Request for Proposal (RFP) 72030625R00001_MECLA .pdf

Solicitation Number: 72030625R00001

Issuance Date: December 18, 2024

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: January 03, 2025, 4:00 PM EST

Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: January 31, 2025, 4:00 PM EST

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaboration, and Learning Activity (MECLA) in Afghanistan

Dear Prospective Offerors:

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

(USAID) Mission in Afghanistan (henceforth referred to as USAID/Afghanistan or the

Mission) seeks proposals from qualified organizations interested in providing technical services under the Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaboration, and Learning Activity

(MECLA) for the USAID/ Afghanistan Mission, as described in the attached Request for

Proposals (RFP). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this solicitation is 541990. The authorized geographic code for the prime contractor of this procurement is 935.

USAID invites all eligible and responsible organizations to submit offers in accordance with the requirements of this solicitation. USAID will conduct this procurement through full and open competition, allowing any eligible organization to submit a proposal. The procedures outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15 will govern this procurement.

USAID contemplates an award of a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion-type contract for a five (5) year period of performance as a result of this RFP. Subject to availability of funds, USAID anticipates that the total estimated cost of this procurement is between $30.00 million and $40.00 million. However, revealing the estimated cost for the contract does not mean that the offerors should necessarily strive to meet the maximum amount estimated. Cost proposals will be evaluated as part of a best value determination for the contract award. Offerors should propose activities and staffing based on their approach to achieving the results outlined in the

Statement of Work (SOW) in Section C of the attached RFP.

Offerors are encouraged to read the entire solicitation. Special attention should be paid to

Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors or Respondents, and Section M –

Evaluation Criteria.

All questions related to the RFP must be submitted electronically by email to abaheer@usaid.gov and copy cballesteros@usaid.gov no later than the deadline for questions indicated above. Unless otherwise notified by an amendment to the RFP, questions submitted by any other means or after the deadline will not receive a response. Each e-mail must contain a subject line, which clearly indicates the name of the offeror and the solicitation number.

USAID will publicly post all questions and responses on www.sam.gov as an amendment to this RFP.

If questions are received, which affect the responses to the solicitation, or if changes are made to the closing date and time, as well as any other aspects of the RFP, this solicitation will be mailto:abaheer@usaid.gov http://cballesteros@usaid.gov about:blank amended. This solicitation and any future amendments can be viewed and downloaded in its entirety from http://sam.gov/. Offerors are encouraged to check this website (http://sam.gov/) periodically as acknowledgement of any such amendment(s) is required with the submission of the offeror’s proposal. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from download or conversion processes. Oral instructions or explanations given before the award of the contract resulting from this solicitation will not be binding.

Only electronic proposals sent to abaheer@usaid.gov and copy to cballesteros@usaid.gov will be accepted in response to this RFP, no later than the date specified above. Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the instructions listed in Section L of this RFP.

Proposals received after the closing date and time will be processed as late and handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1, which is contained herein. No other forms of submission will be accepted. Proposals must be signed by an official who is authorized to bind the offeror’s organization.

Pursuant to Block 12 of Standard Form 33 of this RFP, USAID requires that offers remain valid for 180 calendar days from the RFP closing date.

Issuance of this solicitation does not in any way obligate the U.S. Government to award a contract, nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an offer. Furthermore, the Government reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, Claudio Ballesteros

Contracting Officer

Office of Acquisition and Assistance

USAID/Afghanistan

Attachment: RFP Solicitation Number 72030625R00001 http://sam.gov/ http://sam.gov/ about:blank http://cballesteros@usaid.gov

72030625R00001

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

System (DPAS) - Code of Federal Regulations - at 15 CFR 700.

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP) REQUEST FOR

SEALED BID (IFB) INVITATION FOR BID

5. DATE ISSUED

1. This Contract is a Rated Order under the Defense Priorities and Allocations RATING PAGE OF PAGES

3 157

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

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.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

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

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXTENSIONNUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER15A. NAME

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

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 price set opposite each item, delivered at the

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)

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

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

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

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION UNDER THE

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

REQ-306-25-00000112/18/2024

X

720306

USAID/Afghanistan Office of Acquisition & Assistance 00000

1600 ET 01/31/2025

Amanullah Baheer abaheer@usaid.gov

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

PAGE(S)

Claudio Ballesteros

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 12/2022)

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

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____180_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

PROPOSAL

UNITED STATES CODE AT:

Standard Form-33

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 4

PART I – THE SCHEDULE 9

SECTION B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 9

B.1 PURPOSE 9

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES 9

B.3 TOTAL ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT 9

B.4 CONTRACT BUDGET 9

B.5 COST REIMBURSABLE 10

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS 10

B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE 12

B.8 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE 12

B.9 CANCELLATION CEILING AND MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT 13

SECTION C: STATEMENT OF WORK 15

C.1 TITLE 15

C.2 PURPOSE 15

C.3 BACKGROUND 15

C.4 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE 17

C.5 RESULTS 17

C.6 TASKS 18

C.7 OPERATING CONSTRAINTS & CONTRACT PARAMETERS 24

C.8 SECURITY 25

SECTION D: PACKAGING AND MARKING 26

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 – MARKING (JAN 1993) 26

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY 26

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY 26

D.4 ANTICIPATED ELEMENTS OF MARKING PLAN 27

SECTION E: INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 28

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 28

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 28

E.3 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 28

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 29

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 29

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 29

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 29

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORKDAY/WEEK 29

F.5 KEY PERSONNEL 29

F. 6 PLANS, REPORTS, DELIVERABLES, AND PERFORMANCE MONITORING 30

SECTION G: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 39

G.1 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998) 39

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE 40

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER 40

G.4 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY 40

G.5 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) 40

G.6 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID 41

G.7 PAYING OFFICE AND SUBMISSION OF INVOICES 42

G.8 ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL 43

G.8 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 43

G.9 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT 43

PART II – CLAUSES 44

SECTION H: SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 44

H.1 AIDAR 725.702 DESIGNATION OF AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE 44

H.2 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT (DECEMBER 2016) 44

H.3 USAID/AFGHANISTAN RIGHT TO PROCURE FROM OTHER SOURCES (AUGUST

2016) 44

H.4 USAID/AFGHANISTAN MAXIMIZING USE OF LOCAL ENTITIES (AUGUST 2016) 44

H.5 USAID/AFGHANISTAN SUB-AWARD REQUIREMENTS (APRIL 2016) 45

H.6 USAID/AFGHANISTAN PUBLIC POSTING (APRIL 2016) 46

H.7 USAID/AFGHANISTAN VETTING REQUIREMENT (DECEMBER 2019) 46

H.8 USAID/AFGHANISTAN USE OF SYNCHRONIZED PRE-DEPLOYMENT AND

OPERATIONAL TRACKER (SPOT) FOR CONTRACTORS SUPPORTING A DIPLOMATIC

OR CONSULAR MISSION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES (SUPPLEMENT TO FAR 52.225-

19) (AUGUST 2016) 47

H.9 USAID/AFGHANISTAN SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORTING (SIR) (APRIL 2019) 47

H.10 USAID/AFGHANISTAN SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP)

(JANUARY 2016) 49

H.11 USAID/AFGHANISTAN HOST COUNTRY TAXES AND DUTIES (NOVEMBER 2016)

H.12 RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRACTORS EXECUTING AGREEMENTS WITH

GOVERNMENT OF AFGHANISTAN 49

H.13 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM (JULY 2014) 50

H.14 USAID/ AFGHANISTAN ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL

COMPENSATION (DECEMBER 2016) 50

H.15 AIDAR 752.227-71 PLANNING, COLLECTION, AND SUBMISSION OF DIGITAL

INFORMATION TO USAID (JUNE 2024) 52

H.16 USAID/AFGHANISTAN DATABASE AND GIS/GPS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

(DECEMBER 2019) 59

H.17 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 60

H.18 USAID/AFGHANISTAN IMPLEMENTATION OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 13224 ON

TERRORISM FINANCING (AUGUST 2016) 61

H.19 USAID/AFGHANISTAN COMPLIANCE WITH ADS 206 PROHIBITION OF

ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS (DECEMBER 2016) 62

H.20 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES (APRIL 2017) 62

H.21 AIDAR 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY—USAID REPORTING

REQUIREMENTS (OCT 2017) 62

H.22 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, AS

AMENDED (AUGUST 2016) 64

H.23 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

(JAN 2002) 64

H.24 USAID/AFGHANISTAN GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS (AUGUST 2016) 64

H.25 LOGISTIC SUPPORT GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY 65

H.26 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT -- IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES 65

H.27 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION 65

H.28 CLOUD COMPUTING (APRIL 2018) (DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR- 24-05c)

H.29 USAID/AFGHANISTAN GENDER CONSIDERATION 72

H.30 MEDIA AND INFORMATION HANDLING AND PROTECTION (APRIL 2018)

(DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-24-05c) 72

H.31 AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2023) 73

H.32 USAID/AFGHANISTAN PRESS RELATIONS (JANUARY 2017) 74

H.33 RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (MAY 2016) (DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-

DEV-AIDAR-24-05c) 75

H.34 AIDAR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JUL 1997) 75

H.35 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012) 75

H.36 USAID/AFGHANISTAN COMPLIANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER 13559

FACILITIES USED FOR RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES (FEBRUARY 2016) 76

H.37 AIDAR 752.211-70 LANGUAGE AND MEASUREMENT (JUNE 1992) 76

H.38 SECURITY 76

H.39 ALLOWABLE REIMBURSEMENT OF CONTRACTOR SECURITY TRAINING 77

H.40 FAR PART 4.21 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

(SECTION 889) (JUNE 2023) 77

SECTION I: CONTRACT CLAUSES 79

I.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) 79

I.2 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 79

I.3 FAR 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (NOV

2021) 83

I.4 FAR 52.204-1 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (DEC 1989) 86

I.5 FAR 52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION (Jun

2023) 87

I.6 FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999) 88

I.7 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES. (Jun 2020)

I.8 FAR 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (NOV 2021) 88

I.9 FAR 52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS (MAR 2023) 96

I.10 FAR 52.245-2 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY INSTALLATION OPERATION SERVICES

(APR 2012) 96

I.11 AIDAR 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY (DEC 2004) 97

I.12 AIDAR 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUN 2012) 97

I.13 AIDAR 752.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (JUNE 2018) 98

I.14 AIDAR 752.7034 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND DISCLAIMER (DEC 1991) 98

I.15 AIDAR 752.228-3 WORKER'S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT)

(DEC 1991) [(DEVIATION JUNE 2022)], Class Deviation No. M- OAA-DEV-AIDAR-24-06c 99

I.16 AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JUL 2007) 99

I.17 AIDAR 752.7036 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION (JULY 2014) 99

I.18 AIDAR 752.7031 LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (OCT 1989) 101

I.19 752.7037 CHILD SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS (AUG. 2016) 103

I.20 752.204-71 PARTNER VETTING (FEB 2012) 104

PART III- LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, & OTHER ATTACHMENTS 106

SECTION J: LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 106

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS 107

SECTION K: REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS 107

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 52.203-11 CERTIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE REGARDING PAYMENTS TO

INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (SEP 2007) 107

K.3 52.204-3 TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION (OCT 1998) 108

K.4 52.204-5 WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS (OTHER THAN SMALL BUSINESS). (OCT

2014) 109

K.5 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAY 2024) 109

K.6 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021) 112

K.7 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES-

REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020) 115

K.8 52.209-2 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC

CORPORATIONS-REPRESENTATION (NOV 2015) 115

K.9 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (AUG 2020)

K.10 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) 117

K.11 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATION REGARDING A DELINQUENT TAX

LIABILITY OR A FELONY CRIMINAL CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (FEB

2016) 118

K.12 52.209-12 Certification Regarding Tax Matters (Oct 2020) 119

K.13 52.209-13 VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATIES OR AGREEMENTS-

CERTIFICATION (NOV 2021) 119

K.14 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984) 121

K.15 52.222-38 COMPLIANCE WITH VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT REPORTING

REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2016) 121

K.16 52.222.56 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

COMPLIANCE PLAN (OCT 2020) 121

K.17 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or

Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and Certifications 122

K.18 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (JUN 2020)

K.19 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE--COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES

(APR 2005) 126

K.20 CONTRACTOR PURCHASING SYSTEM REVIEW 126

K.21 AGREEMENT ON OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS 126

K.22 SIGNATURE 126

SECTION L: INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 128

L.1 FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998) 128

L.2 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 128

L.3 FAR 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984) 128

L.4 FAR 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006) 128

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

2017) 129

L.6 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS 133

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL 137

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL

L.9 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION

AND MARKING PLANS 150

L.10 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, AND COMPENSATION PLAN 150

L.11 AIDAR 752.204-70 PARTNER VETTING PRE-AWARD REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

SECTION M: TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA 153

M.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998) 153

M.2 GENERAL INFORMATION 153

M.3 AWARD WITHOUT DISCUSSIONS 153

M.4 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION 154

M.5 EVALUATION OF COST 155

M.6 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE 156

M.7 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND DISADVANTAGED

ENTERPRISES 156

M.8 SOURCE SELECTION 157

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this solicitation is to procure the services of a contractor for the implementation of the activity entitled “Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaboration, and Learning Activity

(MECLA)”, as described in Section C - Statement of Work.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a five-year Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract. For the consideration set for the below, the Contractor will provide the performance deliverable or outputs described in Section C and F, in accordance with performance standards specified in

Section E, and otherwise comply with all contract requirements.

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

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the five-years, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The Fixed Fee, if any, is $TBD and the total estimated cost-plus fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. Costs must be limited to reasonable, allocable, and allowable costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and

Payment.

(b) Within the estimated cost plus all possible fee (if any) specified in paragraph (a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable and allocable 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 unless authorized by the Contracting Officer pursuant to the provisions of this contract entitled “Limitation of Funds” (FAR 52.232-22) as indicated in Section I of this contract.

(c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through [TBD – to be filled in at the time of award].

(d) Funding for this contract will be on an incremental basis, subject to the availability of funds.

B.4 CONTRACT BUDGET

An illustrative budget for this contract is as follows:

Line-Item Description Three Year Base

Period

Option

Year 1

Option

Year 2

Total Five

Years

Direct Costs $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD]

Indirect Costs $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD]

Security Costs $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD]

Fixed Fee $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD]

Total $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD] $[TBD]

Note:

(a) The inclusion of any costs in the above budget does not obviate the requirement for prior approval from the Contracting Officer of cost items designated as requiring prior approval by any of the terms and conditions of this contract, including the applicable cost principles

(see FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment (AUG 2018)); nor does it constitute a determination of allowability by the Contracting Officer of any item of cost, unless specifically stated elsewhere in this contract.

(b) The Contractor must not adjust the above line items without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer.

(c) The Contractor must not bill any amounts against this Contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item without the Contracting Officer’s prior authorization.

B.5 COST REIMBURSABLE

The U.S. dollar costs allowable must be limited to reasonable, allocable and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for Payment.

FAR 52.232-20 Limitation of Cost (applies while the contract is fully funded). FAR 52.232-22

Limitation of Funds (applies while the contract is funded in an amount less than the total estimated cost).

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

(a) PRIME CONTRACTOR

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:

Description Rate Base Type Period

[Description _ TBD] [Rate] 1/ [___] 1/[___] 1/[___]

1/Base of Application: [_____]

Type of Rate: [Predetermined/Provisional]

Period: [_____]

Source: [_____]

(b) MAJOR SUBCONTRACTOR(S)

For each of the major subcontractor(s)* and any subcontractor that proposes a Negotiated

Indirect Cost Reimbursement Agreement.

Description Rate Base Type Period

Note:

(a) Insert negotiated indirect rates for all primes and major subcontractors.

(b) *“Major subcontractors” are subcontractors whose proposed cost exceeds

20% of the Contractor’s total proposed cost or who are otherwise defined by the prime to be essential to the successful activity implementation. All primes MUST identify “major subcontractors” in the cover letter of their proposals.

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

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

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

Officer.

B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE

(a) 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) In addition, the requirements and conditions concerning estimated cost and funding apply as detailed in FAR 52.232-22 Limitation of Funds (APR 1984).

B.8 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

Pursuant to FAR 16.306 (d) Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee completion type Contracts, a percentage

(70%) of the payment of the fixed fee under this contract is tied to the completion of the reports and deliverables/results described in Section C and F.6 of this contract and in accordance with the approved Fee Schedule below.

[ Table to be completed by the Offeror and incorporated into the award in accordance with

Section L.8]:

Deliverable Achievement Threshold % of Fee Fee ($)

TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD

[Contractor’s Fixed Fee Schedule to be inserted at time of Award]

All fixed fee payments are subject to the inspection and acceptance by USAID as specified in

Section E of the same and in compliance with the terms of this contract. Upon successful completion of a deliverable, the Contractor must provide evidence of its achievement to the

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the Contracting Officer (CO). Upon COR receipt and written acceptance of a deliverable, the Contractor must submit an invoice for the amount of the associated fee including evidence of completion of the deliverables for which fee is claimed.

Payment of the remaining (30%) of fixed fee, subject to the terms stated in FAR 52.216‐8, may be made upon receipt of a proper invoice. Subject to FAR 52.216‐8, Fixed Fee, payment of fixed fee shall be allocated based upon the proportion of the invoiced amount in the period covered by the invoice to the total estimated cost of the periods of the contract not including fixed fee.

Pursuant to FAR 52.216-8 Fixed Fee, after payment of 85 percent of the fixed fee, further payment of the fee will be withheld until a reserve is set aside not to exceed 15 percent of the total fixed fee or $100,000, whichever is less.

Deliverable Due Date Percentage Fee Amount ($)

In the event of discontinuance of the work in accordance with the clause of the contract entitled

FAR 52.249-6 Termination (Cost Reimbursement), the fee must be re-determined by mutual agreement equitably to reflect the reduction in the work actually performed. The amount by which such fee is less than, or exceeds, payments previously made on account of the fee must be paid to, or repaid by the Contractor, as applicable.

B.9 CANCELLATION CEILING AND MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT

The components of this activity are considered non-severable and are therefore multi-year contracts as defined in FAR 17.103 Definitions. Therefore, this contract is subject to the requirements of FAR 17.106. In the event that the Government cancels requirements for services in subsequent program years under this contract, the following conditions will apply:

a. Performance under this contract during the second and subsequent years is contingent upon the appropriation of funds. All program years except the first are subject to cancellation. Cancellation shall occur by the dates specified below if the Contracting

Officer:

▪ Notifies the Contractor that funds are not available for contract performance for any subsequent program year or

▪ Fails to notify the Contractor that funds are available for performance of the succeeding program year.

b. Cancellation Ceiling:

This is a CPFF 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.

Therefore, the Contractor will not 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

Cancellation under Multi-Year Contracts.

The Government’s liability for cancellation charges shall not exceed [TBD]. This amount will be reduced in accordance with FAR 17.106-1(c)(1) at the conclusion of each program year, as follows:

Cancellation Dates and Ceiling:

Program Year Cancellation Date Cancellation Ceiling

Contract Year 1 N/A N/A

Contract Year 2 $TBD before award

Contract Year 3 $TBD before award

Contract Year 4 $TBD before award Contract Year 5 $TBD before award

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C: STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 TITLE

The title of this contract is the Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaboration, and Learning Activity

(MECLA).

C.2 PURPOSE

The purpose of MECLA is to provide third party monitoring, evaluation, collaboration, and learning services and program support to the USAID/Afghanistan Mission, USAID Bureau of

Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and the Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugee and Migration (PRM), enabling the interagency partners to assess whether their programs are meeting their goals in Afghanistan and provide information to activity managers that will allow them to adapt programming and pivot to alternative approaches or geographic areas as needed.

C.3 BACKGROUND

The fall of the Ghani Administration in August 2021 put development gains at risk and brought economic and political instability, the near collapse of basic services, and harsh restrictions on the rights of women and girls as well as ethnic minorities. Today, half the population lives in poverty and women and girls, 49.5 percent of the population, face increasing marginalization. Additionally, the humanitarian situation is characterized by multiple overlapping crises, including natural disasters (e.g. drought) and most recently, forced returns or deportations of Afghans from Pakistan and other countries. Taliban restrictions and edicts continue to make life and operations difficult in Afghanistan.

In this environment, USAID/Afghanistan and interagency partners remain committed to supporting the Afghan people, which involves working creatively with local organizations, the private sector, national and international partners, and other donors to deliver lifesaving aid and build community resilience to repeated shocks. USAID is expanding its collaboration with other donors and local organizations to seek efficiencies and share best practices related to activity development, implementation, and monitoring.

The USAID Afghanistan Strategic Framework calls for an active monitoring, evaluation, collaboration, learning, and adaptation approach throughout the program cycle. Performance monitoring of USAID’s development and basic needs interventions is crucial to ensuring that

U.S. Government (USG) and taxpayer resources are reaching the intended beneficiaries and meeting broader U.S. policy objectives, as well as the Mission’s special objectives. It is also an opportunity for USAID - together with implementing partners (IPs) - to learn from and adapt activity implementation over time to ensure activities have the greatest impact possible and reach targeted beneficiaries. The fact that the Mission does not have a presence in

Afghanistan; the restrictive edicts and policies of the Taliban; limitations on staffing and funding; and the amount of scrutiny the Mission’s activities receive from the Special

Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), the USAID Office of the

Inspector General (OIG), and Congress, highlight the need for the Mission to closely monitor on-the-ground activities.

USAID/Afghanistan has implemented several initiatives to better collect performance data to monitor whether implementation is on track to reach stated goals and objectives and determine whether implementing partners are managing for results. One of those initiatives was adopting a multi-tiered monitoring (MTM) approach to gather data from multiple sources and analyze and triangulate the information collected. The MTM approach uses data collected by third party monitoring (TPM), implementing partner reports, and information collected from other sources, including but not limited to donors, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and the media (including social media). MTM provides a continuous feedback loop of data to verify whether objectives are being achieved, and if not, inform activity managers of the need for course corrections. MTM flexibility is essential to adjust to conditions on the ground. Since August 2021, 4,278 site visits, in all 34 of Afghanistan’s provinces, have been conducted to track progress, providing valuable information to activity managers to course correct if and as needed. Additional efforts to conduct robust evaluations, capture monitoring data, analyze and visualize data, and conduct unique assessments have already been implemented or are underway.

Through discussions with stakeholders and regular pause and reflect sessions with USAID technical offices and the Afghanistan Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Activity

(AMELA; 2019-2025), the following are key considerations for MECLA implementation:

● Use multiple local actors for data collection to avoid any interruption in services if one or more subcontractors are not able to continue providing services.

● Focus on the quality and utility of data from the field rather than the quantity of data.

● Coordinate with national and local stakeholders and secure proper access to activity sites for smooth implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities.

● Improve data analysis and produce evidence for course correction and informed decision making.

The current context in Afghanistan presents both challenges and opportunities for performance monitoring and evaluation of development activities and the interventions addressing the basic needs of the Afghan people. The current security situation expands access to rural areas; however, restrictions imposed on non-governmental organizations

(NGOs) by the Taliban, including the ban on women’s employment and restrictions on their movement, a decreased talent pool and high staff turnover, and increased demand for control and influence by the Taliban, present challenges that need to be carefully addressed through coordination with relevant actors in the country.

Policy and Regulatory Guidance

The USAID Evaluation Policy (2020), the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016, as well as recent revisions made to the ADS 200 series, demonstrate the Agency’s desire to establish strong MECLA systems within USAID Missions in order to promote accountability and apply learning gained from evidence and analysis for adaptive management.

ADS 201.3.4.10 mandates Missions and operating units (OUs) perform site visits to provide oversight over agreements and awards, inspect implementation progress and deliverables, verify monitoring data, and learn from implementation.

ADS 201.3.6.5 requires that Missions and OUs conduct one evaluation per Intermediate

Result (IR) during the life of the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) or

Strategic Framework, one evaluation per activity with a total estimated cost/amount of $20 million or more, and an impact evaluation, if feasible, of any new, untested approach that is anticipated to be expanded in scale or scope through USG foreign assistance or other funding sources.

C.4 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

The Contractor must provide high-quality, objective, and reliable performance management support services that will allow USAID/Afghanistan to effectively utilize data to ensure the

Mission’s development objectives are achieved. The four objectives of MECLA are described below:

Objective One: Third Party Monitoring Services

Provide TPM services for Mission activities, making sure quality and reliable data are collected to monitor implementation. TPM data will support activity adaptation and inform future designs. This will require traveling to USAID-funded project sites across Afghanistan.

Objective Two: Evaluation and Assessment Services

Serve as the Mission’s evaluation and assessment mechanism by providing technical and analytical services including mid-term and final performance evaluations, impact evaluations, developmental evaluations, data quality assessments, geographic and sectoral assessments, activity-specific assessments.

Objective Three: Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation Services

Facilitate using knowledge and evidence from monitoring, evaluation and learning to inform future program designs, improve implementation, and contribute to achieving development outcomes.

Objective Four: Program Support Services

Provide the Mission with short-term advisory assistance to support Mission-wide strategic planning and alignment efforts; advisory support to refine Mission strategy documents and performance management plans; project/activity-level strategy support; and assistance with activity and sector-level indicators.

It is critical that the Contractor engages with all of USAID/Afghanistan’s technical and professional services offices, as well as with IPs and other stakeholders, for the success of this contract. This engagement will provide an opportunity for the Contractor to develop a comprehensive understanding of challenges and opportunities in MECLA across the entire

USAID/Afghanistan portfolio and foster a collaborative working relationship with both

USAID and external partners.

C.5 RESULTS

Under this contract, the Contractor must ensure the following results are achieved:

a) Third Party Monitoring Services Provided

● Provide TPM services for Mission activities.

● Verify delivery goods and services as planned.

● Collect beneficiary feedback.

● Monitor Context.

● Conduct Special studies/surveys.

● Advise the Mission on ways to use TPM data for evidence-based decision-making on activity adaptation and inform future activity and project designs.

b) Evaluation and Assessment Services Provided

● Provide technical and analytical services including mid-term and final performance evaluations, impact evaluations, developmental evaluations, data quality assessments, geographic and sectoral assessments, and activity-specific assessments.

c) Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation Services Provided

● Advise the Mission on ways to use knowledge and evidence from monitoring, evaluation and learning to inform future program designs, improve implementation, and contribute to achieving development outcomes.

● Identify and strengthen areas of synergy and improve collaboration among

IPs, the Mission, and other stakeholders to promote coherence among common areas of work and avoid duplication of efforts.

● Provide recommendations for areas of improvement based on the evidence and knowledge from data and learning.

● Recommend course(s) of action for specific areas of improvement and adaptive measures during the implementation phase of the activities.

d) Program Support Services Provided

● Provide short-term advisory assistance to support Mission-wide strategic planning and alignment efforts.

● Provide advisory support for the refinement of Mission strategy documents, performance management plans, project/activity-level strategy support, and assistance with activity and sector-level indicators.

C.6 TASKS

The Contractor must provide direct services and operational support to fulfill all potential requirements for the four objectives described below.

The Contractor must provide timely, high-quality TPM services for the USAID Mission and other interagency partners. The Contractor is expected to conduct 250-300 TPM visits every month. A typical site visit includes visiting an implementation or a distribution site where the monitors will observe provision of goods and services and will conduct interviews with IP staff, and other stakeholders as necessary. The Contractor is responsible for all aspects of implementing a robust TPM and verification approach including, but not limited to, recruiting, training, and deploying third party monitors; developing or adapting tools and approaches to collect, store, and analyze data; analyzing and synthesizing data; and implementing a strong data validation approach to ensure quality and validity. The Contractor must make sure field monitors have required sectoral knowledge and experience to be able to conduct TPM in health, education, livelihoods, governance, and human rights sectors.

The Contractor must build and adapt a robust context-specific approach to conduct TPM on

USAID and other interagency partners’ activities as appropriate. The Contractor’s approach to TPM must include, but is not limited to:

● Co-create and revise TPM tools (questionnaires, surveys, site visit observation tools) in consultation with CORs/AORs/Activity Managers and technical offices to incorporate data and monitoring needs.

● Use cloud-based data collection tools (compatible with smartphones, tablets) and other technology applications to facilitate data collection and storage in real time which can safeguard beneficiary information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, the Contractor must be able to apply remote data collection technology for monitoring and evaluation of the activities.

● Recruit multiple data collection local subcontractors and train field monitors/enumerators on data collection tools and protocols. The subcontractors are required to integrate DEIA principles in recruitment and training of staff

● Analyze data collected from the field through monitoring activities with a strong learning and utilization focus.

● Deploy female monitors within Afghanistan’s cultural context, even if female monitors must be accompanied by a male family member (Maharam).

● Facilitate a quarterly review of TPM findings, utilization, opportunities, and implementation challenges for each Activity to understand what is working and/or what is not working as it relates to TPM tools and approaches.

● Adapt to the changing operating environment which may necessitate review and revision of monitoring approaches to continuously improve data collection methods and data utilization.

● Apply continuous data quality assurance checks to validate the accuracy of the information collected from the field. In addition, the Contractor must put in place procedures to safeguard monitoring data and personally identifiable information (PII).

● Create monthly site visit schedules based on the activity work plans/schedule of activities shared by AOR/COR/Activity Managers, taking into account priority sites listed by USAID. In case USAID does not identify the priority sites, the Contractor must prepare the schedule using a sampling method. The sample selection does not need to be designed for statistical significance, but it must make a reasonable case that the sites selected are representative of the activity work plan. Site visit frequency depends on the individual COR/AOR and technical office. However, for the purposes of this award, the Contractor is expected to conduct a minimum of twelve (12) site visits per quarter per Activity.

● Coordinate with national and local authorities and community leaders to facilitate better access to the field.

TPM services must include but not be limited to:

a) Verifying Goods and Services Delivered. The TPM service provider verifies that goods (commodities, equipment) and services were provided to the intended beneficiaries in specified quantity and quality. When requested, the Contractor must verify partner compliance with award requirements, including, but not limited to, activities conducted under the work plan, results achieved, participant training requirements, environmental requirements or environmental plans, and marking and branding.

b) Collecting Beneficiary Feedback. Beneficiary feedback on goods and services received and how they think the assistance made a difference in their lives is crucial in understanding if an Activity is impacting beneficiaries as intended. The Contractor must develop necessary tools for collecting beneficiary feedback on the services and support they received from IPs.

c) Data Triangulation and Analysis. The TPM service provider will use data collected from different sources such as IPs, beneficiary feedback, contextual data, and output verification to determine if the Activity is being implemented as planned.

d) Context Monitoring. The Contractor must collect contextual data that allows USAID staff to get a sense of the larger environment surrounding the projects and activities.

Context monitoring could include political, social, and economic situations that may affect the implementation of the activity in one way or another. While the nature of such data collection does not lend itself to in-depth inquiry or interrogation of specific incidents of potential fraud, waste, and abuse, it can provide targeted public opinion research, wisdom of the crowd feedback, and data regarding popular awareness of international assistance as well as public awareness of associated potential fraud, waste, and abuse from respondents living in targeted geographic areas.

e) Follow-up Call Back Monitoring. The Contractor must conduct callbacks to validate

TPM findings and seek additional feedback from respondents on data irregularities, red flags, redistribution and IP questions. The callback model must include regular follow-up calls to beneficiaries of 25-30 percent of site visits. These calls will include scripted questions tailored to oversight concerns and will probe more deeply for evidence of fraud, waste, and abuse.

f) Standardized Accountability/Oversight Questions. The Contractor must develop a small standard sector-specific battery of oversight questions to ask respondents at each site visit. These questions will be developed and used with “Do No Harm" principles in mind.

g) Special Studies/Surveys. The Contractor may be asked to conduct special surveys or data collection for the Mission and technical offices.

MECLA will serve as the Mission’s evaluation mechanism by providing technical and analytical services including mid-term and final performance evaluations, impact evaluations, developmental evaluations, data quality assessments, geographic and sectoral assessments, activity-specific assessments, and verifications.

a) The Contractor must carry out high-quality, timely, and useful evaluations and assessments of USAID/Afghanistan’s development activities. The results, findings, and recommendations from these evaluations support evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management. The Contractor must carry out approximately six

(6) Activity-level performance evaluations per year over the life of the contract. The

Contractor must also carry out a maximum of five (5) assessments, special studies, surveys or other analytical products per year and a maximum of two (2) impact evaluations over the life of the contract. The number of evaluations/assessments may vary, depending on the needs of the Mission.

b) The Contractor must recruit the short-term technical staff needed to carry out evaluations and other analytical products; provide all logistical support for in-country teams carrying out analytical work; provide quality control for all deliverables;

facilitate presentations to the Mission, and other donors and partners on the findings;

and finalize evaluation/assessment reports in coordination with the Office of Program and Project Development (OPPD) and the appropriate Technical Offices. The

Contractor must also develop dissemination materials, such as infographics of evaluation findings and short summary briefs that incorporate visuals, organize dissemination events, and propose dissemination approaches that encourage the utilization of evaluation findings. Upon final clearance of the evaluation report, the

Contractor must submit the report to the Development Experience Clearinghouse

(DEC) within 30 days.

c) The Contractor must provide clear and actionable recommendations to USAID as part of final evaluation or assessment reports.

The Contractor must conduct the following different types of evaluation or assessment activities:

A. Performance Evaluations

Per ADS Chapter 201, performance evaluations (both mid-term and final) encompass a broad range of evaluation methods and often incorporate before-after comparisons, though they generally lack a rigorously defined counterfactual. Performance evaluations can address descriptive, normative, and/or some types of cause-and-effect questions.

a) The Contractor must design and implement qualitative and quantitative and mixed methods for evaluations. Performance evaluations may address descriptive, normative, and/or cause-and-effect questions, such as:

● Whether the theory of change of a strategy, project, or activity is valid or may need to be refined in light of new information.

● Whether the expected results of a particular strategy, project, or activity have been achieved.

● How a particular strategy, project, or activity is being implemented, in particular whether implementation is occurring according to the evidence-based theory of change.

● How the program is perceived and valued, including by program participants, local actors, and other stakeholders; and/or

● The extent to which the strategy, project, or activity has enabled local leadership.

b) In the case of mid-term performance evaluations, the Contractor must provide actionable short-term recommendations to inform decisions on the management and performance of on-going activity implementation and, as applicable, long-term recommendations that can help design similar projects or activities in the future. For final performance evaluations, recommendations will mainly focus on informing decisions such as designing a follow-on project/activity, new strategy, and/or making a strategic decision.

Performance evaluations, as well as those defined by OMB Memorandum M-20-12 which provides program evaluation standards and practices for the USG, must include developmental evaluations, formative evaluations, outcome evaluations, and implementation evaluations.

Developmental Evaluation. An approach to the continuous adaptation of interventions through the use of evaluative thinking and feedback. Developmental evaluation includes having one or more evaluators embedded in a program team, ideally on a full-time basis, and working with them to contribute to modifications in program design and targeted outcomes throughout implementation.

Formative Evaluation. Conducted to assess whether a program, policy, or organizational approach—or some aspect of these—is feasible, appropriate, and acceptable before it is fully implemented. It can include process and/or outcome measures.