Enviro_search_announcement_10_28_15_(003).docx

USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporations (CCC) is in the process of instituting a credit guarantee program focused on enhancing or enabling the extension of credit by US exporters or US banks for loans to be used for the establishment of facilities or provision of goods or US services in emerging markets worldwide. The intent of this program is expanding future export opportunities that will benefit the export of US agricultural commodities.

To assist CCC in its review of information submitted by applicants on environmental and social impacts, CCC seeks environmental/social review consultative services.

CCC is looking for service providers that possess the following:

Experience working with environmental guidelines established by international organizations and foreign governments; including but not limited to international environmental laws, foreign regulations, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) common approaches. The applicant should also demonstrate knowledge of the Equator Principles, the World Bank’s environmental and social safeguard policies, the IFC’s Performance Standards, and the IFC’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines;

Experience coordinating with U.S. Government Agencies for the planning, monitoring, and/or evaluation of international projects;

Experience assessing and grading environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA); specifically, providing feedback to CCC on the strengths and weaknesses of the ESIA before commitment by CCC of the guarantee. The applicant should have experience assessing ESIAs under various project classifications;

The provision of advice on monitoring the implementer’s adherence to the ESIA and providing feedback where areas need to be strengthened and, Advising that compliance with ESIA requirements was achieved after project completion.