RFP 72011520R000010.pdf

Issue Date: April 1, 2020 Questions Due: April 15, 2020, 10:00 am Almaty Time Closing Date: June 1, 2020, 10:00 am Almaty Time

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: 72011520R000010

USAID’s Central Asia Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity

To All Potential Offerors:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Regional Mission to Central Asia (USAID/CA), is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to implement an activity entitled “USAID’s Central Asia Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity” as detailed in the Statement of Objectives. The applicable geographic codes for this procurement are 937 and 110. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541990.

This procurement will be conducted under full and open competition procedures, pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1). All types of organizations are eligible to compete. If your organization decides to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation, it must be submitted in accordance with Section L of this RFP.

USAID Central Asia anticipates awarding one (1) Cost-Plus Fixed Fee type contract as a result of this solicitation covering a period of five (5) years. The estimated cost for this contract is between $23 and $24.9 million, subject to the availability of funds.

Revealing the total estimated cost for the contract does not mean Offerors should propose a budget equal to the estimated cost. Offerors must propose costs that are necessary, realistic and reasonable for the scope of work. These costs may be lower, but in no case may they exceed the estimated cost. Cost proposals will be evaluated as part of a best value determination for contract award, including cost effective approaches to achieve the results and cost realism.

Offerors should take note that this RFP differs from traditional RFPs in two material aspects.

First, USAID intends to issue a combination award consisting of a Cost Reimbursement- Completion contract (CLIN 0001) and a single-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract (CLIN 0002). Second, the RFP does not contain a Statement of Work (SOW), rather, USAID is providing an outcomes-based Statement of Objectives (SOO).

Offerors are requested to provide their own Performance Work Statement (PWS) to achieve the outcomes described in the SOO.

If substantive questions are received that are likely to have a material effect on responses to the solicitation, or alter the closing date and time, as well as other aspects of the RFP, this solicitation may be amended. Any amendments to this solicitation will be issued and posted on an official website of the United States government at http://www.beta.sam.gov. Offerors are encouraged to check this website periodically and subscribe for automatic notifications.

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this solicitation to ensure that the solicitation has been received from the beta.SAM page in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from download or conversion processes.

If your organization decides to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation, it must be submitted by the designated date and time indicated above and in Block 9 of the RFP cover page (Standard Form 33). Proposals received after the closing date and time will be processed as late and handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. Proposals in response to this solicitation must be valid for 180 days and signed by an official who is authorized to bind the Offeror’s organization.

Please pay careful attention to and complete in full Section K - Representations, Certifications and Acknowledgements of the accompanying Request for Proposals. Offerors are expected to comply with FAR clause 52.204-7, and complete the annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), www.sam.gov, a free website which consolidates Federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

Offerors should carefully consider Section L - Instructions to Offerors and Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award. Sections B through J of the solicitation will become a substantive part of the anticipated contract to be completed by the Contracting Officer upon award. Also, the Government intends to incorporate parts of the successful proposal into the negotiated contract award, in particular the proposed PWS. Issuance of an Award is subject to availability of funds and conclusion of successful negotiations.

In order to ensure that the best value proposal is received, USAID reserves the right to award without discussions or establish a competitive range of proposals from all submissions for further discussions. USAID may request bidders in the competitive range to make presentations via digital video conference to present their technical approach and clarify why it presents the best value concept.

Questions and comments related to this RFP must be submitted electronically to the attention of Ms. Tatyana Timoshenkova at ttimoshenkova@usaid.gov and AlmatyAAsolicitations@usaid.gov no later than April 15, 2020 at 10:00 am Almaty Time (UTC +6) using the following format for the email subject line: “72011520R000010, USAID’s Central Asia Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity – [Name of Organization] Questions/Comments”.

http://www.fbo.gov/ http://www.fbo.gov/ http://www.beta.sam.gov/ http://www.fbo.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:ttimoshenkova@usaid.gov

USAID may consolidate and/or not respond to questions/comments to each Offeror and will publicly post all responses as an amendment to this RFP. All amendments to this solicitation will be issued and posted on the beta.SAM website. Offerors are encouraged to check this website (http://www.beta.sam.gov) periodically.

The Technical and Cost proposals must be separate and must be submitted according to Section L of this RFP. Only electronic proposals will be accepted in response to this RFP. The subject line for Technical and Cost Proposal submissions must follow the following format:

“72011520R000010, USAID’s Central Asia Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity - [Name of Offeror] [Technical/Cost] Proposal, [Email _ of _]”. Proposals must be signed by an official who is authorized to bind the offeror’s organization.

Proposals are due on June 1, 2020, 10:00 am Almaty Time (UTC +6). Proposals received after the closing date and time will be processed as late and handled in accordance with FAR 15.208.

Issuance of this RFP in no way obligates the U.S. Government to award a contract nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. 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, /s/

Joshua Schramm Contracting Officer http://www.beta.sam.gov/

72011520R00010

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)

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 102

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

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./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

EXT.NUMBERAREA 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. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

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

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

04/01/2020 X

720115

USAID/Central Asia/Kazakhstan 41 Kazibek Bi St.

Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan

1000 F 06/01/2020

Tatyana Timoshenkova ttimoshenkova@usaid.gov

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X

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PAGE(S)

Joshua Schramm

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

5-7

9-12 13-14 15-26 27-31 32-52

53-61

63-75

76-96

97-102

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____61_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

RFP 72011520R00010

USAID’s Central Asia Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity

CONTENTS

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 TYPE OF CONTRACT

B.3 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

B.5 COST LIMITATIONS UNDER CLIN 0002 IDIQ SUPPLEMENTAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

B.6 FIXED FEE (CPFF)

B.7 INDIRECT COSTS (CPFF)

B.8 COST REIMBURSABLE (CPFF)

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

D.4 OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION PLAN

D.5 APPROVAL OF BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

E.4 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

SECTION F – DELIVERIES AND PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORKDAY / WEEK

F.5 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.6 DELIVERABLES AND REQUIRED REPORTING

F.7. DELIVERY SCHEDULE AND FIXED FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE

F.8 FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE

F.9 KEY PERSONNEL

F.10 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

DOCUMENTS (SEPTEMBER 2013)

F.11 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCTOBER 2007)

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.4 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998) (CPFF)

G.5 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.6 PAYING OFFICE

G.7 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.8 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 ORDERING SUPPLEMENTAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (CLIN 0002)

H.2 AAPD 17-01 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE FOR 2015 - 2020

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.4 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.5 LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (APR 2018)

H.6 AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (APRIL 2014)

H.7 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.8 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMARION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES

H.9 ADS 547 MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE

H.10 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

H.11 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

H.12 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUNE 2012)

H.13 ACCESS TO USAID FACILITIES AND USAID’S INFORMATION SYSTEMS (AUGUST 2013)

H.14 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DECEMBER 2004)

H.15 302.3.5.19 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOVEMBER 2017) (A)

DEFINITIONS:

H.17 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR ACQUISITION (JULY

2014)

H.18 302.3.5.22 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL)

(OCTOBER 2014)

H.19 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.20 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, AS

AMENDED

H.21 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.22 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS

H.23 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING SYSTEM (PMRS)

H.24 GENDER EQUALITY AND FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

H.25 PARTICIPANT TRAINING

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52-252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.2 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.3 52.244-2 SUBCONTRACTS ALT I. (JUNE 2007)

I.4 52.222-52 EXEMPTION FROM APPLICATION OF THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT TO

CONTRACTS FOR CERTAIN SERVICES – CERTIFICATION (MAY 2014)

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (JAN 2018)

K.3 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2015)

K.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

K.6 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999)

K.7 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (OCT 2015)

K.8 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE—COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR

2005)

K.9 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.10 52.222-56 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS COMPLIANCE

PLAN

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

L.2 FAR 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.3 FAR 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L.4 FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.6 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL VOLUME

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST VOLUME

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.5 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS

M.6 CONTRACTING WITH U.S SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ

PROGRAM

M.7 DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE AND CONTRACT AWARD

M.8 AWARD

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to obtain services as described in Section C.

B.2 TYPE OF CONTRACT

This is a FAR 16.102(b) combination award consisting of a Cost Reimbursement-Completion (CLIN 0001) and a single-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract

(CLIN 0002.)

Under the Cost Reimbursement Completion portion of the contract (CLIN 0001), the contractor must furnish all personnel, materials, equipment, supplies, facilities, services (except as expressly set forth in this contract as furnished by the Government) and perform all activities necessary for, or incidental to, the performance of work described in Section C and other sections of the contract not specifically identified under CLIN 0002 as the IDIQ Supplemental Technical Assistance (STA.)

Under the IDIQ portion of the contract (CLIN 0002), the contractor must furnish additional technical assistance arising out of or related to the completion portion of the contract, as required by Government-issued Task Orders. The services will be ordered in accordance with Section H.1 entitled “Ordering Supplemental Technical Assistance (CLIN 0002).”

As CLIN 0002 is part of this contract and not a stand-alone award, the Government is not required to state or order any minimum number of person-days as otherwise provided in FAR 16.504(a)(1)). CLIN 0001 contained in this Contract provides sufficient consideration to make this a legally binding contract, and the Government has no obligation to fund or order under

CLIN 0002.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE

The Total Estimated Cost (TEC) for CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0002 is [TBD].

(a) Estimated Cost and Fixed Fee for CLIN 0001

The Total Estimated Cost for CLIN 0001 is [TBD], exclusive of fixed fee, if any. The fixed fee, if any is [TBD]. The estimated cost plus fixed fee, if any, for CLIN 0001 is [TBD].

(b) Estimated Cost and Fixed Fee for CLIN 0002

The total estimated ceiling cost of CLIN 0002 is [TBD], exclusive of the associated maximum fee of [TBD]. The total estimated ceiling cost and maximum fee for CLIN 0002 is [TBD].

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

CLIN 0001

CPFF

CLIN 0002

IDIQ

Total

a. Direct Costs

b. Indirect Costs

c. Fixed Fee

d. Total Estimated Cost

B.5 COST LIMITATIONS UNDER CLIN 0002 IDIQ SUPPLEMENTAL TECHNICAL

ASSISTANCE

A. The estimated cost of CLIN 0002 includes material, equipment, subcontracts, travel, and training required for performance of the total amount of work that can be ordered by the Government under this CLIN during the life of this contract. The amount of ordered costs under CLIN 0002 will not exceed $3,000,000 over the life of this contract.

B. The total estimated cost and fixed fee will be established in the individual Government-issued Task Orders and shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Section B.3.(b) IDIQ

CLIN 0002.

B.6 FIXED FEE (CPFF)

Pursuant to FAR 16.306(d), the fixed fee payable under this contract will be tied to the completion of the reports and deliverables specified in Section F.6 of this contract and in accordance with the final approved Fee Schedule.

B.7 INDIRECT COSTS (CPFF)

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 Indirect Cost X % 1/ 1/ 1/ Indirect Cost Y % 2/ 2/ 2/ Indirect Cost Z % 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

B.8 COST REIMBURSABLE (CPFF)

Allowable costs will 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.

In addition, the requirement and conditions concerning estimated cost and funding apply as detailed in FAR 52.232-22, Limitation of Funds, incorporated by reference in Section I of this contract.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

< The Performance Work Statement (PWS) will be inserted at time of award. The PWS is to be developed by the Offeror, based on the content of this RFP, specifically, Attachment J.1

Statement of Objectives (SOO)>

[END OF SECTION C]

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

(a) It is USAID policy that USAID-financed commodities, shipping containers, project construction sites and other project funded locations be suitably marked with the USAID emblem. Shipping containers are also to be marked with the last five digits of the USAID financing document number. As a general rule, marking is not required for raw materials shipped in bulk (such as coal, grain, etc.), or for semi-finished products which are not packaged.

(b) Specific guidance on marking requirements should be obtained prior to procurement of commodities to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construction sites and other project locations. This guidance will be provided through the contracting officer’s representative (COR) indicated on the cover page of this Order, or by the Mission Director in the Cooperating Country to which commodities are being shipped, or in which the project site is located.

(c) Authority to waive marking requirements is vested with the Regional Assistant Administrators, and with Mission Directors.

(d) A copy of any specific marking instructions or waivers from marking requirements is to be sent to the Contracting Officer; the original should be retained by the contractor.

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

All USAID-funded foreign assistance (including programs, projects, activities, public communications, or commodities) must be communicated, promoted, and marked as coming from the American People through USAID. Specific communications and promotion measures must be described in the “Branding Strategy” and “Branding Implementation Plan,” and specific marking will be described in the “Marking Plan” for the contract. Branding and marking under this contract must comply with the USAID Automated Directive System Chapter 320 Branding and Marking (ADS 320).

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

The name of the activity: The full project name is “USAID’s Central Asia Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity”. The name USAID’s Central Asia Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity may not be used alone without being preceded by USAID.

Translations other applicable languages must be proposed by the contractor and approved by USAID as part of the Branding Implementation Plan.

Materials and communications positioning: Any materials and communications produced by any subcontractor must follow USAID branding requirements. In all project communications and materials, the project will be referred to as USAID’s. In all public events and public communications, the project will also acknowledge and make it visible and understandable that the project, all its activities and/or materials/deliverables are made possible by the American People. Any materials and communications produced by any sub-grantee must follow USAID branding requirements as applicable to grants.

Branding and Marking by Subcontractors and Grantees: The Contractor must review the branding and marking plan with all local partners and beneficiaries and ensure that they understand and will follow the follow USAID branding requirements. Co-branding and co-marking with local partners are to be specified in the branding implementation plan and will require approval by USAID.

Branding Considerations: The branding plan must describe how the project will be communicated to client SMEs and stakeholder groups and promoted to host-country general public, business community, government and mass media. It will outline likely events and proposed communications and materials the Contractor will use to deliver the message that the assistance is From the American People. More specifically the plan must address the following:

1. How to incorporate the message, “This assistance is from the American people,” in communications and materials directed to client SMEs, or provide an explanation if this message is not appropriate or possible.

2. How to publicize the Project, project, or activity in the cooperating country and a description of the communications tools to be used. Such tools may include the following: press releases, press conferences, media interviews, site visits, success stories, online interactive maps or visualization tools, partner SME testimonials, professional photography, Public Service Announcements, videos, webcasts, e-invitations, or other e-mails sent to group lists, such as participants of a training program, social media or other online activities. The plan must address both what will be produced as well as how to ensure high quality English and other language versions are produced without typographical, grammatical or spelling errors.

3. The key milestones, events or other opportunities anticipated to generate awareness that the Project, project, or activity is from the American people, or an explanation if this is not appropriate or possible. Such milestones may be linked to specific points in time, such as the beginning or end of a program, or to an opportunity to showcase publications or other materials, research findings, or Project success.

4. How news releases/media alerts will be coordinated with the COR. In general, all releases/alerts are issued by the U.S. Embassy on behalf of USAID.

5. How Marking will be conducted for public communications, commodities, and Project materials and other items that visibly bear or will be marked with the identity of USAID and, where applicable, client SMEs, other resource partners, donors or host-country symbol or ministry logos.

Public or Private Sector Partners: Co-branding and co-marking of public communications with local partners, in particular private sector partners and government entities is allowable and encouraged in order to promote local ownership of the initiatives supported by USAID. ECP will provide a significant amount of support to private enterprises where the primary objective is to promote their own goods and services. Some Project related activities, events and materials will utilize a significant amount of private sector partner leveraged resources and the Contractor must address how to manage partner co-branding to ensure that the co-branding does not impair the functionality of the item or event and complies with ADS 320. Co-branding and co-marking is to be specified in the branding implementation plan and will require approval by

USAID.

Desired level of visibility: The contractor must ensure that the project (as well as the fact that it is made possible by the American people through USAID) receives broad visibility not only among its beneficiaries, partners and counterparts, but also among the broader business sector and the general public. USAID’s experience demonstrates the critical importance and multiple opportunities for public outreach through positive information dissemination.

Communication and Outreach Strategy: The contractor and USAID will agree on a communication and outreach strategy that will detail how the desired level of visibility will be achieved. More specifically, the Communication and Outreach Strategy will detail overall goal, objectives, intermediate results, indicative activities, communication products and how they will be distributed and to whom, budget, messaging, and an indicative monitoring and evaluation plan to assess to which extent the implementation of the strategy is achieving its target results.

Communication Activities: The Contractor and USAID will agree on the type of activities, including frequency and geographic coverage, which will be designed and implemented to achieve the Strategy’s objectives. These may include but may not be limited to opening or closing events, national or international day celebrations, regional or national media campaigns, community mobilization, cultural celebrations, partnerships with public figures, etc.

Communication Products: The contractor will detail what communication tools and platforms it will utilize, with details on distribution, dissemination, and utilization of each. Communication tools may include, but are not limited to brochures, flyers, posters, social media sites, television, podcasts, radio, blogs, online publication, websites, newspaper, infographics, billboards, etc.

The communication tools should be proposed while demonstrating how they are relevant to the context of this project and the targeted audiences.

Content Creation and Acquisition: The contractor will explain how it will acquire professional, high quality content for the design and publication of its communication products. Content includes, and is not limited to photography, video or films, written text, infographics, illustrations, graphics, pictograms, maps, GIFs, etc. The contractor will share with USAID a list or group of professional and reputable content creators, along with their portfolios, that it proposes to hire for specific assignments. While the contractor is encouraged to work with creatives and artists to produce original content for its communication and outreach activities, a certain amount of licensed or stock content may be utilized instead.

D.4 OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION PLAN

The contractor will be expected to develop and implement a high-quality outreach and communication plan that includes strategies and activities that meet international marketing, brand building, advertising, and content creation standards. The focus of the communication will be the results, impacts, and achievements of the project. The messaging and overall narrative of all communication and outreach efforts will focus on the people (or beneficiaries) of the project to highlight the transformative nature of the proposed developmental approach and activities. The contractor will propose content distribution options, including communication tools or products, to ensure that the acquired content reaches a wide audience and achieves the communication objectives it serves. The targeted audience will include all segments of the Central Asia public as well as selected segments of the American public. The contractor will propose a social media strategy with specific reach and engagement targets along with publication plans or approaches to achieve them. It is also expected that a high-quality, high-impact national campaign will be held to inform the Central Asia public about the project’s main achievement and results while supporting USAID brand building and brand recognition in the country.

D.5 APPROVAL OF BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN

The contractor’s Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan will be finalized and approved prior to award. The contractor will follow the approved plan during implementation of this contract unless a waiver is requested and approved. Guidance applying for exceptions and waivers to Contract Marking Requirements can be found at USAID Automated Directive Supplement Chapter 320, Branding and Marking.

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See FAR 52.252-2 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

52.246-3 INSPECTION OF SUPPLIES--COST-REIMBURSEMENT MAY 2001

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

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs will take place primarily in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. Or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The COR listed in Section G has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

E.3. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

The progress, success and impact of the Contractor’s performance under this contract will be monitored and evaluated as a part of the overall activity results. The QASP is a management tool with the intent of encouraging maximum performance, efficiencies, and cost effectiveness by the Contractor and can be modified at any time by the Government. The QASP will be used as a Government document to enforce the inspection and acceptance clauses of the contract.

The QASP may require revision after selection for award to reflect the Contractor’s known strengths and weaknesses. This is intended to be a “living” document that will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis. It is based on the premise that the Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for managing and ensuring that quality controls meet the terms of the contract.

The Government reserves the right to modify performance standards and/or metrics during the life of this contract, in order to ensure that the right outcomes are being assessed and that the performance standards are appropriate. The COR will ensure that QASP is implemented and updated.

A variety of mechanisms may be used to monitor the progress/success of the activity and the Contractor’s performance:

1. Weekly meetings

2. Monthly or quarterly progress review meetings

3. Review of Contractor’s required scheduled reports (see Section F)

4. Feedback from client SMEs and other partners

5. Site visits by USAID personnel to the Contractor’s offices, other implementation and partner locations

6. Quarterly reviews of work plan performance milestones against achievements

7. Periodic internal or external impact evaluations or assessments

E.4 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The USAID COR will conduct periodic performance site visits and reviews to monitor the progress of work and the achievement towards indicator targets and/or completion of major tasks under this contract, based on the contract terms and conditions. USAID will assess the Contractor’s progress in implementation of its work plan and success in meeting benchmarks, as defined in the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) with performance milestones. The information provided and exchanged through quarterly progress reviews and periodic monitoring visits will form the basis for assessing and reporting on contractor performance.

USAID intends to conduct an independent external mid-term evaluation during Year 3 of the Contract. The assessment will examine Project implementation against the Statement of Objectives, Performance Work Statement and Annual Work Plans in order to assess the degree the Project is achieving objectives and goals and provide feedback to adjust, refine or modify Project implementation and strategy.

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F – DELIVERIES AND PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR “52.232-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE” in Section I of this contract. See the following address www.acquisition.gov for electronic access to the full text of a FAR clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 STOP WORK ORDER AUG 1989

ALTERNATE I APR 1984

F.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance under this contract is the five countries of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract is five (5) years from the date of award.

F.4 AUTHORIZED WORKDAY / WEEK

No overtime or premium pay is authorized under this contract. The contractor is authorized up to a 5-day workweek for long-term staff in the field with no premium pay, and 6-day workweek for short-term advisors in the field with no premium pay.

F.5 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Evaluation of the contractor's performance must be conducted in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the Contract and Task Orders, the Contractor's overall performance toward achievement of the objectives in Section C and provision of deliverables in Section F, and the Contractor's compliance with all other terms and conditions of the Contract and Task Orders. Each evaluation will be conducted jointly by the COR and the CO and must form the basis of the contractor’s permanent performance record with regard to this Contract and task orders as required in FAR Part 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.

The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated annually and at Contract completion, in accordance with the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), utilizing at minimum, the following factors:

A. Quality;

B. Schedule;

C. Cost control;

D. Management;

E. Utilization of Small Business (as applicable);

F. Regulatory Compliance;

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

F.6 DELIVERABLES AND REQUIRED REPORTING

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports in Section I and in the AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the contractor must submit the reports and deliverables in this section electronically to the Contracting Officer’s Representative and a copy to the Contracting Officer at AlmatyAAReporting@usaid.gov.

All deliverables and required reporting must be submitted in clearly written English language, free of typographic, spelling, or grammatical errors, unless approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The contractor must promptly notify the COR of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that materially impair the contractor’s ability to meet the requirements of the contracted deliverables or required reports. The COR and the contractor will develop a standard format for submission of all deliverables and reports within the first 30 days of contract award.

The contractor must provide the following plans and reports:

A. Annual Work Plans

The Contractor must submit a work plan for the approval of USAID/CA within 30 days after the award. The annual work plan will contain a detailed schedule for program implementation, expected results, indicators, and targets for each task and for the program as a whole as well as contain a performance monitoring plan for the program.

The number of countries, counterparts, and partners involved in the project and the fluid nature of politics in the region mean the contract will be implemented in a complex and frequently changing environment. This makes it important to take stock frequently during implementation, adjust direction as needed, and communicate project developments clearly and on a timely basis. That being the case, the contractor may be requested by the COR once during the annual work plan cycle to revise the workplan due to changing circumstances.

The contractor must submit a detailed annual work plan and budget to describe the activities specified in the scope of work and must cross reference the applicable sections in Section C of this contract. The work plan and budget will be a guide to the implementation of the contract with a breakdown of activities or tasks to complete benchmarks, timelines, and anticipated progress in the achievement of the program results as well as associated costs. The work plan and budget must have a link to the results and have no inconsistencies with Section C. It must also describe the anticipated achievements toward performance indicators with an explanation of how those achievements are expected to contribute to the intermediate result level.

The contractor must submit subsequent annual work plan(s) to USAID for review and approval no later than 30 days prior to end of the USG fiscal year. USAID will have 30 days to review and provide comments. After receiving USAID comments, the contractor must finalize the work plan within 30 days after the USG fiscal year.

The Annual Work Plan will include a list of clearly defined Tasks, Activities, Deliverables, Benchmarks and Indicator Targets. The contractor may not include activities in the work plan that fall outside the parameters of the statement of work. The contractor’s annual work plan will describe how the contractor intends to organize responsibilities among its staff to ensure accomplishment of the tasks. The Work Plan, at a minimum, will include:

● A systematic presentation (i.e., Gantt chart) of activities to be accomplished under the different results and sub-results, on a monthly basis.

● The proposed location of the activity.

● The anticipated outputs and outcomes from each task conducted.

● The anticipated level of effort required from program technical staff and financial resources to complete the tasks.

● The identification of any assumptions used in preparation of the work plan, as well as suggested alternatives, if necessary.

● The anticipated risks regarding achieving the anticipated objectives of the contract and how they will be mitigated; and

● Any specific award terms or conditions that interfere with maximizing the developmental impact of the award.

Each year the contractor will submit for approval a list of commodities that will be purchased during the fiscal year as part of the Annual Work plan process. The annual commodities procurement list may be revised as necessary in consultation with the Contracting Officer’s Representative and by approval of the Contracting Officer (CO). Initial list of commodities due with technical proposal updated and finalized within 45 days of the contract award.

B. Performance Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan

The contractor is required to develop and implement a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plan that is consistent with ADS 201, in consultation with the COR, and, as appropriate, with the mission monitoring and evaluation lead. The MEL plan must cover the life of award.

Annual MEL Plan development is NOT recommended. However, the contractor must review the MEL plan annually to ensure that it is still valid. If, over the course of implementation, modifications to the MEL plan become necessary, changes to the MEL plan must be proposed to the COR and approved by the CO. Once approved, the contractor will then amend the MEL plan to reflect those changes and document clearly the changes as approved. If modified, the MEL plan shall not exclude data previously collected, and, to the extent possible, shall mitigate any significant variations in data collection methodology, indicator definition, or data presentation. The intent of the MEL plan is to show changes over time as a result of USAID intervention.

The MEL plan will be guided by the activity’s goal(s) and objective(s), anticipated results articulated in the results framework, the theory of change, and planned inputs/interventions as laid out in the annual work plan. The MEL plan will also serve as a tool of mutual understanding among all involved parties (e.g. USAID, the Contractor, Sub-contractor (if any), and other stakeholders) on stakeholders’ MEL roles and responsibilities and how the achievements of this award will be measured and presented. Routine MEL tasks and reports will give the contractor and USAID/CA a basis for gauging performance and return on investment, promoting learning, and facilitating adaptive management to allow activity adjustment due to unforeseen changes in strategy, approach, or operating environment that may be needed to achieve or maximize results. The MEL plan must, therefore, articulate the link to the results framework and the theory of change of the award; identify how key assumptions in the theory of change would be tested or validated over the course of implementation; clearly define the high quality indicators to be reported to USAID (see below); and contain practical, feasible, and cost-effective methodologies to accomplish the tasks laid out in the MEL plan.

The MEL plan will be submitted to the COR for approval within 30 days of the award and is separate from the work plan and regular financial and other reports required by the standard clauses. The MEL plan and its annexes should be finalized within 30 days after activity start-up, before major implementations begin, and prior to the first indicator data is being collected.

Performance Monitoring

Regardless of the start date of the award, the performance monitoring plan will be adjusted to the fiscal calendar of October 1 to September 30. The first monitoring report is due no later than 30 days after each activity (fiscal) year, and within 30 days following the activity’s conclusion.

The MEL plan shall follow contents and instructions as specified in the USAID/CA MEL Plan Template. At minimum, the MEL plan shall be accompanied by two annexes: an indicator tracking table (ITT) and indicator reference sheets (IRSs). The ITT will contain a list of all indicators with appropriate disaggregations to be tracked and reported to USAID/CA. The contractor is encouraged to use quantitative as well as qualitative indicators as deemed appropriate for the result it is intended to measure. The ITT will be submitted to the COR according to the reporting timeline specified in the award. To the extent possible, and with COR approval, baseline data should be collected prior to intervention inputs.

It is highly recommended that the MEL plan includes no more than 10 indicators, i.e., those at the higher-level results or at the output level and above, rather than all indicators that the contractor uses for its internal management. When selecting indicators, the contractor should take into consideration the relevance and accuracy of the indicators according to the planned tasks/services and intended results, as well as time and resources required to collect and report each indicator data. All selected indicators must be in line with the activity as well as the Mission-wide Performance Management Plan (PMP). The existing U.S. Foreign Assistance Standard Indicators and/or those of the US Government’s Initiatives, the mission’s Regional Development and Cooperation Strategy, and other relevant IRSs shall be used as applicable.

A separate IRS is to be developed independently for each indicator as per the template and instructions provided. If a qualitative indicator is used it must also be accompanied by an IRS. If a qualitative indicator is used it must also be accompanied by an IRS. If a Standard Foreign Assistance Indicator is used a standard definition must also be used. The contractor may add a “precise definition” to the standard definition to further elaborate inclusion and exclusion criteria specific to the nature the activity as needed. However, the precise definition must be within the scope of the standard definition. If the selected standard or custom indicators are same as those being used in activity no/or the PMP, the same standard IRSs shall be used so that the results can be aggregated at USAID/CA level. As applicable, all indicators shall be disaggregated by geographical locations at the Administrative 1 (province or state) level. All people indicators must be disaggregated by sex and include other metrics that allow the full capture of effect on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

USAID/CA will conduct data quality assessment (DQA) of the indicators that are to be reported to Washington, DC, as soon as each required indicator data is being collected and reported to the mission. The mission may conduct the DQA on other indicators as deemed appropriate.

Routine monitoring is not all about tracking and reporting numbers against the selected indicators. The contractor should use appropriate means, mechanisms, and tools to assess the level of performance beyond tracing numbers; capture any unintended positive results and the factors contributing to such results; and examine any unintended negative consequences or results of the implementation, especially those that could affect the safety of beneficiaries or their equitable access to the services. All these should be well documented and shared with the COR. USAID staff may pay visits to the implementation sites at any time during the life of the award.

Evaluation

The USG funding shall not be used for any studies that do not meet USAID and/or international standards, are not necessary or have no added value to maximize the outcomes or results, and/or have no clear objectives and a plan for data use. The contractor may conduct special studies, such as internal evaluations, formative assessment, and baseline and endline surveys, as deemed necessary. The studies shall be planned and their purposes, methods, and intended use of the findings and recommendations be precisely described in a relevant section of the MEL plan. The study concept/protocol and the scope of work or terms of reference of the study team should be shared with the COR and COR clearance shall be obtained prior to implementation.

At any time of award, USAID/CA may conduct one or more evaluation(s), either by USAID staff and/or a third party external to USAID and the contractor, as deemed appropriate. This is mainly to generate strategic information and learning opportunities that can inform program management and to strengthen current programming and/or to support design of future activities; measure progress and/or achievement of intended/unintended higher level outcomes;

and account for the investments and demonstrate their effectiveness and/or impact. The contractor must work closely with and provide essential support to USAID and/or external evaluators as requested.

Learning

The contractor shall concisely describe the plan for adaptive learning in the MEL plan.