PLSO Sol_72068524R00006 signed.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

USAID Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) Activity in Burkina Faso

USAID/SENEGAL

SAHEL REGIONAL OFFICE (SRO)

NOFO NO.: 72068524R00006

AUGUST 5, 2024

SECTION

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

SOLICITATION, OFFER, AND AWARD 1. This Contract is a Rated Order under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) - Code of Federal Regulations - at 15 CFR 700.

RATING PAGE OF PAGES

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER 4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 5. DATE ISSUED 6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

CODE7. ISSUED BY 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

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision Number 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 B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)

AREA CODE NUMBER EXTENSION

C. EMAIL ADDRESS

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SECTION PAGE(S)DESCRIPTION

A B C D E F G H

I

J

K

L

M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSESSOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

PACKAGING AND MARKING

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

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

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within 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 opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause Number 52.232-8)

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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

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

DATEAMENDMENT NUMBERAMENDMENT NUMBER DATE

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

(Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER EXTENSION

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS

DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

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 UNDER THE

UNITED STATES CODE AT:

10 U.S.C. 3204(a) ( )41 U.S.C. 3304(a)

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

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

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

28. AWARD DATE

CODE

ITEM

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 12/2022)

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

SEALED BID (IFB) INVITATION FOR BID

NEGOTIATED (RFP) REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(Hour) (Date)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

RE-685-24-000046

USAID/Senegal US Embassy, Route des Almadies, BP 49 Dakar, Senegal

SENEGAL

USAID/Senegal US Embassy, Route des Almadies, BP 49

72068524R00006

Robert Almosd supportsolicitations@usaid.gov

42 126

8/5/2024

2 143

RFP Number: 72068524R00006 Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) Project

RFP Issuance Date: August 5, 2024 Questions Date: August 14, 2024, at 5:00 PM, GMT Closing Date & Time: September 23, 2024 at 5:00 PM, GMT

Subject: USAID Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: 72068524R00006

USAID Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) Activity in Burkina Faso

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government represented (also USG or Government) by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Senegal Mission (USAID/Senegal) is seeking a contractor to implement the PLSO activity in Burkina Faso as stipulated in the subject RFP.

USAID invites interested and qualified offerors to submit a proposal in accordance with the requirements of the RFP for the implementation of this activity. USAID will conduct this procurement through full and open competition, under which any type of organization is eligible to compete.

USAID encourages the participation to the maximum extent possible of U.S. small business concerns in accordance with Part 19 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The NAICS code for this solicitation is 541990. The authorized geographic code for this procurement is 937.

The procedures set forth in FAR Part 15 will apply. The Government plans to award a Cost- Plus- Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion type contract. The maximum estimated cost of the contract (including both costs and fee) is up to $5 million over a five (5) year period for the implementation of this activity. Cost proposals will be evaluated as part of a best value determination for the contract award. The offeror is to propose the activities and staffing according to the offeror's approach for achieving results.

Offerors are encouraged to read the entire solicitation. Special attention should be paid to Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Contractors, and Section M – Evaluation Factors.

All amendments to this solicitation will be made available through the System for Awards Management website at www.sam.gov. It is the offeror’s responsibility to check this site periodically for official updates and amendments to the solicitation. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation must be valid for a minimum of 240 days.

Electronic responses are required. Please submit proposals to supportsolicitations@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above. All attachments must be less than 25MB. Receipt time is when the proposal is received by the USAID internet server.

Any questions regarding the RFP’s requirements must be submitted via-email only to supportsolicitations@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above. Answers will be published on www.sam.gov as an amendment to the solicitation by the date and time specified above.

This RFP does not obligate the United States Government to award a contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation or submission of proposals.

Sincerely, Robert Almosd Regional Contracting Officer USAID/Senegal Regional Acquisition & Assistance Office mailto:supportsolicitations@usaid.gov mailto:supporsolicitations@usaid.gov

Table of Contents

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

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

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - DOCUMENT, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS .. 88

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

ATTACHMENTS

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ADS Automated Directive System AWP Annual Work Plan BH Boko Haram CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy CO Contracting Officer COP Chief of Party COR Contracting Officer’s Representative CPFF Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee CV Curriculum Vitae EXO Executive Office FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation GoS Government of Senegal HG Host Government ICT Information and Communication Technology IEE Initial Environmental Examination of USAID IP Implementing Partners MD Mission Director MEL Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning NICRA Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement NGO Non-Governmental Organizations OAA Office of Acquisition and Assistance OMB Office of Management and Budget OP Operations Manager OSAC Overseas Security Advisory Council PII Personally Identifiable Information PLSO Partner Liaison Security Operations RFP Request for Proposals RSO Regional Security Office SEC/W USAID’s Office of Security in Washington, D.C.

SMS Short Message Service SOW Statement of Work TEC Technical Evaluation Committee UEI Unique Entity Identifier UN United Nations USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government

Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) Activity

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide technical services that fall within the scope of work specified in Section C – Description/Specification/Statement of Work for the “Partner Liaison Security 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(d)(1).

The contractor must provide the services as described in Section C and the additional requirements and deliverables of Section F and H in accordance with the performance standards described herein.

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

In accordance with FAR Part 52.232-22 - Limitation of Funds:

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is To Be Determined (TBD). The fixed fee, if any, is TBD. The estimated cost-plus-fixed-fee, if any, is TBD.

(b) Budget

DESCRIPTION YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 TOTAL

US $

Operations costs Subcontract Other Direct Cost Total Direct Costs Indirect Costs Total Estimated Cost Fixed Fee Total Estimated Costs plus Fixed Fee

The Contractor will not be paid any sum in excess of the ceiling price.

(c) 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 will not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

(d) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through o/a TBD.

B.4 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT

This contract is considered non-severable, and is therefore a multi-year contract as defined in FAR

17.103. Therefore, this contract is subject to the requirements of FAR 17.106.

Cancellation Dates and Ceilings:

Contract Year 2: Date: TBD Amount: $ TBD Contract Year 3: Date: TBD Amount: $ TBD Contract Year 4: Date: TBD Amount: $ TBD Contract Year 5: Date: TBD Amount: $ TBD

This is a CPFF completion type contract where the Contractor is authorized to be reimbursed for all costs which are allowable in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Costs and Payment.” The Contractor is expected not to incur any costs which would have been amortized over the life of the contract should the contract be canceled in accordance with FAR 52.217-2. Therefore, the cancellation ceiling for each cancellation date is (TBD at time of award).

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs will be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases for prime Contractors and their subcontractors.

For Prime Contractor:

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:

(a) Contractors are allowed to recoup indirect costs (Overhead (OH), General & Administrative (G&A) expenses, etc.) as other direct costs if it is part of the Contractor’s usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR 31 and the Contractor’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

(NICRA).

(b) The Contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

(c) Reimbursement for indirect costs shall be at final negotiated rates, but not in excess of ceiling rates specified above.

(d) The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount associated with indirect costs above the ceiling rates established in the contract. This advance understanding will not change any monetary ceiling, cost limitation, or obligation established in the contract.

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, Part 220 (Cost Principles for Educational Institutions), 2 CFR, Part 230 (Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations), FAR 52.216- 7 (Allowable Cost and Payment), FAR 52.216-8 (Fixed Fee) if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003 (Documentation for Payment), may be reimbursable under this contract.

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE – FAR 52.216-8 (JUN 2011)

(a) The Government will pay the Contractor for performing this contract the fixed fee specified in the Schedule.

(b) Payment of the fixed fee shall be made as specified in the Schedule; provided that the Contracting Officer withholds a reserve not to exceed 15 percent of the total fixed fee or $100,000, whichever is less, to protect the Government’s interest. The Contracting Officer shall release 75 percent of all fee withholds under this contract after receipt of an adequate certified final indirect cost rate proposal covering the year of physical completion of this contract, provided the Contractor has satisfied all other contract terms and conditions, including the submission of the final patent and royalty reports, and is not delinquent in submitting final vouchers on prior years’ settlements. The Contracting Officer may release up to 90 percent of the fee withholds under this contract based on the Contractor’s past performance related to the submission and settlement of final indirect cost rate proposals.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Partner Security Liaison Operations (PLSO) Project

C.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of the “Partner Liaison Security Operations” (“PLSO”) is to serve as a liaison to and facilitate communications between the implementing partners (IPs) operating in Burkina Faso in order to enable the IPs to better use and share publically available security information so that the IPs are better informed about their own security. This will entail proactive engagement on the part of the PLSO including meetings, site visits, and written communications. The PLSO efforts will assist in more effective delivery of U.S. Government funded assistance, as it will enhance the IPs’ ability to stay abreast of security concerns and better secure their operations so that IPs can more aptly perform and advance development objectives under their respective agreements.

C.2 ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF OPERATION

The PLSO is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and the Contractor must provide security support to IPs operating throughout the country and security conditions information to USAID.

The Contractor will be required to travel to program activity implementation sites as needed.

Efforts to combat regional terrorism throughout the country continue to prove challenging for Burkina Faso authorities. Criminal elements pose a serious risk throughout the country. Criminals are prone to use wanton violence, and resistance by a victim is often met with deadly force.

Armed robberies, assaults, burglaries, carjackings, rapes, kidnappings, extortion, etc. are not uncommon.

C.3 BACKGROUND

USAID/Burkina Faso manages the U.S. Government’s (USG) foreign assistance in Burkina-Faso and is focused on programs that prevent and mitigate conflict, strengthen government services and institutions, promote resilience, and foster democratic principles. USAID/Burkina Faso partners with 54 implementing partners (IPs) throughout the country. Development sectors include Agriculture and Resilience; Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance; Economic Growth and Trade; Education; Global Health; and Humanitarian Assistance.

The current (2024) USG security ratings for Burkina Faso are: Political Violence - High; Terror - High; Crime - Critical. The U.S. Department of State’s Burkina Faso’s Travel Warning can be found here:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country- Info rmation-Pages/BurkinaFaso.html

Security is a significant and growing concern for USAID’s IPs. While USAID’s relationship with its IPs prohibits providing prescriptive guidance on security or mandatory reporting by the IPs, USAID/Burkina Faso is establishing a Partner Liaison Security Office (PLSO) as a tool to enhance communication between USAID and its IPs regarding security to help IPs better manage and mitigate their respective safety and security concerns. The PLSO will enhance the IPs’ ability to stay abreast of security trends and better safeguard their operations and staff to enable IPs’ ability to fully perform and advance development objectives under their respective agreements while ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.

C.4 U.S. MISSION SECURITY OPERATIONAL PLAN, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The PLSO will collaborate closely with in-country entities such as the United Nations, international NGOs, the host government, and other international donors to share and aggregate security information among partners working in the same environment.

C.5 SCOPE OF WORK

C.5.1 PLSO Project Objectives

The overall objective of the PLSO contract is to disseminate security information aimed at more effective delivery of U.S. Government funded assistance. PLSO will focus the bulk of its efforts on collaborating with all USAID-funded IPs, located throughout Burkina Faso. The Contractor is expected to develop creative methods to achieve the deliverables set forth in this contract.

C.5.2 Duties and Responsibilities

The basic function of the PLSO is to act as a liaison to and facilitate communications among IPs operating in Burkina Faso so that IPs are better informed about their own security. This will entail proactive engagement including meetings, site visits, training, and monitoring social media, among other methods.

To achieve the objectives outlined above, the Contractor will provide technical assistance to implement activities below:

● Direct IP Assistance - Meeting with and providing informational briefings to newly arrived USAID/Burkina Faso IPs and staff; sharing advisory security plan best practices among IPs;

organizing IP risk-management meetings; assisting IPs with the documentation and reporting of security incidents to USAID/Burkina Faso and other relevant authorities;

providing information on available security training programs to IPs; and establishing a formal online community for information-sharing among USAID/Burkina Faso IPs.

● Liaison Activities - Maintaining coordination and engagement with pertinent in-country entities such as the United Nations, international NGOs, local military and law enforcement agencies (as allowed by USG policies and regulations), other international community members and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC); staying informed on USAID/Burkina Faso and Embassy safety and security policies, practices, and notifications, especially as they affect USAID’s IPs in Burkina.

● Technical Support - Developing and maintaining a bulk SMS text message notification system to contact IPs during emergency situations; developing and maintaining various databases, including but not limited to a database of Burkina Faso incidents reported by USAID IPs and a database of contact information for USAID IP Chiefs of Party, Deputy Chiefs of Party, and Security Managers.

● Written Materials - Drafting weekly security information reports for distribution to IPs, USAID/Burkina Faso staff, USAID/Senegal, and USAID Washington DC entities; producing a weekly activity report for the USAID/Burkina Faso Country Representative, USAID/Senegal Executive Office (EXO), and the Office of Security in Washington, DC (SEC/W) which contains pertinent information regarding the Contractor’s assistance provided to IPs and security issues and concerns communicated by IPs; and producing a weekly IP incident report for the USAID/Burkina FasoCountry Representative, EXO, and SEC/W which reflects security incidents reported by IPs during the past week.

● USAID Support - Providing immediate notification to the USAID/Burkina Faso Country Representative, EXO, and the USAID/Senegal Regional Acquisition & Assistance Office (RAAO) regarding IP security incidents; advising USAID/Burkina Faso and Senegal on potential and actual security factors affecting USAID operations;

● Assessment, analysis, and reporting on security data - Securing access to databases, systems, and pertinent information for the comprehensive assessment, analysis, evaluation, and reporting of security data relevant to USAID/Burkina Faso IPs across the country. Vital to the effectiveness of this endeavor is the imperative to present information at a geographically disaggregated level, maximizing its practical utility.

C.5.2.1 Security Information Management

(a) Type of Security Information

The term “security information” as used in this Contract shall mean information related to security which is hostile or threat-related in nature received from IPs or their subcontractors collected at the volition of the IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. The security information is publicly available which means it is only unclassified and open-source information. The security information shall 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 may not embody the complete threat.

(b) Use of Security Information

The security information is designed to provide IPs and USAID with possible useful information regarding the security environment in Burkina Faso. Each IP will decide how it utilizes the security information to effectively manage its programs. The security information is intended for informational purposes only and decisions regarding security of facilities, personnel, and travel should be determined independently.

(c) Disclosure of Security Information Reported by IPs

The source of the security information shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the Country Representative and the 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 shall not investigate the validity of the security information reported by IPs.

However, the Contractor may compile information and present trends data for consideration by USAID and the affected 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 will only provide security support at the request of the IP or direction of USAID.

The Contractor will collect information through voluntary reporting by USAID IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. IPs will be made aware of the PLSO mechanism and can utilize it as relevant to their internal security procedures and protocols. IPs will not be required, but will be encouraged to report security incidents and opt-in to the system.

The Contractor will utilize and disseminate security information provided by the IP, as well as security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. The Contractor will not actively monitor IP movements or activities in order to obtain information. IPs are encouraged to also conduct their own research and analysis 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 communication is designed to provide IPs with information 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. PLSO does not investigate the validity of the report and relies on implementing partner security personnel to validate the details of reported incidents. The content must be limited to unclassified information; as such the information may be disseminated freely. All communications are provided for information only and decisions regarding security of facilities, personnel and travel should be determined independently.”

Travel: Travel to IP activity sites is required under the contract. Currently, there are approximately 30 partners implementing activities on behalf of USAID/Burkina Faso. Travel will be required for training, briefings, site visits, and response to security incidents. USAID is unable to identify how many security incidents will happen per year for budgeting purposes. The Contractor must propose a firm-fixed price which includes all estimated travel costs.

Management Structure: The Contractor must have a management structure which clearly defines duties and enables effective execution of the objectives and deliverables. The staffing pattern proposed must provide an adequate skill mix to meet the needs for implementation and management of the contract. This staffing plan must clearly show the ability to have multiple staffing resources available for simultaneous efforts. The staffing plan must outline qualifications, experience, language abilities, and appropriateness of the professionals available to the team.

Key Personnel: The contract will have one Key Personnel position, the Operations Manager.

The Contractor must propose an Operations Manager to serve as the Contractor’s senior officer and who will be responsible for the efficient and effective management of all aspects of the operation. This position will oversee all security, risk management, risk mitigation, analytical, and field activities. The Operations Manager must have significant high-level experience working on similar security requirements as required by this contract in Burkina Faso.

Reporting Structure: The Contractor receives technical direction solely from the designated Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), or the Alternate COR–if designated. The COR and A/COR may be a USAID/Burkina Faso staff person or an assigned individual from USAID/Senegal’s Executive Office. However, the Contractor must abide by contract terms and conditions, and liaise with the Contracting Officer for any contractual issues related to price, scope, period of performance, etc. The Contractor has a direct relationship with the COR, and USAID expects communications under this contract will go through them, and copy the USAID contracting office as needed. Since IPs are not under Chief of Mission authority, IPs are not required to report to or through the PLSO, and reciprocally, the PLSO has no responsibility or authority to manage or direct IPs. However, the Contractor is expected to work independently carrying out assigned responsibilities and duties under the scope of work.

C.5.2.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

The Contractor must integrate monitoring, evaluation and learning through the implementation of a set of activities in a continuous process in order to achieve results outlined in the PLSO project. Performance monitoring will focus largely at the activity level and inform day-to-day programming and implementation decisions. The Contractor will also conduct pre-activity/pre-training surveys and/or focus groups with stakeholders as necessary. Well-constructed quantitative and qualitative baseline data collection exercises will be critically important for establishing indices of service delivery quality and systems sustainability against which progress can be measured.

The Mission is also committed to incorporating “learning” into all aspects of its programming through a variety of means from assessments, portfolio reviews, data analysis, etc.

USAID/Burkina Faso seeks to continually learn and strengthen its efforts as it relates to the security of our IPs. USAID will visit all sites where the Contractor will be working, including but not limited to offices, communities and field sites for monitoring or other purposes.

C.6 INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY

The Contractor must have proven experience in working on security matters in Burkina Faso and demonstrated capability to provide effective guidance on the implementation of security procedures and policies required by clients. The Contractor must also have ready access to databases, systems, and other relevant information which will allow the Contractor the ability to analyze, assess, and report on security information, as applicable to USAID/Burkina Faso IPs operating throughout the country. These systems must have in place mechanisms which protect security information provided to the Contractor. The Contractor must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to IPs, the USAID/Burkina Faso Country Representative, and the USAID/Senegal EXO.

C.7 LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

The Contractor will be responsible for furnishing all logistical support in the USAID/Burkina Faso geographical area to meet the terms and conditions of the contract. These will include, but are not limited to, all support for database and systems, travel arrangements, communications, translating, appointment scheduling, administrative services, report preparation services, printing, mapping, and duplicating.

C.8 SECURITY CONDITIONS

The Contractor must be aware of security conditions in the country of implementation, and by entering into the contract, assumes full responsibility for the safety of its employees. Before commencing work, the Contractor must ensure that it has adequate procedures (a security plan) in place to advise its employees of situations or changed conditions that could adversely affect their security. A security plan for the IP will not be included as a deliverable, but it is expected to be available upon request by the Contracting Officer.

In order to keep abreast of security conditions in the country of implementation, but particularly before any employee commence travels, especially in areas of security concerns, the Contractor must seek information from all available sources, including USAID in the country of implementation, for all areas in which its employees work or travel. The Contractor acknowledges that security conditions are subject to change at any moment, that USAID cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information that it may provide to the Contractor, and that USAID assumes no responsibility for the reliability of such information. The Contractor has sole responsibility for approving all travel plans for its employees. The Contractor is also responsible for immediately notifying USAID and the US Embassy American Citizen Services section in the event a US citizen employee does not return from travel as expected. In the event that USAID requests the Contractor to do so, the Contractor’s Operations Manager must assume responsibility for contacting all of its employees. The Contractor must provide the COR the name, current address, and current home and/or cellular telephone number of the Operations Manager and of an alternate designated employee.

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that the information provided to the COR is up to date so that in an emergency, the Operations Manager or alternate representative can be reached immediately, and they can rapidly contact all other affected employees. In the event of an adverse work or project related security situation affecting any Contractor’s staff/activity, the Contractor is responsible to notify the COR or their alternate (as well as the Acquisition & Assistance Specialist and the Contracting Officer) within 24 hours or as soon as it is practicable.

C.9 OTHER TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

C.9.1 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 or during the implementation of the contract. Please see Section H.25 for detailed environmental considerations related to this activity.

C.9.2 Security Considerations

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

Burkina Faso has been designated a high threat and high crime post and the Contractor is expected to take steps to be responsive to this shifting environment. The U.S. State Department travel advisory for Burkina Faso regularly issues information regarding risks of travel to some regions in Burkina Faso because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas. 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 Contractor will 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 Burkina Faso, 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 will be responsible for its own security under this contract and will 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.10 PROJECT COORDINATION

C.10.1 Technical Direction

USAID/Senegal 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 technical direction of the Contractor and overall Activity. The COR will provide technical direction during the performance of the contract, both in writing and orally. The Contractor will 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 as appropriate.

Contractor

The Contractor will work independently carrying out assigned activities and responsibilities per the contract and annual work plan. The Contractor will have no authority to make fiscal commitments but is expected to make personal contacts with the U.S. Embassy personnel up to the highest levels; USAID/Burkina personnel; USAID/Washington personnel; USAID IPs; United Nations (UN) personnel; and Government of Burkina officials to perform duties under this Contract.

The Contractor will 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.

Liaison with USAID and Other USG Agencies

The Contractor is expected to work closely with relevant USG offices in Burkina Faso as directed by the COR.

C.10.2 Government Furnished Property

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

C.11 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 activity 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 program construction sites and other program 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 program construction sites and other program 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 program 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

(a) In accordance with ADS 320 “Branding and Marking,” this Contract incorporates USAID’s policy directives and required procedures on branding and marking of USAID-funded programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities with the USAID identity. Markings under this Contract must comply with the USAID “Graphic Standards Manual" available at www.usaid.gov/branding or any successor branding policy.

(b) The Contractor must develop a Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP) for the Contract to describe how program deliverables will be branded. The BIP will implement USAID branding strategy for the State2State Activity:

Program Name: USAID Partner Security Liaison Operations (PLSO) Project

Branding Strategy: The branding will incorporate the message that the assistance is “From the American People and through USAID”

Desired level of visibility: USAID identity must be prominently displayed in commodities of equipment; infrastructure projects; printed, audio. Visual or electronic public communications; studies, reports, publications, websites, and promotional and informational products; and events. Organization to Be acknowledged: The branding may http://www.usaid.gov/branding acknowledge other organizations deemed as partners of an event or deliverable. Other contributors to the activity should be acknowledged, when determined appropriate by the COR.

(c) The Marking Plan must enumerate all of public communications, commodities, infrastructure projects, program materials, events, deliverables, and other items that shall be marked with the USAID identity or brand.

(d) The Marking Plan may include requests for exceptions to marking requirements for programmatic reasons, to be approved by the Contracting Officer. Waivers, as defined by ADS 320, may be necessary for compelling political, safety or security concerns, or if the marking will have an adverse effect in the host country. Marking and attribution for physical structures may need to be visible as soon as work commences. Contract deliverables to be marked with the USAID identity must follow design guidance for color, type, and layout in the Graphic Standards Manual, available at www.usaid.gov/branding , and all successor branding policies (if any).

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY, IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

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 Contracts” (effective date: 01/08/2007) at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/320.pdf, and USAID “Graphic Standards Manual” available at www.usaid.gov/branding , or any successor branding policy.

The Contractor must submit a Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan consistent with the instructions of this Contract. The Contractor will follow the approved plan during implementation of this award, unless a waiver is requested and approved by the contracting officer.

[END OF SECTION D]

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/320.pdf

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. Full text of the FAR clauses is available at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1 and full text of the AIDAR clauses is available at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-7.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

52.204-14 SERVICE CONTRACT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OCT 2016

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

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs must be subject to the performance standards set forth in Sections C and F. Inspection and acceptance will take place at:

USAID/Burkina Faso Ouagadougou

US Compound or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. Inspection of all deliverables required hereunder will be made by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), designated in Section G, who has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and other required deliverables.

Acceptance of services, reports and other deliverables by the COR will form the basis for payments to the Contractor.

[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 FAR 52.252-2 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER ALTERNATE I APR 1984

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER AUG 1989

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

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

The period of performance will have a two-year base period with three one-year options which may be approved at one time or year-by-year.

(actual dates TBD at time of award).

Base Period: 12/01/2024 – 11/31/2026 Option period 1: 12/01/2026 – 11/31/2027 Option period 2: 12/01/202x – 11/31/202x Option period 3: 12/01/202x – 11/31/202x

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance for this contract is Burkina Faso. The Contractor will provide the necessary office space and all other logistic support necessary to perform work under this contract.

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

(a) Evaluation of the Contractor's performance must be conducted in accordance with the performance standards set forth in this Contract, if any, the Contractor's overall performance toward achievement of the objectives in Section C and provision of deliverables in Section F of the Contract, and the Contractor's compliance with all other terms and conditions of the Contract.

(b) Contractor Performance Reports: On an annual basis, the COR will complete a Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) for the Contract. Each evaluation will be conducted jointly by the COR and the CO, and must form the basis of the Contractor's permanent performance record with regard to this Contract as required in FAR Part 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.

Contractor’s performance will be evaluated utilizing at minimum, the following factors:

(1) Technical (quality of product or service).

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

(3) Contractor’s scheduled reports (which include updates to the Work Plan,

(4) fiscal expenditures and accruals, progress reports, consultancy reports, etc.)Management or business relations.

(5) Small business subcontracting (as applicable).

(6) 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).

(c) USAID reserves the right to conduct, and the Contractor 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.

(d) USAID may also conduct a mid-term evaluation of the program consistent with the Agency Evaluation Policy and program performance reviews as required. The Contractor must cooperate with and contribute to these reviews and evaluations.

F.5 KEY PERSONNEL

a) All key personnel must be full-time, located in Burkina Faso, and employed by the Contractor. The key personnel whom the Contractor must furnish for the performance of this contract is as follows:

Position Title Name

Operations Manager (Chief of Party) TBD

b) The position specified above is considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder.

c) Prior to replacing the individual specified above, the Contractor will immediately notify both the Contracting Officer and USAID COR reasonably in advance and must submit written justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. No replacement of personnel will be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer.

d) The minimum requirements and responsibilities of key personnel under this contract are as follows:

Operations Manager

The Operations Manager (OP) will serve as the senior officer responsible for the efficient and effective management of all aspects of the operation. This position will oversee all security, risk management, risk mitigation, analytical, and field activities. The OP must have significant high-level experience working on similar security requirements in Burkina Faso as required by this contract.

The OP will be the principal point of contact in Burkina Faso for procedural and substantive matters. The OP will coordinate and ultimately be responsible for all contract management and implementation. The OP will be the primary liaison with USAID/Burkina Faso on technical matters and must adjust programs and operations in response to USAID/Burkina Faso technical direction.

The OP will be responsible for responding to the designated COR and USAID/Burkina Faso ’s Contracting Officer. The OP will also be responsible for ensuring quality control and the overall responsiveness of technical assistance provided under the award.

The OP’s primary responsibilities are aimed at providing overall leadership, management and general technical direction of the entire activity, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the award. This individual will be expected to identify issues and risks related to activity implementation in a timely manner, and suggest appropriate adjustments.

This position requires the following minimum requirements:

● Master’s degree or equivalent in related field.

● At least ten (10) years of experience in security operations and assessments.

● At least five (5) years of experience working in Burkina Faso, West Africa, and/or similar conflict environments.

● Thorough knowledge of safety and security protocols in high risk environments and political situation and security risks in Burkina Faso.

● Strong skills in assessment and analysis of security operations and disseminating security information.

● Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently with stakeholders and develop a networks with other U.S.