DRAFT Scope of Work - Compass - 72051424R00002.pdf

72051424R00002 – Compass Activity DRAFT - Statement of Work (SOW)

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Activity is to provide USAID/Colombia with technical and advisory services related to the monitoring, evaluation, and learning of USAID/Colombia’s strategy and activities.

This includes providing monitoring support services; designing, implementing and disseminating evaluations and assessments; providing data management and visualization services; and developing collaborating, learning and adapting and knowledge management initiatives. These efforts will inform the Mission’s strategy, learning, programmatic designs, decision-making, and adaptation, and will enable USAID/Colombia to comply with USAID’s Evaluation Policy and USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) 201.

C.2. BACKGROUND

C.2.1. Colombia Context

Colombia is not a typical aid recipient, and USAID’s commitment stems from the instability and strife associated with the country’s more than 50 years of civil conflict. Colombia’s status as a steadily growing middle-income country masks severe inequities. In reality, there are two Colombias: the dynamic and sophisticated Colombia represented by urban centers such as Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin that have vibrant economies and important public and private investments; and the poor, institutionally weak, conflict-ridden rural Colombia. While it is true that Colombia’s economy has grown, and that foreign direct investment has increased over time–for example, it increased 57.8% between 2021 and 20221 - the benefits of sustained economic growth have been unequally distributed. Large parts of the country still remain beyond the authority of the State and have not benefited from the broader success of the Colombian economy. As a consequence of protracted historical neglect, these ungoverned, largely rural areas suffer from unacceptably high poverty rates, low basic human development indicators, insecurity, and a lack of sustainable, licit economic opportunities. The grievances surrounding these issues drive conflict, so it is important to address them to help transition the country to a durable peace and advance its development objectives.

This context has become more complicated in recent years, particularly in the wake of the Peace Accord signed with the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016. Coca cultivation has risen–according to the latest Integrated Illicit Crops Monitoring System (Sistema Integrado de Monitoreo de Cultivos Ilícitos, or SIMCI, in Spanish) report, hectares of coca increased by 32% between 2019 and 2021, reaching an historical high of 204,258 hectares2 --as illegal armed groups have come into the void left by the FARC to take control of territory and the narcotics trade, and to exert control over communities through violence.

The Colombian government’s ambitious commitments made under the Peace Accord have been highly politicized, and the government’s slow pace and resource constraints are limiting factors for successful accord implementation. As of 2021, the GOC had implemented 48 percent of the

1 Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Tourism. Foreign Direct Investment report. December 2022.

2 Integrated Illicit Crops Monitoring System - SIMCI

Peace Accord. The chapter on rural reform has made the least progress (17%).3 Moreover, as the State has been slow to implement the accord, particularly in historically conflict-affected areas, communities continue to face violence, marginalization, deforestation, and engage in illicit economies for lack of viable, legal alternatives. Between 2019 and 2021, the number of municipalities with illegal groups increased by 29% (reaching a total of 509).4

In August 2022, Gustavo Petro became Colombia’s president. He has an ambitious plan to strengthen the Peace Accord, expand peace through negotiations with other illegal groups, and improve the State’s response to development needs in historically conflict-affected areas. He is also designing a new strategy for addressing illegal economies, inclusion, and climate change.

USAID’s development strategy largely aligns with the Petro Administration’s priorities.

C.2.2. USAID/Colombia Programs

The goal of the 2020-2025 CDCS is “a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Colombia through inclusive governance and equitable growth.” USAID/Colombia intends to fulfill this goal through three Development Objectives (DOs): (1) More Cohesive and Inclusive Society Resilient to Conflict; (2) Strengthen Governance to Meet Citizen Needs and Increase Citizen Confidence in the State; (3) Promote Equitable and Environmentally Sustainable Economic Growth; and one Special Objective (SO): Stability in Areas Impacted by Immigration from Venezuela.

The following summary of the current CDCS DOs and SO provides context and a brief overall review of the scope and variety of projects and activities developed by USAID/Colombia. These DOs and SO will be the programming base on which evaluation activities must be carried out by the Contractor. It is also worth noting that the Mission will be designing a new CDCS during the course of the contract and once that comes into effect, the Contractor will be governed by its DO/SOs.

DO1: A More Cohesive and Inclusive Society Resilient to Conflict

This DO focuses on building social cohesion and resilience to violence, both of which are precursors for a functional and peaceful democracy. Improving the inclusiveness of society, which improves equality, and its cohesiveness, which improves security, are both critical to reduce violence. Also, strengthening Colombia’s peacebuilding mechanisms that address its violent past will help society move forward peacefully. Peacebuilding mechanisms that must be strengthened or advanced include reconciliation, reintegration, truth-telling, and psychosocial support processes. The Mission will engage key stakeholders to reach more people with its peacebuilding efforts. Colombian “society” includes all people living within Colombia, including non-Colombian migrants.

DO2: Strengthen Governance to Meet Citizen Needs and Increase Citizen Confidence in the State

A core objective of the 2016 Peace Accord was to increase state presence in rural, conflict-affected areas. Without a functional, trusted state presence, armed groups can exercise territorial control and illicit economies flourish. Improved and responsive governance remains

3 Kroc Institute’s Assessment of peace accord implementation, Colombia Barometer Initiative.

4 SIMCI (2019 - 2021), Indepaz (2019 - II Sem) and IDEAM (2019 - 2021) data essential for Colombia’s journey to self-reliance. Moreover, citizens and communities must participate actively in governance processes to ensure the government is accountable for delivering services that respond to citizen needs. These services include health, justice, education, security, human rights protections, and natural resource sustainability.

DO3: Promote Equitable and Environmentally Sustainable Economic Growth

The lack of clear land rights and economic opportunities in rural, conflict-affected areas contribute to the expansion of illicit economies. Hence, eliminating illicit activities - such as coca cultivation, illegal mining, land grabbing, and illegal logging - and associated levels of violence requires generating new livelihood opportunities for the country’s susceptible populations. It also requires making licit economies more competitive and guaranteeing the rule of law, individuals’ physical security, and access to finance. Activities under this DO will, therefore, support and develop licit livelihoods and licit economies, formalize land, and connect isolated conflict zones with licit markets. Replacing illegal economies and livelihoods with viable legal alternatives will address a foundational barrier to Colombia’s transition to self-reliance. The DO will also protect the environment by increasing economic incentives for citizens to manage natural resources and conserve the environment and by promoting environmental markets and eco-friendly businesses.

SO4: Stability in Areas Impacted by Immigration from Venezuela

The Colombian Government is facing a crisis caused by the influx of Venezuelans into Colombia.

Approximately 2.5 million Venezuelans are living in Colombia, after fleeing the economic collapse and political crisis in their home country.5 Venezuelans have settled throughout the country, including in areas where formerly displaced Colombians are also returning. As a result, these receptor communities are facing unprecedented challenges in socially and economically integrating these migrants and returnees. Moreover, government systems related to health, justice, and education services are becoming overburdened. Some of these burdens, and perceived government “handouts” to migrants, build resentment among certain receptor community members, contributing to increased xenophobia toward migrants. The Special Objective accounts for receptor community needs and perspectives in its programming. If not addressed more strategically, this migrant crisis has the potential to disrupt Colombia’s delicate peace process. That said, many migrants bring skills and professions that can benefit Colombian communities. If these attributes are mobilized towards broader community gains, Venezuelan migration has the potential to catalyze local development.

CDCS Cross-cutting Themes

There are six cross-cutting themes that work towards the CDCS goal and four DOs and SO:

private sector engagement, digital connectivity, climate change and environment, gender and youth, inclusion of ethnic communities, and localization/local ownership. All of these are detailed in the CDCS.

5 “Hard Times in a Safe Haven: Protecting Venezuelan Migrants in Colombia.” Reliefweb Latin America Report No.94. 9 August 2022. Internet:

https://reliefweb.int/report/colombia/hard-times-safe-haven-protecting-venezuelan-migrants-colombia-latin-america-report-ndeg94-9-august-

During the Biden administration, demand has increased for Mission programming on sustainable environmental development, including to protect biodiversity and sustainable landscapes; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and promote clean energies, protect indigenous rights, increase private sector engagement, among others. Hence, the CDCS’ implementation will adapt to these prioritized needs.

In particular, given the strong emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation, USAID Colombia is becoming a climate mission by integrating climate across sectors, acknowledging that there is an utmost need for the entire set of programs and activities to achieve solid results to transition to green economies, and is simultaneously advancing adaptation and mitigation policies, practices, and incentives.

In addition, Private Sector Engagement (PSE) is a strategic approach to planning and programming through which USAID consults, strategizes, aligns, collaborates, and implements with the private sector for greater scale, sustainability, and effectiveness of development or humanitarian outcomes. According to the USAID PSE policy launched in 2018, the Private Sector (PS) is an embedded stakeholder in driving development outcomes and promoting local sustainable capacities. USAID/Colombia recognizes the key role the PS has in addressing the country’s development challenges and as such, envisions working with private sector actors across the portfolio.

C.3. TECHNICAL SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

The Contractor must provide all necessary services and operations support to meet the purpose of the Activity. During the Activity’s implementation, the Contractor will comply with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) requirements and policy of USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS) 201, 205, 308; the Agency’s Evaluation Policy; the Agency Knowledge Management Policy. The contractor should also follow the guidance, resources, tools and resources offered by USAID Bureau for Planning, Learning, and Resource Management in the Learning LAB; specific USAID/Colombia MEL Misson Orders, standardized procedure, tools, and resources. USAID/Colombia may also provide documents specific to certain sectors or initiatives that are relevant to some MEL services requested.

The Contractor will be responsible for:

• Providing continuous support to address the USAID/Colombia’s monitoring, evaluation, collaboration, learning, adaptation, and data management and visualization services, which are aimed to contribute to the Mission’s accountability of its Strategy and Activities, and improve its organizational effectiveness and development outcomes.

• Recruiting qualified short term and long-term staff and experts that will provide all the MEL services requested under this contract with high quality standards.

• Providing general technical and management oversight and administration, as well as the quality control required for all services to be provided under this contract.

The services provided will be under the components below.

https://my.usaid.gov/PLR

C.3.1. Component I - Monitoring Support

The Contractor must provide context and performance monitoring support services to inform the design and implementation of USAID/Colombia strategies and activities and inform efforts to manage adaptively, promote accountability, make well-informed decisions based on evidence, and facilitate compliance with ADS 201.

Monitoring Support tasks:

Tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support the monitoring plan construction of the next USAID/Colombia CDCS Performance Management Plan (PMP).

• Support the selection, construction, adaptation and reporting of USAID/Colombia current and next PMP, strategic6, and cross-cutting performance and context indicators.

• Support the creation and review of Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRS) as well as Context Indicator Reference Sheets (CIRS) of PMP, strategic, and cross-cutting monitoring and context indicators.

• Support the Mission in the Data Quality Compliance of its performance monitoring. This task will entail the review and analysis of the quality of data collection procedures and ensuring that the approved definition of indicators is being properly understood and applied.

• Support annual or periodic reporting requirements like the Performance Plan and Report (PPR), reporting during portfolio reviews, and the CDCS mid-course stock-taking.

• Prepare clear dissemination products showing PMP, strategic and cross-cutting monitoring and context indicators results and other qualitative strategic performance, to USAID and relevant stakeholders, using formats as appropriate (pagers, infographics, dashboards, paper, web-based, GEO PDF, story maps, ArGIS, etc.).

• Support USAID/Colombia in the implementation and monitoring of the indicators related to the new climate strategy and other USAID strategic priorities as they arise.

• Support the building of Mission’s and Monitoring capacities by developing products and services such as guides, templates, and trainings for Mission´s staff and implementing partners.

• Provide technical assistance to Mission staff and Implementing Partners on innovative and/or context-appropriate monitoring approaches such as complexity-aware methods.

C.3.2. Component II - Evaluations

The Contractor is required to conduct evaluations of USAID/Colombia programming, according to USAID Evaluation Policy and ADS 201 evaluation principles, standards, and requirements.

Both performance and impact evaluations are required; and may be mid-term; final or ex-post evaluations; or developmental evaluations. Baselines for some of the evaluations will also be

6 Example of strategic indicators are 1) the Basket of Targets is a set of indicators from the Mission’s Performance Management Plan (PMP) that measure the CDCS’ highest-profile themes against their respective targets; 2) indicators linked to Opportunity Sets, that represent a mid-layer of planning for USAID/Colombia, these documents serve to communicate a finite number of priority development problem sets along with USAID’s approach to responding to them -they strive to be more user-friendly-, shorter, and clearer than PADs; and indicators linked to the Mission’s climate strategy.

required. Programming to be evaluated may include activities, cross-cutting strategies, and specific interventions.

Evaluations should 1) be timely and utilization-focused, reflecting USAID’s data, information, and analysis needs; 2) align with CDCS, leadership, and technical office learning priorities; and 3) include a systems lens and participatory approaches, where appropriate. Evaluations will include: 1) appropriate rigorous and innovative methodologies that take into account USAID’s primary and secondary data and analysis needs; 2) context-sensitive data collection instruments that reflect the varied security environments in which USAID activities operate; 3) a do-no-harm, intersectional and inclusive approach; and 4) tools, strategies, and approaches to gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative evidence. The activity will provide high quality and timely service throughout the process of each evaluation.

Evaluation questions and Scopes of Work (SOWs) will include the technical input and concurrence of USAID, be developed collaboratively between USAID and the Contractor, and must be approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Upon approval of a SOW by the COR, the Contractor will proceed with the implementation of the evaluation, which should follow the evaluation stages in ADS sections 201.3.6.8 through 201.3.6.10. Evaluation design should take into consideration timeline, scale, feasibility, and other practical considerations agreed with the COR. All evaluation designs must be approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) before the Contactor moves from one evaluation stage to the next. Evaluation reports will be approved by the COR. The Contractor will upload the final reports of evaluations in the Agency DEC, according to ADS 508 requirements.

Evaluation tasks:

Tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support the construction of the Evaluation Plan of the next USAID/Colombia CDCS PMP.

• Support the Mission in including evaluation information on planning and following systems such as the Mission’s Evaluation Registry.

• Support USAID-Colombia in the central management and oversight of evaluation activities.

• Support USAID/Colombia staff in drafting evaluation questions and Scope of Works (SOWs), as requested.

• Conduct evaluations in accordance with USAID’s ADS 201 and the Evaluation Policy.

• For all Evaluations provide:

o Evaluation teams that meet the experience, language, technical skills, and education needed for the evaluations required.

o All necessary logistical support, including travel arrangements (with required

USAID clearances), meeting and interview arrangements, computer support, team planning facilitation, and report editing and dissemination.

o Hiring firms for primary data collection, when needed.

• Design evaluations appropriately to address stated evaluation questions, ensuring both qualitative and quantitative evaluation designs and data triangulation.

• Provide deliverables pertaining to each evaluation SOW.

• Support the implementation of evaluation Findings and Conclusions (FC) learning sessions and Recommendations (R) workshops with USAID and the IP of the Activities being evaluated.

• Support USAID/Colombia in the construction and implementation of Evaluations Use and Dissemination plans.

• Support USAID/Colombia in the construction and implementation of Evaluation After Action plans.

• Support USAID/Colombia in the evaluation of the new climate strategy and other strategic priorities that may arise during the period of implementation of this contract.

Support the Mission in producing strategic evaluation products such as summary pagers that synthesis FCRs coming from several USAID/Colombia evaluations on crosscutting strategic programmatic areas.

• Use emerging technology relevant, feasible and pertinent for conducting evaluations and developing strategic evaluation’s products.

• Upload final evaluation reports in the Agency DEC, according to ADS 508 requirements.

USAID/Colombia has identified a preliminary estimate of approximately 50 evaluations of activities, strategies, and interventions to be conducted during the period of performance.

Planned evaluations and the type of evaluation may be defined in the Activity work plan, depending on USAID/Colombia's needs, funding changes, changes in the Mission’s PMP evaluation plan, evaluation agenda, or USAID decisions to perform joint evaluations with other donors.

C.3.3. Component III - Research and Assessments

The Contractor will provide high-quality, timely, and utilization-focused research and assessments. Assessments may be forward-looking and examine the relevance, feasibility, and potential sustainability of an intervention, strategy, or an activity, prior to its implementation.

Assessments may also be undertaken to increase understanding of, and knowledge about, a specific subject area and it is used to inform strategies, activities, and interventions.

Examples of assessments are political economy analysis; sectorial economic assessments, needs assessments, regional case studies, thematic context assessments, cost-benefit analyses & cost-efficiency analyses; stakeholder analysis; private sector landscapes; and situational analysis.

The Contractor will provide on-demand analytical products different from assessments. These are products with a shorter time frame and scope than assessments, such as literature reviews, rapid tailored performance, situational and context appraisals.

The contractor will provide assessments and on-demand analytical products that will support the Mission’s learning Agenda and on-demand strategic learning needs to meet higher-level outcomes and gauge effectiveness across sectoral strategies and other issues relevant to USAID.

Assessments and on-demand analytical products will: 1) reflect USAID’s evidence and analysis needs complementary and different from monitoring and evaluation; 2) be aligned with CDCS, leadership and technical office and cross-cutting learning priorities; and 3) include a systems lens, collaboration, and participatory approaches, where appropriate.

Like evaluations, assessment and research SOWs will include: 1) appropriately rigorous and innovative methodologies that take into account USAID’s primary and secondary data, and analysis needs; 2) context-sensitive data collection instruments that reflect the varied security environments in which USAID activities operate; 3) a do-no-harm, intersectional, and inclusive approach; and 4) tools, strategies, and approaches to gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative evidence. The activity will also provide high quality and timely service throughout the process of each assessment.

Assessments and on-demand analytical products will be defined with and have technical concurrence of assigned USAID Colombia Points of Contact and approved by the COR.

Research and Assessment Tasks:

Tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support USAID/Colombia in central management and oversight of assessments and analytic products.

• Conduct assessments and on-demand analytical products to inform the new CDCS development and adaptation, inform new activities designs, and adapt the implementation of active programing.

• Conduct assessments and on-demand analytical products that support Mission’s Strategic learning needs, e.g. the new climate and localization strategies.

• Support USAID/Colombia in drafting assessments and on-demand analytical products objectives, questions, and SOWs, as requested.

• For all assessments requested provide o Assessment teams that meet the experience, language, technical skills, and education needed for the evaluations required.

o All necessary logistical support, including travel arrangements (with required

USAID clearances), meeting and interview arrangements, computer support, team planning facilitation, and report editing and dissemination.

o Hiring of firms for primary data collection, when needed.

• Design assessments appropriately to address stated assessment questions, ensuring both qualitative and quantitative evaluation designs and data triangulation.

• Provide deliverables pertaining to each assessment SOW which includes: 1) the work plan and design; 2) data and information collection; 3) analysis; 4) findings, conclusions, and recommendations, including early and final presentations and reports; and 5) use and dissemination plans and their implementation.

• Deliver assessment presentations and reports with early evaluation results, as requested.

• Support the implementation of evaluation Findings and Conclusions and Recommendations (FCTR) sessions with USAID and key stakeholders.

• Support USAID/Colombia in the use and dissemination of assessments.

Support the Mission in producing strategic assessment products such as summary pagers that synthesis FCRs coming from several USAID/Colombia assessments and crosscutting strategic programmatic areas.

• Use emerging technologies when relevant, feasible and pertinent for conducting assessments and strategic assessment products.

• Upload the final assessment reports in the Agency DEC, according to ADS 508 requirements.

• Link the assessments and analytics products developed to the Mission’s MEL systems.

C.3.4. Component IV - Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) and Knowledge Management Initiatives

Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) is a set of systematic and intentional practices that help USAID Missions improve organizational and development outcomes. Knowledge Management (KM) is defined as generating, organizing, sharing, and using knowledge to create value or support decision making in context. The objective of CLA and KM is to help the Mission increase its planning and decision-making effectiveness by leveraging synergies and rapidly adapting to changing contexts and lessons learned. USAID/Colombia is highly committed to apply CLA adaptive leadership and data-driven practices in its programming and its organizational operations, and to harness its cumulative knowledge, learn from it, and apply those lessons to its work to achieve better results.

The Contractor must develop and implement CLA services that promote and strengthen collaboration, learning and adaptation in the Mission’s Program Cycle and that support the enhancement of the enabling condition on how the Mission and USADC/Colombia Implementing Partners (IPs) culture, business processes, and resource allocation support CLA integration. The Contractor will also develop and implement KM initiatives that support the Mission in the implementation of the USAID KM policy to contribute to its organizational learning efficiently.

The Contractor will promote the engagement of the Mission’s Staff, Mission’s Activities Implementing Partners (IPs) and other stakeholders and actors engaged in similar development activities in the CLA and KM initiatives under this component.

The Contractor will promote the integration of CLA and KM initiatives to all the Contract MEL services provided.

The Contractor will use assertive, effective, and strategic communication and outreach as a central tool for the accomplishment of the CLA services developed under this component.

CLA and KM tasks:

Anticipated tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support the Mission in the development of CLA and KM self-assessments.

• Support the Mission’s in the development, follow on, monitoring of Mission’s CLA and KM and PMP learning strategies and plans and the Mission’s learning agenda.

• Support and facilitate the CLA and KM related to all the evidence and knowledge produced.

• Facilitate the development and support the implementation of learning plans for designs.

• Facilitate the construction and follow-on of Adaptation and Evaluation Action Plans

• Support and facilitate de construction and implementation of evaluations and assessments use and disseminations plans.

• Support ongoing CLA activities such as CLA Friday Learning Sessions, MEL, and other Mission’s Communities of Practice.

• Support Mission staff in aligning policies, practices and processes with lessons learned, best practices and success stories.

• Design, facilitate and/or support periodic and on-demand learning events such as after-action reviews, portfolio revies, conferences, workshops, presentations, and partner meetings, for the Mission to reflect on and improve processes, programming, and progress.

• Identify, design, facilitate, and/or support strategic collaboration opportunities, including workshops and/or conferences, to convene USAID staff, implementing partners, and/or local stakeholders to discuss challenges, share best practices, and foster collaboration on specific topics related to USAID’s areas of intervention and strategies.

• Support building Mission’s and IPs CLA and KM capacities by developing products and services such as CLA guides, templates, trainings, capacity assessments and on-demand technical assistance for Mission staff and IPs.

• Support the Mission to effectively generate, store, organize, and share knowledge and apply it to Mission programs and operations.

• Support the Mission in systematically leveraging the knowledge of staff and partners to inform activities and achieve better development outcomes.

• Develop and implement a communication and outreach strategy for the Contract MELA and CLA services provided.

C.3.5. Component V - Data Management and Visualization Services

The Contractor will be responsible for the design, implementation and staffing of a comprehensive Data Unit (DU) that will support the data governance, management and visualization needs of the Mission.

The Data support provided under this DU will leverage and use USAID/Colombia’s data reporting and management systems and tools which includes (a) the Mission’s Management Information Systems (MIS)7; (b) and other Mission’s tools such as the Context Data Hub and dashboards and visualization instruments that enable the Mission to report and visualize its geographical presence, context and performance easily and quickly.

The Contractor will provide data governance and management services to USAID/Colombia. For this service provision, the Contractor is required to become knowledgeable and comply with internal policies including: (a) USAID Development Data policy ADS 579, (b) USAID’s Data Lifecycle - see figure below -, (c) Geographic Data Collection and Submission Standards ADS- 579maa, (d) Protecting Sensitive Information Prior to Publication of USAID Foreign Assistance Data ADS-579sab, and (d) Activity Location Data Waiver Action Memorandum ADS-579sac. The

7 MIS includes” Monitor” -the current system used by the Mission which is a repository of information on sub-activities, indicators, and environmental compliance information-; the USAID Development Information Solutions (DIS), and any other future monitoring system that the Mission may implement and use.

Contractor will need to be abreast of other current and future updates or releases that may impact the data lifecycle and data governance under this contract.

Figure 01. USAID Data Lifecycle

Through this component, the Contractor must also provide Geographic Information System (GIS) services related to the Mission Strategic learning and accountability needs as requested, and support and strengthen USAID/Colombia’s GIS mapping and analysis capacities to inform adaptation from evidence.

Data management and visualization tasks:

Anticipated tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Create and operate a Data Unit that will provide the management, governance and visualization services requested by the Mission.

• Develop and/or implement a data management system to support the Mission’s MEL needs related to data collection, storage, processing, analysis, reporting and learning.

• Ensure the security, quality and confidentiality of all data collected and managed under the contract.

• Develop and implement data quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy, timeliness and reliability of all data collected and reported.

• Provide technical assistance to USAID and Contractor Staffon data-related matters, including data analysis, visualization, and reporting.

• Develop, maintain, and implement data visualization tools to facilitate the dissemination of findings and results to stakeholders.

• Provide training and capacity-building activities on all aspects of the data lifecycle to Mission’s staff and Implementing Partners and other stakeholders as needed.

• Provide on-demand GIS services to attend Mission’s visualization MEL needs.

• Provide technical assistance to identify and create advanced use of data systems like, but not limited to, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

• Work with Mission staff to create and standardize methods and tools to extract, clean, and process relevant data from the Monitor system, or any other system used during the period of implementation of this contract.

• Develop data cleaning procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the geospatial data, with readable and shareables formats. This includes all the phases of the Data Lifecycle to transform geo-data into up-to-date knowledge. Also develop data cleaning procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the MIS data, monitoring and evaluation data, and contextual data.

• Integrate the MIS data, monitoring and evaluation, contextual data, and geospatial data into the overall data management system as well as other reports and analyses requested by the Mission, and the USAID/Colombia Context Data Hub, as relevant.

• Work with the Mission, Implementing Partners, and external stakeholders to identify, collect, clean, organize and disseminate geographical data that facilitate the collaboration, learning and adaptation of USAID/Colombia.

• Work with the Mission and Implementing Partners to elicit and suggest updates to the Monitor system to collect the necessary data to track progress and inform decision-making.

• Work with the Mission and Implementing Partners to design and implement an evaluation system and/or procedures that collect the necessary data to assess program and strategy effectiveness and impact.

• Work with Mission and other external stakeholders to identify and collect the necessary contextual data to inform program implementation and decision-making.

C.4. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The implementation of the Activity must incorporate the general organizing principles outlined below. As a whole, these principles must guide the Contractor’s overall implementation and all relevant sub-activities.

C.4.1. Geographic Flexibility

The Contractor and its subcontractors must conduct field visits, develop CLA regional events, and collect quantitative and qualitative data for evaluations and assessments, in regions where USAID/Colombia develops and implements its activities to fulfill the specific tasks required.

C.4.2. Gender and Social Inclusion

The Activity must incorporate gender and social inclusion considerations and identify any differential impacts and recommendations affecting women and marginalized populations under the components described in previous subsections. Wherever possible, analysis must examine desegregation by sex, age, ethnicity, gender-identity, ability, and conditions of marginalization.

The Contractor must ensure that all USAID policies and strategies, including the Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy and its operationalization under ADS 205, and USAID’s Youth in Development Policy are applied during implementation of the Activity. All data for indicators using beneficiaries as a unit of measure must be disaggregated by gender and age, at a minimum. The Contractor is encouraged to propose alternative, additional, or revised gender-related and other inclusion-related evaluation or research questions, as applicable, in order to measure USAID’s outcomes and impact related to gender and social inclusion issues. ADS https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-200/205

205.3.8.2 and ADS 205.3.8.3 provide further information on integration of gender and social inclusion under evaluation and learning objectives, respectively.

C.4.3. Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Considerations

The technical approach under this contract will integrate Afro-Colombian and Indigenous considerations into the design and implementation of the components mentioned in the previous subsections. Assessment and evaluation results, and monitoring indicators will be, where feasible, disaggregated by ethnicity to highlight discrepancies and recommend corrective actions as appropriate.

The Contractor must incorporate a differentiated approach in the analysis of the MEL services provided to better identify unique development challenges and opportunities presented by partnering with ethnic groups; identify unintended impacts of USAID actions; mitigate the risk of doing harm to these populations; highlight their contribution to development; and to help identify pros and cons of independent activities versus cross-sectoral programming. The Contractor must comply with any USAID policies and strategies related to Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities.

C.4.4. Climate Change and Environment Considerations

The Activity must comply with and support USAID’s 2022–2030 Climate Strategy, which guides the whole-of-Agency approach to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, help partner countries build resilience to climate change, and improve operations. The Contractor must identify and implement efforts to promote and monitor the strategy through the different MEL components under this contract.

The technical approach under this contract will incorporate an environmental integration and climate change lens and priorities in CLA activities, evaluation and assessment questions, monitoring, and data management, as appropriate. This approach will provide the Mission with evidence on progress and gaps in the achievement of results related to the climate change strategy, the Mission’s commitments to environmental and climate change integration, and Colombia’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

C.4.5. Local Organizations

To support sustainable local MEL development and leverage local expertise, the Contractor is encouraged to create partnerships with local or regional organizations located in Colombia. As part of working with local partners, the Contractor must use in-country and regional knowledge and expertise when available and relevant. To the greatest extent possible, evaluation and assessment teams must include local specialists with relevant expertise, as required in each SOW. The Contractor will be responsible for organizing and working with local experts, and to the extent possible, the Contractor will implement a capacity building approach that will prepare local actors to implement monitoring, evaluation and learning in accordance with USAID standards and requirements. For example, the Contractor should implement actions and practices to build the capacity of local MEL actors to understand and comply with USAID standards, regulations, and requirements related to the scope of this contract.

C.4.6. Coordination with the Government of Colombia (GOC) and Other Stakeholders

The Contractor will work closely with USAID to ensure that the GOC, in particular the Agencia Presidencial de Cooperación Internacional de Colombia (APC) and other stakeholders (including civil society, the private sector, and other donors), are kept apprised of USAID’s efforts and results and that, to the greatest extent possible, initiatives will be coordinated with others’ efforts so as to enhance impact, leverage resources, and increase sustainability.

The Contractor must work with, and is encouraged to partner with, GOC statistical agencies by tapping into their services and information, such as survey design, field survey data collection, data tabulation and analysis, as well as to expand the scope (geographic and/or specific subjects) of official surveys or censuses to collect needed information for the evaluation of USAID/Colombia interventions.

The Contractor must work with local, regional, and national stakeholders to determine appropriate ways to include their interests and informational needs when conducting contracted services. The COR must be copied on any direct communication with GOC entities.

C.4.7. Coordination with other Implementing Partners of USAID/Colombia Activities

The Contractor must engage all technical and support offices of USAID/Colombia, implementing partners and other stakeholders, as relevant. The COR must be included on all correspondence with or engagement with other USAID/Colombia staff and stakeholders.

As relevant, USAID/Colombia will also identify opportunities for regional integration of activities and coordinate meetings with the implementers to ensure close coordination, facilitate integration and avoid duplication of efforts.

C.4.8. Coordination with USAID/Washington

The Contractor must comply with all requirements stated in the USAID Evaluation Policy and coordinate with the USAID/Washington staff when requested to do so by USAID/Colombia.

C.4.9. Security Strategy

Security remains a key concern for USAID/Colombia partners operating in conflict-affected regions, particularly given the expanded focus on rural areas. While the security landscape is currently complex, it is likely to become even more complex in a post-accord scenario where different illegal actors are likely to vie for power while state actors also try to expand their presence. Security conditions and territorial stability can fluctuate over time; therefore, it is required for the Contractor to develop a security strategy which carves in flexibility in order to be able to respond efficiently. The security strategy must have a “Security for Development” approach with a security risk mitigation plan and information systems to support the Activity implementation. Prior to commencing work in Colombia, the Contractor must ensure that it has adequate procedures in place to advise its employees of situations or changed conditions that could adversely affect their security. The contractor is also expected to cooperate with the new USAID Security Awareness Training Project.

C.5. SUPPLEMENTAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

In addition to the activities described above, upon contract award and in accordance with Section B.2 of this contract, the Contractor must respond to Mission MEL needs related to the achievement of the objectives set forth in the contract Statement of Work using the supplemental Technical Assistance ordered by the CO in accordance with Section F.9.

The Contractor must rapidly respond to additional needs of USAID/Colombia using supplemental Technical Assistance ordered by the CO under a Request for Task Order Proposal (RFTOP). Supplemental technical assistance is intended primarily to respond to emerging, unanticipated priorities regarding monitoring, evaluation, and learning, in accordance with Section C.

Supplemental technical assistance may be required in any of the subject areas covered by the contract. Activities may include technical assistance, training, logistics support, preparation of reports, monitoring, planning, analysis, and assessments; as well as promoting dialogue between stakeholders and partners.

[END OF SECTION C]