Sol No 72066323R00001 PLSO II.pdf

Request for Proposal (RFP) No. SOL # 72066323R00001 Issuance Date: October 26, 2022 Due Date for Written Questions: November 7, 2022, 16:00 Addis Time Closing Date for Submission of Proposals: November 28, 2022, 16:00 Addis Time

SUBJECT: Request for Proposal (RFP) No. SOL # 72066323R00001- Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO II) Activity

The United States Government, represented by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals to implement the Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO II) activity as described in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP) and intends to award a Cost- Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract with a period of performance of five (5) years.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541990.

You are invited to submit a proposal in accordance with the requirements of the enclosed RFP.

Proposals must be received by the Government no later than the local time on the due date stated above and in the RFP. Only electronic submissions will be accepted, at the following two addresses: caddis@usaid.gov with a copy to Ms. Wubet Zeleke at wzeleke@usaid.gov . No other forms of submission will be accepted. Pursuant to Block 12 of Standard Form 33 of this RFP, USAID requires that offers remain valid for 210 calendar days from the RFP closing date.

The RFP and subsequent amendments thereto, can be downloaded from the Government homepage at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. It is the offeror’s responsibility to check this site periodically for official updates and amendments to the solicitation. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal in response hereto. Furthermore, USAID reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of USAID.

Offerors should read the entire solicitation, which includes all pertinent technical sections and the terms, conditions and instructions required for submitting a proposal.

Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing via email to the Contracting Office mailbox at caddis@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above. Oral instructions, answers, or guidance from any USAID source prior to the award of the contract shall not be binding.

USAID may not award an offeror unless the offeror has complied with all applicable unique entity identifiers and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section L.2. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, offerors are encouraged to begin registration early in the process.

Final award of a Contract cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal USAID procedures, including the temporary partial pause on certain foreign assistance funding for Ethiopia. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, the offeror is hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award.

mailto:caddis@usaid.gov mailto:wzeleke@usaid.gov http://www.fedbizopps.gov/ mailto:caddis@usaid.gov mailto:caddis@usaid.gov

U.S. Agency for International Development Entoto Street Tel.: 251-111-306002 USA Address:

P.O.Box 1014 Fax: 251-111-242438 2030 Addis Ababa Place Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Website: www.usaidethiopia.org Washington, DC 20521-

The proposal is being submitted at the risk of the offeror; should circumstances prevent the award of a contract, all preparation and submission costs are at the offeror’s expense.

Thank you for your interest in USAID/Ethiopia program activity.

Sincerely, / signed/

Alula Abera Contracting Officer Office of Acquisition & Assistance http://www.usaidethiopia.org/

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

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

72066323R00001

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

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 137

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

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

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

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

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

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

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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

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

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

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BYCODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

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

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

REQ-663-23-000003

X

720663

USAID/Ethiopia caddis@usaid.gov

1400 C

Wubet Zeleke +251 wzeleke@usaid.gov

929929877

PAGE(S)

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

/ signed/ Alula Abera

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____0_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

TBD

7-8 10-21

25-35 36-36

40-56

57-86

88-106

107-131 132-135

SOL #: 72066322R00001 – PLSO II

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Table of Content

Contents

PART I - THE SCHEDULE:

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1. PURPOSE

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE

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

B.4. CONTRACT BUDGET

B.5. INDIRECT COSTS

B.6. COST REIMBURSABLE

B.7. MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT

B.8. PAYMENT OF FEE

SECTION C –PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C.1. PURPOSE

C.2. BACKGROUND

C.3. U.S. MISSION SECURITY OPERATIONAL PLAN, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

C.4. SCOPE OF WORK

C.5. OTHER TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

C.6. PROJECT COORDINATION

C.7. STAFFING PLAN

C.8. KEY PERSONNEL

C.9. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

C.10. REPORTING STRUCTURE

C.11. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY

SECTION D: PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING POLICY

SECTION E: INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3 MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING

E.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

SECTION F: DELIVERIES/PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

F.5 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

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F.6 DELIVERABLES AND SCHEDULE

F.7 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

F.8 AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

DOCUMENTS (SEPT 2013)

F.9 KEY PERSONNEL

F.10 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK

SECTION G: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.4 PAYING OFFICE

G.5 INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS:

G.6 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

G.7 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.8 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

H.2 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.3 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL (AIDAR 752.7002 AND 752.7032)

H.4 ADS 302.3.5.5 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

H.5 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN, INDIVIDUAL SUBCONTRACT REPORT (ISR) AND THE

SUMMARY SUBCONTRACT REPORT

H.6 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT

H.7 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES

H.8 LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DEVIATION NOs.

M/OAA-DEV-FAR-20-3c and M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-20-2c) (APRIL 2020)

H.9 LOGISTIC SUPPORT

H.10 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.11 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.12 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

H.13 ADS 302.3.5.19 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOVEMBER 2017)

H.14 ADS 302.3.5.20 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013)

H.15 COMPLIANCE WITH THE TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION REAUTHORIZATION

ACT (2017)

H.16 ADS 302.3.5.22 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY

(OCT 2014)

H.17 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.18 AIDAR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JUL 1997)

H.19 AIDAR 752.228-70 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (JUL 2007)

H.20 PERSONNEL APPROVALS (AIDAR 752.7007 AND 752.7027)

H.21 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING (FEB 2002)

H.22 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES (JAN

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2002) 52 H.23 ADS 302.3.5.14a USAID DISABILITY POLICY - (DEC 2004)

H.24 AIDAR 752.245.71 TITLE TO AND CARE OF PROPERTY

H.25 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

H.26 AIDAR 731.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (JUNE 2018)

H.27 INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL AND CLOSELY ASSOCIATED FUNCTIONS

H.28 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR ACQUISITION

H.29 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.30 752.228-3 WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) (DEC

1991)[(DEVIATION JUN 2022)] Class Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-10c

H.31 FAR PART 4.21 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (SECTION

889) (JANUARY 2021)

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (FEB 1998)

I.2 FAR 52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

I.3 AIDAR 752.219-8 UTILIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND SMALL

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS CONCERNS (MAR 2015)

I.4 AIDAR 752.219-70 USAID MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM (JULY 2007)

I.5 FAR 52.216-7 ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT (AUG 2018)

I.6 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (NOV 2021)

I.7 52.217-2 CANCELLATION UNDER MULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS (OCT 1997)

I.8 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (NOV 2021)

I.9 AIDAR 752.7038 NONDISCRIMINATION AGAINST END-USERS OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

(OCT 2016)

I.10 AIDAR 752.231-72 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013) 82

I.11 AIDAR 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY – USAID REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

(OCT 2017)

I.12 FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I.13 AIDAR 752.7036 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION (JULY 2014)

SECTION J – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

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

K.4 52.204-17 OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL OF OFFEROR (AUG 2020)

K.5 52.204-20 – PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR (AUG 2020)

K. 6 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

K.7 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS. (AUG 2020)

K.8 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS. (OCT 2018)

K.9 FAR 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX

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LIABILITY OR A FELONY CRIMINAL CONVICTION (FEB 2016)

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

K.11 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS. (FEB 1999)

K.12 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE. (APR 1984)

K.13 52.222-56 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS COMPLIANCE

PLAN (OCT 2020)

K.14 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (JUN 2020)

K.15 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE--COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR

2005) 105

K.16 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.17 52.237-8 RESTRICTION ON SEVERANCE PAYMENTS TO FOREIGN NATIONALS (AUG

2003) 105

K.18 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.19 SIGNATURE

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

OFFERORS

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

L.2 52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT. (OCT 2018)

L.3 52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING. (AUG

2020)

L.4 52.215-1 - INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS --COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (NOV 2021)

L.5 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.6 FAR 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L.7 QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

L.8 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.9 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.10 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL .. 115

L.11 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL

L.12 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF BRANDING AND MARKING DOCUMENTS. 128

L.13 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

L.14 WAIVERS UNDER FAR PART 4.2101 PROHIBITION ON COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.3 EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

M.4 PRICE/COST PROPOSAL EVALUATION

M.5 DETERMINATION OF AWARD

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PART I - THE SCHEDULE:

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide technical services that fall within the Statement of Work (SOW) as specified in Section C for the implementation of the Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO II) Activity.

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract. For the consideration set forth below, the contractor must achieve the performance objectives, deliverables, or outputs described in this contract.

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

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fee is $ .

The fixed fee is $ . The estimated cost-plus fixed fee is $ .

(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 hereunder is (TBD at time of award). The Contractor shall not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

(c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through (date to be added upon award).

B.4. CONTRACT BUDGET

a) The contract budget found herein is based on the Contractor’s original proposal and/or final proposal revision, which was accepted by USAID on date TBD through award of this contract.

b) The following itemized budget sets forth the estimates for individual line items of cost. No amounts in excess of the amounts specified for each activity shall be billed against the Contract.

CONTRACT LINE-ITEM SCHEDULE

Item Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total

Direct Cost

Indirect Cost

Total Cost

Fixed Fee

Total Cost-plus Fixed Fee

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(a) The inclusion of any costs in the above budget does not eliminate the requirement for prior approval by the Contracting Officer of cost items designated as requiring prior approval by any of the terms and conditions of this contract, including the applicable cost principles (see FAR 52.2167, “Allowable Cost and Payment”); nor, does it constitute a determination of allowability by the Contracting Officer of any item of cost, unless specifically stated elsewhere in this contract.

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

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

B.1. INDIRECT COSTS

The Contractor’s allowable indirect costs shall be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Prime:

Description

Rate

Base

Type

Period

TBD TBD 1/ 1/ 1/

TBD TBD 2/ 2/ 2/

1/ Base of Application: TBD Type of Rate: TBD Period: TBD

2/ Base of Application: TBD Type of Rate: TBD Period: TBD

Applicable indirect costs (i.e., overhead, G&A, etc.) on other direct costs (ODCs), if it is part of the Contractor’s usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31, and Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Indirect costs shall not be allowed for organizations that do not have a NICRA; this requirement does not apply to subcontractors.

B.2. COST REIMBURSABLE

The costs allowable will 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, and 52.232-20 and 52-232-22 Limitations of Cost and Limitations of Funds, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for Payment.

B.3. 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.

B.4. PAYMENT OF FEE

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Pursuant to “Fixed Fee” (FAR 52.216-8), payment of fixed fee shall be based on completion of the deliverables described below in Table 1, subject to inspection and acceptance by USAID as specified in section E, and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the contract. Upon acceptance by USAID and receipt of approval from the Contracting Officer Representative, the Contractor shall submit an invoice for the amount of the fee associated with the deliverable.

Table 1 – Fixed Fee Payment Schedule [to be filled by contractor]

Deliverables/Outputs % of Total Fee

Amount (S)

TBD

[END OF SECTION B]

PLSO 2 Activity - SOL #: 72066322R000

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SECTION C –PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Partner Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) is to serve as a liaison to and facilitate communications between the implementing partners (IPs) and USAID/Ethiopia to enable the IPs to better use and share publicly available information as a decision support mechanism. The PLSO efforts will assist in the more effective delivery of U.S. Government (USG) funded assistance, as it will enhance the IPs’ ability to stay abreast of security concerns and better secure their operations so that IPs can more aptly perform and advance development objectives under their respective agreements.

USAID is increasingly called upon to implement programs in countries and regions identified by the Department of State as High Threat Posts. In these areas, a consistent and appropriate level of safety and security support for the Agency’s IPs is critical. While IPs are ultimately responsible for the safety and protection of their employees and programs, the PLSO is intended to provide safety and security-related support to USAID’s IPs, regardless of their organization’s country of origin.

The PLSO also serves in an information-sharing role helping to disseminate open source information and promote security best practices. PLSOs work very closely with Embassy Regional Security Offices (RSO) to ensure full understanding and support of the program.

This operation will be located in Ethiopia outside the U.S. Embassy Compound. The Contractor will provide security support to USAID/Ethiopia’s IPs operating throughout the country.

C.2. BACKGROUND

a. Country context

USAID/Ethiopia manages the USG development program in Ethiopia, one of the largest and most complex in the world. USAID/Ethiopia implements one of the U.S. Government's largest and most complex programs, with over 110 ongoing activities and an active portfolio worth over $2 billion.

As one of USAID’s most extensive programs globally and the largest in Africa, Ethiopia's FY2021 budget is $1.21 Billion, including $930 million in humanitarian assistance, and contributes to five Presidential Initiatives. The Mission portfolio includes a broad range of democracy and governance, education, global health, economic growth, agriculture, and environment activities implemented through more than 171 Implementing Partners (IPs), implementing approximately 111 activities throughout Kenya. Additionally, the Mission provides a range of support services to Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan, and the African Union.

The USG security rating for Ethiopia as of June 2022 is currently on Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” due to armed conflict, civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and the potential for terrorism and kidnapping in border areas. The rating depicts the broad picture, but several events in the last few years have directly impacted the security environment in Ethiopia and the U.S. Mission as a whole. The U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) Ethiopia Travel Warning details the security incidents that have impacted Ethiopia in recent years and emphasizes the security environment. The DOS Ethiopia Travel Advisory can be found here:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information- Pages/Ethiopia.htmll.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ethiopia.htmll https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ethiopia.htmll

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The rise in insecurity across regions -- including previously stable areas and recent civil conflict --has increased the risks posed to humanitarian and development response personnel, supplies, and beneficiaries and led to implementation delays or temporary suspensions of operations. Numerous USAID-funded projects, including several flagship USAID development programs, experienced delays or cancellations of operations and withdrawals of staff due to insecurity in Afar, Amhara, Somali, SNNPR, Tigray, and Oromia.

Thus, security is a concern for USAID’s IPs. While USAID’s relationship with its IPs dictates against providing prescriptive guidance on security or mandatory reporting by the IPs, the Mission is establishing the PLSO as a tool to enhance communication between USAID and its IPs regarding security information to help IPs better manage and mitigate their respective security concerns.

b. Problem Statement

Beyond terrorist threats, criminal elements pose a serious risk throughout the country. They are violent in nature, and resistance by a victim is often met with deadly force. Locals have experienced armed mugging, assaults, burglaries, carjacking, rapes, and extortion. Ethiopians and expatriates have been victims of armed robberies at banks, retail stores, and airport roads at all hours.

In March 2019, the USAID Office of Security conducted a PLSO assessment, including interviews with Mission and IP staff based in Addis. At the time, the U.S. Embassy RSO reported that crime was becoming increasingly violent and organized in Addis and the surrounding area. Weapons were being smuggled into the country. Ethiopia is vulnerable to Al-Shabaab infiltration, and insecurity may impact USAID programs anytime.

A USAID Senior Humanitarian Advisor reported that the most significant security challenges include operating along the Somali border, clan dynamics, and the security of beneficiaries.

Although security information is available to humanitarian organizations from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), OFDA and IPs consider local communities the best information source. However, there is currently no formalized network to share the information among IPs or with the Mission. Thus, the need to build an information-sharing network for USAID IPs and the Mission to better inform them of the implications of issues to their programs and operations. The formalized network needs to consider Ethiopia’s very challenged and inconsistent telecommunications systems, which are often either busy, damaged, or completely shut off. Backup and alternative forms of communication need to be established to reach IPs during the unrest and pass on the necessary information.

Finally, widespread clashes between farmers and pastoralists have resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of property, and displacement of communities, further aggravating the security environment in Ethiopia.

C.3. U.S. MISSION SECURITY OPERATIONAL PLAN, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

The PLSO will collaborate closely with in-country entities such as the United Nations, international NGOs, the host government, and other international donors to share and aggregate security information among partners working in the same environment.

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C.4. SCOPE OF WORK

C.4.1. PLSO Activity Objectives

The overall objective of the PLSO contract is to disseminate security information aimed at more effective delivery of U.S. Government-funded assistance. PLSO will focus most of its efforts on collaborating with all USAID-funded IPs located throughout Ethiopia. The Contractor is expected to develop creative methods to achieve the deliverables set forth in this contract.

C.4.2. Task Description The PLSO shall serve as the USAID/Ethiopia Liaison to the Executive Office (EXO) for IP security matters and serve as the primary security point of contact between USAID and its IPs on issues relating to security. The PLSO will also serve as the primary POC with the Embassy RSO on all IP security-related matters. In addition, the PLSO is expected to collaborate with the Mission’s technical teams and other USG agencies in Ethiopia.

The PLSO will be expected to complement, rather than duplicate, existing security-related support to the IP community in Ethiopia, focusing on the specific needs of USAID IPs and sub-partners and striving for cost efficiency and effectiveness. In addition to security advisors who are employees and/or contractors of international and local NGOs, several membership-based organizations in Ethiopia provide information and advice to the IP community. While the activities listed below may appear comprehensive, USAID seeks services to fill gaps, improve the quality of such support, and diversify options for capacity strengthening in security planning, implementation, monitoring, and budgeting.

To achieve the objectives outlined above, the contractor will provide technical assistance to implement the activities below:

C.4.3. Illustrative Tasks

C.4.4.

ACTIVITY FREQUENCY

Category: Improved communications between USAID IPs and the USAID Mission in Ethiopia

Meet in-person and provide informational briefings to newly arrived USAID/Ethiopia IPs in Ethiopia. Briefings will contain up-to-date security information, including the political, security sector, and economic status, in addition to standard security information.

Monthly

Develop and maintain a bulk SMS text message notification system to contact IPs when/if there is a total blackout of internet connectivity. (New) There shall be a differentiation between “emergency” alerts and “useful information.” For example, traffic and bad weather is useful, but not necessarily worthy of an “emergency” text.

As needed

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Develop and maintain a database of Ethiopia incidents reported by USAID IPs. The database will be able to produce reports for IPs and the Mission/Embassy to inform their decision-making in various regions. The information will be all open source and include reports from IPs, media, and other sources. Contributing USAID/Ethiopia offices will be able to access database to track incidents. (New)

Continuous

Develop and maintain a real-time database to track the location of IPs to better respond to emergent security threats. (New)

Continuous

Develop and maintain a database of contact information for USAID IP Chiefs of Party, their deputies, and Security Managers from the respective IPs operating in Ethiopia.

This database will include contact information and the location of project sites.

Contributing USAID/Ethiopia offices will have access to the database to periodically update IP contact information

Continuous

Act as a liaison between the IP community and Mission, informing the Mission of security issues impacting programs and operations.

Continuous

Provide immediate notification to the EXO regarding security incidents directly affecting IPs programming or operations. This will include the reporting of the incident date, time, and location of the incident, as well as the type of incident and all information relevant to the incident.

As needed

Develop subject matter expertise within the team regarding IP programs and operations vis-à-vis the security environment. The PLSO will demonstrate an understanding of what programs are and the implications of security-based incidents to the programs.

Continuous

Category: Expanded IP Capabilities to anticipate and respond to security issues

Act as an information collection, analysis, reporting, and decision support mechanism for IPs for programming and operational functions vis-à-vis security. Weekly

Gather, analyze, and report on the political, security sector, economic, social/humanitarian, and infrastructure issues within Ethiopia as they are relevant to IP programs and operations.

Continuous

Act as a subject matter expert on current events, specifically within the social media space, as relevant to IP programs and operations.

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Sharing advisory security plan best practices among IPs. Advisory services for activity start-ups and for life-of-project security risk issues.

As needed

Develop and implement a broad security training curriculum for IPs. Online ‘Know- Before-You-Go’ training and new arrival security awareness briefings.

Internationally certified training for leaders, staff and drivers [online and in-person].

Continuous

Develop and maintain GIS maps and other forms of data visualization to identify trends and patterns that can help IPs better anticipate emerging security threats.

Develop and maintain digital platforms, including the PLSO website and the Information Sharing and Emergency Reporting platform (ISER).

Continuous

Travel to IP program sites to accomplish the following: meet with Chiefs of Party and Security Directors, assess security plans, review site security measures, and address IP security concerns or questions

Category: Improve information sharing between IPs

In addition to aforementioned briefings for new IPs and security trainings, coordinate and hold monthly meetings with the USAID IP community.

Monthly

Establish a formal online community for information-sharing among USAID/Ethiopia IPs to support exchanging pertinent security-related information.

Continuous

Assist IPs in establishing programming or operations in new areas by providing them with the political, security sector, economic, social/humanitarian, information, and infrastructure “lay of the land.” If feasible, give the IPs introductions to other IPs or local leaders as relevant.

Category: Expand USAID communications with pertinent in-country security-related entities

Participate in the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Continuous

Maintain coordination with pertinent in-country entities such as the United Nations, international NGOs, the Government of Ethiopia, and other international donors to share and aggregate security information among partners working in the same environment. Information collected will be reported back to the EXO.

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Category: Improve communication on security-related matters between the USAID/Ethiopia Mission and other USAID entities

Drafting and distribute weekly analysis on events to IPs, USAID/Ethiopia staff, and USAID’s Office of Security in Washington, DC (SEC/W) based on information receive from IPs and other open sources.

Weekly

Produce a weekly activity report for the USAID Mission Director (MD), EXO, and SEC/W which contains pertinent information regarding the Contractor’s activities provided to IPs and security issues and concerns communicated by IPs.

Weekly

Produce a weekly IP incident report for the MD, EXO, and SEC/W which reflects security incidents reported by IPs or from other open sources during the past week.

Weekly

Provide weekly briefings (or on demand as relevant) for the Mission leadership and RSO, to include specifics on events that have had, or may have specifics on IP or Mission security, programs or operations.

Weekly

Draft and distribute analytical reports addressing security and political challenges throughout Ethiopia.

As Needed

In addition to the above activities, USAID allows offerors to suggest additional activities and categories based on their past experiences.

C.4.5. Security Information Management

a. Type of Security Information The term “security information” as used in this Contract shall mean information related to security that is hostile or threat-related in nature received from implementing partners or their subcontractors collected at the volition of the IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. The security information is publicly available, meaning it is only unclassified and open-source information. The security information shall not be independently verified by the Contractor and is not considered comprehensive of the security environment. The security information represents the security situation collected at the time of the incident report but does not embody the complete threat environment as it evolves.

b. Use of Security Information

The security information is designed to provide IPs, USAID, and the Mission RSO with potentially useful information regarding the security environment in Ethiopia. Each IP shall decide how it

16 | P a g e utilizes the security information to effectively manage its programs. The security information is intended for informational purposes only. Any security-related decisions made by IPs regarding the security of their facilities, personnel, and travel should be based on Department of State travel advisories, OSAC advisories, or IP’s internal security procedures and protocol.

c. Disclosure of Security Information Reported by IPs

The source of the security information must not be disclosed to anyone other than EXO in order to protect the privacy of the IPs’ locations, business purpose, operations, and other proprietary information. To further protect the privacy of the IPs, the Contractor must not investigate the validity of the security information reported by IPs. Though the source of the security information is protected, the actual underlying security information is unclassified and open-source information.

d. Method of Collecting Security Information

The Contractor must only provide security support at the request of the IP or direction of USAID. The Contractor will collect information through voluntary reporting by USAID IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. USAID/Ethiopia, through the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), will make IPs aware of the PLSO mechanism. IPs can utilize the mechanism as it is relevant to their internal security procedures and protocols. IPs must not be required but encouraged to report security incidents or mandatorily opt-in to the system.

The Contractor will utilize and disseminate security information provided by the IP, as well as security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. The contractor must not actively monitor IP movements or activities throughout the country in order to obtain information. IPs will be encouraged to use the security information provided by the Contractor and conduct their own research on the continuously evolving threat environments in which they operate.

e. Disclaimer on all Security Information and Communications

The following disclaimer must be used and prominently displayed for all communications under the contract: This USAID/Ethiopia communication is designed to provide Implementing Partners with information received from implementing partners or their subcontractors regarding security or of a hostile threat-related nature. The source of information may not be disclosed to protect the privacy of implementing partners. USAID/Ethiopia and the U.S. Embassy’s RSO does not investigate the report's validity and rely on implementing partner security personnel to validate the details of reported incidents. The email nature of the report requires that the content be limited to unclassified information. As such, the information may be disseminated freely. The USAID/Ethiopia communications are provided for information purposes only. Any decisions made by the IPs regarding the security of facilities, personnel, and travel should be based on Department of State travel advisories, OSAC advisories, or other 'authorities' guidance.

f. Learning, Monitoring and Evaluation (LME)

Learning – Guides performance management planning by setting learning and information priorities. It helps assess the theory of change, identifies critical learning gaps important for successful implementation, reviews the validity of assumptions, and monitors the risks. In this section, it is essential to explain the strategic learning questions around the Activity’s Theory of Change and learning activities, tools and techniques to answer them, and how the learning will be utilized. Learning activities may include situational analyses, performance and impact evaluations, performance monitoring data, context indicators, literature reviews or syntheses of existing research, generating and capturing tacit and experiential knowledge through facilitated dialogues

17 | P a g e and other participatory methods (Before Action Reviews, After Action Reviews, Performance Monitoring/Indicators – The Contractor will include quantitative and qualitative performance indicators, which will be critically important for establishing indices of service delivery quality and systems sustainability; supplemental information about each performance indicator, including baseline data; targets; and Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRS.

Information on the complete set of Standard Foreign Assistance Indicators is also available at USAID’s Learning Lab website:

https://usaidlearninglab.org/resources/standard-foreign-assistance-indicators

Evaluation/Assessment/Survey – USAID is not planning to conduct an external evaluation of this activity. The Contractor, however, may arrange an evaluation, assessment, or survey to address its learning needs and adaptive management purposes. When the Contractor plans an internal evaluation, it should indicate the purpose and expected use; type, estimated budget, planned start and end dates, and anticipated level of USAID involvement. The Contractor will conduct pre-activity/pre-training surveys and/or focus groups with stakeholders and a customer satisfaction survey.

Generally, Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) must be embedded within the day-to-day work and operations of the Activity. In this regard, it is critical to the Activity to identify with whom collaboration will happen (i.e., identifying approaches and stakeholders who are most vital to achieving the desired outcome of the Activity); to provide details on how learning and collaboration will be used to manage adaptively, and to describe the enabling environment needed to operationalize the LME Plan.

The Contractor will work closely with its Contract Officer Representative (COR) to establish fit-for-purpose learning tasks such as setting indicators, including baseline and performance targets.

The LME Plan is due within ninety (90) calendar days from the award start date. The contractor shall submit an updated LME Plan thirty (30) calendar days before the beginning of each subsequent fiscal or agreement calendar year.

For proposal submission, the offeror needs to only describe the overall approaches to learning, monitoring, and evaluation of the Activity, without going into the details.

C.5. OTHER TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

a. Environmental Compliance

The Contractor must adhere to the conditions set forth in the Mission Initial Environmental Examination and any other environmental documents developed and approved by USAID prior to the initiation of or during the implementation of the contract. Please see Section H for detailed environmental considerations related to this activity.

b. Security Considerations All work under this contract will be unclassified, and thus no special information security requirements are applicable. Ethiopia has been designated a high threat and high crime post and the Contractor is expected to take steps to be responsive to this shifting environment. Offerors are advised that there are frequent reports of robberies and car-jacking, some involving armed gunmen, on Ethiopia's urban and rural road network. The U.S. State Department travel advisory for Ethiopia regularly issues information regarding the risks of travel to some states in Ethiopia because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas. The advisory also informs that https://usaidlearninglab.org/library/standard-foreign-assistance-indicators https://usaidlearninglab.org/resources/standard-foreign-assistance-indicators

18 | P a g e throughout the country, violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, remains a problem. The Contractor should be cognizant of the fact that Local Government Area categorizations may potentially fall into areas prone to armed conflict and security vulnerability.

The Contractor will establish a comprehensive and dynamic safety and security plan pertaining to all aspects of its activities and the activities of its employees in the performance of all work related to this contract as well as the off-duty activities of its employees serving in Ethiopia, as those activities relate to the performance of contract work. The Contractor must also work closely with and establish working relationships with all authorized and appropriate safety and security organizations and entities for the protection and safety of its operations and employees.

The Contractor will be responsible for its own security under this contract and will employ a security profile that is cost-effective. The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the security of its personnel, materials, and equipment commensurate with the circumstances involved. All employees of the Contractor must meet the requirements of their work site, which may include background checks, security/restricted area clearance, drug-free workplace, safety training, and/or other inspections/requirements.

C.6. PROJECT COORDINATION

a. Technical Direction

USAID/Ethiopia will designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) as the primary contact between the USAID Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contractor’s key personnel. The COR will be responsible for all day-to-day management, oversight, and technical direction of the Contractor and overall Activity. The COR will provide technical direction during the performance of the contract, both in writing and orally. The Contractor will meet at least monthly with the COR or his/her designee to review the status of activities and will be prepared to make periodic briefings to USAID/Ethiopia as appropriate.

b. Contractor The Contractor reports solely to the COR located in USAID/Ethiopia EXO. The Contractor has a legal and direct relationship with the COR as such all communications under this Contract will go through the COR. Since the IPs are not under Chief of Mission authority, the IPs are not required to report to or through the RSO, and reciprocally, RSO has no responsibility to manage or direct the IPs.

The Contractor will work independently carrying out assigned activities and responsibilities at the COR’s request. The Contractor will have no authority to make financial commitments but is expected to make personal contacts with U.S. Embassy personnel up to the highest levels;

USAID/Ethiopia personnel; USAID/Washington personnel; USAID IPs; United Nations (UN) personnel; and Government of Ethiopia officials to perform duties under this Contract.

The Contractor must have ready access to databases, systems, and other relevant information which will allow the Contractor the ability to analyze, assess and report on security information, as applicable to USAID Ethiopia IPs operating throughout the country. These systems must have in place mechanisms that protect security information provided to the Contractor. The Contractor’s system must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to communicate to IPs and USAID/Ethiopia EXO real-time security incidents.

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The Contractor will have the adequate managerial and institutional capacity needed to produce the deliverables outlined in this Statement of Work. This must include the ability to adjust and adapt to unforeseeable changes in-country. Adequate management and administrative structures will include policies and practices for the overall implementation of the activity in personnel, financial, and logistical support.

c. Liaison with USAID and Other USG Agencies

The contractor is expected to work closely with relevant USG offices in Ethiopia as directed by the COR.

d. Coordination with Development Partners and Other Stakeholders

PLSO will require coordination with many other stakeholders and partners. At a minimum, these include:

• International Donors and organizations;

• The private sector can provide important information and support relevant to USAID/Ethiopia

PLSO project;

• Government of Ethiopia officials at the federal, state, and local levels who can support

USAID/Ethiopia and or its IPs on activities related to the PLSO project;

• Security companies and allied associations that can provide the data, research, and analysis to inform policy; and

• Service providers that provide training and facilitate security information dissemination.

e. Travel

Travel to IP activity sites is required under the contract. Currently, there are approximately 171 partners are implementing approximately 110 activities in Ethiopia on behalf of USAID/Ethiopia.

Travel will be required for training, briefings, site visits, and responses to security incidents. USAID is unable to identify how many security incidents will happen per year for budgeting purposes, and the Contractor should propose an estimated amount that includes all estimated travel costs.

f. Logistical Information

The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all logistical support in the USAID/Ethiopia geographical area and worldwide to meet the terms and conditions of the contract. These shall include but are not limited to all support for databases and systems, travel arrangements, communications, appointment scheduling, administrative services, report preparation services, printing, and duplicating.

g. Government Furnished Property

USAID/Ethiopia does not anticipate the provision of Government-furnished property under this contract.

C.7. STAFFING PLAN

To achieve the objectives of the PLSO, the Contractor must provide an overall staffing plan

20 | P a g e consisting of long and short-term personnel that demonstrate the breadth and depth of international and local professional technical expertise and experience required to carry out successfully the proposed technical approach. The staffing plan must reflect the minimum number of highly experienced technical staff sufficient to manage and implement the PLSO Activity under this award. The staffing plan should outline the qualifications, experience, language abilities, and appropriateness of the professionals available to the team.

C.8. KEY PERSONNEL

Two (2) key personnel positions are critical to achieving contract results: the Chief of Party and the Deputy Chief of party. The Contractor should propose a Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of party who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively managing all aspects of the PLSO operation.

The COP and DCOP should possess significant high-level experience working on similar activities as required by this Contract.

C.9. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The contractor must have a detailed management plan which defines its proposed organizational structure, including the proposed lines of responsibility, authority,…