BISM RFP No. 72029423R00006.pdf

DATE ISSUED: June 10, 2023

QUESTIONS DEADLINE: June 23, 2023

CLOSING DATE: July 17, 2023

CLOSING TIME: 16:00 local Tel Aviv Time

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals No. 72029423R00006

Basic Infrastructure Support Mechanism (BISM) – Construction Services

ATTENTION PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals from qualified local organizations to provide construction services for projects throughout the West

Bank and Gaza as further described in Section C of this Request for Proposal (RFP). USAID anticipates the award of a single holder Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ).

The authorized geographic code is 937.

Prime Offerors under this RFP must be able to meet the Eligibility Requirements in Section L.7.B.V of this RFP. It is a requirement of this RFP that all Offerors be local1 West Bank and Gaza entities that are not owned or controlled by a government entity.

It is required that the Partner Information Form (PIF), Attachment No. J-9 to this RFP, be completed and submitted with the RFP. Guidance on the appropriate individuals to include in the

PIF can be found in Mission Order 21 (Attachment J-1 to this RFP), Section V.C. Per Mission Order

No. 21. An eligible vetting result is required in order to receive an award.

Joint Ventures may respond under this RFP. However, proof of the registered Joint Venture as a local entity as well its registration and classification in the PCU are required at the time of

1 Per ADS 302 local entity means an individual, a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or another body of persons that--

(1) is legally organized under the laws of; (2) has as its principal place of business or operations in; and (3) either is-

(A) majority owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of; or

(B) managed by a governing body the majority of whom are citizens or lawful permanent residents of; a country receiving assistance from funds appropriated under title III of this Act.

(c) For purposes of this section, `majority owned' and ̀ managed by' include, without limitation, beneficiary interests and the power, either directly or indirectly, whether exercised or exercisable, to control the election, appointment, or tenure of the organization's managers or a majority of the organization's governing body by any means.”

RFP # 72029423R00006

Basic Infrastructure Support Mechanism (BISM) submittal of the proposal. In the absence of proof of a current registration, the proposal will not be considered for award.

USAID anticipates that the maximum aggregate ordering limitation for contracts resulting from this RFP will be $58 Million over the 5-year ordering period. The maximum aggregate dollar value of task orders awarded to all contractors cannot exceed this contract ceiling. There is no guarantee on the number of task orders that the successful contractor will receive or the amount of money beyond the minimum order guarantee set forth in the RFP.

Please refer to Section L for information regarding proposal requirements. Offerors should take into account the expected delivery time required by the proposal transmission method they choose, and they are responsible for ensuring proposals are received at USAID by the due date and time as specified in Section L. Failure to comply with the submission date will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated. Faxed proposals are not acceptable, nor will they be reviewed or evaluated.

Section L of the RFP sets forth all instructions for the preparation and submission of required proposal contents, including critical dates/times for the submission of questions, and the proposal submission closing date and time. Section M states the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of the contract will not be binding.

This RFP 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. Award of a Contract under this

RFP is subject to availability of funds and other internal USAID approvals.

This RFP can be viewed and downloaded from wwws.sam.gov. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. Further, be aware that amendments to solicitations are occasionally issued and will be posted on the same website from which you downloaded the solicitation. USAID advises to regularly check the above website for amendments.

Thank you for your interest.

Sincerely, /s/

Daniel Harter

Contracting Officer

USAID/West Bank and Gaza http://www.sam.gov/

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide services that fall within the Scope of Work (SOW) specified in Section C hereunder for the Basic Infrastructure Support Mechanism (BISM). USAID West Bank and Gaza Task Order Contracting Officers (TOCOs) will request the work through the issuance of Task Orders during the ordering period as specified in Section F of the contract.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a single-holder Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. The Government will issue Task Orders that are one or more of the following: Firm Fixed Unit Price (FFUP), Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) (term or completion) or any Fixed-Priced type.

B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

The basic contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $25,000 to cover the minimum order guarantee that USAID is required to order and the Contractor is required to furnish the minimum order amount of services.

There is no guarantee on the number of Task Orders that the successful contractor will receive or the amount of money beyond the minimum order guarantee set forth in the contract.

Following this initial obligation, individual Task Orders will obligate funds to cover the work required under that Task Order.

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

This is a single award IDIQ Contract with an overall ceiling price of $58 million for the BISM. The maximum aggregate dollar value of all Task Orders awarded may not exceed the contract ceiling.

B.5 FIXED FEE CEILING (Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Task Orders Only)

NOTE: The ceiling on fixed fee does not apply to Fixed-Priced Task Orders.

(a) For each cost-reimbursement Task Order issued under this IDIQ, the TOCO and Contractor agree to negotiate a set dollar amount for a fixed fee. In negotiating the fixed dollar amount for fee, the TOCO must consider the policies and factors for establishing fee in FAR 15.404-4 as well as any applicable USAID policy on establishing a fixed fee amount. In no event, however, may the amount of fixed fee in any individual Task Order exceed % percent of the Task Order’s estimated cost, excluding fee).

The fixed fee ceiling applies to the prime contract and all cost reimbursement subcontracts.

(b) The Total Estimated Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee for each Task Order must be negotiated in accordance with the terms of this contract.

(c) Fixed Fee Payment. For any Task Order issued under this Contract, at the time of each payment of allowable costs to the Contractor, the USAID paying office ordinarily pays the Contractor a percentage of fixed fees that directly corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. Two exceptions to paying fixed fee in this manner apply:

1. If the TOCO determines that this method results in paying a disproportionately higher ratio of fixed fee than the percentage of work that the Contractor has completed, then the TOCO may suspend further payment of any fixed fee until the Contractor has made sufficient progress to justify further payment, up to the percentage of fixed fee that corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs approved by the TOCO.

2. Because the clauses entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment” (FAR 52.216-7) and “Fixed

Fee” (FAR 52.216-8) are incorporated into this Contract, the terms and conditions of these clauses apply after total payments of fixed fee reach eighty-five percent (85%) of the total fixed fee.

B.6 LABOR

(Only applicable to cost reimbursement type Task Orders)

(a) Central management costs will be handled through the following method:

The Contractor will be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs as specified in a Task Order issued to the Contractor.

(b) The work day and work week policies and method of accounting for paid absences, including holidays for the Contractor, is set forth in Attachment J.8.

Compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation (July 2007).

B.6 (a) Burdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR)

1. The Task Order rates must not exceed the ceiling daily rates set forth in the table below.

Each CDR for personnel listed below is “burdened” and must include salary costs or consulting rates of the individual providing the services including the following, if applicable:

● Payroll costs (benefits, allowances, etc.);

● Indirect Costs applicable to labor; and

● Profit or fee, if any.

The CDRs set forth below are fixed for the contract period and are for a productive eight (8) hour day, and apply to all subcontractors set forth in clause 52.244-2 in Section I (if any). If a new subcontractor is proposed for a specific Task Order on other than a fixed-price basis, the CDRs set forth below will apply, and the subcontract is subject to consent by the TOCO in accordance with FAR Part 44.

Actual salaries for all personnel will be negotiated under Task Orders and final approval is provided by the TOCO. The ceiling rates presented below do not constitute approval of final salary rates above the Contractor Salary Threshold (CST) (see ADS 302).

2. The single burdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category below represents the senior and mid level, unless noted otherwise. If mid or junior level personnel are required under Task Orders, they must be proposed at rates below the burdened ceiling rate.

Labor Category Groupings

Year 1

Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

1 Task Order Manager – Senior Level $ $ $ $ $

2 Quality Control Manager – Senior Level $ $ $ $ $

3 Safety and Environmental Compliance Officer

Senior Level $ $ $ $ $

Mid Level $ $ $ $ $

4 Project Engineer $ $ $ $ $

Senior Level $ $ $ $ $

Mid Level $ $ $ $ $

5 Project Control Specialist $ $ $ $ $

Senior Level $ $ $ $ $

Mid Level $ $ $ $ $

6 Architect $ $ $ $ $

Senior Level $ $ $ $ $

Mid Level $ $ $ $ $

7 Mechanical Engineer $ $ $ $ $

Mid Level $ $ $ $ $

8 Electrical Engineer $ $ $ $ $

Senior Level $ $ $ $ $

Mid Level $ $ $ $ $

9 Structural Engineer $ $ $ $ $

Senior Level $ $ $ $ $

Mid Level $ $ $ $ $

10 Compliance Officer $ $ $ $ $

Mid Level $ $ $ $ $

[Note 1: The Burdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to any cost reimbursement type Task Order(s) that are awarded under this contract.]

[Note 2: The Burdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to all labor (the prime contractor, subcontractor, and consultant salaries).

[Note 3: All CCN personnel must be paid in accordance with AIDAR 722.170.

Salaries for individual locally-hired personnel under this contract and resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation (July 2007), and should be based upon a combination of factors including the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and consideration of the individual’s education and work experience.

Unless otherwise authorized by USAID, the compensation for CCN labor must not exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and must be paid in the currency of the cooperating country.

[Note 4: The Burdened Ceiling Daily Rates above do not apply to Fixed-priced Task Orders.]

(3) Definition of labor categories:

1. Task Order Manager (TOM):

The Task Order Manager (TOM) reports to the IDIQ Program Director. The Task Order Manager is responsible for overseeing the overall execution and management of a specific task order and has the primary responsibility of managing and supervising the daily activities at each construction site to ensure that works are implemented in full compliance with the contract documents, and that the construction methods are in compliance with the pre-approved quality and safety standards. The TOM’s responsibility might extend to several projects issued under one single task order. Specifically, the TOM is:

● In charge of developing and implementing project plans, scope, schedules, and budgets for the assigned task order.

● Responsible for managing, directing, and distributing the workload among his task order’s designated team members and to oversee the work of field staff to ensure efficiency of work procedures.

● Responsible for monitoring and controlling project progress, including tracking milestones, deliverables, and expenditures.

● Expected to work closely with the Quality Control Manager to identify any quality issue and ensure that proper corrective actions are taken, ensuring compliance with contract requirements, regulations, and quality standards, managing and resolving any issues or conflicts that may arise during the course of the task order, managing subcontractors and ensuring their performance aligns with project objectives, and developing and reviewing project documentation, including change orders, and invoices.

● Expected to coordinate with various stakeholders, including, CMC, USAID representatives, subcontractors, vendors, property owners, and other utility services to ensure project requirements are met. In addition, providing regular status updates and reports to project stakeholders.

● Responsible for setting up task order files to ensure that all project information is appropriately documented and secured.

2. Quality Control Manager (QCM)

The Quality Control manager must report directly to the IDIQ Program Director, and not to the

Task Order Manager. Lines of authority shall clearly demonstrate this in the Contractor’s organizational breakdown structure. Specifically, the QCM primary responsibility is to:

● Ensure that all activities meet the quality standards specified in the contract, conducting regular inspections to verify compliance with quality standards, specifications, and codes, and identifying and quality-related issues or deficiencies and recommending corrective and preventive actions.

● Develop and implement a quality control plan for the construction project, conducting regular inspections to verify compliance with quality standards, specifications, and codes, and documentation requirements are fulfilled. Develop and review the submittals for materials and equipment, drawings, and methods, and coordinate for laboratory tests, and conduct quality control meetings and prepare reports on quality performance.

● Implement and maintain a document control system to track and manage construction documents and records. provide training and guidance to project team members regarding quality control procedures and coordinate with other project stakeholders and CMC to address quality-related concerns and improve processes.

3. Safety and Environmental Compliance Officer

The Safety and Environmental Officer’s (SECO) primary responsibility is to ensure that construction activities are implemented safely and in accordance with OSHA requirements and the local rules and regulations. To successfully implement his responsibilities, the SECO must be familiar with a series of relevant codes and requirements including, but not limited to OSHA, Ma’ataz, and the Civil Defense. Specifically, the SECO will be responsible for:

● Develop, implementing, and enforcing adherence to environmental regulations and standards that reduce the risk of accidents.

● Determining what policies are needed and for keeping policies up to date, meeting the latest standards, and establishing new ones from time to time as more and newer risks are discovered. He/She is expected to conduct safety and environmental trainings and toolbox meetings for other staff among the Construction Contractor and subcontractors, and to promote a culture of safety and environmental awareness among project personnel

● Developing and implementing the safety plan and traffic management plans and to conduct regular safety inspections to identify potential hazards and recommending solutions and ways to prevent them from reoccurring, investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.

● Expected to develop and maintain emergency response plans and procedures. The SECO is also in charge of inspecting site conditions to determine if hazards are present and to establish procedures and policies to overcome those hazardous situations.

4. Project Engineer

The Project Engineer (PE) is responsible for managing the activities at a part of the construction site. The PE reports to the TOM. The Project Engineer is required to ensure that works at his/her designated site are progressing as planned and in accordance with the pre-approved quality and safety standards. Specifically, the PE will:

● Coordinate with the CMC team and ensure that the project is constructed according to the approved design.

● Review and follow the construction plans, drawings, and specifications, and will manage and coordinate site activities, including the work of subcontractors and suppliers. The

Project Engineer will conduct regular inspections with the CMC to ensure compliance with construction standards and specifications.

● Provide technical guidance and support to construction contractor team members and will prepare and maintain project documentation.

5. Project Control Specialist

The primary responsibility of the Project Control Specialist (PCS) is to develop and maintain the project schedule, support overall project control activities, and monitor the project’s cost and timeliness, and report any issues to the TOM. Specifically, the PCS:

● Will develop and update the project baseline schedule, including defining activities, sequencing, durations, and resource requirements. He/she will analyze project actual progress against the schedule, identifying deviations and recommending corrective actions. In addition, will utilize project management software and tools to facilitate scheduling and project control activities.

● Is responsible for preparing the required project data and indicators and will send them to the CMC to enter all data into USAID Development Information System (DIS) and will update the data periodically.

● Will work with the contractor team to prepare monthly progress reports, change orders, progress payments, and other reports required by USAID.

6. Architect

The Architect will report to the TOM and will be required to prepare architectural shop drawings and plans that comply with building codes and regulations. S/he will collaborate with the other engineers and other professionals to integrate structural, mechanical, and electrical systems into the drawings. Specifically, the Architect will:

● Will develop construction submittals and materials and will ensure compliance with the design.

● Will coordinate with the CMC to conduct site inspections and monitor construction activities to ensure adherence to the contract requirements.

● May also be required to create designs for new, alterations and redevelopments of vertical public buildings that best fit the surrounding environment.

● Manage changes to the design and coordinate with the CMC and project team to incorporate modifications.

7. Mechanical Engineer

The Mechanical Engineer (ME) will report to the TOM. S/he will be required to prepare the mechanical shop drawings and submittals related to mechanical systems and equipment that are meeting the project requirements. Specifically, the ME will:

● Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, and other professionals during the shop drawings preparation.

● Coordinate with the CMC to conduct site inspections to ensure proper installation and functioning of mechanical equipment and systems.

● Participate in commissioning and testing of mechanical systems and will provide technical guidance and support to the construction team regarding mechanical systems.

8. Electrical Engineer

The Electrical Engineer (EE) will report to the Task Order Manager. S/he will be required to develop electrical shop drawings for all types of electrical works including, instrumentation, communication, lighting, fire alarm and firefighting systems for different types of infrastructure projects including public vertical structures, and renewable energy. Specifically, the EE will:

● Will coordinate with architects, structural engineers, and other professionals during the preparation of the electrical shop drawings.

● Will prepare submittals related to electrical systems and equipment and to ensure compliance with the technical specifications and applicable standards. The Electrical

Engineer will also participate in commissioning and testing of electrical systems and will provide technical guidance and support to the construction team regarding electrical systems.

● May be required to design solar photovoltaic systems in compliance with the applicable codes and standards. S/he will ensure that the various elements of the designs contribute to sustainable, user-friendly projects that best fit the local prevailing conditions and constraints.

9. Structural Engineer

The Structural Engineer (SE) will report to the TOM. The Structural Engineer is required to develop shop drawings for the structural elements of the infrastructure projects including foundations, structural systems, and other structures in accordance with project requirements and applicable codes and as described in the Scope Works of this IDIQ. Specifically, the SE will:

● Coordinate with architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, and other professionals to integrate structural elements during the preparation of shop drawings.

● Provide technical guidance and support to the construction team regarding structural aspects and will assist in the resolution of construction-related structural issues and in providing recommendations for remedial actions.

● Required to coordinate with the CMC and conduct site inspections to ensure compliance with design and structural requirements.

● In coordination with other engineers, as appreciated, may be required to design structural elements for certain infrastructure activities.

10. Compliance Officer:

The Compliance Officer’s primary duty is to ensure that USAID/WBG Mission Order No. 21 vetting practices and procedures are fully implemented by the Contractor’s organization.

Specifically, the CO will:

● Ensure that the construction contractor, its subconsultants, and vendors all understand and comply with all relevant laws, regulations, contractual requirements, and the terms and conditions of the IDIQ and any resultant Task Order.

● Oversee and inspect the construction contractor’s systems to ensure that they comply with all USAID contractual terms and conditions, develop and implement a compliance program for the construction project.

● Develop and deliver compliance training programs to project team members and subcontractors, investigate and report any compliance violations or incidents, and develop and maintain documentation and records related to compliance activities.

B.6(b) Minimum Qualifications

In order to perform the statement of work set forth in Section C, the Contractor must provide personnel that meet the minimum education and experience requirements set forth below.

These minimum qualifications for mid-level and senior personnel correspond to the Burdened

Ceiling Daily Rates.

The following descriptions are the minimum desired qualifications for the junior-, mid-, and senior-levels for each labor category:

(a) Junior-Level: 3-5 years experience in a field related to the labor category. Minimum of a BA/BS from an accredited university, or equivalent in a field related to the labor category, as appropriate, is required.

(b) Mid-Level: 6-11 years experience in a field related to the labor category. A BA/BS degree from an accredited university, or equivalent is required. Registration/certification commensurate with the position, as applicable.

(c) Senior-Level: 12 or more years experience in a field related to the labor category.

BA/BS degree from an accredited university, or equivalent is required, and Master’s degree is preferable (equivalent degrees are acceptable). Registration/certification commensurate with the position, as applicable. Managerial and/or supervisory experience is preferred, commensurate with the position.

* Language fluency, relevant regional experience, and international development experience requirements will be specified in individual task orders.

** Local engineers must be registered with the Engineers Association, and the highest degree obtained should be related to work being performed.

*** Experience should be related to the work being performed.

**** Relevant Work Experience is required for the levels indicated.

B.6(c) Subcontractor Rates:

The CDRs of the subcontractor must not exceed the prime’s CDRs in the IDIQ contract.

[End of Section B]

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of the Basic Infrastructure Support Mechanism (BISM) is to obtain the services of a qualified local construction contractor to address the infrastructure needs of USAID-funded programs in health, democracy and governance, education, youth, water, and economic growth sectors in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Activities must comply with the Taylor Force Act (TFA), which prohibits USAID/West Bank and Gaza from providing assistance that directly benefits the Palestinian Authority (PA), including providing infrastructure that a PA ministry or other PA body is responsible for operating and/or maintaining and directly increasing tax revenue going to the PA.

Potential deliverables include:

● Construction and rehabilitation of private schools.

● Construction and rehabilitation of independent local or community infrastructure.

● Construction and rehabilitation of private youth and sports facilities.

● Installation of independent municipal or private small- and utility-scale photovoltaic systems

● Construction and rehabilitation of private health clinics and hospitals.

● Construction and rehabilitation of independent municipal water distribution, storage, conveyance and pumping systems.

● Construction and rehabilitation of municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems, including reuse schemes.

● Construction and rehabilitation of independent municipal solid waste management facilities.

● Other infrastructure activities identified by USAID, consistent with the TFA.

● Procurement, storage and hand-over of construction and other materials and equipment.

● Design and implementation of operations and maintenance programs.

All work under the IDIQ contract must be authorized in the form of Task Orders.

C.2 BACKGROUND

USAID is an essential element of the U.S. Government's support for the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. Since 1994, the U.S. has provided more than $5.8 billion in assistance to enable the

Palestinians to unleash their economic potential, improve public services and the quality of education, and build a more stable and democratic system of governance. Between 2021-2024, USAID intends to provide over $500 million in programming to support the Palestinian people.

The Mission will work in a range of sectors, including economic growth, democracy and governance, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure, health, and women and youth empowerment.

Interventions in the health sector will focus on implementing President Biden’s initiative to support the East Jerusalem Hospital Network, which encompasses key health service providers for Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. USAID also intends to construct and rehabilitate several Youth Development and Resource Centers (YDRCs) and sports facilities to support a diverse range of youth programming designed to empower youth and help them realize their leadership potential. In addition, USAID will focus on infrastructure investments in local communities where the state of infrastructure impacts quality of life and economic growth opportunities.

Water security challenges are on the rise in the West Bank and Gaza (WBG), threatening human health, the environment, and food security, undermining economic growth efforts, and sparking political and social conflict. Water security challenges in the WBG are attributed, in addition to the complex hydropolitical context, to inadequate water demand management, poor wastewater management, unreliable and degraded water infrastructure, and the absence of wastewater management infrastructure. Climate change is also expected to exacerbate WBG's water security challenges, with climate models for the Eastern Mediterranean region predicting a three to five degrees Celsius mean temperature increase and 10-50 percent annual rainfall reductions by mid-century. Interventions under this Project will focus on strengthening water demand management to improve service quality and increase access to safely managed drinking water service, improve access to safely managed sanitation, and expand access to non-conventional, climate-resilient water resources (primarily treated wastewater) for irrigation.

Underinvestment in the solid waste sector in WBG has resulted in reliance on unsanitary dumps, illegally abandoned solid waste, or burning of solid waste, endangering public health and the environment. Interventions to improve the quality of solid waste management services may be undertaken under this Project and may address one or more aspects of solid waste management, including collection, treatment, recycling, and disposal of solid waste.

USAID will prioritize activities that have the most benefit to the Palestinian people. All activities must comply with legislative and policy restrictions, including those on supporting the Palestinian Authority (PA) and de facto government in Gaza.

C.2.1 Linkages to USAID/WBG Strategic Framework and Intermediate Results

The proposed activity aligns with USAID/WBG’s new Strategic Framework, Development

Objective (DO) 1 “Broad Based Economic Development Enabled.” It supports both Intermediate Result (IR) 1.1 “Improved Business and Agricultural Environment” and IR. 1.2 ” Increased Access to Local and Export Markets” by providing the underlying infrastructure needs that supports economic growth and development. The activity also contributes to DO 2 “Livelihoods and Human Development Advanced” and specifically IR 2.1 “Increased access to basic needs” and IR

2.3 “Increased Opportunities for Youth and Women in Social and Economic Development” by enhancing capacities in the health sector to provide better services to Palestinians and by improving access to youth and educational facilities. The activity also seeks to support DO 3 “Effective and Inclusive Governance Enhanced,” by providing the required infrastructure necessary to improve the life of citizens. The activity also contributes to the Agency’s Localization Policy by increasing the number of direct contracts with Local Contractors.

C.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

The Contractor will provide USAID with a full range of multidisciplinary small- and medium-sized construction services. The cost of each construction activity is anticipated to range from $150,000 to $3,000,000 but in some instances, may exceed or fall below this range based on

USAID requirements. Construction services may include new vertical and underground infrastructure, the design and rehabilitation of vertical structures, and the procurement and installation of systems and equipment. Non-construction activities may include the design and implementation of operations and maintenance programs for the construction activities issued under this contract.

Task Orders must be prepared, designed, and issued by USAID with the support of USAID’s A&E contractor in coordination with the relevant implementing partner(s) and stakeholders.

However, the Contractor may be requested to provide design-build services. Task Orders must be issued by the Contracting Officer and implementation authorized under a separate notice.

Potential types of construction and engineering services per sector include the following:

Education and Youth

● Construction, expansion, and rehabilitation of private youth development resource centers and sports facilities.

● Construction, expansion, and rehabilitation of non-governmental schools, kindergartens, and technical and vocational education and training centers.

● Construction of steel structures for outdoor playgrounds in non-governmental kindergartens and schools.

Health

● Construction, expansion, and rehabilitation of non-governmental health clinics and hospitals.

Water and Wastewater

● Construction, expansion and rehabilitation of water supply, networks, storage, conveyance, and pumping systems including all associated civil, mechanical, and electrical works for independent municipalities and/or where otherwise consistent with the Taylor Force Act (TFA). This includes the replacement of old deteriorated and leaking pipelines, upgrade of water meters and provision of prepayment metering systems, and the installation of smart technology that improves service delivery operational efficiency and transparency while reducing water losses, such as pressure transmitters, sensors, electromagnetic flowmeters, and ultrasonic flow meters.

● Upgrade or expansion of water infrastructure in select buildings such as private schools, hospitals/clinics, youth development resource centers, municipal buildings, Community- Based Organization (CBO) and Civil Society Organization (CSO) buildings, and private clinics or hospitals.

● Construction, expansion and rehabilitation of wastewater collection systems and specific components of independent municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants, reuse schemes/facilities, and related infrastructure, where consistent with the TFA.

Local/Community and Civil Society

● Construction and rehabilitation of independent municipal or community infrastructure, including citizen service centers, libraries, and other community facilities.

● Rehabilitation of CBO and CSO facilities.

● Other infrastructure activities identified by USAID/West Bank and Gaza to further its development objectives, consistent with the TFA.

Transportation

● Construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of independent municipality traffic management systems such as commercial border crossing points infrastructure for trade facilitation, roundabouts, sidewalks, drainage systems, and street lighting, and/or other local municipality traffic management infrastructure for the benefit of the Palestinian people and the private entities and non-governmental organizations which support them, and consistent with the TFA. Projects must not engage in revenue generation activities in the transportation sector unless 100 percent of the revenue generated is retained by the municipality.

Energy Infrastructure

● Procurement and installation of private rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems or PV systems for water/wastewater infrastructure to reduce operational costs.

● Procurement and construction of private small-scale and utility-scale solar PV systems.

● Upgrade and installment of power lines and transmission and distribution systems supporting the Palestinian people, private entities and non-governmental organizations, consistent with the TFA.

● Installment of smart meters to reduce commercial and physical losses.

Engineering and Other Required Services:

● Design-Build services in any of the sectors contemplated in this Statement of Work.

● Design and implementation of operations and maintenance programs across all the above sectors.

● Procurement, storage and hand-over of construction and other materials, equipment, and furniture.

● Planning, rapid response, and infrastructure recovery services for emergencies, including equipment and infrastructure failures.

● Submission of required plans, reports and deliverables.

● Coordination with all relevant parties, including USAID, the A&E Contractor, relevant program implementing partners, contractors, and stakeholders, and relevant Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

● Securing of required permits and approvals from the appropriate Israeli and Palestinian authorities, utility owners, and other pertinent entities.

Large-scale infrastructure activities are not allowed under the contract, such as:

● Large-scale power generation and transmission infrastructure.

● Large-scale wastewater treatment plant facilities.

● Large scale water transmission pipelines and water pumping stations.

● Large scale main roads.

● Other large-scale, complex, high-risk infrastructure facilities and/or infrastructure.

Work must be defined in the Task Order contract documents and comprise the permanent works (facilities and systems) to be constructed and commissioned, the operation and maintenance requirements (if required), and procurement and installation of equipment and materials (if required).

C.4 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS:

Designs, drawings and specifications must be provided by USAID and included in the respective Task Order. However, some Task Orders must require the Contractor to develop the design, drawing, and specifications (design-build).

C.5 BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT MECHANISM IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE

The BISM Contractor will perform work under this contract through the issuance of Task Orders. As the sole financing entity under the BISM program, USAID is the “Owner” or alternately, “Contracting Agency”, therefore USAID retains all the approval rights specified in each Task Order. Upon completion of construction and any operation and maintenance requirements, the construction works will be formally handed over by USAID to the appropriate entity or beneficiary. The Contractor must provide USAID a full range of construction and design-build services consistent with the requirements of this contract, as further described in Section C.6 below.

Except for Design-Build Task Orders, USAID’s third-party A&E Contractor will provide design, engineering support, and construction management services for each Task Order on behalf of USAID. The A&E Contractor holds a direct contract with USAID separate from the BISM contract. The A&E Contractor must perform these services in accordance with the construction Task Order’s terms and conditions and represent the interests of USAID during the construction implementation as defined in the A&E firm’s contract with USAID.

The intent and role of the A&E Contractor in implementing construction management activities must not be to direct or instruct the Contractor in any of its activities, nor to provide Quality

Control (QC) services to the Contractor. The A&E Contractor is not authorized to alter and/or waive any provisions of the Contract, stop work, or issue instructions contrary to the terms and conditions of the Contract. Construction management services of the A&E firm includes the following; however, USAID reserves the right change the responsibilities at its discretion:

1. Oversee the Contractor’s operation and report all non-conformance issues to the Contractor and USAID and provide recommendations to rectify the issue(s) to

USAID.

2. Review, accept, reject, or return back for correction, construction schemes, means, methods or concepts proposed by the Contractor.

3. Review, accept, reject, or return back for correction Contractor QA/QC procedures, reports and implementation.

4. Handover all construction sites and related benchmarks to the contractor upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

5. Perform oversight of Contractor’s construction activities on-site as well as off-site activities as deemed required or necessary.

6. Review the Contractor’s proposed CPM-based work schedules or any revisions and provide recommendations to USAID for approval of the baseline schedule.

7. Provide technical analysis for issues that potentially affect work implementation, contract duration, and/or contract quality.

8. Assess the adequacy of materials, resources and labor furnished/provided by the Contractor, and verify in relation to the proposed rate of progress.

9. Advise USAID on Contractor’s Progress Payments. Confirm and approve quantities of completed and accepted work and materials billed under each interim and final payment.

10. Provide progress reports to USAID.

11. Review, accept, reject, or return back for correction of all construction submittals.

12. Monitor implementation of Contractor’s safety and health plan.

13. Verify that the Contractor takes reasonable actions and measures to protect life, environment and property.

14. Prepare and submit responses to requests for information (RFI).

15. Prepare and issue Notice of Non-Conformance (NNC) to the Contractor in chronological order with accompanying photo documentation with a copy to USAID TOCOR. Provide technical analysis and review of all solutions presented by the Contractor to address each NNC issue. Verify that each NNC is closed and signed off on NNC form/document.

16. Recommend Change Orders and assist USAID with the development of Change Orders and Contract Modifications.

17. Conduct off-site visits to verify Contractor material storage, Contractor/Subcontractor testing labs, and off-site QA/QC inspections as required in accordance with accepted submittals.

18. Host periodic construction meetings, and additional meetings if needed, to resolve issues impacting quality, cost, and schedule.

19. Promptly examine and prepare recommendations regarding construction contractor requests/ claims for extensions of time, payment for additional work and other similar matters.

20. Review and oversee the Systems Operation and Maintenance, if required under the construction contract.

21. Confirm to USAID that all works have been completed and recommend a date for the Final Walkthrough. Upon Completion of the Contract, assist in the preparation of the Certificate of Final Acceptance jointly with USAID and the Contractor.

C.6 TASK ORDERS AND BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT MECHANISM CONTRACTOR’S

RESPONSIBILITY

The Contractor is responsible to USAID for the efficient, successful, and timely implementation of all Task Orders in accordance with respective statements of work, designs, plans, specifications, budgets, schedules, quality, and performance standards.

The Contractor is also responsible for regulatory and contract compliance, operations and logistics, permits and approvals required from and by Palestinian and/or Israeli authorities to enable implementation, safety, security coordination, and project utility relocation requirements in adherence to the priorities and schedules established by USAID and the relevant entities and stakeholders. More information is provided in Section C.7, “REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO THE BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT MECHANISM TASK

ORDERS” on logistics and other support services that are necessary for implementation.

The Contractor must ensure the provision of all required personnel, equipment, materials, systems, software, supplies and facilities and the means and methods required to plan, manage, supervise, coordinate, implement, inspect, report, construct, make or authorize payment, and expedite the completion of all Task Order requirements in an efficient, timely, and acceptable manner.

Design-Build services are expected to be utilized for certain construction projects under this contract. If a Design-Build Task Order is issued, the A&E Contractor must develop a preliminary design and must oversee final design and construction. The Contractor must be responsible for the final design. Exact requirements will be outlined in Task Orders issued under this contract.

The development and refinement of shop drawings under the respective Task Order will be the sole and absolute responsibility of the construction Contractor.

In the performance of Task Orders, the Contractor must lead, manage, and supervise all aspects of Task Order performance to ensure the successful construction of the permanent works (facilities and systems); the quality provision of operation and maintenance services for the systems and facilities to be constructed (if specified in the respective Task Order contract), including training services; and, the complementary provision of services and materials in the West Bank and Gaza at USAID’s discretion.

Additionally, the Contractor must ensure: the quality and consistency of all deliverables and all work self-performed or implemented through sub-contractors; that Task Order contract durations and budgets are not exceeded; and that quality specifications and standards are met.

The Contractor must ensure that construction projects are implemented according to the requisite environment, health and safety, and construction standards, regardless of team composition and subcontractor mix.

When furnished, the Contractor must utilize USAID’s design drawings and specification to develop detailed shop drawings, work plans and schedules, safety plans, traffic management plans and Construction Risk Management Plans. The Contractor must retain full responsibility for the quality, timeliness, and consistency of Task Order performance and deliverables in close and effective coordination with all relevant other parties, including USAID, the A&E Contractor, relevant program implementing partners, contractors, and other stakeholders to include relevant Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

Effective contingency planning is a critical factor of successful performance in the West Bank and Gaza. The Contractor must utilize its expertise to mitigate the risks including, but not limited to, the following:

● Competing resource and scheduling requirements across projects and Task Orders (both in terms of local labor and equipment);

● Dispersed geographic distribution of concurrent Task Orders across different regions of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza; and,

● Implementation and coordination challenges with the Israeli Civil Administration and the Palestinian Authority on issues including existing utilities, archeological finds, land ownership issues, checkpoint closures, sporadic curfews, restricted goods entries, and other similar issues.

Subcontracting with other local contractors is encouraged. However, it is prohibited for the Contractor to act solely as a pass-through (i.e., the "middle-man") without contributing any value.

The Contractor is expected to invest in its own success by sourcing the required expertise and additional equipment to strengthen and augment, as necessary, available labor and equipment resources. The Contractor must arrange the timely import of needed equipment, and to provide additional resources required to overcome any lack of local resource capacity.

On occasion, the Contractor may be notified in respective Task Orders that the A&E Contractor has been tasked by USAID to procure long-lead materials and equipment in advance. In such instances, and upon notice of Task Order award, the Contractor must coordinate directly with the A&E Contractor in order to take timely possession of the advance procured equipment and/or materials from the A&E Contractor.

C.6.1 INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS OF NOTE

The Contractor must primarily work in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. While there are overlapping needs in the three areas, each has unique needs, and the work environment in the three locations differs.

a. Vertical Structures: Health, Education, Youth, Local Governance, Civil Society and Private Sector Development Infrastructure

BISM must address the underlying infrastructure needs across USAID/WBG’s development sectors by coordinating with different technical offices within USAID to meet their infrastructure needs. Infrastructure typically includes, but must not be limited to, vertical structures such as private hospitals, youth and women centers, private schools and kindergartens, private health clinics, municipal and local infrastructure, civil society organization facilities, sports centers, citizen service centers, libraries, and other community centers and facilities.

b. Water Supply Infrastructure

Interventions will improve the distribution of available water under the purview of local service providers through the construction and rehabilitation of booster stations and reservoirs. Moreover, and to address the gap between the supply and demand, the Contractor may develop additional water supply by increasing the operational capacity of existing water facilities. The Contractor may also upgrade or expand water infrastructure in private hospitals, local institutions, private schools, and other facilities.

c. Wastewater Treatment and Reuse, and Solid Waste Infrastructure

To address the needs in this sector, the Contractor may construct, rehabilitate and/or expand wastewater collection and specific components of Wastewater Treatment Plants, reuse schemes/facilities, and related infrastructure under the purview of local service providers. In addition, the Contractor may be tasked to implement construction activities related to reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture and improving agricultural water resource management. The infrastructure work may also include the commissioning and start-up of the wastewater treatment plants, as well as the operation and maintenance for periods specified in respective Task Orders.

Solid waste infrastructure will include construction and rehabilitation of transfer stations and other infrastructure related to solid waste management and disposal facilities.

d. Transport Infrastructure and related utilities

The Contractor may construct and rehabilitate traffic management infrastructure, such as commercial border crossing points for trade facilitation, crosswalks, traffic lights and/or other transportation infrastructure, consistent with the TFA.