M-OAA-GRO-ALPS-08-1023Solicitation.DOC

Table of Contents

SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM………… ……………………………………………1

6PART I - THE SCHEDULE

6SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

6B.1 PURPOSE

6B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

6B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

6B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

6B.5 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE

7B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

8B.7 CEILING ON INDIRECT COST RATES

8B.8 CEILING ON FIXED FEE

9B.9 LABOR

9B.10

OTHER DIRECT COSTS

10B.11

TASK ORDER LIMITATIONS

12SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

16SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

16D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

16D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

16D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY FOR EVALUATION SERVICES

18SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

18E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

18E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

18E.3 RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

20SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

20F.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

20F.2 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

20F.3 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

23F.4 RIGHT TO PROCURE FROM OTHER SOURCES

23F.5 FAIR OPPORTUNITY

26F.6 KEY PERSONNEL

27F.7 CONTENTS OF TASK ORDERS

27F.8 AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS (JAN 2004)

29F.9 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (JULY 1998)

30SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

30G.1 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

30G.2 COGNIZANT TECHNICAL OFFICER (CTO)

30G.3 PAYING OFFICE

31G.4 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

31G.5 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

33G.6 MONITORING BY USAID

34SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

34H.1 AIDAR 752.7027 PERSONNEL (DEC 1990)

35H.2 AIDAR 752.225.70 SOURCE, ORGIN, AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 1997)

37H.3 AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (JAN 1990) AND AIDAR 752.7027 PERSONNEL (DEC 1990)

38h.5 security clearance

40H.6 Statement of Work Security Clause for Classified Contracts

41H.7 Statement of Work Security Clause for Unclassified Contracts

43H.8 INSURANCE AND SERVICES

44H.9 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

44H.10 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

44H.11 LOGISTIC SUPPORT

44H.12 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN AND THE SF 294 - SUBCONTRACTING REPORT FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS AND SF 295 - SUMMARY CONTRACTING REPORT

44H.13 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM IMPLEMENTATION CONTRACT (DESIGN / IMPLEMENT)

45H.14 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM IMPLEMENTATION CONTRACT (DESIGN/IMPLEMENT) (Task Order Clause)

45H.15 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM FURNISHING CERTAIN SERVICES AND RESTRICTION ON USE OF INFORMATION (EVALUATION)

46H.16 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM FURNISHING CERTAIN SERVICES AND RESTRICTION ON USE OF INFORMATION (EVALUATION) (Task Order Clause)

46H.17 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING

46H.18

PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JULY 2007)

47H.19

USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DECEMBER 2004)

47H.20

SUBCONTRACTING CONSENT

47H.21

SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS (SDB) PARTICIPATION PROGRAM TARGET

48H.22

REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

49PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

49SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

49I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

53I.2 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

54I.3 52.225-1 BUY AMERICAN ACT- SUPPLIES (JUN 2003)

55I.4 AIDAR 752.225-70 Source, Origin and Nationality Requirements

56I.5 AIDAR 752.225-71 Local Procurement

56I.6 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (July 2007)

57I.7 USAID IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 AND FEDERAL ACQUISITION CIRCULAR (FAC) 97-27 "ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY

58PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

58SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

60PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

60SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

60K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

60K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (Jan 2006)

61K.3 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (JUNE 2000)

64K.4 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

64K.5 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

64K.6 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

66SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

66L.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

66L.2 52.204-4 - Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Recycled Paper.

67L.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

67L.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (AUG 1996)

68L.5 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (JAN 2004)

73L.6 52.219-24 SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION PROGRAM --TARGETS (OCT 2000)

73L.7 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

74L.8 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

76L.9 DELIVERIES TO LOADING DOCKS (FOR USAID/W ONLY)

77L.10 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

82L.11 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL

88SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

88M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

88M.2 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE AND CONTRACT AWARD

89M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

91M.4 COST/BUSINESS EVALUATION

91M.5 SOURCE SELECTION

91M.6 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS

93ATTACHMENT 1

93IDENTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL GEOGRAPHIC CODE NUMBERS

94ATTACHMENT 2

94USAID FORM 1420-17 – CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE BIOGRAPHICAL DATA SHEET

97ATTACHMENT 3 SF LLL - DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

101ATTACHMENT 4 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACT SECURITY CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION (DD254 FORM), BLOCK #13, SECURITY GUIDANCE

104ATTACHMENT 5

104SF294 – SUBCONTRCTING REPORT FOR INDIVIDUAL

105ATTACHMENT 6 RRBTC Freight Delivery Form

107ATTACHMENT 7

107CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE REPORT (SHORT FORM)

109ATTACHMENT 8

109SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN TEMPLATE

115ATTACHMENT 9

115Labor Distribution Chart

116ATTACHMENT 10

116COST/PRICE EVALUATION MATRIX

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide services that fall within the scope of the specified in Section C for Evaluation Services. USAID Task Order Contracting Officers (TOCOs) will request the work through the issuance of task orders during the ordering period as specified in Section F of the contract.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC). The Government will issue task orders that are either Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (CPFF) or Firm Fixed Priced. The contractor must perform the services set forth in task orders prices consistent with section B of this contract.

B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

The basic contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $25,000 to cover the minimum order guarantee. USAID is required to order and the Contractor is required to furnish the minimum order amount of services. Following this initial obligation, individual task orders will obligate funds to cover the work required under that task order.

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

This is a multiple-award Indefinite Quantity Contract for Evaluation Services with an overall ceiling price of $125,000,000. The maximum aggregate dollar value of all task orders awarded to all contractors cannot exceed the contract ceiling. This ceiling is not being subdivided among the number of awardees nor is it being multiplied by the number of awardees.

The number of awards under this IQC is _TBD_.

B.5 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE

B.5.1 Obligated Amount. The basic contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $25,000 to cover the minimum order guarantee.

B.5.2 The Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee for each task order must be negotiated in accordance with the terms of the IQC contract. In no event may the indirect rates or fixed fee for a task order exceed the ceilings set forth in Section B.7 and B.8 of the IQC contract. The U.S. dollar costs must be limited to reasonable, allocable, and allowable costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, and FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, OMB Circulars A-21 (for universities), and A-122 (non-profit).

B.5.3 Fixed Fee Payment. For any task order issued under this contract, at the time of each payment of allowable costs to the Contractor, the USAID paying office ordinarily pays the Contractor a percentage of fixed fee that directly corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. Two exceptions to paying fixed fee in this manner apply:

(a) If the Task Order Contracting Officer (TOCO) determines that this method results in paying a disproportionately higher ratio of fixed fee than the percentage of work that the Contractor has completed, then the TOCO may suspend further payment of any fixed fee until the Contractor has made sufficient progress to justify further payment, up to the agreed percentage.

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

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

The contract clause entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment (MAR 2000)”, FAR 52.216-7, specifies that the indirect cost rates shall be established for each of the Contractor’s accounting periods that apply to this contract. Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs shall be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Description Rate Base Type Period

1/ 1/ 1/

2/ 2/ 2/

3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

Note 1: Contractors are allowed to recover applicable indirect costs (i.e., overhead, G&A, etc.) on other direct costs (ODCs), if it is part of their usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31, and their Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA).

Note 2: While Subcontractor indirect cost rates are not incorporated above, subcontractor indirect cost rates may be included in task order proposals, and are subject to approval of the TOCO in accordance with FAR 52.244-2, Subcontracts.

B.7 CEILING ON INDIRECT COST RATES

B.7 (a) Reimbursement for indirect costs shall be at the lower of the negotiated final or predetermined rates, or the following ceiling rates:

Description Rate Base Type Period

1/ 1/ 1/

2/ 2/ 2/

3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

B.7 (b) The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount should the final indirect cost rates exceed the negotiated ceiling rates. If the final indirect cost rates are less than the negotiated ceiling rates, the negotiated rates will be reduced to conform to the lower rates.

B.7 (c) This understanding shall not change any monetary ceiling, obligation, or specific cost allowance or disallowance. Any changes in classifying or allocating indirect costs require the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.8 CEILING ON FIXED FEE

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

B.9 LABOR

B.9 (a) Compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation (August 2004).

B.9 (b) Central management costs will be handled through the following method:

The Contracting Officer has determined that a key technical manager is not necessary or required to administer the basic IQC. Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IQC management costs under this IQC or under task orders. Contractors should propose a centralized management structure that allows for recovery of IQC management costs as part of its indirect costs.

B.9 (c) All locally hired national personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates shall be paid in accordance with rates negotiated between the contractor and the cognizant USAID TOCO. The negotiated rates for individual locally-hired personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates shall be based upon a combination of factors including, but not limited to, prevailing in-country salaries for the professional category being negotiated and consideration of the individual's education and salary and/or consultant rate history over the most recent 3-year period. Annual salaries will be converted to daily salaries by dividing the annual figure by 260 workdays per year, except for annual salaries at the current approved maximum level, which shall not exceed the established approved current daily rate.

B.10

OTHER DIRECT COSTS

Other allowable direct costs necessary for the performance of the work, including, but not limited to, such costs as DBA and Medevac insurance, travel and transportation, lodging and subsistence expenses may be authorized in the task order. Any cost elements included in the Contractor's indirect cost rate pools shall not be charged in other direct costs. Lodging and subsistence costs may be authorized for locally-hired national personnel, if the terms of the task order require travel, in accordance with the clause of this contract entitled "Travel and Transportation (JAN 1990)", AIDAR 752.7002. Costs for U.S. expatriate travel/transportation to perform services overseas may be authorized by the TOCO or designee in accordance with the same "Travel and Transportation" clause.

The TOCO shall make the determination whether or not other direct costs are allowable, in accordance with the applicable federal cost principles (i.e., FAR 31.2 and AIDAR 731.2 for commercial (for profit) organizations, FAR 31.3 and AIDAR 731.3 for educational institutions, or FAR 31.7 and AIDAR 731.7 for other not-for-profit organizations).

B.11

TASK ORDER LIMITATIONS

B.11 (a) Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Task Orders. When issuing CPFF task orders, the TOCO must state in the task order the total estimated cost plus fixed fee, which is the total amount of the task order and the maximum amount the Contractor may be paid without the advance written approval of the cognizant Contracting Officer. This maximum amount represents the negotiated mix of the prime contractor’s and subcontractor’s professional labor categories and salaries, an estimated number of workdays, other direct costs, and fixed fee.

B.11 (b) Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Task Orders. When issuing FFP task orders, TOCOs must state in the task order the firm-fixed-price, which represents the total amount of the task order and the maximum price the contractor may be paid to perform the services, reports, or other deliverables in the task order.

B.11 (c) Minimum Order. When USAID requires services or reports and other deliverables covered by this contract in a task order in the amount of less than $50,000, the Contractor is not obligated to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this contract. However, if the Contractor agrees to furnish services or reports and other deliverables required by USAID in an amount of less than $50,000, and the Contractor is awarded a task order to do so, the Contractor shall be required to provide said services and reports/deliverables in accordance with the Contract's terms and conditions.

B.11 (d) Maximum Order. When USAID requires services or reports and other deliverables covered by this contract in a task order amount of more than $50,000,000, the Contractor is not obligated to accept an order to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this contract. However, if the Contractor agrees to furnish services or reports and other deliverables required by USAID in excess of $50,000,000 and is awarded a task order to do so, the Contractor is required to provide said services and reports/deliverables in accordance with the Contract's terms and conditions.

B.11 (e) Notwithstanding the above, if issuance of a task order to, and acceptance of a task order by, the Contractor would: (1) result in the Contractor (or its personnel or its subcontractors or their personnel) having an organizational conflict of interest for which restrictions would be placed on the Contractor's (or its personnel's or its subcontractors' or their personnel's) future activities (see Section H of this contract); or (2) violate the provisions of the Procurement Integrity legislation, i.e., Section 27 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 423), as amended by Section 814 of Pub. L. 101-189, the Contractor, after written notification to the CTO, is not obligated to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this contract, and USAID may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

[End of Section B]

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

I. Objective and General Description of the Contract

The purpose of this contract is to provide U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) with technical and advisory services for evaluation activities worldwide, at the mission (operating unit), bureau, and Agency-wide levels. This includes designing and implementing both quantitative and qualitative evaluation studies and assessments; developing evaluation training and guidance, and providing evaluation technical assistance for USAID development programs.

USAID has established a Central Monitoring and Evaluation Unit in the Office of Management Policy, Budget and Performance (MPBP) which:

1) Analyzes issues related to the effectiveness of Agency program and policy strategies in contributing to overall Agency goals and objectives;

2) Analyzes issues related to the effectiveness of program and policy strategies commonly or experimentally used by operating units to achieve objectives within particular sectors;

3) Analyzes unexpected positive or negative consequences or impacts from various programs or activities;

4) Analyzes high-priority, strategic, and/or "state of the art" issues and lessons-learned which may be of concern to the Administrator; Agency managers or key Agency customers;

5) Develops operational policy and standards on evaluation for the Agency;

6) Provides evaluation technical assistance to operating units.

7) Coordinates the development and implementation of an Agency-wide agenda of central evaluation studies.

MPBP is the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for the Evaluation IQCs and is expected to be a substantial user of IQC services. More broadly, the contractor shall provide technical services to the MPBP, USAID’s other central program and policy offices (e.g., the Administrator’s Office, the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, the Pillar Bureaus, etc.) for program and strategic evaluations; for impact assessments; cross-sector or multi-country evaluations; evaluation training, and technical assistance. The contractor shall also provide technical services to USAID field missions and USAID’s Regional Bureaus for strategy, program, and activity evaluations; cross-sector or multi-country evaluations; and for evaluation training and technical assistance.

II. Technical Services to be provided –

The contractor shall provide services to enable the USAID’s Office of Management Policy, Budget and Performance (MPBP), other central program and policy offices to implement studies, including strategic analysis, evaluation case studies, impact evaluations, meta-evaluations, cross-sector and multi-country evaluations and other evaluative studies. This will include studies that have been identified by the Agency’s central evaluation unit as part of a new Agency wide evaluation agenda or otherwise requested by the Agency’s senior management. In particular, it will include evaluations focusing on issues that cut across the Agency’s technical areas, that assess the impact of USAID’s development programs, and that identify lessons learned about which development interventions work and which do not. More generally, the contractor shall provide services to support MPBP’s efforts to revitalize evaluation in the Agency by providing evaluation training; technical assistance on both quantitative (survey research and statistical analysis) and qualitative (including mixed) evaluation methods; preparation of guidance, handbooks, newsletters, and other tools for evaluation practitioners; planning for (including logistics), designing and implementing studies and evaluations; assistance on evaluation utilization and dissemination, assistance on joint evaluations with other international donors, and assistance in selecting and reviewing performance indicators.

The contractor shall provide technical assistance that includes evaluation expertise in these development fields: economic growth, agriculture and trade; environment; education and training; global health; democracy, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance; and cross-cutting programs (conflict management, private and voluntary cooperation, transition initiatives, urban programs, water, women in development) and evaluation methodology, design and training.

The contractor shall provide the Agency’s operating units (USAID field missions and USAID Washington Bureaus) with access to high quality evaluation expertise and technical assistance. Those services shall be used by USAID missions and Washington Bureaus to undertake evaluations at the level of particular activities and interventions, of broader program and strategic objectives, and/or at the country level, as well as for cross-sector, multi-country evaluations, mid-term, final, or impact evaluations and other related results-oriented program planning.

III. Technical Skills Required

The services under this IQC require skills in evaluation research design (including quantitative impact evaluation methods, experimental and quasi experimental design, and qualitative methods); data collection, analysis, and synthesis; report writing, and planning for use and dissemination of evaluation findings. The IQC will also require skills in evaluation and performance monitoring methodology, innovative and state-of-the-art research designs and methods, participatory evaluations, cost-effective evaluation methods, and evaluation training. While work may focus on specific sectors (economic growth and agricultural development; population, health and nutrition; environment and natural resources; democracy and governance; conflict mitigation and post conflict reconstruction, human capacity development, and humanitarian assistance), it may also cut across sector and technical areas.

Much of the work will involve broad policy and strategic issues, such as institutional development, mainstreaming gender in development assistance, benefit sustainability, technology transfer, information technology, policy dialogue, private sector development, crisis prevention, public-private partnerships, and planning and implementing development programs in fragile or failed states.

A. Work Requirements:

USAID Missions and Washington Bureaus are tasked with using evaluations as part of their planning and management of development assistance. They need to assess USAID strategic and program results (per ADS Chapter 203) to:

1) Inform new program and activity design;

2) Assess why unexpected progress, either positive or negative, is occurring;

3) Determine if the activity is achieving the intended results and identify needed mid-project corrections (mid-term or formative evaluation);

4) Re‑examine or test the validity of hypotheses and assumptions embedded in strategic plans and results frameworks;

5) Determine whether the needs of intended customers are being served;

6) Identify, probe, and understand positive and negative unintended consequences or impacts of assistance programs;

7) Determine whether conditions for sustainability exist;

8) Conduct final and/or impact evaluations to determine the results achieved, and;

9) Distill lessons learned, which may be useful elsewhere in the Agency.

B. Expected Task Order Services:

Task Orders under this contract may require the following kinds of work:

1) Desk studies identified by MPBP and other central program and policy offices and USAID field missions;

2) Background research and analytic expertise to assist MPBP and other central program and policy offices, and USAID field missions to carry out evaluation studies and related results-oriented program planning;

3) Implementation planning, including team planning meetings, and research designs for proposed studies;

4) Formative evaluations of program and project implementation and summative evaluations of program and project results (including experimental and quasi experimental designs and case studies) requiring primary data collection in the field;

operating expenses (OE) funds.

C. Personnel Requirements:

The contractor will provide all necessary logistical support, including travel arrangements (with required USAID clearances), computer support3, team planning facilitation, and report editing and dissemination.

The contractor is required to provide central management and oversight of the task orders awarded under the contract. The advisor shall be the individual bearing primary responsibility for technical aspects of contract performance.

The contractor shall bear primary responsibility for procurement, personnel, reporting and other management related requirements of the contract.

[End of Section C]

[End of Section C]

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

(a) It is USAID policy that USAID-financed commodities and shipping containers, and project construction sites and other project locations 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.

(b) Specific guidance on marking requirements should be obtained prior to procurement of commodities to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construction sites and other project locations. This guidance will be provided through the cognizant technical office indicated on the cover page of this contract, or by the Mission Director in the Cooperating Country to which commodities are being shipped, or in which the project site is located.

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

(d) A copy of any specific marking instructions or waivers from marking requirements is to be sent to the Contracting Officer; the original should be retained by the Contractor.

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

In accordance with this provision, and where applicable, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the policy directives and required procedures outlined in USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) 320.3.2 “Branding and Marking in USAID Direct Contracting” (version from January 8, 2007) at http://www/usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/320.pdf; and USAID “Graphic Standards Manual available at http://www.usaid.gov/branding or any successor branding policy.

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY FOR EVALUATION SERVICES

In accordance with ADS 320.3.2.1, the Branding Strategy (BS) is part of the contract requirements, as such Contracting Officers must ensure that USAID contract solicitations include a Branding Strategy and instruct Offerors to prepare a Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP) to implement the Branding Strategy.

The branding strategy for this activity is as follows:

The program name:

The program's name will be USAID Evaluation Services.

Branding

The branding shall incorporate the message that “This assistance is from the American People”.

How the USAID logo will be positioned on materials and communications:

USAID policy requires exclusive branding and marking in USAID direct acquisitions.

These deliverables will be positioned as sponsored by USAID. This rule applies to sub-contracts of contracts. Contractor and subcontractor’s corporate identities are prohibited on all program materials. Marking is not required on contractor vehicles, offices, and office supplies or other commodities used solely for administration of this contract.

Desired level of visibility:

Visibility for the program is a very important segment of the project implementation. Establishment of a strong communications and public relations capability towards the clients and other significant target audiences, such as media, local officials, citizens at large, and other interested parties, is essential to the success of the evaluation services.

Communication materials will target all the above, therefore, USAID requires all publicly distributed communication materials to be written in English.

Exceptions:

Exceptions and waivers to USAID marking requirements may be granted in accordance with ADS 320.3.2.5 Exceptions to Contract Marking Requirements and ADS 320.3.2.6 Waivers to Contract Marking Requirements.

Other organizations to be acknowledged:

N/A

[End of Section D]

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See FAR 52.252-2 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

NUMBER

TITLE

DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

52-246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES –FIXED PRICE AUG 1996

52.246-5

INSPECTION OF SERVICES -COST

APR 1984

REIMBURSEMENT

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs shall take place at USAID Washington or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The CTO listed in Section G has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs. The CTOs will be designated by task orders and the basic award CTO will not perform inspection and acceptance for everything.

CTOs may also be established for specific task orders. If so, the task order CTO may inspect and accept all services, reports, and required deliverables or outputs if specified in the task order.

E.3 RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

In accordance with the clause if this contract entitled “Inspection – Cost Reimbursement” (FAR 52.246-5) and “Inspection – Fixed Price” (FAR 52.246-4), inspection of results or other deliverables required by each Task Order issued hereunder shall be made by the cognizant CTO for that Task Order. Acceptance of goods/services and reports or other deliverables by the cognizant CTO for that Task Order shall form the basis for payments to the contractor, and will form the basis of the contractor’s permanent performance record with regard to this contract.

[End of Section E]

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The ordering period for this contract is three (3) years from the date of award of the contract unless the options are exercised by the Government.

Although task orders may be issued at any time during this ordering period, two constraints apply to the period of performance for task orders. First, the period of performance for a task order may not go beyond three (3) years since this is a CPFF type IQC. Second, a TOCO may not award a task order for a period of performance that goes more than five (5) years into the future at the time the order is either awarded or extended by modification.

F.2 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Evaluation of the Contractor's overall performance in accordance with the performance standards set forth in individual Task Orders will be conducted jointly by the CTO and the Contracting Officer, and shall form the basis of the Contractor's permanent performance record with regard to this contract.

F.3 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports in Sections I and J and in the AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the Contractor shall submit the deliverables or outputs to the CTO specified in Section G. 2.

(a) Contents of Periodic Progress Reports

1. Performance Monitoring Reports (PMRs): The Contractor shall submit performance reports summarizing progress of the major activities in process during the period in relation to the requirements of the contract, indicating any problems encountered, and proposing remedial actions as appropriate. In addition, beginning with the second PMR, and continuing subsequently with even numbered PMRs, the Contractor shall include a section which discusses any salient programmatic trends that can be distilled from major activities that are in process or recently completed; and, highlights unresolved or on-going administrative/bureaucratic constraints to the Contractor’s optimal performance; an update of which will be used as part of future award evaluations.

2. Contract Financial Report: The contractor shall submit a contract financial report including the following:

(i) Notification of new Task Order Report Content:

(1) Task Order number,

(2) Mission/Bureau contracting the task order,

(3) Period of Performance,

(4) CO,

(5) CTO,

(6) Ceiling Price, and

(7) Initial Obligated Amount.

(ii) Modifications to Existing Task Orders Report Content: A short description of any of the following changes to existing task orders:

(1) Incremental funding,

(2) Time extensions,

(3) Change of CO and/or CTO, and

(4) Completion of work.

3. Performance reports shall be submitted within 30 days of the three-month periods (calendar quarters) ending on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

4. The contractor shall submit the reports to the CTO identified in Section G of the Schedule, who will forward the repots to the responsible Contracting Officer.

5. The contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer and CTO of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which materially impair the contractor’s ability to meet the requirements of the contract.

(b) Accrual Reports

The contractor shall submit an estimated accrual report including the following information for all task orders where MPBP/PERF is designated as the cognizant technical office for the task order:

(1) Total amount obligated,

(2) Total amount invoiced for,

(3) Total amount expended but not yet invoiced for,

(4) Remaining unexpended funds.

The contractor shall submit these reports to the CTO identified in Section G of the Contract on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

(c) Language of Reports and Other Deliverables All reports and other deliverables shall be in the English language, unless otherwise specified by the USAID/W CTO or in a task order.

(d) Meetings

The contractor shall be responsible for attending semi-annual meetings with the CTO.

(e) Reports

(i) The cover page of all deliverables required hereunder (see Section C of this contract) shall include the USAID logo (or the name of the Agency written out) prominently displayed, the contract number (see the cover page of this contract), Contractor name, name of the USAID project office (MPBP/PERF), the publication of issuance date of the document, document title, author name(s), project number, and project title. Descriptive information is required whether Contractor-furnished products are submitted in paper or electronic form. All materials shall include the name, organization, address, and telephone/fax/internet number for the person submitting the materials.

(ii) Hard copy reports shall be prepared on non-glossy paper (preferably recycled and white or off-white) using black print. Elaborate are works, multi-color printing, and expensive bindings are not to be used. Whenever possible, pages shall be printed on both sides.

(iii) Electronic formats shall be submitted with the following descriptive information:

(1) Operating system format, e.g., DOS or Macintosh compatible;

(2) Name of application software used to create the files on the diskette e.g., WordPerfect Ver. 5.0, Microsoft Word Ver. 2.1;

(3) The format for any graphic and/or image files included, e.g., TIFF-compatible; and

(4) Any other necessary information, e.g., special backup or data compression routines/software used for storing/retrieving submitted data.

(f) Distribution to CTO and Briefing

(1) Distribution of Task Orders to Basic Contract CTO One copy of each new task order issued under this IQC will be forwarded to the MPBP/PERF CTO within one week of receipt by the contractor.

(2) Briefings Prior to completions of each task order or departure from post, if overseas (whichever is earlier), Contractor personnel shall brief the relevant USAID Mission and/or cooperating country officials on the principal activities, accomplishments, and findings during the assignment, unless a briefing is not desired. As requested by the MPBP/PERF Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for this contract, Contractor personnel will brief MPBP/PERF upon return form each assignment and provide copies of any documents generated under individual task orders.

F.4 RIGHT TO PROCURE FROM OTHER SOURCES

The Government, under the terms of this IQC, retains the right to procure similar services from other sources during the period of this contract.

F.5 FAIR OPPORTUNITY

1.0 Fair Opportunity - General

1.1 All USAID Mission/Bureau Contracting Officers (includes Mission Directors and Executive Officers) may issue task orders within their delegated authorities to provide desired services within the scope of Section C. The USAID/W Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) must review the prospective task order requirement or statement of work (SOW) and agree that it complies with the SOW for the basic contract before the task order CO may begin the fair opportunity process.

Task Order Contracting Officers (TOCOs) must negotiate and administer task orders in accordance with the ordering procedures set forth herein. The TOCO must provide each Contractor a fair opportunity to be considered for each task order (also referred to as "order") exceeding $3,000 issued under this contract unless one of the exceptions described in paragraph 1.2, Fair Opportunity Exceptions, applies. All Contractors must be contacted and provided the opportunity to be considered before award of all task orders. Although Contractors are not required to submit a proposal for every task order request, all Contractors interested in providing services under the task order must submit a proposal, inclusive of price.

1.2 Fair Opportunity Exceptions

All Contractors will be given a fair opportunity to be considered for task orders over $3,000, unless the TOCO determines that one of the following statutory exceptions applies:

a. An urgent need exists, and seeking competition would result in unacceptable delays,

b. Only one Contractor is capable at the level of quality required because the requirement is unique or highly specialized,

c. The order must be issued on a sole source order basis in the interest of economy and efficiency because it is a logical follow-on to an order already issued under the contract, provided that all awardees were given a fair opportunity to be considered for the original order. For a follow-on task order that implements an activity designed under another order under this contract, this exception may only be used if the TOCO complied with the Organizational Conflicts of Interest limitations in Contract Information Bulletin 99-17 "Organizational Conflicts of Interest".

d. To satisfy contract minimum award obligations, or

e. Small business set aside. In accordance with the authority granted in the Appropriations Act used to fund the award of this basic contract, USAID may directly place task orders with any category of small or small disadvantaged business that received a prime contract award from the same solicitation that resulted in the award of this contract.

1.3 Classified Task Orders

In accordance with Section H.4 of this contract, USAID may award a classified task order under this contract. Because USAID participates in the National Industrial Security Program (see FAR 4.4 and ADS 567), the CTO and CO must follow the procedures in ADS 567, particularly the requirement to include security specifications in the Statement of Work for a contract or task order. Any contractor under this multiple-award Evaluation Services IQC that has not been granted either an interim or final Secret level facility clearance by the Defense Security Service (DSS) may be determined to be ineligible to be considered for a classified task order. If time permits, the CO may allow a contractor without the requisite facility clearance to participate in the fair opportunity procedures for a classified task order in anticipation of DSS granting the clearance before the task order must actually be awarded. However, doing so is on the condition that all parties acknowledge and agree that if DSS does not grant an interim or final facility clearance in time, the CO must award the classified task order to the contractor that is selected through the fair opportunity procedures AND has the requisite facility clearance.

2.0 Request for Task Order Proposal

2.1 Individual task orders shall clearly describe all services to be performed or supplies to be delivered so the full cost or price for the performance of the work can be established when the order is placed. Orders shall be within the scope, issued within the period of performance, and be within the maximum value of the contract. Only the Contracting Officer for the basic contract may modify the basic contract to change the scope, period, or maximum ceiling.

2.2 Unless one of the Fair Opportunity Exceptions in section 1.2 applies, the terms of this contract require that whenever a task order award is contemplated, all contractors will receive a request for a task order proposal and that all task order proposals must include the contractor's cost or price to perform the anticipated task order. The TO proposal request must be in writing (via mail, e-mail, fax, or other, as set out in the RFTOP) and include a description of the intended services and the evaluation procedure, including the relative weighting of cost/price and non-cost/price criteria. If the selection may be based upon information obtained from other than the contractor's proposals, the RFTOP must identify the other evaluation criteria. The evaluation may be based solely on cost/price, but may also include one or more technical factors such as corporate experience, personnel, or relevant past performance (in other contracts as well as in earlier orders under this contract, including quality, timeliness, cost control, and using small business concerns, per AAPD 02-06). When making the final selection, the TOCO should also consider the potential impact on other orders placed with the contractor and the minimum ordering requirements of the contract. Although contractors may elect not to submit a proposal, when they do, they must comply with the page limitations for proposals described in section 2.2.1 through 2.2.3; USAID will not evaluate any pages that exceed these limits.

The following are the thresholds and corresponding procedures for requesting proposals for task orders:

2.2.1 For task orders estimated to be equal to or less than US$100,000: In accordance with the general procedures in 2.2 above, the Task Order Cognizant Technical Officer (TO CTO) will request a task order proposal from each contractor after coordinating the terms of the RFTOP with the TOCO. The TO CTO may not ask for more than a two (2) page cost proposal, and if the TO CTO deems it necessary, may also ask for a technical proposal of no more than three (3) pages (page limit does not include resumes, graphs, or past performance information). The TO CTO is not authorized to undertake discussions or negotiations with the contractors. After applying the evaluation criteria stated in the request, the TO CTO drafts a brief memorandum to the TOCO recommending that the task order be awarded to the contractor that most successfully addresses the evaluation criteria. The TOCO is responsible for final selection, negotiation, and task order award.

2.2.2. For task orders estimated to be more than US$100,000 and equal to or less than US$2,000,000: In accordance with the general procedures in 2.2 above, the TOCO will request a task order proposal from each contractor. The TO CO may not ask for more than a two (2) page cost proposal from each Contractor, and if the TO CO, with the concurrence of the TO CTO, deems it necessary, may also ask for past performance information, or for a technical proposal of no more than ten pages (page limit does not include resumes, graphs, and past performance information). Once the Contractor is selected, the TOCO may ask for a more detailed proposal (technical or cost) if needed.

2.2.3. For task orders estimated to be more than US$2,000,000: In accordance with the general procedures in 2.2 above, the TOCO will request a task order proposal from each contractor. The TOCO may use the simplified procedure in 2.2.2. above. The TOCO has discretion to decide how much documentation above the minimum set forth above is needed to assess the technical capability and cost of each Contractor.

All Contractors interested in being considered for the task order must submit a proposal in accordance with the TOCO's request for task order proposal instructions. The information that the TOCO requests from each Contractor must be the minimum needed.

2.3 To obtain services or other deliverables that are within the scope of this contract, the TOCO may issue orders using any of the pricing types specified in the contract.

2.4 Contractor(s) must respond to the RFP within the number of calendar days stated in the Request for Task Order Proposal.

No separate payment will be made to the contractor for the cost to prepare, submit and/or negotiate a task order proposal.

3.0 Task Order Award - The Contractor must not commence work until authorized by the TOCO.

4.0 Task Order Administration

4.1 Task Order Extensions (Non-funded). The TO CTO has the authority to extend the Contractor's performance under the task order beyond the estimated completion date set forth therein, provided that

- This approval is made in writing before the original estimated completion date set forth in the task order and clearly states that the extension is at no additional cost to the task order;

- Performance must not extend beyond 60 calendar days from the original estimated completion date set forth in the task order; and

- Performance must not extend beyond the end of the period of performance in Section F of the base IQC.

Prior to the original estimated completion date, the Contractor must provide a copy of the Task Order Technical Officer's written approval for any extension to the term of the task order to the TOCO; in addition, the Contractor must attach another copy of the TO CTO's approval for such continued performance under the task order to the completion voucher submitted for payment.

5.0 Right to Procure from Other Sources

The Government, under the terms of this IQC, retains the right to procure similar services from other sources during the period of this contract.

6.0 Ombudsman

If a Contractor believes its organization has not been fairly considered for a particular task order, it may present the matter to the TOCO. If the Contractor disagrees with the TOCO's explanation or decision, it may request a review of the TOCO's decision from USAID's task-order and delivery-order ombudsman. The ombudsman is responsible for reviewing complaints from contractors, collecting facts from the CO relevant to the complaint, and ensuring that all contractors are afforded a fair opportunity to be considered under multiple award contracts. The ombudsman does not have the authority to overturn award decisions or adjudicate formal contract disputes. The Ombudsman may be reached at the following address: U.S. Agency for International Development, Attn: Jean Horton, M/OAA, Room 7.08-009, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20523. E-mail Ombudsman@usaid.gov.

F.6 KEY PERSONNEL

(a) The Contractor shall furnish key personnel as stated in task orders.

(b) The key personnel specified in task orders are considered to be essential to the work being performed there under. Prior to replacing any of the specified individuals, the Contractor shall immediately notify both the Contracting Officer and USAID Cognizant Technical Officer reasonably in advance and shall submit written justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. No replacement of key personnel shall be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer.

F.7 CONTENTS OF TASK ORDERS

Task Orders should include the following (as appropriate):

(a) Source of Funds and Fiscal Data;

(b) Total Estimated Cost/Ceiling Price;

(c) Obligated Amount (which shall constitute the maximum liability on behalf of the Government);

(d) Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) that is based upon performance standards, deliverables and results to which the contractor shall be held;

(e) Budget (including Labor, Other Direct Costs (ODCs));

(f) Place of Performance;

(g) Period of Performance;

(h) Logistic Support;

(i) USAID and Other Officials (E.g. cognizant CO & CTO);

(j) Language requirements;

(k) Deliverables/Results;

(l) Special Requirements/Relevant Information (e.g. source/origin waivers);

(m) Task Order Number and Contract Number;

(n) Government-furnished Property, if any, to be furnished to the contractor;

(o) Authorized Work-Week;

(p)…