Attachment I - 1131PL21RDM21096 - Combined Synopsis Solicitation.pdf

Solicitation Number: 1131PL21RDM21096 Title: DM for MENA-EE ICT Sector Opportunities

[1]

SUBJECT: COMBINED SYNOPSIS /SOLICITATION: DEFINITIONAL MISSION

(DM) REGIONAL MENA - EE: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 1131PL21RDM21096

ISSUANCE DATE: April 15, 2021 CLOSING DATE: May 4, 2021, 1:00 PM, Arlington, VA Time

This request for commercial item prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested and written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation is being issued in accordance with (IAW) FAR Part 15.203. The Government may award multiple contracts resulting from this solicitation to the respondents who are deemed responsible and are determined, based on the evaluation factors, to represent the best value to the Government.

This solicitation is UNRESTRICTED and is conducted in accordance with the procedures in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 12 and FAR Part 15 under NAICS 541690.

All Offerors must be registered and have an active status in the beta.SAM database (beta.SAM.gov) in order to be eligible for contract award. Offerors are reminded that failure to properly enroll in the beta.SAM database and provide accurate Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)/Tax Identification Number (TIN) information shall make an offeror ineligible for award as described in FAR 52.204-7. Offerors may obtain information on beta.SAM registration via (beta.SAM.gov). Do NOT delay submission of your offer pending receipt of a CAGE code.

Any contract awarded to a Contractor who at the time of award was suspended, debarred, and ineligible for receipt of contract with Government Agencies or is in receipt of a notice of proposed debarment from any Government Agency, is voidable at the option of the Government.

Award is limited to U.S. Firms or U.S. individuals. Contractor and U.S. subcontractor employees used shall be either U.S. citizens or non-U.S. citizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

[2]

Enclosed are the following sections, which contains all information necessary to respond to this

RFP:

1. Section B – Schedule of Supplies/Services,

2. Section C – Contract Clauses,

3. Section D – Any Contract Documents, Exhibits and Attachment, and

4. Section E – Instructions to Offerors.

//Signed//

Tyrone Johnson Contract Specialist

[3]

SECTION B – CONTINUATION OF SF-1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(Continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer Office of Acquisition Management US Trade and Development Agency 1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100 Arlington, VA 22209-3901

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made as follows:

a. Invoices shall be submitted to USTDA for payment via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), www.ipp.gov. IPP is a secure web-based electronic invoicing system provided by the US Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Services in Partnership with the Federal Reserve.

http://www.ipp.gov/

[4]

SECTION C – CONTRACT CLAUSES

a. CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

FAR 52.202-1 Definitions JUN 2020 FAR 52.204-2 Security Requirements MAR 2021 FAR 52.204-5 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain AUG 2020

Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

FAR 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic NOV 2015 Corporations FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Items OCT 2018 FAR 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations JUN 2013 FAR 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim OCT 2004

b. CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to JAN 2021

Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (JUL 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.203-19#FAR_52_203_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-23#FAR_52_204_23 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-25#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.209-10#FAR_52_209_10 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.233-3#FAR_52_233_3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.233-4#FAR_52_233_4 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3

[5]

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

__ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUNE 2020), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (JUN 2020) (41 U.S.C. 3509)).

__ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

__ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) [Reserved].

__ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111- 117, section 743 of Div. C).

__ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

_X (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (JUN 2020) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (10) [Reserved].

__ (11) (i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-3.

__ (12) (i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (MAR 2020) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-4.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.203-6#FAR_52_203_6 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.203-13#FAR_52_203_13 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.203-15#FAR_52_203_15 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-10#FAR_52_204_10 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-14#FAR_52_204_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-15#FAR_52_204_15 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.209-6#FAR_52_209_6 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.209-9#FAR_52_209_9 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-3#FAR_52_219_3 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section637a&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-3#FAR_52_219_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-4#FAR_52_219_4 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-4#FAR_52_219_4

[6]

__ (13) [Reserved]

__ (14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

__ (15) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

X_ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (JUN 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iv) Alternate III (JUN 2020) of 52.219-9.

__ (v) Alternate IV (JUN 2020) of 52.219-9

__ (18) (i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-13.

__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

__ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (JAN 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

__ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set- Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

__ (22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-28.

__ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-6#FAR_52_219_6 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-6#FAR_52_219_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-7#FAR_52_219_7 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-7#FAR_52_219_7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-8#FAR_52_219_8 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-9#FAR_52_219_9 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-9#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-9#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-9#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-9#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-13#FAR_52_219_13 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-13#FAR_52_219_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-14#FAR_52_219_14 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-16#FAR_52_219_16 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-27#FAR_52_219_27 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-28#FAR_52_219_28 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-28#FAR_52_219_28 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-29#FAR_52_219_29

[7]

__ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Mar2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (25) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (MAR 2020) (15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

_X (27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O.11755).

__ (28) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN2020) (E.O.13126).

_X_ (29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

_X_ (30) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O.11246).

__ (ii) Alternate I (FEB 1999) of 52.222-26.

_X (31) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-35.

_X (32) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

__ (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-36.

__ (33) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

_X_ (34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

_X (35) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2020) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O.

13627).

__ (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-30#FAR_52_219_30 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-32#FAR_52_219_32 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title15/html/USCODE-2018-title15-chap14A-sec644.htm https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-33#FAR_52_219_33 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title15/html/USCODE-2018-title15-chap14A-sec637.htm https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-3#FAR_52_222_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-19#FAR_52_222_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-21#FAR_52_222_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-26#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-26#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-35#FAR_52_222_35 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section4212&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-35#FAR_52_222_35 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-36#FAR_52_222_36 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title29-section793&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-36#FAR_52_222_36 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-37#FAR_52_222_37 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section4212&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-40#FAR_52_222_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-50#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-50#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-54#FAR_52_222_54 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/22.1803#FAR_22_1803

[8]

__ (37) (i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA– Designated Items (May 2008) ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (38) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (39) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (40) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2015) of 52.223-13.

__ (41) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jun2014) of 52.223-14.

__ (42) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (MAY 2020) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

__ (43) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (OCT 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-16.

_X (44) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513).

__ (45) 52.223-20, Aerosols (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (46) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (47) (i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

__ (48) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (JAN2021) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

__ (49) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (JAN 2021)(41 U.S.C.chapter83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-9#FAR_52_223_9 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-9#FAR_52_223_9 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-11#FAR_52_223_11 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-12#FAR_52_223_12 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-13#FAR_52_223_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-13#FAR_52_223_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-14#FAR_52_223_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-14#FAR_52_223_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-15#FAR_52_223_15 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-16#FAR_52_223_16 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-16#FAR_52_223_16 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-18#FAR_52_223_18 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-20#FAR_52_223_20 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-21#FAR_52_223_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.224-3#FAR_52_224_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.224-3#FAR_52_224_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.225-1#FAR_52_225_1 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.225-3#FAR_52_225_3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3

[9] note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109- 169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

__ (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2021) of 52.225-3.

__ (iii) Alternate II (JAN 2021) of 52.225-3.

__ (iv) Alternate III (JAN 2021) of 52.225-3.

__ (50) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (OCT 2019) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

__ (51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

__ (52) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302Note).

__ (53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (55) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (JUN 2020).

__ (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (FEB 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

__ (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Jan 2017) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

_X (58) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (OCT2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (59) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (60) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (61) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

__ (62) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.225-3#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.225-3#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.225-3#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.225-5#FAR_52_225_5 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section2501&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section3301&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.225-13#FAR_52_225_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.225-26#FAR_52_225_26 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.226-4#FAR_52_226_4 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.226-5#FAR_52_226_5 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.229-12#FAR_52_229_12 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.232-29#FAR_52_232_29 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.232-30#FAR_52_232_30 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.232-33#FAR_52_232_33 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3332&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.232-34#FAR_52_232_34 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.232-36#FAR_52_232_36 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.239-1#FAR_52_239_1 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section552a&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.242-5#FAR_52_242_5

[10]

__ (63) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (FEB 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

__ (ii) Alternate I (APR 2003) of 52.247-64.

__ (iii) Alternate II (FEB 2006) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

__ (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter67).

__ (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards- Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (AUG 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards- Price Adjustment (May 2014) ( 29U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment- Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (NOV 2020).

__ (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O.

13706).

__ (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.247-64#FAR_52_247_64 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.247-64#FAR_52_247_64 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.247-64#FAR_52_247_64 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-41#FAR_52_222_41 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-42#FAR_52_222_42 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-43#FAR_52_222_43 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-44#FAR_52_222_44 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-51#FAR_52_222_51 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-53#FAR_52_222_53 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-55#FAR_52_222_55 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-62#FAR_52_222_62 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.226-6#FAR_52_226_6 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/2.101#FAR_2_101 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.215-2#FAR_52_215_2

[11]

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the dispute’s clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (JUN 2020) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (JUL 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115- 232).

(v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-4.7#FAR_Subpart_4_7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.203-13#FAR_52_203_13 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.203-19#FAR_52_203_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-23#FAR_52_204_23 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-25#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-8#FAR_52_219_8 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section637&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/19.702#FAR_19_702 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-8#FAR_52_219_8

[12]

(vi) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

(vii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2015) (E.O.11246).

(viii) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(ix) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(x) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xiii) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2020) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

(B) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment- Requirements (May2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xv) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015) (E.O. 12989).

(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (NOV 2020).

(xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O.

13706).

(xix) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-21#FAR_52_222_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-26#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-35#FAR_52_222_35 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-36#FAR_52_222_36 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-37#FAR_52_222_37 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-40#FAR_52_222_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-40#FAR_52_222_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-41#FAR_52_222_41 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-chapter67-front&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-50#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-50#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-51#FAR_52_222_51 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-53#FAR_52_222_53 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-54#FAR_52_222_54 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-55#FAR_52_222_55 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-62#FAR_52_222_62 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.224-3#FAR_52_224_3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.224-3#FAR_52_224_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.225-26#FAR_52_225_26

[13]

(xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (FEB 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of clause)

FAR 52.217-8 - Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within five (5) calendar days.

(End of clause)

FAR 52.252-2 - Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address:

www.acquisition.gov.

(End of clause) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.226-6#FAR_52_226_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.247-64#FAR_52_247_64 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://www.acquisition.gov/

[14]

SECTION D – ANY CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

DEFINITIONAL MISSION (DM) FOR: REGIONAL MENA-EE: INFORMATION AND

COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) OPPORTUNITIES

D.1.1. OVERVIEW

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is a foreign assistance agency that delivers its program commitments through grants and contracts. The projects supported by USTDA activities represent strong and measurable development priorities in the host country and offer opportunities for the sale of U.S. goods and services. Requests for USTDA assistance are made by either public or private sector project sponsors for implementation in developing and middle-income countries.

D.1.2. SCOPE OF WORK

USTDA requires services under this non-personal services Definitional Mission (“DM”) contract to support its decision-making relative to the funding of activities to support ICT projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The selected DM contractor (the “DM Contractor”) will conduct initial reviews of up to twelve

(12) proposals for feasibility studies, technical assistance, or pilot projects in the ICT sector in the MENA region and fully develop funding recommendations, terms of reference, and final budgets for up to nine (9) activities for USTDA consideration. For each of the twelve initial reviews, the DM Contractor shall provide a preliminary assessment report (each a “Preliminary Assessment”). For each of the nine fully developed projects referred to USTDA for consideration, the DM Contractor shall provide a project report (each a “Project Report”).

USTDA reserves the right to make the final determination on which activities merit consideration for the Preliminary Assessments and/or Project Reports.

In addition, the DM Contractor will present a single, one-hour brownbag presentation to USTDA’s staff on one or more mutually agreed upon ICT sector topics.

The Final Report, which shall include the 12 Preliminary Assessments, 9 Projects Reports recommended to USTDA and any presentation materials presented at the USTDA brownbag presentation, shall be labeled clearly on every page as “Business Confidential” and shall be treated accordingly per sections D.1.9, “Confidentiality,” and D.1.10, “Intellectual Property.”

The purpose of the Preliminary Assessments is to:

1. Collect high-level project information, such as information on the project’s technical, commercial, and financial viability; grantee commitment; U.S. export potential;

technical and/or regulatory hurdles; and basic USTDA eligibility criteria;

[15]

2. Assess and identify key issues and obstacles to the project proposal moving forward;

3. Identify information and data needed in order for USTDA to make a determination on this project proposal;

4. Analyze specific project issues or technical factors that may impact overall project viability; and

5. Provide supporting analysis and an approximately three (3) – five (5) page recommendation on whether or not USTDA should put this project proposal under full review (e.g., development of terms of reference, budget, and Project Report).

The purpose of the Project Reports is to:

1. Assess and provide a recommendation on whether USTDA should provide funding for the proposed feasibility study(ies), technical assistance, pilot project(s), or other activity(ies), hereinafter referred to as “activity(ies)”;

2. Develop terms of reference and budgets for at least nine (9) activities for USTDA funding consideration.

o If the DM Contractor is having difficulty meeting this requirement, the DM Contractor must discuss the findings of the mission with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance of writing the draft Project Report.

o The DM Contractor shall obtain the COR’s written approval before developing any activity.

3. Provide supporting analysis for the recommendation on the activity in a final report (“Final Report”) that analyzes all the relevant issues, including risks and barriers to implementation of the project.

4. In addition, the DM Contractor shall assess the potential of the relevant market sector in the host country for U.S. suppliers of goods and services in the Project Report, as well as foreign competition within the sector.

The purpose of the Final Report is to:

1. Provide a high-level overview and summary of the up to nine (9) fully developed projects and up to twelve (12) initial projects reviewed for USTDA’s funding consideration.

2. Assess and provide a recommendation on whether USTDA should provide funding for the proposed feasibility study(ies), technical assistance, pilot project(s), or other activity(ies), hereinafter referred to as “activity(ies)”;

o If the DM Contractor is having difficulty meeting this requirement, the DM Contractor must discuss the findings of the mission with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance of writing the draft Final Report.

o The DM Contractor shall obtain the COR’s written approval before developing any activity.

3. Provide supporting analysis for the recommendation on the activity/activities in a Final Report that analyzes all the relevant issues;

4. In addition, the DM Contractor shall assess the potential of the relevant market sector in the host country for U.S. suppliers of goods and services in the Final Report.

[16]

5. The DM Contractor shall include the individual Preliminary Assessments, Project Reports, and any presentation materials presented at the USTDA brownbag presentation as annexes in the Final Report.

The DM Contractor will not be paid for reports that are not approved or completed.

The actual number of deliverables/reports against this contract is dependent on the success of the Definitional Mission and availability of projects. Therefore, not all deliverables may be required or be possible and the figures provided for the Project Reports are not-to-exceed ceiling figures and not actual figures. The DM Contractor shall only invoice for work/deliverables actually completed. Any unexpended funds will be de-obligated from the contract at close-out.

D.1.3. USTDA FUNDING CRITERIA

The DM Contractor’s recommendations shall be based upon USTDA funding criteria, which are that the Project(s) must:

a) Be likely to receive implementation financing;

b) Have a procurement process that provides “equal access” to U.S. companies;

c) Represent an opportunity for sales of U.S. goods and services that is many times greater than the initial investment of USTDA assistance;

d) Be a development priority of the Project Sponsor and host country where the Project is located and have the endorsement of the U.S. Embassy in that host country; and

e) Involve U.S. companies that are facing market entry problems and/or strong competition from foreign companies which often receive subsidies and other support from their governments.

To execute this requirement, the DM Contractor shall:

(1) Meet, virtually or in person, with USTDA’s MENA Regional Team to discuss the DM;

(2) Contact and/or meet, virtually or in person, relevant U.S. companies to discuss their interest in ICT projects opportunities in MENA countries, including Egypt, Algeria and Jordan as well as other MENA countries as directed by the MENA Regional Team;

(3) Review individual potential projects in MENA countries as directed by USTDA;

(4) Contact and/or meet, virtually or in person, with prospective grantees and other stakeholders, as directed by the MENA Regional Team;

(5) Optional travel to the MENA Region to develop projects, as directed by USTDA.

Depending on the needs identified by the MENA Regional Team, the selected DM Contractor may travel within the MENA region for up to three (3) separate trips for up to ten (10) business days each in order to identify near-term projects for USTDA funding consideration, conduct in-depth market research, and meet with relevant key stakeholders and interested U.S. private sector companies in the region.

(6) Develop and present a single, one-hour brownbag presentation to USTDA’s staff on one or more mutually agreed upon ICT sector topics;

(7) Evaluation of up to twelve (12) project proposals and preliminary assessment reports;

(8) Review and development of up to nine (9) project activities, including:

[17]

a) Preliminary assessment of project viability;

b) Evaluation of project financing/implementation;

c) Verification of U.S. industry competitiveness;

d) Assessment of foreign competition;

e) Conduct preliminary environmental impact assessment, climate resilience screening, and developmental impact assessment (e.g. identifying the relevant Development Impact Indicators and anticipated outcomes);

f) Analysis of U.S. labor impact;

g) Terms of reference and budget review/development; and

h) Project-specific report; and

(10) Preparation of a Final Report.

For each of the nine (9) activities to be recommended to USTDA, the DM Contractor shall develop a stand-alone Project Report. The requirements for the Project Reports are further detailed in section D.1.7, Reports.

Foreign Language Proficiency

The Offeror shall have at least one (1) employee proficient (i.e. speaking and reading) in French at the advanced professional proficiency level (Level 4) (as defined by the U.S. Department of State) (i.e., for speaking: able to use the language fluently and accurately on all levels; and for reading:

nearly native ability to read and understand extremely difficult or abstract prose) The Offeror may satisfy these requirements through the use of interpreters with appropriate experience in ICT projects development. Proficiency in Arabic of one or more employees is desirable, but not required.

D.1.4. CLIMATE RESILIENCE SCREENING

Per Executive Order (EO) 13677, USTDA is required to consider climate resilience in its international development work. The Agency has determined that in order to be compliant with the EO, climate resilience screenings must be conducted at the project scoping stage for all feasibility studies (FS) and technical assistance (TA) activities. Accordingly, the DM Contractor shall conduct a climate resilience screening utilizing the guidance provided in Attachment VII.

D.1.5. PROJECT PROFILE

The ICT sector across the MENA-EE region presents considerable opportunities for U.S.

companies to provide services and equipment related to a wide range of ICT sub-sectors such as connectivity, satellite communications, data centers and cloud computing, Smart Cities, and cybersecurity. Digitization and ICT infrastructure upgrades have become increasingly important throughout the region in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Several countries in the region are planning to deploy fifth generation networks, commonly referred to as “5G,” in the next few years or to upgrade to 3G or 4G networks in preparation for the eventual deployment of 5G technology.

[18]

Connectivity

Globally, there has been significant growth in mobile phone usage and internet connectivity, which has driven growth in the ICT sector. Banks, governments, and other institutions have seized upon the opportunities presented by mobile penetration into remote areas, developing applications that use cellular networks to extend their services. Internet usage has increased across the MENA-EE region in recent years.

In MENA, for example, the percentage of the population using the internet has surpassed

55% in both Algeria and Egypt as of 2017. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the MENA region has seen a surge in demand for broadband and data services that have resulted in congestion and a decline in service quality; and slow, expensive connections have prevented a substantial portion of the population from accessing the Internet. Along with the private sector, governments and financial institutions in the region serve as an increasingly connected pool of constituents and clients that are looking to ICT solutions to expand available services and improve internal systems and business processes. Similarly, in Eastern Europe, rates of internet penetration have grown in recent years, with countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine reporting internet penetration of 64%, 63%, and 57% respectively.

Countries across the MENA-EE region with advanced ICT markets are laying the groundwork to deploy 5G networks either through standalone projects or by building upon existing 3G and 4G networks as they transition. Countries with less advanced markets are focused on deploying 3G and 4G networks that will eventually lead to 5G. For countries that are not yet prepared to deploy 5G technology, USTDA is well-positioned to support development of 3G and 4G networks that will lay the groundwork for eventual 5G deployment. The arrival of 5G technology will revolutionize the way governments, companies, and individuals communicate and transmit data. 5G technology and its associated download speeds will not only greatly enhance the capabilities of mobile cellular devices but will enable the simultaneous use of many more Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices than is currently possible. In addition, 5G networks are expected to transform a number of sectors, including the energy, transportation, and healthcare sectors. U.S. companies are currently engaged in the rollout of 5G technologies and could benefit from USTDA support.

In the Europe and Eurasia region specifically, USTDA support for 5G projects would complement U.S. government strategic initiatives that promote the deployment of secure and reliable 5G infrastructure. USTDA support for 5G activities in the Balkan countries would also align with a strong interagency effort to promote regional policy harmonization and greater digital connectivity in the region. Overall, the 5G sector represents a key opportunity for USTDA to lend critical support to U.S. industry on the global stage as well as to existing U.S.

policy goals across the MENA-EE region.

Satellite Communications

The satellite subsector is experiencing a period of profound innovation that could cement satellites as a key fixture in the ICT sector going forward. Satellite communications can support bridging the digital divide in rural areas across the region, where other types of

[19] technology are less effective. There is an opportunity for USTDA to support the U.S. satellite industry’s expansion through the growing prevalence of small communication satellites that are deployed in low-Earth orbit. The industry has seen a sharp increase in the development of small satellites (roughly 500 kg or less), which are cheaper to produce and easier to deploy. These small satellites are positioned in groups in low-Earth orbit (the first 100 to 200 miles of space above the planet). The proximity to Earth results in a significant decrease in latency, one of the largest problems posed by satellite communications in the past.

Data Centers and Cloud Computing

Data centers are increasingly faced with the challenge of managing, storing, and protecting escalating…