PLSO_RFP SOLICITATION_72065623R00006 Final.pdf

Issuance Date: May 22, 2023

Closing Date/Time for Questions: June 12, 2023/4:00 PM (Maputo time)

Responses to Industry: June 19, 2023

Closing Date/Time for Past

Performance Information: June 23, 2023/4:00 PM (Maputo time)

Closing Date/Time for Proposals: July 17, 2023/4:00 PM (Maputo time)

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) No. Sol_72065623R00006 – Partner Security Liaison

Operations (PLSO) Activity

Dear Offerors

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development

(USAID) Mission in Mozambique, is seeking proposals from qualified organizations interested in providing services under the Partner Security Liaison Operations (PLSO) activity as described in the attached solicitation.

This procurement will be conducted under a full and open competition in accordance with FAR Part 15.

The Geographic Code for this procurement is 935 and the North American Industry Classification

(NAICS) code is 541990.

USAID anticipates awarding one Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) completion type contract as a result of this solicitation. The estimated cost range for this procurement is between $2 million and $3 Million for the implementation of this activity for a total estimated period of 5 years subject to availability of funds.

Offerors must propose costs that are realistic and reasonable corresponding with their technical approach.

USAID encourages participation to the maximum extent possible of small business concerns, small, disadvantaged business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in this activity as the prime contractor or as subcontractors in accordance with Part 19 of the FAR.

This RFP and any amendments to this solicitation will be issued and posted on the https://sam.gov website. Further, it is the Offeror’s responsibility to check the website regularly for official updates and amendments to the solicitation. It is also the responsibility of the recipient of this solicitation document to ensure that it has been received from the internet in its entirety and USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

Offerors are encouraged to read the entire solicitation, which includes all pertinent contract requirements, and the conditions and instructions required for submitting a proposal. Pursuant to Block 12 of Standard

Form 33 of this RFP, USAID requires that offers stay valid for 210 days from the closing date of this

RFP.

The primary point of contact for this RFP is Mr. Jean-Jacques Badiane. Any questions related to this RFP must be submitted by email to Nelson Huo at nhuo@usaid.gov and Jean-Jacques Badiane at jbadiane@usaid.gov by the due date and time specified at the top of this cover letter. No questions will be https://sam.gov/ accepted after this date. Each email must contain a subject line, which clearly indicates the name of the offeror and the solicitation number.

Proposals in response to this RFP are due by electronic mail to Mr. Jean-Jacques Badiane at jbadiane@usaid.gov with a copy to Nelson Huo at nhuo@usaid.gov. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Offerors are responsible for ensuring proposals are received by USAID by the due date and time as specified at the top of this cover letter. Failure to comply with the submission date and time will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated.

Sections B through I of the solicitation will become the substantive part of the anticipated contract with blanks to be completed by the Contracting Officer upon award. Proposals must be signed by an official authorized to bind the Offeror’s organization.

Please pay careful attention to, and complete in full, RFP section K–Representations, Certifications, and

Statements of Offerors.

Please refer to Section L of the RFP for information regarding proposal requirements. Section L of the

RFP sets forth all instructions for the preparation and submission of required proposal contents. Section

M states the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of the contract will not be binding.

The Government reserves the right to award a contract without discussions or the submission of the final proposal revision, based upon evaluation of the Offeror’s submitted technical and cost information.

Accordingly, the Offeror’s initial offer should contain its best terms for both cost and technical proposal.

This RFP in no way obligates USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Award of a Contract under this RFP is subject to availability of funds and other internal USAID approvals.

Sincerely, Jean-Jacques Badiane

Contracting Officer

Table of Contents

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

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF BIDDERS

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER RATING

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

PAGE OF PAGES

1 100

2. CONTRACT NUMBER

TBD

3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

72065623R00006

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

5. DATE ISSUED

05-22-2023

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

REQ-656-23-000028

7. ISSUED BY CODE 656 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than item 7)

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and copies for furnishings the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in item 8, or if hand carried, in the depository located in until local time

(Hour) (Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

A. NAME

Nelson Huo

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS) C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

nhuo@usaid.gov AREA CODE NUMBER EXTENSION

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1

X I CONTRACT CLAUSES 60-72

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 2-4 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 5-12

X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 73-73

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 13-15 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 16-17

X K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

74-80

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 17-36

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 37-41

X L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 81-96

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 42-59

X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 97-100

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within 210 calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the set opp osite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule .

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232-8)

10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) CALENDAR DAYS(%)

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND THE TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

OFFER(Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS

DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER SUCH

ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AREA CODE NUMBER EXTENSION

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL OPEN COMPETITION:

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) ( )

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

28. AWARD DATE

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 6/2014)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214 (c)

USAID/Mozambique/OAA

Av de Marginal, Nr 5467

Maputo, Mozambique

RFP # Sol-72065623R00006 PLSO Activity

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide services that fall within the Scope of Work (SOW) specified in

Section C Partner Security Liaison Operations (PLSO) activity.

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion type contract in accordance with FAR 16.306. For consideration set forth below, the Contractor must perform the components and activities/tasks required in

Section C (SCOPE OF WORK) and the additional requirements described in Section F, H and E in accordance with the performance standards specified herein.

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

a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee is

___TBD_____. The estimated fixed fee is ___TBD_____. The estimated cost-plus fixed fee is

___TBD_____.

Cost shall be limited to reasonable, allocable, and allowable costs determined in accordance with

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.216-7.

b) Within the estimated 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_____. The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount in accordance with the Limitation of funds Clause, FAR

52.232.22.

c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through ___TBD____.

B.4. APPROVED BUDGET BY CONTRACT COST ELEMENT

a) The contract budget found herein is based on the contractor’s original proposal and/or final proposal revision, which was accepted by USAID through award of this contract.

b) Without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor may not exceed the total estimated costs set forth in the budget hereunder or the total obligated amount, whichever is less.

c) The following illustrative budget sets forth the estimates for reimbursement of dollar costs for individual line items of cost, and the fixed fee.

Description Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total All

Years

Total Direct Cost

Total Indirect Cost

Fixed Fee

Total Cost

(d) The inclusion of any costs in the above cost categories does not obviate the requirement for prior approval by the Contracting Officer of cost items designated as required prior approval by any of the terms and conditions of this contract, including the applicable cost principles (see FAR 52.216-7); nor does it constitute a determination of allowability by the Contracting Officer of any item of cost, unless stated elsewhere in this contract. Also, these amounts may not be adjusted without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor must not bill any amounts against this contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item.

B.5. INDIRECT COSTS

For the Prime Contractor:

Pending the establishment of a 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

1/

2/

3/

Type

1/

2/

3/

Period

1/

2/

3/

1/Type of Application

Type of Rate: Provisional

Period:

2/Type of Application

3/Type of Application

Period:

For each of the Major Subcontractor (s)*

Description Rate

Base

1/

2/

3/

Type

1/

2/

3/

Period

1/

2/

3/

1/Type of Application

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

2/Base of Application:

3/Base of Application:

*“Major Subcontractors” are those subcontractors whose proposed cost exceeds 10% of the

Offeror’s proposed total cost. USAID may request to review any proposed subcontractors below the 10% threshold. As applicable, any request to review proposed subcontractors below the 10% threshold will be communicated to the Offeror.

Note 1: Contractors may recover applicable indirect costs (i.e., overhead, G&A, etc.) if it is part of the contractor's usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31, and Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (NICRA).

B.6. COST REIMBURSABLE

The U.S. dollar costs allowable will be limited to reasonable, allocable and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 31 (Contract Cost Principles), 2 CFR 200, FAR 52.216-7, (Allowable Cost and

Payment), FAR 52.216-8 (Fixed Fee) if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003 (Documentation for Payment).

B.7. PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

Payment of fee shall be in accordance with FAR 52.216-8. The Contractor shall be paid fees based on the completion of expected results stated in the Statement of Work (SOW).

(END OF SECTION B)

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

PARTNER SECURITY LIAISON OPERATIONS (PLSO)

C.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of the “Partner Liaison Security Operations'' (“PLSO”) activity is to serve as a liaison to and facilitate communications between the Mission and USAID implementing partners (IPs) operating in

Mozambique regarding security concerns. The activity goal is to enable IPs to share, understand, and use publicly available security information from across the country and improve their security posture and decision-making. This will demand proactive involvement on the part of the PLSO Contractor to host meetings, conduct site visits, produce written communications, and otherwise engage with the partner community. PLSO activity efforts will contribute to more effective delivery of U.S. Government funded assistance by keeping IPs’ abreast of security concerns and supporting them to better secure their operations under their respective agreements with USAID. This operation will be located in Maputo, Mozambique outside the U.S. Embassy Compound, yet the activity will have a nationwide focus.

C.2 BACKGROUND

C.2.1 Country context

Mozambique is a geographically large country in southern Africa with a population of approximately 32+ million people. Years of colonial negligence, war for independence, and civil war left Mozambique impoverished and underdeveloped. Despite thirty years of mainly positive economic growth since the end of the civil war, Mozambique still ranks 180 out of 189 countries in UNDP’s 2019 Human

Development Index which measures life expectancy, number of years of schooling, and GDP per capita.

Malaria is pervasive and the country suffers from one of the worst HIV epidemics in the world. Endemic corruption, flawed and unfair electoral processes, and increasing numbers of natural disasters are a drag on economic growth, political maturation, and national unity. Mozambique has a 1500+ mile, largely unpatrolled coastline and shares relatively unguarded land borders with six neighboring countries.

Recent discoveries of natural gas in the northern part of the country could result in an economic boom if managed correctly. In cooperation with national and regional governments, international companies have over the last decade moved in to establish offices and develop new infrastructure to enable realization of natural gas production and sale. Yet, despite much ballyhoo of promised new jobs, economic growth, and new investment due to these discoveries, communities there feel their interests are not being protected and that southerners and outside actors are capitalizing on northern resources. These sentiments have resulted in growing resentment and volatility in the north as citizens use various routes to protest perceived political and economic injustice.

Violent religious extremists have exploited these grievances to propagate violence and destabilize Cabo

Delgado Province. Since 2017, ISIS-Mozambique (ISIS-M) has committed killings, beheadings, rape, sexual slavery, village-wide arson, child abduction, and forced conscription. Schools, hospitals, and government buildings have been destroyed by ISIS-M which has led to more than 800,000 internally displaced persons. Moreover, operations to develop the natural gas fields have been shuttered. After several years of losing territory to ISIS-M, the Mozambican Government invited Rwandan and Southern

African Development Community forces to support Mozambican forces to retake key towns and capture several bases. These notable security gains coupled with the government’s emerging plans for reconstruction and services restoration provide a window of opportunity for increasing stability and new investments for stabilization and prevention activities.

This level of political and religious violence has been contained to Cabo Delgado Province. Other parts of Mozambique are impoverished and have their own security challenges, but have not faced the same level of disruption and instability as Cabo Delgado.

The U.S. Department of State’s Mozambique Travel Warning details this country’s security environment, and it can be found here:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mozambique-travel-advisory.html. This travel warning advises travelers to exercise increased caution while traveling to

Mozambique due to health, crime, and terrorism. The Travel Warning recommends against travel to

Cabo Delgado Province altogether due to threats of terrorism. Further, the related U.S. Government

Country Security Reports for Mozambique are: Political Violence - High; Terror -High; Crime - Critical.

C.2.2 Problem Statement

USAID IPs in Mozambique face a complicated security environment that ranges from outright terrorism in the north to pervasive petty crime across the country. ISIS-Mozambique (ISIS-M), one of the extremist groups based in north Mozambique and designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the Department of State, has claimed responsibility for many deadly attacks. Its members have killed and wounded thousands of people. ISIS-M has attacked with little or no warning, targeting civilians and government locations around Cabo Delgado Province. Upwards of 800,000 Mozambicans have been displaced as a result of violence in the north.

Beyond terrorist threats, criminal elements pose a serious risk throughout the country. They can occasionally be violent in nature and resistance by a victim may be met with deadly force. Locals have experienced armed mugging, assaults, burglaries, car-jacking, and other crimes. Foreigners may be targeted due to perceived wealth. Kidnappings are possible and remain a security concern in major population centers. Finally, strikes and other demonstrations of civic dissatisfaction in urban areas take place from time to time, further aggravating the security environment in Mozambique.

C.3 ILLUSTRATIVE PLSO ACTIVITY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

PLSO Activity Goal: USAID implementing partners ability to safely and securely operate USAID-funded programs in a constantly changing Mozambican context enhanced.

PLSO Objective 1: USAID implementing partners’ understanding of the safety and security situation around Mozambique strengthened.

PLSO Objective 2: Platforms to collect, analyze, and share information among various stakeholders regarding security concerns established and maintained.

PLSO Objective 3: IP local security procedures improved based on adoption of best practice.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mozambique-travel-advisory.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mozambique-travel-advisory.html

C.4 SCOPE OF WORK

C.4.1 Task Description

The PLSO Contractor shall serve as a liaison to both the EXO and IPs on security matters. When necessary, the PLSO Contractor will engage with the RSO in coordination with EXO. To achieve the objectives outlined above, the contractor shall provide technical assistance to implement activities below:

C.4.2 Illustrative Tasks

ACTIVITY FREQUENCY

Serve as the security primary point of contact between USAID/Mozambique and its IPs (contractors and grantees) on matters relating to security

In collaboration with USAID’s Executive Office, the contractor serves as the primary point of contact between USAID/Mozambique and its IPs (contractors and grantees) on matters relating to security.

Ongoing

Coordinate with pertinent in-country entities such as the UN, international NGO forums, the Government of Mozambique, and other international donors for the purpose of sharing and aggregating security information among partners working in the same environment. The Contractor must share the collected information with the EXO.

Ongoing

Stay informed of USAID/Mozambique and Embassy safety and security policies, practices, and notifications, especially as they apply to or affect USAID’s IPs in

Mozambique.

Ongoing

Establish a formal online community for information-sharing among

USAID/Mozambique IPs to support the exchange of pertinent security-related information.

Ongoing

Create, maintain, and disseminate templates for standardized documentation and reporting of security incidents by USAID IPs.

Develop and maintain SMS text message notification system and a secure and commonly available internet messaging app to contact IPs during emergency situations in Mozambique. NOTE: Notifications shall include the disclaimers required by the contract.

Develop and manage an “information cascade” (e.g., phone tree and messaging system) system to help USAID/Mozambique account for its IPs and for their employees during emergency situations.

Develop and maintain a database of Mozambique incidents reported by

USAID IPs.

Ongoing

Develop and maintain a database of contact information for USAID IP Chiefs of

Party (COPs), Deputy COPs, and Security Managers operating in Mozambique.

This database must include contact information, project site locations, and other germane information.

Provide immediate notification to the EXO regarding security incidents directly affecting IP programming. This must include the reporting of the incident date, time, and location of the incident, as well the type of incident and all information relevant to the incident.

As incidents occur

Draft and distribute regular security information updates to IPs, RSO, USAID/Mozambique staff, and USAID’s Office of Security in Washington D.C.

(SEC/W)) based on information received from IPs, other in-country partners, security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. These update reports should include an analysis of trends.

NOTE: Any security information that is specific, prescriptive and directive in nature and requires an individual to take or not take a security related action will include disclaimers required by the contract.

Weekly, at a minimum

Produce a weekly security report containing information pertinent to the operating environment of USAID/Mozambique IPs to be distributed to the relevant parties at EXO’s request.

Weekly

Produce an IP incident report for the EXO, USAID/Mozambique Mission Director

(MD), and all relevant USAID offices including SEC/W, which reflects security incidents reported by IPs. The report should include an analysis of trends.

Produce weekly activity reports for the MD, and EXO and SEC/W, which contain pertinent information regarding the Contractor’s activities and services provided to

IPs and security issues and concerns communicated by IPs.

Participate in regular meetings with the EXO (and RSO when necessary) to report on PLSO and IP activities.

Weekly

Organize IP risk-management meetings including formulating agendas, soliciting topics of interest from IPs, developing presentations and training materials, and arranging guest speakers and soliciting feedback on PLSO services.

Quarterly, at a minimum

Meet with and provide informational briefings to newly arrived USAID IPs in

Mozambique, or meet on request of IPs.

As needed

Provide information on available security training programs to IPs. As requested by IPs

Inform USAID/Mozambique on potential and actual security factors affecting

USAID Operations.

As needed

Participate, and potentially present, as a member of the Overseas Security

Advisory Council (OSAC).

As needed

Provide non-prescriptive guidance to IPs regarding security upgrades and security-related contract modifications in coordination with the COR and Contract

Officer.

As requested by IPs

Share non-prescriptive best practices in security plan development or updates among IPs.

As requested by

IPs

Conduct Site Visits As needed

C.4.2.1 Security Information Management

(a) Type of Security Information

The term “security information” as used in this Contract will mean information related to security which is hostile or threat-related in nature received from implementing partners or their subcontractors collected at the volition of the IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources.

The security information must be only unclassified and open-source information. The security information must not be independently verified by the Contractor and is not considered comprehensive of the security environment. The security information represents the security situation collected at the time of the incident report but does not embody the complete threat.

(b) Use of Security Information

The security information to be shared by the Contractor is designed to provide IPs, USAID and U.S.

Embassy’s Regional Security Office (RSO) with possible useful information regarding the security environment in Mozambique. Each IP shall decide how it utilizes the security information to effectively manage its programs. The security information is intended for informational purposes only and any security related decisions made by IPs regarding security of their facilities, personnel and travel should be based on Department of State travel advisories, OSAC advisories or IP’s internal security procedures and protocol.

(c) Disclosure of Security Information Reported by IPs

The source of the security information must not be disclosed to anyone other than EXO in order to protect the privacy of the IPs’ locations, business purpose, operations, and other proprietary information. To further protect the privacy of the IPs, the Contractor must not investigate the validity of the security information reported by IPs. Though the source of the security information is protected, the actual underlying security information is unclassified and open-source information.

(d) Method of Collecting Security Information

The Contractor must only provide security support at the request of the IP or direction of USAID. The

Contractor shall collect information through voluntary reporting by USAID IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. USAID/Mozambique through Office of

Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) will make IPs aware of the PLSO mechanism and IPs can utilize the mechanism as it is relevant to their internal security procedures and protocols. IPs must not be required to but encouraged to report security incidents or mandatorily opt-in to the system. The Contractor shall utilize and disseminate security information provided by the IP, as well as security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. The contractor must not actively monitor IP movements or activities through the country in order to obtain information. IPs will be encouraged to use the security information provided by Contractor, and also conduct their own research of the continuously-evolving threat environments in which they operate.

(e) Disclaimer on all Security Information and Communications

The following disclaimer must be used and prominently displayed for all communications under the contract: This USAID/Mozambique communication is designed to provide Implementing Partners with information received from implementing partners or their subcontractors regarding security or of a hostile threat-related nature. The source of the information may not be disclosed in order to protect the privacy of implementing partners. USAID/Mozambique and the U.S. Embassy’s RSO does not investigate the validity of the report and relies on implementing partner security personnel to validate the details of reported incidents. The email nature of the report requires that the content be limited to unclassified information; as such the information may be disseminated freely. The USAID/Mozambique communications are provided for information purposes only and any decisions made by the IPs regarding security of facilities, personnel and travel should be based on Department of State travel advisories, OSAC advisories or other 'authorities' guidance.

C.5 OTHER TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

C.5.1 Environmental Compliance

The Contractor must adhere to the conditions set forth in the Mission Initial Environmental Examination and any other environmental documents developed and approved by USAID prior to the initiation of or during the implementation of the contract. Please see Section H for detailed environmental considerations related to this activity.

C.5.2 Security Considerations

All work under this contract will be unclassified, and thus no special information security requirements are applicable.

The crime threat level is Critical and the terrorism threat level is Medium in Mozambique and the

Contractor is expected to take steps to be responsive to this shifting environment. Offerors are advised that there are occasional reports of robberies and car-jacking, some involving armed gunmen, on

Mozambique's urban and rural road network. The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for

Mozambique regularly issues information regarding risks of travel to some provinces in Mozambique because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas. The advisory also informs that throughout the country, violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, remains a problem. The Contractor should be cognizant of the fact that Local Government Area categorizations may potentially fall into areas prone to armed conflict and security vulnerability.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Mozambique (ISIS-M) is active in the northern province of Cabo

Delgado. No terrorist attacks have occurred in Maputo, more than 1,000 miles south of the conflict zone.

The Contractor shall establish a comprehensive and dynamic safety and security plan pertaining to all aspects of its activities and the activities of its employees in the performance of all work related to this contract as well as the off-duty activities of its employees serving in Mozambique, as those activities relate to performance of contract work. The Contractor must also work closely with and establish working relationships with all authorized and appropriate safety and security organizations and entities for the protection and safety of its operations and employees.

The Contractor shall be responsible for its own security under this contract and shall employ a security profile that is cost-effective. The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the security of its personnel, materials, and equipment commensurate with the circumstances involved. All employees of the

Contractor must meet the requirements of their work site, which may include background checks, security/restricted area clearance, drug-free workplace, safety training and/or other inspections/requirements.

C.6 PROJECT COORDINATION

C.6.1 Technical Direction

USAID/Mozambique will designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) as the primary contact between the USAID Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contractor’s key personnel. The COR will be responsible for all day-to-day management, oversight, and providing written and oral technical direction of the Contractor and overall Activity. The Contractor shall meet at least monthly with the COR or his/her designee to review the status of activities, and will be prepared to make periodic briefings to

USAID/Mozambique and/or RSO as appropriate.

C.6.2 Contractor

The Contractor shall report to the COR located in USAID/Mozambique’s Executive Office in Maputo.

Since the IPs are not under Chief of Mission authority, the IPs are not required to report to or through the

RSO, and reciprocally, RSO has no responsibility to manage or direct the IPs.

The Contractor shall work independently carrying out assigned activities and responsibilities at the

COR’s request. The Contractor will have no authority to make fiscal commitments. The Contractor is expected to make personal contacts with U.S. Embassy personnel up to the highest levels including with

USAID/Mozambique personnel, USAID/Washington personnel, USAID IPs, United Nations (UN) personnel, and Government of Mozambique officials.

The Contractor must have ready access to databases, systems, and other relevant information which will allow the Contractor to analyze, assess and report on security information, as applicable to USAID

Mozambique IPs operating throughout the country. These systems must have in place mechanisms which protect security information provided to the Contractor. The Contractor’s system must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to communicate to IPs and report real time security incidents to USAID’s

EXO.

The Contractor shall have adequate managerial and institutional capacity needed to produce the deliverables outlined in this Statement of Work. This must include the ability to adjust and adapt to unforeseeable changes in-country. Adequate management and administrative structures will include policies and practices for overall implementation of the activity in personnel, financial, and logistical support.

C.6.3 Liaison with USAID and Other USG Agencies

The contractor is expected to work closely with relevant US Government offices in Mozambique, especially the Embassy’s RSO, as directed in the Contract.

C.6.4 Coordination with Development Partners and Other Stakeholders

PLSO Contractor shall require coordination with many other stakeholders and partners. At a minimum, these include:

● International donors and organizations;

● The private sector which can provide important information and support relevant to

USAID/Mozambique PLSO project;

● Government of Mozambique officials at the federal, state and local levels who can support

USAID/Mozambique and or its IPs on activities related to PLSO project;

● Security companies and allied associations that can provide the data, research and analysis to inform policy; and

● Service providers that provide training and facilitate security information dissemination.

C.6.5 Travel

Occasional travel by the Contractor to IP activity sites is required under the contract, as needed or requested for training, briefings, site visits, and response to security incidents. Currently there are approximately 80 partners implementing activities on behalf of USAID/Mozambique. USAID is unable to identify how many security incidents will happen per year for budgeting purposes and the Contractor should propose a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee which includes all estimated travel costs.

C.6.6 Government Furnished Property

USAID/Mozambique does not anticipate provision of Government furnished property under this contract.

C.7 STAFFING PLAN

To achieve the objectives of the PLSO, the Contractor must provide an overall staffing plan, consisting of long and short-term personnel that demonstrate the breadth and depth of international and local professional technical expertise and experience required to carry out successfully the proposed technical approach. The staffing plan must reflect the minimum number of highly experienced technical staff sufficient to manage and implement the PLSO Project under this award

. (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

The contractor must 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 November 03, 2020) at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/320.pdf; and USAID "Graphic Standards Manual" available at www.usaid.gov/branding, or any successor branding policy.

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

In accordance with Automated Directives System (ADS) 320.3.2.1, contractors must prepare a Branding

Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP) to address the Branding Strategy described under

Attachment J.8, and the matrix affixed thereto. This is to ensure that the successful contractor’s

Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan under this contract are in compliance with the “USAID

Graphics Standard Manual” available at http://www.usaid.gov/branding and any successor branding policy, as detailed in ADS Chapter 320.

USAID policy is to require exclusive branding and marking in USAID direct acquisitions. “Exclusive

Branding” means that the activity is positioned as USAID’s, as showcased by the activity name (e.g., the

Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) Activity. “Exclusive marking” means contractors may only mark USAID-funded programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities with the

USAID Standard Graphic Identity and, where applicable, the host-country government or ministry symbol or logo. It is USAID’s policy that contractors and sub-contractors corporate identities or logos may not be used on USAID-funded programs and communications materials.

Under some circumstances, co-branding may apply, in which case USAID will provide guidance prior to acceptance of the Branding and Marking Plan.

Objective: The main objective of the Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) activity is to serve as a liaison to and facilitate communications between the Mission and USAID implementing partners (IPs) operating in Mozambique regarding security concerns. The activity goal is to enable IPs to share, understand, and use publicly available security information from across the country and improve their security posture and decision-making.

Activity Name: “Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) project” until a final name is agreed upon with the contractor.

Positioning: The Contractor will have the responsibility to position USAID name and logo in each activity to be supported to ensure that people recognize and identify that those activities are developed with USG financing. Evaluations must be widely disseminated and clearly marked to indicate that USAID programs have been subject by independent evaluation experts.

Public Outreach: The Activity audience will be diverse at national level. Activity messages and actions will be addressed to different actors within the Government of Mozambique and civil society.

The following categories of public audiences will be reached by the activity:

Counterparts and Partners: In addition, the activity will promote from the beginning the active participation and engagement of different public, private and civil society organizations. These entities will become USAID’s counterparts, partners, and beneficiaries.

Level of visibility: The activity will ensure a high level of USAID visibility in all activities, at the national level. Due to the nature of policy and institutional reforms which usually are developed with a high level of political will, in the cases where the themes appear as sensitive, low profile will be used.

When a sensitive situation needs to be considered, the activity will strictly follow USAID recommendations.

Anticipated elements of marking plan: Deliverables to be marked, include products, equipment and inputs delivered; places where the activities are carried out; external public communications, studies, reports, publications and informative and promotional products; and workshops, conferences, fairs, media related activities and any such events. Publications authored by contractors or other non-USAID employees must include the following disclaimer on the title page:

“The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States

Agency for International Development or the United States Government.”

Threats and restrictions to the security of the activity need to be identified and assessed in order to request any necessary exception from the marking requirement in accordance with ADS 320.3.2.

USAID’s web page contains the electronic version of the Graphic Standards Manual that is compulsory for all contractors.

D.4 MARKING

1. Description of public communications and program materials to be produced as part of the activity that will visibly bear the USAID and when required the Partner Liaison Security

Operations (PLSO) Activity Identity.

2. “This activity was made possible by the generous support of the American People through the

United States Agency for International Development.”

“Esta actividade tornou-se possível com o generoso apoio do Povo Americano através da Agência dos Estados Unidos da América para o Desenvolvimento Internacional.”

(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 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far for electronic access to the full text of a FAR clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.246-3 INSPECTION OF SUPPLIES COST-REIMBURSEMENT MAY 2001

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

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE/RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

USAID inspection and acceptance of all services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs under this contract must take place in Maputo, Mozambique, or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR) listed in Section G has been delegated the authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

E.3 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The COR will conduct period performance reviews to monitor the progress of work and the achievement of results and/or completion of major components under this contract. USAID will assess the Contractor’s progress in implementation of its work and success in meeting benchmarks, as defined in the Activity

MEL plan. The information provided and exchanged through quarterly progress reviews will form the basis for assessing and reporting on Contractor performance.

The Contractor must submit to the COR all information and appropriate documentation necessary to demonstrate and support the achievement of results and milestones. The Contractor must also provide an explanation and/or justification if any milestones have not been achieved according to the schedule.

In addition to the technical performance requirements stated in Section C above, the Contractor will be held fully accountable for responsible management of this contract. Of particular concern are the following:

1) Satisfactory performance record, which includes effective independent cost control;

2) Amounts of cost overruns and underruns, and reasons for them;

3) Compliance with terms and conditions of contract, particularly areas where the Contracting

Officer’s approval or consent is needed prior to execution of action, purchase of equipment, subcontract, formalization of constructive changes, timeliness of reports and other deliverables;

4) Task completion versus schedule completion date as stated in the contract Annual Work Plan with Performance Milestones, with explanation for completions delays, and,

5) Termination for default or convenience.

(END OF SECTION E)

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.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 https://acquisition.gov/browsefar for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION

(48 CFR Chapter 1)

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER AUG 1989

STOP-WORK ORDER ALTERNATE I APR 1984

52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK APR 1984

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract will be five years from the effective date of award.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor must maintain a project office in Maputo, Mozambique, to manage the requirements under this contract. The place of performance of this contract is Mozambique.

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

(a) In accordance with FAR 42.15 and corresponding procedures, the evaluation of the Contractor's overall performance will be conducted jointly by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the

Contracting Officer and will form the basis of the Contractor's permanent performance record with regard to this contract as required by FAR 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15. The following general performance standards will be included as the basis of the performance evaluation:

1. Technical (Quality of Product or Service)

2. Cost control

3. Schedule/Timeliness

4. Management or Business relations

5. Small business subcontracting (as applicable)

6. Effectiveness of Key Personnel, Subcontractors and grantees

7. Other (as applicable) (e.g. late or nonpayment to subcontractors, trafficking violations, tax delinquency, failure to report in accordance with Contract terms and conditions, defective cost or pricing data, terminations, suspension and debarments)

8. Regulatory compliance.

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(b) USAID reserves the right to conduct, and the Offeror must expect and be prepared for a management and/or financial audit by USAID at any time to ensure systems (management, administration, finance, procurement, and program) are in place as per the Contract. Such audit(s) will focus on program management and performance, including such factors as cost, timeliness, and accountability; and will include field and home office records pertaining to operations and program activities. The Contractor must cooperate with and contribute to a final management and financial review conducted by USAID prior to program closeout.

F.5 KEY PERSONNEL

The key personnel identified below are considered essential to the work being performed under this contract. The contractor remains responsible for providing such key personnel for full time performance for the term of this contract unless otherwise agreed to by the CO. Failure to provide the key personnel designated above may be considered non-performance unless such failure is beyond the control, and through no fault or negligence, of the contractor. The contractor must immediately notify the CO and the

COR of any key personnel’s departure and the reasons thereof and propose interim coverage while rectifying the situation.

The contractor shall take steps to immediately rectify this situation and will propose a substitute candidate for each vacated position to the CO and the COR along with a budget impact statement in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. The contractor must not replace the key personnel without the written consent of the CO whether provided in advance or by ratification. Any subsequent changes to the personnel identified in this section must be approved in writing by the CO.

All key personnel must be full-time, located in Mozambique, and employed by the prime contractor.

USAID/Mozambique has determined three (3) key personnel positions which are the Chief of Party (COP), the Chief Security Officer and the Operations Manager. The individuals selected will have sufficient managerial as well as the technical capacity, expertise, experience and academic qualification to meet the minimum requirements of the positions and effectively manage and support the overall project and its staff as defined below.

F.5.1. KEY PERSONNEL

Prior to…