2220 Kinshasa Place Dulles, VA 20189-2220

Tel: (+243) 81 555 4430 transmission or conversion processes. It is the offeror’s responsibility to check this site periodically for official updates and amendments to the solicitation. Issuance of this solicitation does not obligate USAID/DRC to award a contract, nor does it commit USAID/DRC to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Furthermore, USAID/DRC 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. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation must be valid for no less than 210 days.

Offerors should read the entire solicitation, which includes all pertinent technical sections and the terms, conditions and instructions required for submitting a proposal. By email only, please submit all questions regarding this RFP no later than the date and time listed above to DRCOAA@usaid.gov with a copy to Dany Kopo, A&A Specialist at dkopo@usaid.gov. 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.

We extend our best wishes to all for a successful competition, and certainly want to thank you for your interest in USAID/DRC activities.

Sincerely, Greg Wang

Contracting Officer

USAID/DRC

mailto:DRCOAA@usaid.gov mailto:dkopo@usaid.gov

72066025R00005

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

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

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

System (DPAS) - Code of Federal Regulations - at 15 CFR 700.

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP) REQUEST FOR

SEALED BID (IFB) INVITATION FOR BID

5. DATE ISSUED

1. This Contract is a Rated Order under the Defense Priorities and Allocations RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 153

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

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

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

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

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXTENSIONNUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

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

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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

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

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

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

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

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 3304 (a) ( 10 U.S.C. 3204 (a) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION UNDER THE

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

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

REQ-660-25-00002512/12/2024

X

720660

USAID/DROC (Congo) 00000

1400 A 01/13/2025

Clement Kashala 438 4 ckashala@usaid.gov

170-0572

PAGE(S)

Gregory Wang

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 12/2022)

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

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

PROPOSAL

UNITED STATES CODE AT:

See the page numbers from the table of contents

X

X X

X X

X

XX

X

X

X

X

X

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 153

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

72066025R00005

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

Delivery Location Code: USAID/DROC

USAID/DROC

Executive Office

USAID/DROC

1980 Isiro Avenue

Kinshasa/Gombe, DROC

Feed the Future Resilient Food Systems (RFS)

0001 Feed the Future Resilient Food Systems (RFS)

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – THE SCHEDULE 8

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES 8

B.1. PURPOSE 8

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE 8

B.3. ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT 8

B.4. BUDGET 9

B.5. COST REIMBURSABLE 9

B.6. INDIRECT COSTS 9

B.7. PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE 10

B.8. MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT 11

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK 12

C.4.1. TITLE OF ACTIVITY 12

C.4.2. PURPOSE 12

C.4.3. BACKGROUND AND FEED THE FUTURE DRC CONTEXT 12

C.4.4. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 17

C.4.5. THEORY OF CHANGE (TOC) 18

C.4.6. OBJECTIVES 18

C.4.7. RESULTS FRAMEWORK AND PRIORITIES 18

C.4.8. PROGRAMMATIC APPROACH 20

C.4.9. COLLABORATION, LEARNING, AND ADAPTING (CLA) 26

C4.5 ACTIVITY COMPONENTS 27

C4.5.1 COMPONENT 1: PROMOTION OF INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS AND PRACTICES

FOR AGRICULTURE-LED ECONOMIC GROWTH 28

Component 1 - Result 1 (C1 R1): Strengthened Inclusive Food and Agriculture Systems that are Productive and Profitable 28

Component 1 - Result 2 (C1 R2): Strengthened and Expanded Access to Markets and Trade 28

Component 1 - Result 3 (C1 R3): Increased Employment and Entrepreneurship 29

C4.5.2 COMPONENT 2: INCREASED SOURCES OF RESILIENCE AMONG PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES,

AND SYSTEMS 30

Component 2 - Result 4 (C2 R4): Increased Sustainable Productivity 31

Component 2 - Results 5 (C2 R5): Improved Proactive Risk Reduction, Mitigation, and Management 31

Component 2 - Result 6 (C2 R6): Improved Adaptation to and Recovery from Shocks and Stresses

Request for Proposals No. 72066025R00001 Feed the Future Democratic Republic of the Congo Resilient Food Systems

C4.5.3 COMPONENT 3: INCREASED CONSUMPTION OF SAFE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD 33

Component 3 - Result 7 (C3 R7): Increased Consumption of Safe and Nutritious Food 33

C4.5.4 CROSS-CUTTING FOCUS AREAS (CCFA) 34

C4.6 EXPECTED RESULTS 36

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING 38

D.1. AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993) 38

D.2. BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY 38

D.3. BRANDING STRATEGY 39

D.4. COORDINATION WITH USAID ON OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS 41

D.5. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN 42

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 43

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 43

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 43

E.3. RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL 43

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 44

F.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 44

F.2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 44

F.3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 45

F.4. AUTHORIZED WORKDAY/WEEK 45

F.5. STANDARD OF CONDUCT 45

F.6. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 45

F.7. KEY PERSONNEL 45

F.8. REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS 50

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 59

G.1. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY 59

G.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) 59

G.3. PAYING OFFICE 59

G.4. 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT. (NOV 1998) 60

G.5. TECHNICAL DIRECTION/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID 61

G.6. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 63

H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 64

H.1. AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE 64

H.2. LOGISTIC SUPPORT 64

H.3. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING 64

H.4. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 64

H.5. CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT 66

H.6. AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JUL 2007) 67

H.7. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION 67

H.8. FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES (JAN 2002) 68

H.9. EXECUTIVE ORDER -- CLIMATE-RESILIENT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 68

H.10. AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012) 69

H.11. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY (DEIA) 70

H.12. POSTING SUBAWARD OPPORTUNITIES 70

H.13. SECURITY REPORTING 70

H.14. AIDAR 752.231-71 SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR HOST GOVERNMENT (HG) EMPLOYEES

(MAR 2015) 72

H.15. AIDAR 752.7027 PERSONNEL. (DEC 1990) 73

H.16. AIDAR 752.7028 DIFFERENTIAL AND ALLOWANCES. (MAY 2024) 74

H.17. AIDAR 752.7031 LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (OCT 1989) 77

H.18. AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

(APR 2014) 80

H.19. GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT (GUCs) 80

H.20. ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM 81

H.21. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT (DECEMBER 2020) 82

H.22. FAR PART 4.21 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (SECTION 889) (JUNE 2023) 83

H.23. RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (MAY 2016) (DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-

24-05c) 84

H.24. AIDAR 752.239-71 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY

(May 2024) 84

H.25. AIDAR 752.239-70 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUTHORIZATION (MAY 2024) 85

H.26. CONFLICT OF INTEREST 86

H.27. 302.3.5.10 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM

IMPLEMENTATION CONTRACT (SEPT 2018) 88

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES 89

I.1. FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998) 89

I.2. AIDAR 752.252-2 AIDAR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (MAR 2015) 96

I.3. FAR 52.204-1 Approval of Contract. (DEC 1989) 98

I.4. AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012) 98

I.5. AIDAR 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) (DEC

1991) [(DEVIATION JUN 2022)] CLASS DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-24-06C 99

I.6. AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES 99

I.7. 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS FOR AUDIT (FEB 2006) 101

SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS 102

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS 104

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 104

K.2 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS 104

K.3 FAR 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAY 2024) 105

K.4 FAR 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT. (NOV 2021) 110

K.5 FAR 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES-

REPRESENTATION. (OCT 2020) 113

K.6 FAR 52.204-29 FEDERAL ACQUISITION SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY ACT ORDERS-

REPRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES. (DEC 2023) 114

K.7 FAR 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) 115

K.8 FAR 52.209-13 VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATIES OR AGREEMENTS-

CERTIFICATION (NOV 2021) 117

K.9 FAR 52.222-56 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS COMPLIANCE PLAN

(OCT 2020) 119

K.10 FAR 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (JUN 2020)

K.11 FAR 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE-COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR 2005)

K.12 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY 123

K.13 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS 123

K.14 SIGNATURE 123

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 125

L.1 FAR 52.252-1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEB 1998) 125

L.2 FAR 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984) 127

L.3 FAR 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006) 127

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

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT (JUNE 2023) 127

L.5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS 128

L.6 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS 130

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL VOLUME 132

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL 140

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 150

M.1. BEST VALUE CONTINUUM 150

M.2. EVALUATION OF ALL FACTORS – TECHNICAL AND COST/PRICE 150

M.3. TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS 150

M.4. EVALUATION OF COST 152

M.5. DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE AND CONTRACT AWARD 153

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to increase the income and nutritional status of the targeted population through an inclusive and sustainable food and market systems-oriented approach that facilitates agriculture-led growth and utilization of nutritious food.

This Activity will be USAID/DRC’s primary implementing mechanism to achieve Feed the Future targeted results and the objectives established under the Global Food Security Strategy Country Plan for the DRC. The two main goals of the Country Plan are to reduce poverty and severe malnutrition (stunting) by 20 percent in a designated FTF Zone of Influence (ZOI) in specific areas within Kongo Central and Kasai Central over a 5-year period, as measured through a pre- and post-program survey.

The broad objectives of the FTF DRC Resilient Food Systems activity are to:

1. Promote inclusive and sustainable local systems and practices for agriculture-led economic growth;

2. Increase sources of resilience among people, communities and systems;

3. Increase the year-round consumption of safe, diverse and nutritious food; and

4. Effectively integrate prioritized cross cutting focus areas within every aspect, approach and initiative of the activity.

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion contract. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must provide the deliverables or outputs described in Sections C and F in accordance with the performance standards specified in Section E, and otherwise comply with all contract requirements.

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

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder for the period of five years, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is [TBD]. The fixed fee, if any, is [TBD]. The estimated cost-plus fixed fee, if any, is [TBD]. Cost must be limited to reasonable, allocable and allowable costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment.

(b) Within the estimated cost-plus fixed fee (if any) specified in paragraph (a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee, if any) for performance is [TBD]. The Contractor must not exceed the obligated amount unless authorized by the Contracting Officer pursuant to the clause of this contract titled “Limitation of Funds” (FAR 52.232-22)

(c) Funds obligated are anticipated to be sufficient through [TBD]. Subject to the availability of funds, this contract will be incrementally funded.

B.4. BUDGET

The budget for the Contract is provided below. The total cost stated for the budget categories specified below may not be adjusted without a modification to the Contract signed by the Contracting Officer (CO). No amounts in excess of the amounts specified for each budget category can be billed to the Contract.

Item Base Option 1 Total

CLIN 001 - Resilient Food Systems

CLIN 002 - Grants Under Contract (GUC)

CLIN 003 - Fixed Fee

Grand Total

B.5. COST REIMBURSABLE

The U.S. dollar costs allowable are 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.

B.6. INDIRECT COSTS

The contract FAR clause 52.216-7, “Allowable Cost and Payment (AUG 2018)”, specifies that the indirect cost rates must be established for each of the Contractor’s accounting periods that apply to this contract. Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs must be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate base for prime Contractors and their major subcontractors. Major subcontractors are defined as those whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the Offeror’s total proposed cost.

(a) Reimbursement for indirect costs will be at the lower of the negotiated final (or predetermined) rates or the following ceiling rates:

Description Rate Base Type Perio d

% 1/ 1/ 1/

% 2/ 2/ 2/

% 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Period:

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

(a) 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.

(b) 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

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 Section C, subject to inspection and acceptance by USAID and in compliance with the terms of the contract. Upon acceptance by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), the Contractor must submit an invoice for the amount of the fee associated with the deliverable and approved fee schedule detailed below:

No. Deliverable Due Date % of Fee Amount of Fee etc.

B.8. MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT

The Contract is considered non-severable and is therefore a multi-year contract as defined in FAR

17.103. Therefore, this RFP is subject to the requirements of FAR 17.106. However, this is a CPFF type contract where the Contractor is authorized to be reimbursed for all costs which are allowable in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Costs and Payment.” Therefore, the Contractor will not incur any costs which would have been amortized over the life of the contract should the contract be canceled in accordance with FAR 52.217-2. The cancellation ceiling for each cancellation date is $0 and there is no requirement to include cancellation dates in the contract.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.4.1. TITLE OF ACTIVITY

The title of this Contract is “Feed the Future Democratic Republic of the Congo Resilient Food Systems (Resilient Food Systems)”

C.4.2. PURPOSE

This activity will work in two non-contiguous geographic regions identified as the Feed the Future (FTF) Zone of Influence (ZOI), one being the territories of Seke-Banza and Lukula in Kongo Central Province, and another one covering the territory of Dibaya plus the health zones of Masuika and Yangala, in Luiza territory, in Kasai Central Province, where BHA is programming its Resilience Food Security Activities (RFSAs).

The USAID Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (USAID/DRC), through the office of Economic Growth (EG), seeks to award a five-year contract to provide technical assistance, training, materials, and other agricultural, financial and market services across all aspects of food systems within the Feed the Future (FTF) Zone of Influence (ZOI). This assistance will strengthen resilience at the individual, household, community and systems level while increasing nutritional outcomes, food security, and incomes for beneficiaries–particularly women, youth and marginalized individuals throughout the ZOI. This support encompasses the facilitation and rational management of natural resources, large-scale adoption of value enhancing technologies, private sector engagement, and market system improvements for agriculture-led growth driving increased employment, income and improved nutrition outcomes.

The Resilient Food Systems activity will be USAID/DRC’s flagship FTF implementing mechanism. It will pursue the goal, objectives and results identified in the Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) DRC Country Plan (GFSS/DRC Country Plan).1 Furthermore, it will be the primary and largest contributor to achieving a 20% reduction in poverty and severe malnutrition (stunting) which USAID/DRC will measure through a population-based survey across the FTF ZOI.2 The GFSS/DRC Country Plan is implemented through activities and interventions which increase the productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness of the DRC’s agricultural sector; while concurrently strengthening the ability of target populations’ to protect and improve well-being despite shocks and stresses;

and improve both the access and utilization of nutritious food–particularly for pregnant and lactating women, women of child-bearing age and children under five years of age.

C.4.3. BACKGROUND AND FEED THE FUTURE DRC CONTEXT

Despite tremendous agronomic potential, the DRC remains one of the poorest and most food insecure countries in the world.3,4 Estimates suggest that DRC’s agriculture sector, if fully

1 To be posted at feedthefuture.gov once finalized 2 Feed the Future ZOI Survey Methods Toolkit - Endline/Round 1 (2024) (https://agrilinks.org/post/feed-future-zoi-survey-methods-toolkit-endlineround-1-2024) 3 Reliefweb.int DRC Food Security Report (https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/achieving-long-term-food-security-drc-all-about-building-resilience) 4 IPC DRC Acute Food Security Report (https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-analysis/details-map/en/c/1156611/?iso3=COD) https://agrilinks.org/post/feed-future-zoi-survey-methods-toolkit-endlineround-1-2024 https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/achieving-long-term-food-security-drc-all-about-building-resilience https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-analysis/details-map/en/c/1156611/?iso3=COD https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-analysis/details-map/en/c/1156611/?iso3=COD developed, could provide enough food to feed the whole of Africa.5 Despite this, DRC does not even produce enough food to feed its own population.6 In 2022, DRC was host to the largest number of people in the world experiencing high-levels of food insecurity, with about 26.4 million people – over 26% of the population.7 As of 2020, 40% of the population is undernourished.

Measures of poverty in DRC are equally grim, with nearly 70% of the population living on less than $2.15 a day. The GDP per capita stands at just $577,8 and 37% of the population is experiencing severe multidimensional poverty.9 Multiple factors have aggravated the situation in the DRC, including: chronic wars and conflict; stagnated economic development; crumbling or non-existent infrastructure; dependence on food imports;10 Ebola, Mpox, COVID-19 and other pandemic-level outbreaks; and the lingering effects of Russia’s war on Ukraine. The DRC agriculture sector’s anemic growth is largely the result of underinvestment in fragmented agricultural market systems and poor supporting infrastructure, as well as broad lack of confidence due to policy or regulatory gaps, and widespread governance issues.11 Both the public and private sector have neglected to invest in agriculture, preferring to score quick wins in extractive industries and the commodities sector.

In 2022, DRC was identified as a Feed the Future target country, laying the foundation for a focused approach for realizing a 20% reduction in extreme poverty and stunting over a five-year span within a defined geographic area–the Zone of Influence. Agriculture and food systems transformation and development sits at the crux of the FTF initiative which aims to reduce global hunger, malnutrition, and poverty through inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led economic growth while strengthening resilience among individuals, households, communities, and systems.

The FTF Country Plan for the DRC was developed through an iterative process which engaged with the private and public sector, as well as other relevant stakeholders to align with national-level strategic plans, including the Multi-sectoral Nutrition Action Plan12 and the government of the DRC’s (GoDRC) strategic Agenda for Agriculture Transformation (ATA) and development priorities.13, 14 This Country Plan includes a defined ZOI that specifies the geographic area and populations where FTF interventions are to have the largest impacts on poverty, hunger, and

5 ITA DRC Commercial Guide (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/democratic-republic-congo-agriculture#:~:text=With%20its%20exceptional%20agronomic%20potential,10%20percent%20is%20currently%20expl oited.)

6 DRC is rich with farmland, so why do 22 million people there face starvation? (https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/12/congo-famine-crisis-international-tribunal-drc-militias) 7 Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) - Congo, Dem. Rep. | Data (worldbank.org) (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SN.ITK.DEFC.ZS?locations=CD) 8 “Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing, Value Added (% of GDP),” World Bank Open Data, accessed 2023, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.AGR.TOTL.ZS.

9 Current practices in Labour Market Information Systems Development for, accessed 2023, http://www2.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_emp/---ifp_skills/documents/publication/wcms_103881.pdf.

10 According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, DRC has an estimated annual food import trade deficit of $3.5 billion.

11 Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Agrifood System: Structure and Drivers of Transformation. Jan 2023 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oM6uVjnj58-j9HirxXAAiPUvG_-UsIFq/view?usp=sharing) 12 Multisectoral Nutrition Coordination Plan (https://scalingupnutrition.org/sites/default/files/2024- 01/Plan%20National%20Strategique%20Multisectoriel%20de%20Nutrition%20de%20la%20RDC%20%28PNSMN%202 023%20%E2%80%93%202030%29_2023.11.15.pdf) 13 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1whPpBhDFAQmEs8mcVrU2l_EZ6Y8KHDQg/view?usp=drive_link 14 See Section J Attachments for Le Conseil Consultatif Presidentiel pour le Pacte National de l’Agriculture et de l’Alimentation https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/democratic-republic-congo-agriculture#:%7E:text=With%20its%20exceptional%20agronomic%20potential,10%20percent%20is%20currently%20exploited.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/12/congo-famine-crisis-international-tribunal-drc-militias https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SN.ITK.DEFC.ZS?locations=CD https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.AGR.TOTL.ZS http://www2.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_emp/---ifp_skills/documents/publication/wcms_103881.pdf http://www2.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_emp/---ifp_skills/documents/publication/wcms_103881.pdf https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oM6uVjnj58-j9HirxXAAiPUvG_-UsIFq/view?usp=sharing https://scalingupnutrition.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/Plan%20National%20Strategique%20Multisectoriel%20de%20Nutrition%20de%20la%20RDC%20%28PNSMN%202023%20%E2%80%93%202030%29_2023.11.15.pdf malnutrition. The selected ZOI consists of two non-contiguous geographic regions, one being the territories of Seke-Banza and Lukula in Kongo Central, and another one covering the territory of Dibaya and health zones of Masuika and Yangala, in Kasai Central.

In addition to being a FTF Target Country, the DRC is also a USAID-designated Resilience Focus Country15. As both a FTF and Resilience priority for USAID, an overlap of investments is required to achieve a maximum impact in reaching the ambitious FTF goals of poverty and malnutrition reduction. A full overlap of the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance’s (BHA) Resilience and Food Security Activity (RFSA), named Tudituale, has been established in Kasai Central and within the broader FTF ZOI. As such, strong, frequent and intentional coordination and collaboration across program planning, implementation, and reporting between the Resilient Food Systems activity and the Tudituale activity is absolutely essential.

Map of the FTF Zone of Influence and Resilience Focus Zones in the DRC

15 USAID Resilience Policy, June 2024 (https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2024- 06/USAID3090_USAID%20Resilience%20Policy_062524_WEB%28508c%29.pdf) https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/USAID3090_USAID%20Resilience%20Policy_062524_WEB%28508c%29.pdf

Major drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition in DRC

Food insecurity and malnutrition in the DRC are driven by a complex interplay of factors, some of the main drivers identified by the Mission include:

● Fragmented food and market systems: Poor transport and delivery systems, low access to energy, limited post-production processing with basic technologies, and poor infrastructure, including roads and storage facilities, result in high levels of food loss and waste.16, 17

● Low agriculture productivity: A lack of technology and information transfer services, enabling resources, modern agricultural techniques, post-harvest technologies, and basic inputs–

16 World Bank DRC Systematic Country Diagnostic (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_jxdMfOqANTNryCNe0msozghcH-R1Mzf/view?usp=sharing) 17 See Section J for the IFC Agribusiness Deep Dive https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_jxdMfOqANTNryCNe0msozghcH-R1Mzf/view?usp=sharing fertilizer, seeds18, and primary planting materials,19, 20, 21 in particular–lead to poor agricultural productivity and low yields, which are further exacerbated by droughts, floods, pests and disease due to climate change.

● Low dietary diversity and seasonal production patterns: Over-reliance on staple crops produced twice a year leads to predictable “lean seasons” where the main sources of calories are scarce or expensive. A lack of off-season or year-round production of non-staple or cereal agricultural crops, particularly nutrient dense vegetables, contributes to low dietary diversity, as does the limited rearing of animals for animal meat protein.

● Poor Natural Resource Management: Forest conversion, slash-and-burn agriculture, no attention to soil health, harvesting of wild meat, and unsustainable production of charcoal is greatly impacting the food system and biodiversity both within and outside of protected zones.

Unsustainable management of natural resources results in poor soil health, unsustainable water use, negative climate impacts and low agricultural productivity.22

● Impact of climate change and climate variability: Significant disruptions in food security results from altered rainfall patterns, which affects crop yields and can lead to prolonged periods of drought or flooding. These changes in weather can increase the frequency of pests and diseases, further threatening agricultural productivity. Additionally, shifts in temperature and precipitation can lead to soil degradation.

● Low access to information and technical assistance: Poor communication infrastructure and a fragmented extension system leaves farmer-producers unequipped to apply “good agricultural practices” (GAP), interpret market signals, establish risk management strategies, connect with buyers, access business development services, or meet quality and volume requirements. At the community level, poor information access exacerbates health outcomes and contributes to low demand for diversified diets–this is especially true for women.

● Macroeconomic factors: Inflated prices, economic dominance by mining sector interests, low levels of private sector investment,23 a lack of finance utilization,24 poor employment

18 Note: throughout this document, “seeds” refers not only to cereals or grains, but also to fruit and vegetables, as well as improved genetic varieties of animals–fish, poultry, livestock, or other animals.

19 Seed and Market Systems of the Eastern DRC: A Fragile State Case Study (https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00ZZBD.pdf) 20 Rapid Regulatory Constraint Assessment for Seed Firms Accessing Finance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA021DH6.pdf) 21 SEEDCLIR: Democratic Republic of the Congo https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WCQT.pdf) 22 DRC Climate Risk Profile (https://www.climatelinks.org/sites/default/files/asset/document/20180716_USAID- ATLAS_Climate-Risk-Profile_DRC.pdf) 23 See Section J: Voice of the Private Sector in DRC Report 24 See Section J: A Private Sector Landscape Assessment for Humanitarian Good in Kasai & Kasai Central, DRC (https://agrilinks.org/post/private-sector-landscape-assessment-humanitarian-good-kasai-kasai-central-drc) https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00ZZBD.pdf https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00ZZBD.pdf https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA021DH6.pdf https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA021DH6.pdf https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WCQT.pdf https://www.climatelinks.org/sites/default/files/asset/document/20180716_USAID-ATLAS_Climate-Risk-Profile_DRC.pdf opportunities, and widespread poverty stifles local and regional markets and limits access to affordable, diversified, and nutritious diets.

● Social inequality and conflict: Insufficient opportunities for youth and discrimination against women, indigenous peoples, and other vulnerable or marginalized populations limit household access to resources and contribute to undiversified diets and skipped meals. Chronic armed conflict and ubiquitous sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) disrupts normal production cycles and leads to un-sustained engagement in supporting household livelihoods. The Kamwina Nsapu conflict in the Kasai Central portion of the ZOI, previously distorted markets and disrupted food systems and a similar situation in the future could emerge and threaten agricultural production through violence, insecurity, and population displacement, leading to poverty, food shortages, and poor diets and community level health outcomes.

● Weak governance and corruption: A predatory tax system, unfavorable business enabling environment, and weak public institutions–particularly those delivering services capable of reducing moderate and severe acute malnutrition–undermine development gains, exacerbate efforts to reduce stunting and reduce private sector investment interest. 25

C.4.4. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Led by USAID, FTF is a whole-of-government global hunger and food security initiative that seeks to address the root causes of poverty and hunger, reduce reliance on aid, and create economic opportunities to drive sustained change. The Resilient Food Systems activity endeavors to increase the income and nutritional status of the targeted population through an inclusive and sustainable food systems and market linkages-oriented approach that facilitates agriculture-led growth and utilization of nutritious food. This activity is aligned with the CDCS26 Results Framework for the DRC and contributes to the Development Objective (DO) 2 - Resilience to Shocks and Stressors Increased and DO 3 - Inclusive, Broad-Based and Sustainable Economic Growth. The Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) Country Plan for the DRC mirrors the three objectives of the GFSS Result Framework. The overarching aims of the FTF initiative in the DRC are: 1) Reduce the level of extreme poverty in the ZOI by 20% in 5 years; and 2) Reduce malnutrition and stunting in the ZOI by 20% in five years. These are also the primary ambitions of the Resilient Food Systems activity.

The USAID/DRC Mission considers strengthening resilience as paramount to sustained development in the country and has therefore incorporated it as a central component of the entire Mission portfolio. The Mission will deploy a sequencing, layering and integration (SLI)-

25 See Section J: ELAN: RDC Lessons Learned 26 DRC CDCS 2020 - 2025 (https://www.usaid.gov/democratic-republic-congo/country-development-cooperation-strategy#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20USAID%2FDemocratic,Communities%20and%20Individuals%20to%20Thriv e.)

oriented approach to improve the ability of individuals, households, communities, and systems to better withstand and recover from shocks and stresses.27

C.4.5. THEORY OF CHANGE (TOC)

Reflective of the DRC’s GFSS Country Plan strategic components, the theory of change for the Resilient Food Systems activity is as follows:

IF inclusive and sustainable local systems and practices for agriculture-led economic growth are promoted; and IF sources of resilience among people, communities and systems increase; and IF the year-round consumption of safe, diverse and nutritious food increases; and IF prioritized cross cutting focus areas are thoroughly and thoughtfully integrated through every aspect, approach and initiative of the activity; THEN strong and resilient local systems capable of sustainably reducing poverty, hunger and malnutrition will become established and function more effectively across the zone of influence.

C.4.6. OBJECTIVES

The Resilient Food Systems activity will carry out targeted interventions and make strategic investments within the agriculture and food system necessary to advance its theory of change.

Broadly, the goal of the Resilient Food Systems activity is: “Strong and resilient local systems capable of sustainably reducing poverty, hunger and malnutrition effectively functioning across the zone of influence.”

The following are the four objectives of the Resilient Food Systems activity:

1. Promote inclusive and sustainable local systems and practices for agriculture-led economic growth;

2. Increase sources of resilience among people, communities and systems;

3. Increase the year-round consumption of safe, diverse and nutritious food; and

4. Effective integration of prioritized cross cutting focus areas within every aspect, approach and initiative of the activity.

C.4.7. RESULTS FRAMEWORK AND PRIORITIES

The above stated components and the Activity-level Results Framework mirrors the FTF Country Level Results Framework of the GFSS Country Plan for the DRC, and interventions and approaches under the Resilient Food Systems activity will align. USAID/DRC has identified the GFSS Country Plan Intermediate Results (IR) 1 – 5 for the DRC, and their respective sub-IRs, as the most manageable and impactful pathways for FTF programming to contribute to the GFSS development objectives and where the preponderance of Resilient Food Systems activity resources should be allocated. The Activity-Level Results Framework (above) indicates components and result areas which the Mission has identified as the focus of this activity. The Activity-level Results Framework, 27 See Section J: Sequencing, Layering and Integrating USAID’s Humanitarian and Economic Development Work in the DRC will be further developed and finalized during the inception period of the activity. Significant RFS investments, coupled with close, intentional collaboration and coordination with other stakeholders, will also be essential and needed to advance results across the activity components as necessary to meet activity objectives. Additionally, it is important to note that approximately 77% of the population within the ZOI reside within a resilience focus zone, with 39% of the ZOI population residing within a newly awarded BHA resilience and food security activity (Tudituale), and that the majority of RFS resources dedicated to interventions in the field (at least 60%) should be allocated to the portion of the ZOI located in Kasai Central. Approximately 40% of the field-focused level of effort should be dedicated to the Kongo Central portion of the ZOI. The Resilient Food Systems activity-level results framework is presented in the figure below.

C.4.8. PROGRAMMATIC APPROACH

The following programmatic approaches are foundational and must be thoroughly integrated across activity implementation and the management approach and structure of the activity. While many of these programmatic approaches are relevant across the ZOI, the HDP nexus and conflict sensitivity are especially important when working in Kasai Central. The Resilient Food Systems activity will pull each of these approaches together and into a coherent strategy for achieving activity objectives, results and for delivering necessary interventions.

Multi-zone Approach: The agro-ecological, private sector landscape, market access, and comparative advantages and needs vary greatly between Kongo Central and Kasai Central provinces.

Different sets of interventions, choice of focus crops and animals, or market-based solutions necessary to advance the stated objectives are expected. Additionally, the portion of the ZOI located in Kasai Central fully overlaps with BHA’s Tudituale activity, but also has a significant portion located separate from and adjacent to the Tudituale activity. Interventions under the Resilient Food Systems activity will need to be carefully layered and integrated with Tudituale interventions and benefit many of the same beneficiaries. RFS interventions should benefit the same villages and locations as Tudituale without duplicating efforts, and play to the strengths and comparative advantages that each activity is able to bring to bear. At the same time, the Resilient Food Systems activity must account for historical drivers of conflict in Kasai Central Province and deliver interventions and benefits in line with ‘Do No Harm” principles.

For these reasons, the Resilient Food Systems activity will deploy three nuanced sets of interventions under an overall programmatic approach: one set of interventions for the RFSA overlap zone in Kasai Central; one for the non-RFSA overlap zone in Kasai Central; and another for the portion of the ZOI located in Kongo Central Province. Additionally, given the substantial breakdown in road infrastructure, especially in Kasai Central, the Contractor should consider different approaches, interventions, and products of focus for travel time from major urban centers, emerging peri-urban centers, and isolated micro-markets in very rural areas.

Flexibility, Inception, and Learning Approach: The DRC hosts a complex operating environment with many development actors and projects operating within the selected ZOI. Within the scope of the contract, the Contractor must be able to adapt its management and implementation strategy to the changing political, economic, and security context, and as collaboration opportunities in the target geographies are identified.

The contractor must incorporate a flexible and adaptive management approach - an intentional “pause and reflect” approach to making decisions and adjustments in response to new information and changes in context including coordination and collaboration opportunities.28

28 USAID's Collaborating, Learning and Adapting Framework (https://usaidlearninglab.org/system/files/resource/files/keyconcepts_twopager_8.5x11_v7_20160907_0.pdf) https://usaidlearninglab.org/system/files/resource/files/keyconcepts_twopager_8.5x11_v7_20160907_0.pdf

Inception Phase: Additionally, recognizing that sequencing, layering, and integrating interventions and approaches with the BHA Tudituale activity must be discussed and agreed upon in great detail and formalized with a cross-activity MOU with the Tudituale implementer, a 6-month inception phase must be built into the programmatic approach. During this inception phase, and in addition to an agreed-upon rapid mobilization plan, a series of field based analyses29 with minimal reliance on desk reviews, must be completed for the following topics and areas of interest for the purpose of guiding and informing the first two years of activity interventions: Food Systems and Market Linkages; Food Security, Food Safety and Nutrition Needs; Crop and Animal Analysis and Selection;

Seed System and Seed Market; Post-harvest Loss and Food Waste Analysis; Resilience; Sequencing, Layering and Integration; Coordination and HDP Nexus; Localization and PSE; Business Enabling Environment; Gender and Inclusion; Conflict, Social Cohesion and Do No Harm; Climate and Environmental Adaptation and Mitigation; Communication Strategy and Action Plan. The inception phase will end with a workshop and launch event involving USAID, Tudituale staff, RFS staff, and other interested stakeholders where summaries of the analyses will be presented and discussed. It is expected that the findings of these analyses, with input from key stakeholders will be presented at the Culmination Workshop, and will form the foundation for the year one work plan. A revision and review of each analysis will be conducted at the 2-year and 4-year mark to promote shared learning and adaptive management opportunities. USAID anticipates that the MOU between the USAID/BHA/RFSA activity will be completed on or before the Culmination Workshop and may be ceremonially signed at that time.

Leading, developing and participating in platforms that increase or support coordination, learning, and integrated programing across USAID, USG, Government of DRC, and other development partner efforts related to agriculture, nutrition, food systems, social cohesion building and the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus is required. The Contractor must work closely with and provide all information to any third-party monitoring and evaluation team that USAID may hire in order to assess either the performance of the Resilient Food Systems activity or the FTF program as a whole.

Coordination for Humanitarian Development Peace (HDP) Nexus and Sequencing, Layering and Integration (SLI) Approach: The Resilient Food Systems activity will have a direct overlap of interventions and activities, as agreed upon in advance with Tudituale, in many of the same villages as Tudituale, and with many other USG and non-USG development activities both inside of and outside of the Tudituale implementation area. The Resilient Food Systems activity must closely engage with other USG-funded investments, jointly planning activities to complement and supplement efforts to achieve results while avoiding the duplication of efforts, and to achieve ambitious objectives of the GFSS Country Plan for the DRC. Well-coordinated and SLI-oriented programming will act as a force multiplier of FTF efforts, with complementary interventions that ensure sustained development gains.

29 More information on expectations for each analysis is included in Section F of the solicitation…