PR15551131 Questions and Answers.pdf

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS – Q&As

PR NO. 15551131

Diagnostic on the Role of Sports and Experiential Learning Activities in Providing a Positive Path for Youth in Ecuador

1. Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, or evaluating programs that integrate sports, experiential learning, or life skills training for at-risk or underserved youth populations.

Question:

When you mention ¨evaluating programs that integrate sports, experiential learning, or life skills¨, bidder should have experience in all areas, or either/or Bidder must present experience in evaluation programs that integrate either sports and life skills or experiential learning activities and life skills.

2. Availability of a multidisciplinary team including specialists in youth development, education, sports psychology, and monitoring & evaluation.

Question: Can a specialist fulfill two areas?

Yes, if the specialist has the necessary experience.

3. Is there a preferred format for the budget or should we use our own format?

This solicitation is for a firm-fixed price, so all submissions must be summarized into a lump sum for all services provided. A breakdown of services and their prices should be provided as back-up documentation for the Embassy to understand the underlying assumptions. There is no specified format.

4. The SOW mentions the need for field research in high risk urban and rural areas. Are there any more details you can share on the scope of high risk locations required for the field work in terms of provinces and cities? This information will impact proposal responses in terms of both security planning and budget requirements.

The SOW specifies “high-risk urban and rural areas” but does not list specific provinces or cities.

However, bidders should assume the need to conduct fieldwork in a geographically diverse set of locations that have been historically impacted by violence, criminal recruitment, or migration-related vulnerabilities. The final selection of locations will be coordinated in consultation with the Embassy and relevant stakeholders to ensure feasibility, safety, and representativeness.

5. The SOW mentions the need for a baseline study. Are there more details about the scope of this baseline study in terms of the target population? Is it youth participants in any sports and experiential learning programs or solely in programs funded by the US Embassy?

The baseline study is expected to assess youth participation in sports and experiential learning programs broadly, not just U.S. Embassy-funded initiatives. However, special attention should be given to identifying gaps, successes, and patterns that may inform future Embassy programming, especially among vulnerable or at-risk youth.

6. The SOW mentions an assessment of the reach and effectiveness of past youth programming.

Are there more details about the breadth and timeframe of activities previously carried out by the Embassy that would inform the scope of this assessment?

The SOW calls for an assessment of the reach and effectiveness of past youth programming, especially initiatives led by U.S. Government alumni. While no fixed timeframe is provided, bidders should be prepared to review programming from the last 5 years. U.S. Embassy’s reporting and alumni records may be made available to facilitate this review.

7. The SOW mentions a monitoring and evaluation component to analyze outcomes to date and identify performance indicators. Is this request tied to the assessment of past youth programming mentioned previously? If not, does it refer to M&E of the consultant services performing this diagnostic?

The monitoring and evaluation component is primarily intended to analyze outcomes of past and existing youth-focused initiatives, identify relevant performance indicators, and propose M&E tools for future Embassy programs.

8. Can the Embassy provide a list of the specific deliverables anticipated under this consultancy? For example, should each of the numbered examples in the section explaining the diagnostic be considered a stand alone deliverable or does the Embassy anticipate receiving one report covering all of these areas? Is there a specific order (timing) for these deliverables that respondents should consider when putting together their proposed workplan?

While the SOW outlines six key areas of focus, the U.S. Embassy expects these to be integrated into a comprehensive diagnostic report, with clearly delineated sections corresponding to each task. However, interim deliverables (e.g. field research findings, baseline study summary) may be submitted separately, depending on the approved work plan. Bidders are encouraged to propose a phased approach in their work plan, prioritizing:

1. Stakeholder mapping and M&E review

2. Field research and baseline study

3. Baseline study results on youth participation, barriers, motivations, and preferences.

4. Assessment of past youth programming, with emphasis on USG alumni-led initiatives.

5. Monitoring & evaluation framework, including recommended performance indicators.

6. Strategic recommendations for partnerships, expanded programming, and a public communications plan.

9. In the expected activities, you describe:

1. Field research with focus groups, interviews, and site visits in high-risk urban and rural areas.

2. A baseline study of youth participation in sports and experiential learning programs, including barriers, motivations, and preferred activities.

3. An assessment of the reach and effectiveness of past youth programming, particularly alumni-led initiatives.

4. Mapping of key stakeholders and potential partners (clubs, federations, community organizations, media, athletes).

Question:

Is this a nationwide baseline study, or do you have specific areas and regions?

The baseline study is intended to be national in scope, though implementation will likely focus on selected high-risk areas identified collaboratively by the bidder and the Embassy based on risk, relevance and logistical feasibility.

10. When you mention:

5. A monitoring and evaluation component to analyze outcomes to date and identify performance Indicators.

Question:

Are you referring a set of proposed indicators to measure the effect and impact of the intervention?

Yes. The bidder is expected to identify and recommend a set of performance indicators that can be used to measure the effectiveness and impact of youth-focused interventions. These should include both quantitative and qualitative metrics, tailored to Ecuador’s context.

11. Can the Embassy please provide more details on what needs to be included in the technical proposals? Are CVs required at this stage?

The technical proposal should include:

• Organizational qualifications and relevant past performance.

• Technical expertise in youth, sports, and experiential learning activities

• Methodological approach and work plan

• Team composition (not necessarily CVs but a summary of their expertise and their role within the team in charge of the diagnostic)

12. Can the Embassy please provide a general estimate of the number of interviews and surveys expected to be conducted, or the number of beneficiaries from the previous funded programming?

The SOW does not provide a fixed number, but bidders should be prepared to engage:

• Dozens of stakeholders (government, community organizations, NGOs, clubs, etc.)

• A representative sample of youth participants (100-200 minimum) for surveys and focus groups

• Interviews with 10-20 USG alumni

• Estimates should be scaled based on the firm’s proposed methodology and sampling strategy.

13. Can the Embassy provide us with specific geographical area this project will take place in

Ecuador?

Please see response to Question 4. Specific areas will be determined jointly with the Embassy post-award. However, proposals should outline a proposed regional sampling frame (e.g.

coastal, Andean, Amazon regions) with estimated participants per zone, and justify the design based on risk and impact.

14. Can international firms who partner with a regional data firm apply for this opportunity?

Yes. International firms partnering with regional data firms are eligible to apply, provided they meet technical, language, and logistical requirements.

15. Can the Embassy share more details on the expected deliverables under this contract?

Please refer to the response to Question 8.

16. Given the deadline for questions and due date for submissions, can the Embassy extend the proposal deadline?

Please see SAM.gov for updated proposal timeline.

17. Will the Embassy provide access to US Government program alumni for interviews, or is the selected consultant expected to identify and contact them independently?

Yes. The Embassy will provide information on the US Government alumni, but the selected firm is expected to lead contact and interview arrangements in collaboration with alumni liaisons.