RFI No. - 72066322RFI00010 - PLSO II.pdf

RFI Number: 72066322RFI00010 Issuance Date: August 4, 2022 Closing Date/Time: August 18, 2022, 5:00 pm local Addis Ababa time Subject: Request for Information (RFI) - Feedback on USAID/Ethiopia Partner

Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) 2.0 Project

Dear Interested Parties:

The United States Agency for International Development's Mission to Ethiopia (USAID/Ethiopia), hereby issues a Request for Information (RFI) solely for planning purposes. USAID seeks public comment/feedback to enhance its project design. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback on the Partner Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) project proposed in the Draft Statement of Work below and allow stakeholders and interested organizations to provide information and suggestions on the upcoming activity. To maximize potential, USAID is seeking to receive feedback on the project implementation, including opportunities and potential pitfalls, and individual or institutional perspectives on activities, data, and/or approaches that might be useful for the PLSO project design, including past successes and failures, opportunities to leverage existing efforts and resources, and gaps that need to be addressed. The attached Draft Statement of Work presents the background, intended results, and key elements of the activity. USAID/Ethiopia may use feedback and comments from this RFI to refine the approach and focus areas for future Requests for Proposals. If a Request For Proposals is issued, USAID/Ethiopia intends to make one award with an estimated duration of five years in length. It is anticipated the type of award will be a contract.

This is not an invitation for bid, request for proposal, or other solicitation; and in no way obligates USAID to award a contract. Any applications and/or proposals submitted in response to this request will not be considered. Please do not submit applications, proposals, resumes, or promotional materials, as they will be discarded, and not considered. USAID reserves the right to use the information provided by respondents for its purposes. Proprietary information must not be sent. The issuance of this request will not restrict the Government's ultimate approach. Respondents are advised that USAID is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information, answer questions or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Any information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary. Responding to this RFI does not give an advantage or preclude any organization from any solicitation that may be subsequently issued.

Responses to this RFI should be submitted to USAID via email to wzeleke@usaid.gov with a copy to caddis@usaid.gov with the subject line “RFI- USAID/Ethiopia PLSO 2.0 Response”, no later than the date and time stated above. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

mailto:wzeleke@usaid.gov mailto:caddis@usaid.gov

72066322RFI00010 – PLSO II

I. Cover Page with Business Information (1 page) Organization/firm: name, address, contact information.

Point of Contact(s): name, title, phone number, address, e-mail address.

II. Comments/Questions (2 Page Limit) Comments and Questions not to exceed two (2) pages will be accepted from all interested parties regarding the Draft Statement of Work and possible forthcoming solicitation. This is not a formal solicitation Q&A period; therefore, the government will not be responding. All comments and questions will merely serve to inform the government on current needs and further refine the Statement of Work. Comments may include but are not limited to feedback on the Draft Statement of Work requirements, recommendations on anticipated demand, other considerations, etc. Please ensure that comments are concise and specific to the information within this RFI.

In the Comments/Questions section, USAID seeks information from the industry on the following items:

a. What is your overall reaction to the SOW?

b. If a Solicitation including this SOW were to be issued, which sections of the SOW would you want to be clarified or need more information about?

c. If you have past experience managing similar contracts, what, if any, would be your concerns about managing a contract of this breadth? What additional lessons learned could you share with USAID that would help inform the design of such an award?

d. Taking into account your organization’s experience, what do you think an appropriate organizational structure and management plan would look like? Consider, for example, managing a diverse number of task requests, ensuring adequate technical knowledge and expertise is available, knowledge management and learning, etc.

The page limitation includes any attachments. The Government will not review any information, including attachments, more than three (3) pages unless otherwise stated in this section.

Thank you for your assistance and interest in USAID/Ethiopia programming. We look forward to your responses to this Request for Information.

Sincerely, //signed (original signature on file)//

Alula Abera Contracting Officer USAID/Ethiopia

SECTION C - DRAFT STATEMENT OF WORK

Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) II Project

C.1. PURPOSE

The of the Partner Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) is to serve as a liaison to and facilitate communications between the implementing partners (IPs) and USAID/Ethiopia in Ethiopia in order to enable the IPs to better use and share publicly available information as a decision support mechanism. The PLSO efforts will assist in the more effective delivery of U.S. Government (USG) 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. While IPs are ultimately responsible for the safety and protection of their employees and programs, the PLSO provides safety and security-related support to USAID’s IPs, regardless of their organization’s country of origin. The PLSO serves in a coordinating and sharing role helping to disseminate open-source information and promote security best practices.

This operation will be located in Ethiopia outside the U.S. Embassy Compound. The Contractor will provide security support to USAID/Ethiopia’s IPs operating throughout the country.

C.2. BACKGROUND

a. Country context

USAID/Ethiopia manages the USG development program in Ethiopia, one of the largest and most complex in the world. USAID/Ethiopia implements one of the U.S. Government's largest and most complex programs, with over 110 ongoing activities and an active portfolio worth over $2 billion. As one of USAID’s most extensive programs globally and the largest in Africa, Ethiopia's FY2021 budget is $1.21 Billion, including $930 million in humanitarian assistance, and contributes to five Presidential Initiatives. The Mission portfolio includes a broad range of democracy and governance, education, global health, economic growth, agriculture, and environment activities. Additionally, the Mission provides a range of support services to Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan, and the African Union.

The USG security rating for Ethiopia as of June 2022 is currently on Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” due to armed conflict, civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and the potential for terrorism and kidnapping in border areas. The rating depicts the broad picture, but several events in the last few years have directly impacted the security environment in Ethiopia and the U.S. Mission as a whole.

The U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) Ethiopia Travel Warning details the security incidents that have impacted Ethiopia in recent years and emphasizes the security environment. The DOS Ethiopia Travel Advisory can be found here:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ethiopia.html.

The rise in insecurity across regions -- including previously stable areas and recent civil conflict --has increased the risks posed to humanitarian and development response personnel, supplies, and beneficiaries and led to implementation delays or temporary suspensions of operations. Numerous https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ethiopia.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ethiopia.html

USAID-funded projects, including several flagship USAID development programs, experienced delays or cancellations of operations and withdrawals of staff due to insecurity in Afar, Amhara, Somali, SNNPR, Tigray, and Oromia.

Thus, security is a concern for USAID’s IPs. While USAID’s relationship with its IPs dictates against providing prescriptive guidance on security or mandatory reporting by the IPs, the Mission is establishing the PLSO as a tool to enhance communication between USAID and its IPs regarding security information to help IPs better manage and mitigate their respective security concerns.

b. PROBLEM STATEMENT

Beyond terrorist threats, criminal elements pose a serious risk throughout the country. They are violent in nature, and resistance by a victim is often met with deadly force. Locals have experienced armed mugging, assaults, burglaries, carjacking, rapes, and extortion. Both Ethiopians and expatriates have been victims of armed robberies at banks, retail stores, and on airport roads at all hours.

In March 2019, the USAID Office of Security conducted a PLSO assessment which included interviews with Mission and IP staff based in Addis. At the time, the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office (RSO) reported that crime was becoming increasingly more violent and organized in Addis and the surrounding area. Weapons were being smuggled into the country. The war in Tigray, extensive conflict along ethnic regional borders, political violence, and climate change have aligned to create a humanitarian crisis the UN projects to engulf 20 million Ethiopians this year, up from less than 9 million in 2019.

An OFDA Senior Humanitarian Advisor reported that the biggest security challenges include operating along the Somali border, clan dynamics, and the security of beneficiaries. Although security information is available to humanitarian organizations from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), OFDA and IPs consider local communities to be the best source of information. However, there is currently no formalized network to share the information among IPs or with the Mission. Thus, the need to build an information-sharing network for USAID IPs and the Mission, in order to better inform them of the implications of issues to their programs and operations.

The formalized network needs to take into account Ethiopia’s very challenged and inconsistent telecommunications systems, which are often either busy, damaged, or completely shut off. Backup and alternative forms of communication need to be established in order to reach IPs during times of unrest and pass on the necessary information.

Finally, widespread clashes between farmers and pastoralists have resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of property, as well as displacement of communities, further aggravating the security environment in Ethiopia.

C.3. 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.4. SCOPE OF WORK

C.4.1. 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 most of its efforts on collaborating with all USAID-funded IPs located throughout Ethiopia. The Contractor is expected to develop creative methods to achieve the deliverables set forth in this contract.

C.4.2. Task Description

The PLSO shall serve as the USAID/Ethiopia Liaison to the Executive Office (EXO) for IP security matters and serve as the primary security point of contact between USAID and its IPs on matters relating to security. The PLSO will also serve as the main POC with the Embassy Regional Security Office (RSO) on all IP security-related matters. In addition, the PLSO is expected to collaborate with the Mission’s technical teams and other USG agencies in Ethiopia.

The PLSO will be expected to complement, rather than duplicate, existing security-related support to the IP community in Ethiopia, focusing on the specific needs of USAID IPs and sub-partners and striving for cost efficiency and effectiveness. In addition to security advisors who are employees and/or contractors of international and local NGOs, there are several membership-based organizations in Ethiopia that provide information and advice to the IP community. While the activities listed below may appear comprehensive, USAID seeks services to fill gaps, improve the quality of such support, and diversify options for capacity building in security planning, implementation, monitoring, and budgeting.

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

C.4.3. Illustrative Tasks

ACTIVITY FREQUENCY

Category: Improved communications between USAID IPs and the USA Mission in Ethiopia

Meeting with and providing informational briefings to newly arriv USAID/Ethiopia IPs in Ethiopia. Briefings should contain up-to-date secur information, including the political, security sector, and economic status, addition to standard security information.

As needed

Developing and maintaining a bulk SMS text message notification system contact IPs during emergency situations in Ethiopia. There shall be differentiation between “emergency” alerts, and “useful information.” F example, traffic and bad weather is useful, but not necessarily worthy an “emergency” text.

As needed

Developing and maintaining a database of Ethiopia incidents reported by USA IPs. The database should be able to produce reports for IPs and t Mission/Embassy to inform their decision-making in various regions. T information shall be all open source and should include reports from IPs, med and other sources.

Continuous

Developing and maintaining a real-time database to track the location of IPs to bet respond to emergent security threats.

Continuous

Developing and maintaining a database of contact information for USAID IP Chi of Party, their deputies, and Security Managers from the respective IPs operating Ethiopia. This database will include contact information and the location of proje sites.

Continuous

Developing subject matter expertise within the team regarding IP programs a operations vis-à-vis the security environment. The PLSO shall demonstrate understanding of what programs are where, and the implications of security-bas incidents to the programs.

Continuous

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

As needed

Act as a liaison between the IP community and Mission on security issues impacti programs and operations.

Continuous

Developing an IP incident tracking system, which may include relevant natu hazards and disaster threats, to be used in conjunction with existing Mission G tools for identifying IP project locations

Category: Expanded IP Capabilities to anticipate and respond to security issu

Act as an information collection, analysis, reporting, and decision supp mechanism for IPs for programming and operational functions vis-à-vis security.

Continuous

Gather, analyze, and report on the political, security sector, econom social/humanitarian, and infrastructure issues within Ethiopia as they are relevant IP programs and operations.

Continuous

Act as a subject matter expert on current events, specifically within the social med space, as relevant to IP programs and operations.

Continuous

Assisting IPs with the documentation and reporting of security incidents USAID/Ethiopia.

As needed

Sharing advisory security plan best practices among IPs. As needed

Develop and maintain GIS maps and other forms of data visualization to ident trends and patterns that can help IPs better anticipate emerging security threats.

Continuous

Drafting and distributing weekly analysis on events to IPs, USAID/Ethiopia staff, a USAID’s Office of Security in Washington, DC (SEC/W) based on informati received from IPs.

Weekly

Producing a weekly activity report for the USAID Mission Director (MD), EXO, a SEC/W which contains pertinent information regarding the Contractor’s activit provided to IPs and security issues and concerns communicated by IPs.

Weekly

Producing a weekly IP incident report for the MD, EXO, and SEC/W which refle security incidents reported by IPs during the past week.

Weekly

Provide weekly briefings (or on demand as relevant) for the Mission leadership a RSO, to include specifics on events that have had, or may have specifics on IP Mission security, programs or operations.

Weekly

Draft and distribute analytical reports addressing security and political challeng throughout Ethiopia.

As Neede

C.4.4. Security Information Management

a. Type of Security Information The term “security information” as used in this Contract shall mean information related to security that is hostile or threat-related in nature received from implementing partners or their subcontractors collected at the volition of the IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. The security information 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 does not embody the complete threat environment as it evolves.

b. Use of Security Information The security information is designed to provide IPs, USAID, and the Mission Regional Security Office (RSO) with potentially useful information regarding the security environment in Ethiopia.

Each IP shall decide how it utilizes the security information to effectively manage its programs. The security information is intended for informational purposes only and any security related decisions made by IPs regarding the security of their facilities, personnel and travel should be based on Department of State travel advisories, OSAC advisories, or IP’s internal security procedures and protocol.

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

d. Method of Collecting Security Information The Contractor must only provide security support at the request of the IP or direction of USAID. The Contractor will collect information through voluntary reporting by USAID IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. USAID/Ethiopia through the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) will make IPs aware of the PLSO mechanism and IPs can utilize the mechanism as it is relevant to their internal security procedures and protocols. IPs must not be required to but encouraged to report security incidents or mandatorily opt-in to the system. The Contractor will utilize and disseminate security information provided by the IP, as well as security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. The contractor must not actively monitor IP movements or activities throughout the country in order to obtain information. IPs will be encouraged to use the security information provided by the Contractor, and also conduct their own research on the continuously evolving threat environments in which they operate.

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

f. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

(a) The Contractor must integrate monitoring, evaluation, and learning through the implementation of a set of activities in a continuous process in order to achieve the results outlined in the PLSO project. Performance monitoring will focus largely on 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/Ethiopia 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.

(b) USAID/Ethiopia will fund both the external mid-term and/or final evaluation of the award separately from this Contract. The results of the mid-term evaluation will guide the implementation of the award for the remaining period. USAID/Ethiopia may also use the mid-term results and recommendations to inform critical programmatic decisions. USAID/Ethiopia may also conduct an external final evaluation of the award.

C.5. OTHER TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

a. Environmental Compliance

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

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

Ethiopia 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. Offerors are advised that there are frequent reports of robberies and car-jacking, some involving armed gunmen, on Ethiopia's urban and rural road network. The U.S. State Department travel advisory for Ethiopia regularly issues information regarding the risks of travel to some states in Ethiopia because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas. The advisory also informs that throughout the country, violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, remains a problem. The Contractor should be cognizant of the fact that Local Government Area categorizations may potentially fall into areas prone to armed conflict and security vulnerability.

The 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 Ethiopia, as those activities relate to the 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.6. PROJECT COORDINATION

a. Technical Direction

USAID/Ethiopia 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 to USAID/Ethiopia as appropriate.

b. Contractor

The Contractor reports solely to the COR located in USAID/Ethiopia EXO. The Contractor has a legal and direct relationship with the COR as such all communications under this Contract will go through the COR. Since the IPs are not under Chief of Mission authority, the IPs are not required to report to or through the RSO, and reciprocally, RSO has no responsibility to manage or direct the IPs.

The Contractor will work independently carrying out assigned activities and responsibilities at the COR’s request. The Contractor will have no authority to make financial commitments but is expected to make personal contacts with U.S. Embassy personnel up to the highest levels; USAID/Ethiopia personnel; USAID/Washington personnel; USAID IPs; United Nations (UN) personnel; and Government of Ethiopia officials to perform duties under this Contract.

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

The Contractor will have the 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 the overall implementation of the activity in personnel, financial, and logistical support.

c. Liaison with USAID and Other USG Agencies

The contractor is expected to work closely with relevant USG offices in Ethiopia as directed by the

COR.

d. Coordination with Development Partners and Other Stakeholders

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

• International Donors and organizations;

• The private sector can provide important information and support relevant to USAID/Ethiopia

PLSO project;

• Government of Ethiopia officials at the federal, state, and local levels who can support

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

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

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

e. Travel

Travel to IP activity sites is required under the contract. Currently, there are approximately 171 partners implementing approximately 110 activities in Ethiopia on behalf of USAID/Ethiopia. Travel will be required for training, briefings, site visits, and responses to security incidents. USAID is unable to identify how many security incidents will happen per year for budgeting purposes and the Contractor should propose an estimated amount that includes all estimated travel costs.

f. Logistical Information

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

g. Government Furnished Property

USAID/Ethiopia does not anticipate the provision of Government-furnished property under this contract.

C.7. STAFFING PLAN

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

C.8. KEY PERSONNEL

There is one (1) key personnel position that is critical to the achievement of contract results: the Operations Manager. Individuals proposed for any non-key personnel positions will not be considered or evaluated for the purposes of this factor. In the main body of the proposal, Offerors must identify and describe the candidate for the Key Personnel position, describe the proposed individuals’ qualifications and suitability for the position, and include a summary of the position description. The operations manager must have demonstrated experience leading safety and security initiatives for a minimum of 5-years in security-related coverage areas such as physical security, personnel security, cybersecurity, security awareness training, and/or performing assessments of vulnerabilities.

C.9. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The contractor must have a detailed management plan which defines its proposed organizational structure, including the proposed lines of responsibility, authority, communication, and reporting between USAID/Ethiopia and the Offeror, between the Offeror’s headquarters and field team, key personnel, and other team members. The structure proposed should take into account the best organization and staffing mix and must clearly define duties to enable effective execution of the objectives and deliverables. The Management Plan. The Management Plan must include an organizational chart that identifies the proposed staff members, both key and non-key personnel.

C.10. REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Contractor reports solely to USAID/Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. The Contractor has a legal and direct relationship with USAID/Ethiopia, as such all communications under this Contract will go through USAID/Ethiopia. Since the IPs are not under Chief of Mission authority, the IPs are not required to report to or through the RSO, and reciprocally, RSO has no responsibility to manage or direct them.

However, the Contractor is expected to work independently carrying out assigned responsibilities and duties at USAID/Ethiopia’s request:

• Authority to Make Commitments: No authority to make fiscal commitments; full authority vetted through the supervising office to make recommendations pertaining to safety and security conditions and responses.

• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are with U.S. Embassy personnel up to the highest levels; USAID/Ethiopia personnel; USAID/Washington personnel; USAID IPs; UN personnel; and GoE officials.

• IP Solicitation: The Contractor cannot solicit outside business from USAID IPs. All contact with USAID IPs must fall within the scope of work.

C.11. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY

The Contractor must have proven experience in working on security matters in Ethiopia and demonstrate the capability of effectively implementing 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/Ethiopia IPs operating in Ethiopia. These systems must have in place mechanisms that protect security information provided to the Contractor. The Contractor must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to IPs and USAID/Ethiopia EXO.

[END OF SECTION C]