Proposals-_Pakistan_Processed_Foods_05MAR2015.docx

USDA Request for Expressions of Interest 2015 Cochran Fellowship Program- Asia

U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service

Statement of Work Cochran Fellowship Program on Processed Food Importing and Marketing (Pakistan) (Asia Region)

SCOPE OF WORK

The Cochran Fellowship Program’s Asia region is requesting the design and delivery of a training program for Seven (7) Cochran Fellows from Thailand (6 CEOs and 1 Purchasing director), and 1 LES from the Foreign Agricultural Office in Islamabad. Processed foods are a key part of the Pakistani market as they are more easily shipped than fresh products. The program should introduce the Fellows to a variety of processed foods from the U.S. that will fit the Pakistani consumers and how those products can be successfully marketed. The program should provide understanding of U.S. procurement, export and shipping processes as well as training on supply chain management. The program would include an overview of merchandising and point of sale marketing. The program will include participation in the Food marketing Institute Show in Chicago on June 8-11, 2015.

This training will enhance Pakistan’s understanding of U.S. processed foods and procurement/export processes and the ultimate goal of the program are to increase Pakistan’s imports of U.S. processed foods.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The contractor will ensure that Fellows develop competencies in the following areas. In your proposal, please clearly identify which learning objective(s) is addressed in each of your proposed activities.

1. Familiarization with varieties and product categories of U.S. processed foods

a. Snack foods (chips, popcorn, snack cakes, etc.)

b. Confectionaries (candy, chocolate, etc.)

c. Sauces (hot sauce, salad dressing)

d. Prepared ingredients (Baking mixes, seasoning blends)

2. Understanding of U.S. processed food safety and quality.

3. Understanding of U.S. procurement, export and shipping regulations and practices

4. Understanding of supply chain management

5. Improved knowledge on marketing, point of sale merchandizing and brand recognition.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This consecutive 2 week training program should be provided during June 6-20, 2015.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

· The training provider shall propose the place(s) of performance in their Technical Proposal.

· The host institution will be reimbursed for travel and subsistence expenses based on GSA’s Joint Travel Regulation.

DELIVERABLES:

· Provide a thumb drive of the training highlights to each Fellow and the Cochran Fellowship Program;

· Ensure that each Fellow completes the Cochran Training Program Evaluation; and

· Development of an Action Plan by each Fellow, in accordance with the Action Plan template. The Action Plan identifies goals and outlines specific steps or activities which each Fellow will perform upon return to Thailand. An Action Plan generally includes steps, milestones, and measures of progress, responsibilities, assignments, and timeline. The contractor shall provide a copy of each fellow’s Action Plan to the Cochran Fellowship Program.

· A brief final report (format at the discretion of the offeror).

· NEW: A pre-training questionnaire to determine Fellows baseline knowledge of the learning objectives stated above. (Template and examples will be provided)

· NEW: A post-training questionnaire to determine the knowledge gained in each of the learning objectives stated above. (Template and examples will be provided)

· NEW: Analysis of the pre and post training questionnaire. (Template and examples will be provided)

· All deliverables are due four weeks after the completion of the training.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS:

· The Fellows’ subsistence expenses will be paid by USDA (per diem allowance)

· Emergency Medical Insurance

· Certificates of Eligibility for J-1 visas

· Domestic airline tickets if applicable

TRAINING PROVIDER SHALL PROVIDE:

· Secure and guarantee lodging during the entire program

· Ground transportation in applicable cities, except Washington, DC