(DRAFT) USAID Bangladesh RFP No.72038825R00005 for USAID’s Wildlife Conservation Activity.pdf

DRAFT

Issue Date : XXXXXX xx , XXXX RFP Ques�ons Due: XXXXXX xx, XXXX , 8:00 am Dhaka �me Proposal Submission Due Date: XXXXX xx, XXXX, 4:30 pm Dhaka �me

SUBJECT: USAID/Bangladesh Request for Proposals (RFP) No.72038825R00005 USAID’s Wildlife Conserva�on Ac�vity

Dear Prospec�ve Offerors:

The United States Agency for Interna�onal Development (USAID) in Bangladesh is seeking proposals from qualified organiza�ons interested in providing the services as described in this solicita�on. USAID invites all interested and responsible organiza�ons to submit offers in accordance with the requirements of this solicita�on.

USAID an�cipates the award of a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee, Comple�on type Contract for a five (5) year period of performance as a result of this RFP. USAID an�cipates that the total es�mated cost will be approximately not to exceed $15 million. The North American Industry Classifica�on System (NAICS) code for this solicita�on is 541618. The authorized geographic code for the prime contractor of this procurement is 937.

This procurement will be conducted under full and open compe��on procedures, pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Acquisi�on Regula�on (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1). The compe��on will u�lize a Highest Technical Rated with Fair and Reasonable Price and Realis�c Cost (HTR) process, not a tradeoff process. In this process, USAID is concerned with ge�ng the best technical solu�on that has a fair and reasonable price and realis�c cost. The Government reserves the right to award a contract without discussions or the submission of final proposed revisions, based upon evalua�on of the Offeror’s submi�ed technical and price informa�on. Accordingly, the Offeror’s ini�al offer should contain its best terms for both price and technical proposal. Offerors should retain for their records a complete copy of their proposals for future reference.

Failure to comply with the submission dates and �mes indicated above may result in a submission being deemed unacceptable, as such it will not be reviewed or evaluated. Faxed proposals are not acceptable, nor will they be reviewed or evaluated. Sec�on M states the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated.

Proposals are to be submi�ed to USAID/Bangladesh no later than the closing date and �me stated above, to the email address designated in Sec�on L for receipt of proposals. If the proposal is received a�er the closing date and �me, or if it is incomplete, it will not be accepted nor considered unless authorized by the Contrac�ng Officer pursuant to FAR 15.208.

USAID reserves the right to amend or rescind this solicita�on at any �me. If substan�ve ques�ons are received which affect the response to the solicita�on, or if changes are made to the closing date and �me, as well as other aspects of the RFP, this solicita�on will be amended and amendments to this solicita�on will be issued and posted on the U.S. government website: h�ps://sam.gov/content/home .

This RFP in no way obligates USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any costs incurred in the prepara�on and submission of a proposal. Award of a contract under this RFP is subject to availability of https://sam.gov/content/home

USAID/Bangladesh RFP No.72038825R00005 for USAID’s Wi ldl i fe Conserva�on Ac�vi ty funds and other internal USAID approvals. Furthermore, USAID reserves the right to reject any and/or all offers if such ac�on is considered to be in the best interest of the Government.

All ques�ons, comments, and/or requests for clarifica�ons must be sent in wri�ng to the Administra�ve Contrac�ng Officer, Sharifa Ahmed at sharifaahmed@usaid.gov , and a copy to Contract Specialist, Samssa A. Ali at saali@usaid.gov and Saiful Islam at saislam@usaid.gov no later than the date and �me indicated above.

This RFP can be viewed and downloaded from h�ps://sam.gov/content/home . USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resul�ng from transmission or conversion processes. Further, be aware that amendments to solicita�ons are occasionally issued and will be posted on the same website. USAID advises interested par�es to regularly check the above websites for amendments.

Offerors are encouraged to read the en�re solicita�on, which includes all per�nent technical sec�ons and the terms, condi�ons and instruc�ons required for submi�ng proposals. Any empty fill-in spaces in Sec�ons B through J will be completed by the Contrac�ng Officer before final award.

USAID/Bangladesh is encouraging all the prospec�ve Offerors to reply on the following ques�ons based on the dra� RFP shared:

1. Should USAID allow offerors to propose grant amounts between $2-5M based on their technical approach, rather than maintaining the current $2M plug figure? What advantages and disadvantages do you see in allowing offerors to propose grant amounts between $2-5M versus maintaining the $2M plug figure?

2. Based on your experience recrui�ng for similar projects, what specific RFP requirements or evalua�on criteria would help USAID a�ract key personnel with wildlife and environmental crime field experience?

3. Do you have any recommenda�ons for incorpora�ng post-award co-crea�on ac�vi�es, such as a PWS review workshop or an annual workplan development offsite mee�ng?

4. Are there any necessary clarifica�ons needed for the repor�ng requirements sec�ons? Which repor�ng requirements need addi�onal clarifica�on to ensure contractors can accurately es�mate the level of effort and resources needed?

5. Does Sec�on H.5 (Addi�onal Requirements for Personnel Compensa�on) require any clarifica�on or revision?

6. What improvements are needed for the Sec�on L direc�ons to offerors and Sec�on M evalua�on criteria? How could the direc�ons in Sec�on L and evalua�on criteria in Sec�on M be improved to help offerors be�er demonstrate their capabili�es and approach or to reduce the proposal wri�ng burden?

7. What specific concerns exist regarding the Performance Work Statement and Management approach sec�ons in L and M, and how can these be addressed? How could the Performance Work Statement and Management approach sec�ons be improved to be�er balance programma�c flexibility with clear performance expecta�ons? Please provide specific examples.

8. What aspects of the Statement of Objec�ves require clarifica�on? What clarifica�ons would help offerors propose more effec�ve solu�ons?

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to your par�cipa�on.

Sincerely, Brian Aaron Supervisory Contrac�ng Officer, USAID/Bangladesh mailto:sharifaahmed@usaid.gov mailto:saali@usaid.gov mailto:saislam@usaid.gov https://sam.gov/content/home

INSERT SF 33

TABLE OF CONTENT

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PAGE NO.

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS 5

SECTION C - PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT 8

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING 9

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 12

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 14

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 30

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 61

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS

OF THE OFFEROR 62

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS 81

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 95

ATTACHMENT J.1 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO ) 100

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide technical assistance and services as described in detail in Sec�on C, Performance Work Statement (PWS), for the implementa�on of the USAID’s Wildlife Conserva�on Ac�vity.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND CONTRACT SERVICES

This is a cost-plus-fixed fee (CPFF) comple�on-type, cost reimbursement contract. For the considera�on set forth in the contract, the Contractor shall provide the deliverables or outputs described in Sec�on C and comply with all contract requirements.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

a. The es�mated cost for the performance of work required hereunder is $ 15,000,000 over five years . The fixed fee, if any, is TBD over five years . The es�mated cost-plus fixed fee, if any, is $TBD . Cost must be limited to reasonable, allocable, and allowable costs determined in accordance with Federal Acquisi�on Regula�on (FAR) 52.216-7.

b. Within the es�mated cost-plus fixed fee (if any) specified in paragraph (a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee, if any) for performance hereunder is $TBD at �me of award .

The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

c. Funds obligated are an�cipated to be sufficient for the period of performance from the effec�ve date of the contract through [TBD] . The Contractor shall not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount unless authorized by the Contrac�ng Officer pursuant to the clause of this contract en�tled “Limita�on of Funds” (FAR 52.232- 22). Funding for this contract will be on an incremental basis, subject to the availability of funds.

B.4 CONTRACT BUDGET AND CEILING

Descrip�on Amount (USD) Program Ac�vi�es TBD

Financing Mechanism (i.e. GUCs) $ 2,000,000 Fixed Fee TBD Total Es�mated Cost-(TEC) plus Fixed Fee TBD

Notes:

a. The inclusion of any costs in the above budget does not obviate the requirement for prior approval by the Contrac�ng Officer of cost items designated as requiring prior approval by any of the terms and condi�ons of this contract, including the applicable cost principles (see FAR § 52.216-7, “Allowable Cost and Payment”); nor, does it cons�tute a determina�on of allowability by the Contrac�ng Officer of any item of cost, unless specifically stated elsewhere in this contract.

b. The Contractor must not adjust the above line items without a wri�en modifica�on signed by the Contrac�ng Officer.

c. The Contractor must not bill any amounts against this Contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item without the Contrac�ng Officer’s prior authoriza�on.

d. The Contractor agrees to furnish data that the Contrac�ng Officer may request on costs expended or accrued under this contract.

B.5 INDIRECT COST

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs must be reimbursed on the basis of the following nego�ated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Descrip�on Rate Base Type Period

TBD % 1/ 1/ 1/

1/ Base of Applica�on:

Type of Rate:

Period:

B.6 REIMBURSABLE COSTS

USAID will only reimburse the Contractor for allowable costs in accordance with FAR § 52.216-7, “Allowable Cost and Payment,” FAR § 52.216-8, “Fixed Fee,” FAR § 52.232-20, “Limita�on of Cost,” and FAR § 52-232-22, “Limita�on of Funds,” if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, “Documenta�on for Payment.”

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

For this contract, at the �me of each payment of allowable costs to the Contractor, the USAID paying office ordinarily pays the Contractor a percentage of fixed fee that directly corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. Two excep�ons to paying fixed fee in this manner apply:

(a) If the Contrac�ng Officer (CO) determines that this method results in paying a dispropor�onately higher ra�o of fixed fee than the percentage of work that the Contractor has completed, then the CO may suspend further payment of any fixed fee un�l the Contractor has made sufficient progress to jus�fy further payment, up to the agreed percentage.

(b) Because the clauses en�tled “Allowable Cost of Payment” (FAR 52.216-7) and “Fixed Fee” (FAR 52.216-8) are incorporated into this contract, the terms and condi�ons of these clauses apply a�er total payments of fixed fee reach eighty-five percent (85%) of the total fixed fee.

B.8 MULT-IYEAR CONTRACT CANCELLATION PROCEDURES

USAID considers this Contract non-severable. Therefore, as a mul�-year Contract as defined in FAR § 17.103, it remains subject to the requirements contained in FAR § 17.106.

The Contractor is authorized to be reimbursed for all costs which are allowable in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Costs and Payment.” Therefore, the Contractor is expected not to incur any costs which would have been amor�zed over the life of the contract should the contract be canceled in accordance with FAR 52.217-2. Therefore, the cancella�on cost for each cancella�on date is [TBD – to be filled in at the �me of award].

Cancella�on Date

Total Cost Fixed Fee Total CPFF Cumula�ve

CPFF

Contract Year 2

Contract Year 3

Contract Year 4

Contract Year 5

B.9 ADS 201 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

Due to the somewhat fluid nature of the Bangladeshi development context, USAID/Bangladesh must be able to adapt to changing circumstances on the ground. Adap�ve management will be required from the implementer to maintain, sustain, or expand development gains achieved through ac�vity implementa�on. USAID will manage the Contract on the basis of adap�ve management. The Contractor must an�cipate the need to adapt to changing condi�ons on the ground either of a posi�ve or nega�ve nature to achieve the contract's objec�ves. These objec�ves are defined in Sec�on C.

Adap�ve management is not about changing goals and/or scope during implementa�on, it is about changing the path being used to achieve the goals in response to changes and through con�nuous learning. To do this, USAID intends to review the paths on a periodic basis and request changes thereto based upon progress against milestones and the ac�vity’s learning which can take place through a range of processes and use a variety of sources, such as monitoring data, evalua�on findings, research findings, analyses, lessons from implementa�on, and observa�on. Accordingly, the ac�vity will have technical and budgetary flexibility in implementa�on. Therefore, the contractor will build adequate flexibility into the performance work statement to allow for sufficient adapta�on in response to new data or evidence regarding the efficacy and sustainability of tested interven�ons.

The contractor may need to shi� emphasis between and within components to, but not limited to:

concentrate resources where the opportuni�es to make progress are greatest and/or refine programming in response to knowledge obtained through learning exercises, targets are expected to be nego�ated and modified periodically based upon learning and evidence to ensure that targets are realis�c but aggressive, and/or accommodate small shi�s in poli�cal and social condi�ons on the ground.

Therefore, USAID will work with the contractor to periodically review and —based on experience, progress, and learning—make changes to the work plan and/or modify the PWS of the contract. The contractor must do this in close coordina�on with USAID in developing the work plan and/or the PWS.

[END OF SECTION B]

[THE REMAINDER OF THE SECTION LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY]

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

[To be inserted at �me of award]

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

It is USAID policy that USAID-financed commodi�es and shipping containers, and project construc�on sites and other project loca�ons be suitably marked with the USAID emblem. Shipping containers are also to be marked with the last five digits of the USAID financing document number. As a general rule, marking is not required for raw materials shipped in bulk (such as coal, grain, etc.), or for semi-finished products which are not packaged.

Specific guidance on marking requirements should be obtained prior to procurement of commodi�es to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construc�on sites and other project loca�ons. This guidance will be provided through the contrac�ng officer’s technical representa�ve (COR) indicated on the cover page of this Order, or by the Mission Director in the Coopera�ng Country to which commodi�es are being shipped, or in which the project site is located.

Authority to waive marking requirements is vested with the Regional Assistant Administrators, and with Mission Directors.

A copy of any specific marking instruc�ons or waivers from marking requirements is to be sent to the Contrac�ng Officer; the original should be retained by the contractor.

D.2 COMPLIANCE WITH BRANDING STRATEGY AND BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION & MARKING PLANS

a. The Contractor must comply with the approved Branding Implementa�on Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP).

b. The Contractor must comply with the following Branding Strategy:

Ac�vity Name: USAID’s Wildlife Conserva�on Ac�vity

Posi�oning: The ac�vity will be posi�oned as a partnership between USAID and private enterprises, associa�ons, business service providers, finance providers, and other stakeholders that have cri�cal roles with respect to expanding sustainable aquaculture in Bangladesh.

Visibility: The ac�vity will have high visibility in Bangladesh among its targeted audiences. As such, USAID expects it to be ac�vely publicized and requests pre-produc�on review of all materials that include the USAID logo. All materials must be marked in compliance with the USAID Graphic standards manual at h�ps://www.usaid.gov/branding/gsm .

Acknowledgements: Should a partnership arise between other counterparts, they will be acknowledged as appropriate in all work per USAID’s regula�ons. In any collabora�on with other donors, those donors will be acknowledged per USAID’s regula�ons.

Ac�vity Main Messages: Through the ac�vity’s interven�ons, the USAID's Wildlife Conserva�on Ac�vity will advance the following messages:

https://www.usaid.gov/branding/gsm

● USAID is protec�ng the wildlife of Bangladesh.

● USAID is helping to conserve Bangladesh’s Bengal �gers, Asian Elephants and other species that need protec�on.

● USAID supports and empowers local communi�es and organiza�ons to protect wildlife together with the Government of Bangladesh

● USAID builds local capacity of the government to combat illegal logging and wildlife crime

● USAID is leveraging private sector financing and partnership for wildlife conserva�on in

Bangladesh.

Specific species once finalized post award must be included in main messages as guided by COR. The above messages are general, and the contractor must work closely with COR to develop specific communica�on messages to meet the objec�ves set in USAID's Mul�species Wildlife Conserva�on Ac�vity including the Social Behavior Change and Communica�on Strategy and Ac�on Plan.

When appropriate and in coordina�on with the COR, the ac�vity’s communica�on approach will also highlight the profiles of aquaculture service providers and service recipients par�cipa�ng in the ac�vity.

Ac�vity Audiences: The primary audience for project publicity is the Bangladeshi public, including local communi�es, indigenous people, marginalized popula�ons, LGBTQi community, universi�es (local and interna�onal), private sector companies (local and interna�onal), Bangladesh diaspora, philanthropists, small businesses, conserva�on and environment prac��oners, civil society, policy makers, opinion leaders, the media, youth, and the Government of Bangladesh. The project will engage with the associa�ons, government agencies, business service providers, and private companies for conserva�on finance and market linked livelihood/nature based income genera�ng ac�vi�es.

Materials & Communica�ons Posi�oning: The project will incorporate the message that this “assistance is from the American people” in all oral and wri�en communica�on, in accordance with the ADS 320, the USAID Graphic Standards Manual, and per USAID guidance.

● The Contractor must comply with 2 CFR 700.16, AIDAR 752.7009, and use ADS 320, USAID Graphic Standard Manual, ADS 557 Public Informa�on and ADS 558 Use of Social Media for Public Engagement for guidance.

● Failure to meet branding and marking requirements may be considered noncompliance with the Contract.

D.3 EXCEPTIONS AND WAIVERS TO USAID BRANDING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS

USAID may consider programma�c excep�ons to its requirements for branding and marking, as outlined in ADS 320.3.4.1. Excep�ons are rare, programma�c in nature, and reflect the categories of foreign assistance USAID generally does not want marked. USAID may approve excep�ons post-award when appropriate. Guidance for applying for excep�ons can be found at USAID ADS 320, Branding and Marking. USAID will only grant waivers in rare circumstances, a�er considerable delibera�on and analysis, and will be narrowly targeted in terms of geography, �me, and programma�c applica�on.

Guidance for applying for waivers can be found at USAID ADS Chapter 320, Branding and Marking.

In accordance with ADS 320, only the Contrac�ng Officer has the authority to inform the Contractor of USAID’s decision to approve an excep�on or grant a waiver to the branding and marking requirements.

Only the CO has the authority to inform the Contractor to comply with such excep�ons or waivers. Any branding and marking requirement waiver will be subject to review every six months.

[The following sec�on will be inserted in the resul�ng contract if applicable (based on the Offeror’s approach)]

D.4 BRANDING AND MARKING FOR GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT

The Contractor is responsible for including branding and marking requirements for any subawards or grants under this contract in accordance with 2 CFR 700.16. To ensure the marking requirements “flow down” to grantees, subgrants must include the provision as outlined in 2 CFR 700.16(a)(4), ADS 303, and any applicable standard provisions. As part of the Contractor’s responsibility for managing grants, the Contractor must ensure that all grantees follow the same rules for branding and marking as assistance awards, as described in ADS 320, Branding and Marking, and incorporated herein by reference. USAID reserves the right to require the USAID Iden�ty to be larger and more prominent if it is the majority donor, or to require that a coopera�ng country government's iden�ty be larger and more prominent if circumstances warrant; any such requirement will be on a case-by-case basis depending on the audience, program goals and materials produced. USAID reserves the right to request pre-produc�on review of USAID funded public communica�ons and program materials for compliance with the approved Branding Strategy, Branding Implementa�on Plan, and Marking Plan. USAID reserves the right to require marking with the USAID Iden�ty in the event the grantee does not choose to mark with its own iden�ty or logo.

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

In accordance with FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Sec�on I of this contract, the following contract clauses are hereby incorporated by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. See h�ps://www.acquisi�on.gov/browse/index/far / for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FAR (48 CFR Chapter 1)

52.246-5 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--COST-REIMBURSEMENT APR 1984

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspec�on and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs shall take place at principal place of performance or at any other loca�on where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submi�ed. Unless otherwise stated, the designated Contrac�ng Officer's Representa�ve (COR) has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

E.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

The progress, success and impact of the Contractor’s performance under this contract will be monitored and evaluated as a part of the overall ac�vity results. The QASP is a management process with the intent of encouraging maximum performance, efficiencies, and cost effec�veness by the Contractor and can be modified at any �me by the Government. In conjunc�on with the Monitoring, Evalua�on, and Learning (MEL) plan, the QASP shall be used as a Government monitoring process to enforce the inspec�on and acceptance clauses of the contract. The QASP may require modifica�on and/or updates a�er selec�on for award to reflect the Contractor’s known strengths and weaknesses. Both the MEL Plan and the QASP are “living” monitoring documents that should be discussed, reviewed and updated regularly but no less than on an annual basis. It is based on the premise that the Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for managing and ensuring that quality controls meet the terms of the contract. It is evident that all QASPs are jointly developed, and although the QASP may be dra�ed by the Contractor – it is an aid for the USG to ensure that the performance measures and objec�ves are on track to be achieved.

A dis�nguishing feature of this ac�vity is its reliance on adap�ve management. As noted in Sec�on F, the work planning process will be the key tool for USAID in collabora�on with the Contractor to manage adap�vely. The MEL and QASP will therefore play a key role in informing the work planning process, and the adap�ve changes required to achieve the objec�ves of the contract. The QASP should include processes that ensure that the ra�onale behind adap�ve changes are well-documented and backed by strong evidence. Other Key Components of the MEL Plan and QASP will be:

● Ensuring that financing made available due to the ac�vity’s support has sufficient evidence of https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

“addi�onality.”

● Ensuring that financing made available as part of the ac�vity’s Environmental, Social, and Governance Policy meet the prescribed criteria.

The Government reserves the right to modify performance standards and/or metrics during the life of this contract, in order to ensure that the right outcomes are being assessed and that the performance standards are appropriate. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to follow up with the COR to ensure the QASP monitoring process is implemented and updated.

A variety of mechanisms included but not limited to the following may be u�lized by the Contractor and COR to monitor the progress/success of the ac�vity and the Contractor’s performance:

a. Weekly contract mobiliza�on mee�ngs including minutes (minutes may address issues, ac�onable items, steps to address and solve any issues/ac�ons as well as POCs for each issue/ac�on item) during the first three months of contract implementa�on;

b. Bi-weekly or monthly progress review mee�ngs, including similar protocols as above, with the implementa�on teams;

c. Review and proposed feedback and/or edits, if any, to the Contractor’s scheduled reports (see Sec�on F);

d. Feedback in the form of ac�on memos, emails or other forms of communica�on agreed upon by the par�es from GoB and collabora�ng partners u�lized to inform and improve program performance;

e. Site Visits as needed or directed by USAID personnel organized by the Contractor;

f. Quarterly reviews of work plan with performance milestones and proposed feedback and/or edits, if any, to the Contractor’s work plan and performance milestones incorporated/addressed;

g. Periodic impact and performance evalua�ons as required by the contract and /or determined as necessary by the COR and approved by the CO during contract administra�on; and

h. Review of deliverables achieved as stated in sec�on F and C and proposed feedback and/or edits, if any, to the Contractor’s work plan and performance milestones incorporated/addressed.

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

In accordance with FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Sec�on I of this contract, the following contract clauses are hereby incorporated by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. See h�ps://acquisi�on.gov/far/index.html for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER

ALTERNATE I

AUG 1989

APR 1984

752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT

EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS SEP 2013

F.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance is Bangladesh.

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract is [add in period of performance at award] subject to the condi�ons set forth in Sec�on H.35.

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Evalua�on of the Contractor's performance must be conducted in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the contract, if any, the Contractor's overall performance toward achievement of the objec�ves in Sec�on C and provision of deliverables in Sec�on F, and the Contractor's compliance with all other terms and condi�ons of the contract. Each evalua�on will be conducted jointly by the COR and the CO and must form the basis of the Contractor's permanent performance record as required in FAR Part 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.

The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated annually and at contract comple�on, u�lizing at minimum, the following factors:

a. Technical (quality of product or service)

b. Cost control (not applicable for firm-fixed-price or fixed-price with economic price adjustment arrangements)

c. Schedule/�meliness

d. Management or business rela�ons

e. Small business subcontrac�ng (as applicable)

f. Other (as applicable) (e.g., late or nonpayment to subcontractors, trafficking viola�ons, tax delinquency, failure to report in accordance with contract terms and condi�ons, defec�ve cost or pricing data, termina�ons, suspension, and debarments)

F.5 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK

The standard work week is from Sunday through Thursday unless the CO authorizes differently. No over�me or premium pay is authorized under this Contract. For full-�me personnel, the contractor is authorized up to a 5-day, 40-hour workweek. A six-day work week when travel per diem is paid may be authorized on a case-by-case basis with the prior wri�en approval of the designated Contrac�ng Officer’s Representa�ve (COR).

F.6 KEY PERSONNEL AND OTHER STAFFING

The Contractor has the ul�mate responsibility for managing this Ac�vity and achieving the desired performance results. USAID an�cipates that this Ac�vity will be managed by requiring a mix of long and short-term expatriate and local staff, along with home office support staff and management. The Contractor must u�lize the most appropriate and cost-effec�ve staffing mix to achieve the objec�ves of this ac�vity. To support localiza�on, the Contractor will iden�fy and develop Bangladeshi talent and exper�se in this sector from diverse groups. The Contractor will establish annual targets for the u�liza�on of local long-term and short-term experts and subcontractors to implement the Ac�vity. The contract will be managed on the basis of adap�ve management and therefore the Contractor must furnish staff who has solid understanding or experience in adap�ve management.

The Contractor must have the following five key personnel posi�ons including a Wildlife Technical Lead and a Countering Environmental Crime Lead. All key personnel must be full-�me, located in Bangladesh, and the COP must be employed by the prime contractor.

[To be filled at the �me of award as proposed in sec�on L.6 with Key Personnel names and posi�on descrip�ons that contain posi�on requirements and qualifica�ons such as educa�on and experience requirements]

The key personnel are considered essen�al to the work being performed. Therefore, prior to replacing any key personnel, the Contractor must no�fy both the CO and the COR reasonably in advance and submit wri�en jus�fica�on (including proposed subs�tu�ons) in sufficient detail to permit evalua�on of the impact on the ac�vity. No placement, addi�on, or change of key personnel will be made by the Contractor without the wri�en approval of the CO.

F.7 DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

F.7.1 Repor�ng Requirements

(a) The cover page of all deliverables must include the USAID and Ac�vity �tle iden�ty prominently displayed, the Contract number, Contractor name, the publica�on or issuance date of the document, document �tle, author name(s), and ac�vity �tle. Descrip�ve informa�on is required whether contractor-furnished products are submi�ed in paper or electronic form. All materials must include the name, organiza�on, address, and telephone/fax/internet number of the person submi�ng the materials.

(b) All reports and deliverables must be in the English language. All approved reports must be delivered to the COR and CO in electronic format unless specified otherwise by the COR. Deliverables must be submi�ed to the COR in dra� form for comments at the �meframe specified or as directed by the COR.

Unless specified otherwise, the Contractor must re-submit a revised version, incorpora�ng the comments, for final approval within a �me period as requested by the COR. If a report or deliverable below does not have a report format or template, the Contractor must coordinate with the COR to agree on a format. Submission of final deliverables must be both PDF and MS Word (unlocked), and/or Excel (unlocked). COR may request documents compa�ble with Google workspace (google documents, excel, presenta�ons etc).

(c) All reports below have illustra�ve page numbers. Final number of pages, format, and content of each report will be agreed upon between the Contractor and the COR. The Contractor must promptly no�fy the COR of any problems, delays or adverse condi�ons which materially impair the Contractor’s ability to meet the requirements of the Contract. The COR has flexibility in adjus�ng the due date, however, any delay that will impact the Contract period of performance must be approved by the CO. All reports and plans are subject to wri�en final approval and/or acceptance by the COR otherwise excluded below if any.

(d) All repor�ng and data must be synchronized with the United States Government (USG) fiscal year.

Quarterly periods are from October 1 –December 31; January 1- March 31; April 1 – June 30; and July 1 – September 30. Thus, quarterly reports are due on: January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31 respec�vely.

F.7.2 Reports and Deliverables

# Deliverable Due Date

Technical

I Annual Work Plans and Financial Plan

● Year 1 (Y1) plan and budget due within 90 days of award date with end date of the fiscal year in which the award is made

● Subsequent AWPs and associated work plan budget/financial plan due 30 days prior to the end of the subsequent fiscal years

II Wildlife Threat and Viability Analysis including Species Vulnerability Analysis

● Within 120 days of the Contract’s effec�ve date. Species Vulnerability Analysis findings should be integrated in the Environmental Monitoring and Mi�ga�on Plan as appropriate

III Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

● Dra� due within 90 days a�er workplan approved as annex to the MEL plan

IV Monitoring, Evalua�on, and Learning (MEL) and Collabora�on, Learning, and Adaptability (CLA) Plan

● Dra� due within 90 days a�er workplan approved

V Branding Implementa�on Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan

(MP)

● Within 90 days of the Contract’s effec�ve date

VI Communica�on Strategy including social behavior change and communica�on (SBCC) Ac�on Plan

● Within 120 days of the Contract’s effec�ve date

VII Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion Analysis, Strategy and Ac�on Plan

● Within 180 days of the Contract’s effec�ve date.

VIII Poli�cal Economy Analysis

● Within 90 days of the Contract’s effec�ve date

IX Weekly Updates and Monthly Newsle�er

● Weekly Updates: COB Thursday each week

● Monthly newsle�er: by COB of last Thursday of each month

(last week’s Weekly updates can be combined with Monthly Newsle�er as advised by the COR)

X Sustainability and Exit Strategy

● Due as part of the first annual work plan, and must be integrated and updated in subsequent annual work plans and progress reports

● Final annual/Ac�vity report must include a comprehensive sec�on of key ac�ons and recommenda�ons for sustainability and exit of the Ac�vity

XI Annual Ac�vity Report ● Within 30 days of the end of the repor�ng period (i.e., the end of the fiscal year). The last annual report shall be replaced by the Final Ac�vity Report that summarizes the en�re ac�vity’s accomplishments, annual government property report, and repor�ng on indicators and milestones as detailed in the approved MEL plan

Opera�ons

XII Mee�ng Minutes ● Within 3 days of any mee�ng with USAID

XIII Quarterly Progress Reports

● Within 30 days a�er the end of each fiscal year quarter. The last quarterly report of the repor�ng year shall be replaced by an Annual Ac�vity Report that summarizes the en�re year’s accomplishments and lessons learned

XIV Quarterly Financial Reports

● Within 30 days following the end of each quarter

● COR may request for addi�onal financial analysis and suppor�ng documents for quarterly submissions

● Quarterly Accruals Reports and Expenditure Projec�ons may be requested by COR 10 days before end of each quarter or if any need arises

XV Environmental and Social Mi�ga�on, and Monitoring and Repor�ng Plan

(ESMMRP)

● Within 180 days of contract award

XVI Travel & Training Plan and Repor�ng

● As requested by the COR

XVII Security Plan ● Within 90 days a�er contract award

XVIII Close-out Plan ● 90 days prior to contract comple�on

XIX Other Reports and Analyses or Ad Hoc Reports

● As and when needed, and requested by the COR

XX Final Ac�vity Report ● Dra� report 30 days prior to contract comple�on

XXI System Assessment and Authoriza�on Plan (ADS 302mah)

● Within 30 days a�er contract award

XXII Grants under Contract Manual

● Within 90 days of the Contract’s effec�ve date

I. Annual Work Plans and Financial Plan

Annual work plans shall be developed in consulta�on with USAID, as advised by the COR, USAID partner, and key counterparts as appropriate, which will be approved by the COR. The work plan must be accompanied by a financial plan or work plan budget linked to the ac�vi�es proposed in the work plan.

The Contractor must collaborate with USAID to develop annual work plans. The Contractor must work closely with USAID during the work planning process to assess the progress and promise of ongoing interven�ons, and to evaluate, adjust, and set the ac�vity's indicator targets. The work plan and budget will be �ed to each U.S. fiscal year of the contract. Star�ng from the following fiscal year a�er the award is made, the Contractor shall submit a dra� annual work plan and budget by August 31st of each year.

Both the Contractor and the Contrac�ng Officer’s Representa�ve (COR) will provide and incorporate feedback within mutually agreed-upon �melines. The final work plan and budget shall be submi�ed by September 30th. The annual work plan and budget shall include a list of all an�cipated ac�vi�es and associated funding requirements for the coming year, as well as an�cipated outcomes and key milestones. The work plan shall be comprehensive, but concise. The annual budget should constrain a line-wise summary and detailed budget in line with the subsequent work plan.

In all work plans, the Contractor must:

a. Provide a brief narra�ve to define each objec�ve, propose a comple�on date of targeted interven�ons under each sub-IRs and state who shall accomplish the task. Present recommenda�ons for addressing iden�fied issues and gaps related to gender.

b. Iden�fy milestones as well as deliverables under each task and propose deadlines for their comple�on, including milestones.

c. Iden�fy any assump�ons used in preparing the Work Plan, suggest possible modifica�ons to the approach, if needed, and describe an�cipated problems or poten�al barriers including gender barriers with regard to achieving the project objec�ve. Incorporate gender and social inclusion and empowerment considera�ons into the overall Work Plan; a proposed milestone to be addressed in the next year. Feedback loops, adap�ve and sustainability measures must be taken into considera�on at the work plan stage considering local context and risk factors.

d. Work plans must include ESMMRP measures as advised by the COR.

At the stage of work plan development, the Contractor may be advised by the COR to engage in a coordinated work planning process with other USAID/USG Ac�vi�es to ensure that their planned interven�ons support and complement each other, share target groups and implementa�on areas, and are implemented over a coordinated �meline. As part of its ini�al work plans, and all annual work plans therea�er, the contractor in collabora�on with the COR and the Mission Environmental Officer or Bureau Environmental Officer, as appropriate, will review all planned and ongoing ac�vi�es under this contract to determine if they are within the scope of the approved Regula�on 216 environmental documenta�on.

If the contractor plans any new ac�vi�es outside the scope of the approved Regula�on 216 environmental documenta�on, COR shall prepare an IEE amendment. No such new ac�vi�es will be undertaken prior to receiving wri�en USAID approval of environmental documenta�on amendments.

The work plan will be the key tool for USAID’s approach to adap�ve management. In collabora�on with the Contractor, USAID will periodically review —based on experience, progress, and learning—and make changes to the work plan and/or the Contractor’s overall approach. At least annually, USAID and the Contractor will engage in a collabora�ve process to review performance targets based on the MEL Plan and QASP to ensure that they are rooted in evidence and learning, realis�c, and aggressive. As advised by the COR, all other reports and plans must be linked as applicable with the contents of the work plan.

Pursuant to sec�on B.9 Adap�ve Management, the Contractor may revise the Annual Work Plan. USAID reserves the right to review and re-approve Annual Work Plans as-and when needed basis.

II. Wildlife Threat and Viability Analysis including Species Vulnerability Analysis

The Wildlife Threat and Viability Analysis, including Species Vulnerability Assessment, is a key deliverable for the project, focused on iden�fying and evalua�ng risks to wildlife popula�ons, with an emphasis on climate change. The Species Vulnerability Assessment will analyze species' exposure to climate-related factors such as temperature fluctua�ons, altered precipita�on pa�erns, and extreme weather events, as well as their sensi�vi�es to these changes. By assessing how these climate variables affect species' habitats, behavior, and survival, the analysis will provide a clearer understanding of the poten�al impacts on species viability. This will help guide mi�ga�on strategies to address climate-related threats and support conserva�on efforts for vulnerable species.

The Contractor will iden�fy conserva�on ac�ons and strategic approaches to meet the objec�ves of the Results Framework from the findings of the Wildlife Threat and Viability Analysis and Species Vulnerability Assessment. COR may request for addi�onal site specific analysis on wildlife threats. The Contractor will iden�fy methodologies and �meline of these assessments in consulta�on with the COR.

The assessments will be updated by the Contractor based on the set methodologies.

III. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP )

The QASP shall be developed in order to meet the purpose of describing the systema�c methods used to monitor performance and to iden�fy the required documenta�on and resources. The QASP provides a means for evalua�ng whether the contractor is mee�ng the performance standards/quality levels iden�fied in the PWS and the contractor quality assurance plan, and to ensure that the Government pays only for the level of services received. The Contractor must submit a dra� QASP that will ask/answer the following ques�ons:

● What will be inspected/monitored/reviewed?

● How will it be inspected?

● Who is responsible for inspec�on?

● The final QASP will be inserted into the contract upon award.

It is evident that all QASPs are jointly developed, and although the QASP may be dra�ed by the Contractor – it is an aid for the USG to ensure that the performance measures and objec�ves are on track to be achieved. The QASP should be an annex within the Monitoring, Evalua�on and Learning (MEL) Plan. For more details on the QASP see Sec�on E.3.

IV. Monitoring, Evalua�on, and Learning (MEL) and Collabora�on, Learning and Adaptability (CLA) Plan

The MEL Plan is a tool designed to assist in se�ng up and managing the process of monitoring the results of ac�vi�es using performance indicators and targets linked to performance goals; collec�ng and analyzing performance informa�on to track progress towards planned results; evalua�ng program performance to understand why and how results have been achieved or not achieved; using performance informa�on to inform decisions making and resource alloca�on; learning from available informa�on to make necessary adjustments, and communica�ng results achieved, or not achieved, to advance organiza�onal learning and tell the USAID foreign assistance story.

As outlined in USAID’s ADS 201.3.4.10, the Offeror must develop an ac�vity MEL plan. During the ini�al program planning period, the contractor will work closely with USAID and COR collabora�vely to finalize the MEL Plan and indicators. The contractor will perform assessments and studies, as needed, to inform the development of work plans, major milestones, and program monitoring indicators, as well as establishing baseline data and performance targets for each indicator as they relate to criteria for success. There must be theory of change/development hypothesis and situa�on model in the MEL plan, results chain with linkages to the Results Framework in alignment with Open Standards and other digital tools. USAID and the Contractor will conduct periodic performance reviews to monitor the progress of work and the achievement of results as based on the targets specified in the MEL Plan. USAID and the Contractor will use objec�vely verifiable indicators with periodic data collec�on to measure performance and make adjustments as necessary. The MEL Plan will establish and track a set of required and standard indicators and targets in accordance with the Biodiversity Policy and USAID Comba�ng Wildlife Crime Toolkit and other USAID guidance as applicable. In addi�on to these required and standard indicators, the Contractor may propose addi�onal, “custom” indicators, as may be appropriate, to measure program outcomes. There must be at least one or more GESI indicators integrated into the MEL plan and repor�ng.

The Contrac�ng Officer’s Representa�ve (COR) will monitor and evaluate the progress, success, and impact of the Contractor’s performance under this contract as a part of the overall ac�vity results using agreed-upon indicators through the Contractor’s Monitoring, Evalua�on, and Learning (MEL) Plan. The COR will u�lize the MEL Plan to assess the impact of the ac�vity and whether it achieves the stated objec�ves or if the par�es should make performance-based adjustments. The MEL Plan exists as a “living” document reviewed and updated as required. The MEL Plan sets forth the specific performance goals for the contract, all in accordance with and subject to Sec�on C and subject to the other terms and condi�ons of this Contract, the COR, in consulta�on with the Contractor, may modify the MEL Plan at any �me to reflect changing priori�es and circumstances. USAID may also conduct management reviews of work progress during the contract’s period of performance. USAID will conduct Data Quality Assessments (“DQAs”) for selected indicators periodically to ensure that the Contractor collects quality data.

The MEL Plan will be revised as appropriate in collabora�on with USAID and evolving USG requirements.

The MEL Plan will include annual and the life-of-ac�vity targets, indicator reference sheets, and the approved process for ensuring data quality. In addi�on, the MEL Plan will also guide all assessments, studies, pause-and-reflect sessions, data collec�on, and repor�ng plans over the life of the ac�vity.

The Contractor should highlight how they plan to use Geographic Informa�on System and any other digital tools to achieve the objec�ves set in the Results Framework. GESI indicators must be included in the proposed set of indicators.

The MEL Plan shall be �ed to the annual work plan and will outline the processes that will be used to harmonize instruments and schedules to support USAID data repor�ng needs. Monitoring and evalua�on data shall be used to inform management decisions, resource alloca�on and to assess where changes to the ac�vity may be required to help be�er ensure that the desired impact will be achieved.

Performance reports submi�ed by the successful contractor must be focused on repor�ng progress against the approved MEL Plan.

As noted above, the MEL Plan should include a Results Framework that is aligned with the approved USAID/Bangladesh CDCS with a clear indica�on of the ac�vity’s contribu�on to relevant DOs. The MEL Plan should also include: the development hypothesis and cri�cal assump�ons; baseline values and targets to show progress over �me; a Performance Data Table summarizing the key performance monitoring informa�on; and Performance Indicator Reference Sheets for each indicator that include detailed descrip�ons of performance indicators to be tracked, source, method and schedule of data collec�on, known data limita�ons and planned ac�ons to address the limita�ons. The MEL Plan will include a Performance Management Task Schedule that includes any special studies, assessments and surveys that will be conducted as part of monitoring and evalua�ng the project.

The MEL plan should have provisions for monitoring for unintended consequences, such as gender-based violence. For all people-level indicators, data must be sex and age disaggregated and gender impacts included in the overall analysis of the project results. These data will be geo-tagged as appropriate, and the ac�vity MEL system will be closely �ed with the ac�vity’s Geographic Informa�on System. USAID standard performance indicators are subject to change and/or modifica�on.

The MEL Plan will include relevant learning ques�ons with tools and approaches in…