RFP 72038820R00004 CCS Activity_6.18.20.pdf

Posting Date: June 18, 2020 Issued by: USAID/Bangladesh Issued Through: Office of Acquisition and Assistance Questions due by: June 28, 2020, 16:30 hours Bangladesh Time Closing date for submission of proposal: July 21, 2020, 16:30 hours Bangladesh Time

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) 72038820R00004, USAID’s Communications Campaign and Support (CCS) Activity

Dear Prospective Offeror:

The United States Government represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development in Bangladesh (USAID/Bangladesh) is seeking proposals from qualified organizations interested in performing the services as described in the attached solicitation titled: USAID’s Communications Campaign and Support Activity. See Section L.1 for qualification requirements.

This is the first phase of a two-phase procurement process conducted through full and open competition. In Phase I, interested Offerors will submit a 15-page proposal for review and evaluation. The Government will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in Section M, in order to select the most highly rated Offeror(s) to advance to Phase II – Oral Presentation. USAID encourages your organization to submit a proposal in accordance with the requirements of this RFP. Specifically, USAID is seeking an organization which is technically capable of providing communication campaign support as described in Section C- Statement of Work.

USAID/Bangladesh intends to award a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract estimated in the range of $1.0 to $1.2 million over a period of two years. Revealing the estimated cost for the contract does not mean that Offerors should necessarily strive to meet the maximum amount estimated. Offerors must propose costs that they believe are realistic and reasonable for the work described in their proposal. The most effective approach for achieving the expected results is encouraged and the award will be made to the Offeror whose proposal offers the best value to the Government considering technical and cost factors (see Section M) of the solicitation.

Offerors are encouraged to read the entire solicitation, paying special attention to Section L – Instructions to Offeror and Section M- Evaluation Criteria. Any fill-ins in Section B through J will be completed by the Contracting Officer before award. Offerors must comply with FAR Clause 52.204-7, System for Award Management and adhere to the requirements set forth in Section K- Representation, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors. Proposals must be prepared in two separate parts: the Technical Proposal must address technical aspects and the Cost Proposal must present costs. Proposals must be signed by an official who is authorized to bind the organization.

Request for Proposals 72038820R00004 USAID’s Communications Campaign and Support Activity

The Authorized Geographic Code for the procurement of goods and services under this activity is

937. The North American Industry Classification System code for this activity is 541990.

Submission via email is required; hard copy delivery will not be accepted. E-mail submissions shall be sent to: Contracting Officer Abdullah Akbar, at abakbar@usaid.gov and A&A Specialist Fatema Zil-e-Resalat, at fresalat@usaid.gov. Each e-mail must contain a subject line clearly indicating the name of the Offeror and the solicitation number.

Issuance of this solicitation does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation or 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 Government.

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, Abdullah Akbar Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh mailto:abakbar@usaid.gov mailto:fresalat@usaid.gov

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

RATING

N/A

PAGE OF PAGES

3 133

2. CONTRACT NMBER

3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

72038820R00004

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

X NEGOTIATED (RFP)

5. DATE ISSUED

06/18/2020

6. REQUISITION #

REQ-388-20-000056

7. ISSUED BY CODE 72000 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

Abdullah Akbar, Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh, C/O American Embassy, Madani Avenue, Baridhara Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Office of the Acquisition & Assistance C/O American Embassy, USAID/Bangladesh 6120 Dhaka Place Washington DC 20521-6120

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and 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 depository located in Item 8 until local time (Hour) (Date)

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.

10. FOR INFORMATION CALL: A. NAME

Fatema Zil-e-Resalat

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS) C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

fresalat@usaid.gov AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

880 2-5566-2432

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS See Attached Table of Contents

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

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM X I CONTRACT CLAUSES

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

X

K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA X L INSTR., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calenda r days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

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

10 U.S.C. 2304(a) ( ) 41 U.S.C. 253(c) ( )

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS

SHOWN IN (4 copies unless

ITEM

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) CODE 72000 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CO

USAID/Bangladesh C/O, American Embassy Madani Avenue, Baridhara Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

USAID/Bangladesh, Office of Financial Management C/O American Embassy Madani Avenue, Baridhara Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

28. AWARD DATE

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice. STANDARD FORM 33

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)

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

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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

AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE

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

(Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT FROM

ABOVE - ENTER SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

mailto:fresalat@usaid.gov

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Table of Contents

PART I- THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B- SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

B.4 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

B.5 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

B.6 CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBER (CLIN)

B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE

B.8 INDIRECT COSTS

B.9 SECURITY COSTS

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3 MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING PLAN

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 WORK WEEK

F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR PERFORMANCE

F.6. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.7 KEY PERSONNEL

F.8 SECURITY REPORTING

F.9 AIDAR 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCT 2007)

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

G.2. TECHNICAL DIRECTION AND DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBLE USAID OFFICIALS ... 37

G.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY

G.4. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

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

G.6. TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.7. PAYMENT AND INVOICES

G.8. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.9. CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1. LANGUAGE and MEASUREMENTS (JUN 1992)

H.2. CONTRACTOR’S STAFF SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICS

ARRANGEMENTS

H.3. AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.4. SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL) ADS

302.3.5.21 (OCTOBER 2014)

H.5. ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM (JULY 2014)

H.6 PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS (22 CFR PART 140)

H.7. AMERICAN CITIZENS SERVICES REGISTRATION

H.8. PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN

INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS FAR 52.203-18 (JULY 2016)

H.9. NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES

H.10. EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING

H.11. FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES (JAN

2002)

H.12. CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT

H.13. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND REVIEWS

H.14. PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.15. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

H.16. LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DEVIATION NOS.

M/OAA-DEV-FAR-18-2C AND M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-18-2C) (APRIL 2018)

H.17. RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (MAY 2016)

H.18. SOFTWARE LICENSE ADDENDUM (MAY 2016)

H.19. MEDIA AND INFORMATION HANDLING AND PROTECTION (APRIL 2018)

H.20. SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVACY AND SECURITY STAFF

(APRIL 2018)

H.21. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES (APRIL 2018)

H.22. AIDAR 752.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS

H.23. AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE, ORIGIN AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 1997)

H.24. AIDAR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JUL 1997)

H.25. EMPLOYMENT COSTS OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS AND COOPERATING

COUNTRY NATIONALS

H.26. BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL

H.27. USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (AUG 2013)

H.28 LIMITATION ON SUBCONTRACTING TO NON-LOCAL ENTITIES (July 2014)

H.29 PROCUREMENT OF COVERED MATERIALS

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 52.203- 13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (OCT 2015)

I.3 52.204-1 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (DEC 1989)

I.4 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

SYSTEMS (JUN 2016)

I.5 52.209-1 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (FEB 1995)

I.6 52.216-24 LIMITATION OF GOVERNMENT LIABILITY (APR 1984)

I.7 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

I.8 52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM (OCT 2004)

I.9 52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (APR 1984)

I.10 AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

I.11 AIDAR 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY—USAID REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

(OCT 2017)

I.12 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (AUG 2019)

I.13 52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (AUG 2019)

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 OF

OFFERORS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

K.3. FAR 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2015) . 98

K.4. FAR 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) .. 100

K.5 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX

LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (FEB 2016)

K.6 52.209-13 VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATIES OR AGREEMENTS-

CERTIFICATION (JUN 2018)

K.7 52.215-6 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE (OCT 1997)

K.8 52.225-20 PROHIBITION ON CONDUCTING RESTRICTED BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN

SUDAN-CERTIFICATION (AUG 2009)

K.9 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.10 52.204-20 PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR (JUL 2016)

K.11 52.209-2 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC

CORPORATIONS—REPRESENTATION (NOV 2015)

K.12 FAR 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (OCT

2015)

K.13 FAR 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE—COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES

(APR 2005)

K.14 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

K.15 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.16 SIGNATURE

SECTION L –INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFEROR

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. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

L.5. DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL

L.8 52.252-3 ALTERATIONS IN SOLICITATION (APR 1984)

L.9 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE BRANDING STRATEGY AND

MARKING PLAN (BSMP)

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1. GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION FACTORS

M.3 COST PROPOSAL EVALUATION

M.4 DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE AND CONTRACT AWARD

M.5 SOURCE SELECTION

PART I- THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B- SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

As Bangladesh marks fifty years as a nation in 2021, and combats the COVID-19 pandemic, USAID seeks to implement thematic communication campaigns to enhance the perception of its contributions to Bangladesh’s development journey. USAID/Bangladesh wishes to highlight the life-changing impact of its work for the people of Bangladesh. USAID is also looking to conduct community-level activities and engage with the private sector to increase its brand visibility in support of its development objectives as part of these thematic campaigns which will be informed through an opinion poll. In addition, USAID’s Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team plans to utilize comprehensive communications support services through this contract to enhance the team’s ability to produce ad-hoc supplemental communications materials for short-notice requests, including but not limited to producing creative content for social media, managing events, photography and video production, interpretation support, and preparing for media engagements.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract. For the consideration set forth below, the contractor must complete the services and provide the deliverables and results described in Sections C, and F, in accordance with performance standards specified in Section F. The contractor must also comply with all other contract requirements.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

a. The total estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is TBD. The fixed fee, if any, is TBD. The total estimated cost-plus fixed fee, if any, is TBD.

b. Within the total estimated cost-plus-fixed-fee (if any) specified in paragraph (a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the contractor (and payment of fee, if any) for performance hereunder is $TBD. The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount in accordance with the Limitation of Funds Clause, FAR 52.232.22. Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through TBD.

B.4 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

For this contract, at the time of each payment of allowable costs to the Contractor, the USAID paying office ordinarily pays the Contractor a percentage of fixed fee that directly corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. Two exceptions to paying fixed fee in this manner apply:

(a) If the Contracting Officer (CO) determines that this method results in paying a disproportionately higher ratio of fixed fee than the percentage of work that the Contractor has completed, then the CO may suspend further payment of any fixed fee until the Contractor has made sufficient progress to justify further payment, up to the agreed percentage.

(b) Because the clauses entitled “Allowable Cost of Payment” (FAR 52.216-7) and “Fixed Fee” (FAR 52.216-8) are incorporated into this contract, the terms and conditions of these clauses apply after total payments of fixed fee reach eighty-five percent (85%) of the total fixed fee.

B.5 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

Cost Category Total

Programmatic Costs

Subcontracts

Indirect Cost

Total Estimated Cost

Fixed Fee

Total Estimated Cost-Plus Fixed Fee

• The inclusion of any costs in the above budget does not obviate the requirement for prior approval by 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”); nor does it constitute a determination of allowability by the Contracting Officer of any item of cost, unless specifically stated elsewhere in this contract. Also, the Contractor must not adjust these amounts without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor must not bill any amounts against this contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item.

• The Contractor agrees to furnish data that the Contracting Officer may request on costs expended or accrued under this contract.

• Without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor must not exceed the total estimated cost set forth in the budget or the total obligated amount, whichever is less.

B.6 CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBER (CLIN)

CLIN Period of performance;

Location;

Product Service Code

Quantity Unit Estimated Cost Fixed Fee Total Estimated Cost-Plus Fixed Fee

Item No.

0001 Base Technical Assistance

Two years;

Bangladesh;

R425

1 LOT

B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE

The U.S. dollar costs allowable will be limited to reasonable, allocable, and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 31 (Cost Principles), 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.8 INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect cost rates for local NGOs – Direct vs. Indirect

Indirect cost rates are generally not warranted unless an organization has many government awards at once necessitating a system to equitably allocate shared costs (i.e. indirect cost rates). Thus, it is generally best for local non-U.S. organizations to charge all costs direct when possible, rather than establish indirect cost rates. However, it is ultimately up to the management of the subject organization to determine if it will establish an indirect costing system. If a firm meets the requirements for the establishment of indirect cost rates, including an adequate accounting system, then the proposed indirect cost rates may be honored. USAID does not have a preference regarding the existence of an indirect costing system.

a) The Contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs that impact this contract without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

b) The Contractor will use the indirect cost recovery rates proposed during negotiations and accepted by the Contracting Officer for the subcontractors that received Contracting Officer consent. The Contractor must not apply different indirect cost recovery rates for the subcontractors without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.9 SECURITY COSTS

The Contractor will provide USAID/Bangladesh a security plan and budget for security costs as further detailed in Section H and L. The Security Plan and budget shall delineate and justify for reasonableness all costs and provide a coherent, overall integrated security plan that demonstrates that the Contractor has undertaken a thoughtful review of their security needs and includes analysis of the various elements of a security system.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND

USAID has been a leading partner with Bangladesh in its development journey since independence and committed to helping Bangladesh achieve its goal of attaining middle-income status by 2024.

USAID builds self-reliance by strengthening Bangladesh’s ability to plan, finance and implement its own development solutions. USAID/Bangladesh programs focus on food security, environmental resilience, democracy and governance, health, education, and humanitarian assistance.

The U.S. government was one of the first donors to mobilize funds to support the country’s COVID-19 response. The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing more than $173 million to complement the Government of Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to respond to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-

19) and to strengthen development activities and post-COVID-19 recovery in Bangladesh. This funding includes existing funds that have been repurposed to leverage on-the-ground engagements as well as additional resources mobilized to help Bangladesh fight COVID-19. This assistance will strengthen diagnostic and laboratory capacity; increase case management and infection prevention and control practices; improve supply chain and logistics management systems; and enhance risk communication messages to increase public knowledge and dispel myths and misconceptions. This funding builds upon more than $1 billion in health assistance to Bangladesh over the past 20 years and underscores the long-term U.S. commitment to ensuring access to quality, lifesaving health services for all Bangladeshis.

USAID believes that public diplomacy and outreach are important aspects of the United States Government operations internationally as well as the leading tools to increase public awareness about USAID assistance and opportunities in the country. As Bangladesh marks fifty years as a nation in 2021, and combats the COVID-19 pandemic, USAID seeks to implement thematic communication campaigns to enhance the perception of its contributions to Bangladesh’s development journey. The Mission wishes to highlight the life-changing impact of its work for the people of Bangladesh. USAID is also looking to conduct community-level activities and engage with the private sector to increase its brand visibility in support of its development objectives.

These public awareness campaigns will be informed by a public opinion poll.

In addition, USAID’s Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team plans to utilize comprehensive communications support services through this contract to enhance the team’s ability to produce ad-hoc supplemental communications materials for short-notice requests, including but not limited to producing creative content for social media, managing events, and preparing for media engagements.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the outreach efforts are to:

1. Increase understanding and awareness on the impact of USAID’s cooperation with Bangladesh as the country celebrates fifty years as a nation in 2021 and combats COVID- 19;

2. Improve perception on the contributions of USAID programs by the people of Bangladesh;

3. Advance the 2020-2021 USAID/Bangladesh Communications Strategy to promote these four themes:

a. Building Resilience;

b. Combating Gender-Based Violence and supporting Women’s Empowerment;

c. Supporting Economic Prosperity; and

d. Engaging Youth for Peace and Development.

TARGET POPULATION

Bangladeshi beneficiaries, citizens, media, government (all levels), decision-makers, local community and religious leaders, civil society organizations, business community, university students and other donors.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor will have experience with local developmental affairs and programs and shall be responsible for developing and implementing the USAID/Bangladesh public relations/outreach strategy over a 24-month contract period. This will be a professional strategy conforming to the requirement standards for private sector or international organization PR campaigns. The Contractor will use its marketing experience in Bangladesh to carry out a series of assignments in the completion of deliverables.

The Contractor will execute the communication campaign by designing, developing and implementing a long-term outreach, communication, and public relations program providing a comprehensive group of high-quality services/products, delivered on a timely basis. The Contractor will develop, establish, and implement innovative and comprehensive solutions for reaching the target audience - Bangladeshi communities - in the most cost-effective manner. All materials will be produced in Bangla and English, as appropriate.

The Contractor will design a series of outreach and communication strategies, and conduct PR activities and advertising tasks that may include, digital, television, and radio spot campaigns, street posters, billboard advertising, newspaper, and magazine ads, print and other creative outreach vehicles such as social media as deemed effective and appropriate. The Contractor will establish and employ measurable marketing objectives, focus group message pretesting, and post-campaign testing to validate new outreach strategies. The Contractor, in close consultation with USAID, will identify which messages are most effective and appropriate to publicize or avoid, and what time of year is best to distribute campaign messages.

The Contractor will execute/support activities that address USAID's outreach and public relations needs, such as: sponsorships for social, sports and virtual events; social work and small grant events and activities for disadvantaged and needy communities; conferences and ceremonies conducted by USAID/Bangladesh to inform the international and local media, USAID's counterparts, contractors, recipients, grantees and the target population; and publish human-interest success stories in the local media.

The Contractor will be responsible for the overall quality control and timelines for all contract tasks. The Contractor will provide guidance on changes in the market; positioning of the USAID message, and further development of the communication and outreach strategy; monitor the progress of the outreach and public relations efforts; implement market research regularly (at least annually) to determine the success of these efforts, and suggest changes when appropriate.

Additionally, the Contractor will provide the full range of communications support services, as required by the USAID’s Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team. These services may include, but are not limited to: translation and interpretation services; design, printing and distribution of promotional materials; exhibiting display production; graphic design, including infographics and motion graphics; managing logistics for USAID-organized events, including media engagements; storytelling, including photography and video production, providing audio-visual and logistical support for events; and creating, promoting and measuring social media content. The Contractor may complete the full range of effort needed to design, produce, and distribute all materials under this contract, monitor progress, and other activities in-house, through sub-contracts or through other mechanisms.

Interventions

● Opinion Poll:

○ A quantitative current status of public awareness of USAID and its activities

○ Post campaign survey

The outcome of the first phase of the polling process will establish a baseline of opinions about USAID and its humanitarian and development work and determine the focus of the campaign.

● Public Awareness Campaigns: The Contractor shall present an innovative and comprehensive outreach, marketing and public relations plan based on the findings of the opinion poll that will help increase the Bangladeshi public’s awareness of USAID programs and their contributions to improving lives.

Supplemental Materials Development: Contractor will design, produce, draft, print, and/or procure creative assets including but not limited to billboards, brochures, calendars, photo books, maps, promotional items (hats, mugs, pens, notebooks, bags, etc.), social media campaigns, photography/imagery, videos, pictograms, postcards, fact sheets, folders, posters, banners, backdrops, success stories, and other products such as television spots as needed to increase public awareness of USAID. This includes gathering content through site visits and USAID’s implementing partners.

● Thematic Campaigns, that may include, but not limited to, the following:

○ Designing and organizing events to promote USAID’s work in each of the four thematic areas: Building Resilience; Gender-Based Violence and Women’s Empowerment;

Economic Prosperity; and Engaging Youth for Peace and Development. The Contractor is encouraged to use a creative multi-pronged strategy to achieve USAID objectives, such as leveraging support of celebrities, media personalities, and Mission leadership, as needed.

○ Designing, producing and airing a television campaign, including internal and field photo shooting, video recording and all direction, animation, storyboard, scripting, and related technical issues, using high standard digital equipment, techniques and facilities.

○ Designing, producing and placing public service announcements/advertisements complementary to the television campaign, in local print media

○ Designing, producing outdoor - signage, including billboards

○ Designing and producing and distributing promotional materials, (e.g., pens, magnets, calendars, etc.) with the USAID logo.

○ Designing and producing other communication material, (e.g., television documentary, photo exhibition, music video, etc.)

○ Combating gender-based violence during COVID-19

○ Promoting innovation from youth to combat COVID-19

Campaign Strategy

The Contractor will develop an innovative communications strategy, encompassing the 50th anniversary of USAID assistance to Bangladesh in 2021, that stimulates conversation around the impact of humanitarian and development work. In its strategy, the Contractor must define (at a minimum):

● The goals, targets, and timeframe for campaigns;

● The approach, including message framework, look and feel, creative assets, events, and media, as well as the proposed products, placement, and intended impact, which the Contractor will use to effectively increase public awareness of USAID among identified target audiences and improve public perception regarding the benefits of development assistance from the American people, and awareness of the USAID brand;

● A complete list of resources needed to execute the strategy;

● The campaign monitoring plan and approach to ensuring that targets are being met;

● Details regarding how the Contractor plans to track, report on, and analyze USAID in the media over a 24-month period, including any available viewership data; and

● Format for weekly reporting to ensure that the COR is aware of the status of the

Contractor’s performance.

• Community-level Activities: The Contractor shall propose recommendations for community-level activities to raise USAID’s visibility. It is anticipated to have eight activities not exceeding $10,000 each. These may include, but are not limited to:

o Sponsoring the women’s sports teams to promote gender messaging.

o Conducting events like cleaning up parks or online campaigns to reduce plastic pollution to promote USAID’s environment messaging.

o Organizing concerts, virtual or otherwise to promote USAID’s brand and messaging for youth.

o Iftar meal packages during the month of Ramadan in TIP shelters and to increase awareness of USAID’s work in anti-trafficking.

o Providing safety gear and highlighting stories of frontline responders during the pandemic that include police, nurses, food delivery persons, cleaners, etc.

• Private Sector Engagement: The Contractor will leverage and partner with private sector to promote USAID’s development objectives. This may include, but not limited to:

o Identifying and initiating linkages with private sector entities in support of USAID themes and risk mitigation measures for the COVID-19 pandemic o Leveraging private sector partnerships to promote special events enabling Corporate

Social Responsibility (CSR) support and self-reliance.

o Engaging with the private sector to support particular-youth related events.

All planned interventions will be reviewed and approved by USAID in writing before being considered final. Prior to implementing any phase in communication campaigns, the Contractor must obtain USAID approval from the designated Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

This includes such items as: creative design, content, development, and placement of all broadcast, print, social media, and/or other materials related to a campaign; purchase of advertising space in Bangladeshi print, online, billboard, and broadcast media at favorable rates; effective dissemination of products to the target audiences using appropriate tools; and designing events as needed to amplify messages. All materials will be produced to the highest technical standards and shall be presented to USAID for review and approval before distribution. All material will be produced in Bangla and English as appropriate for audiences.

Gender Integration

At USAID, gender is a core development issue for which to ensure gender integration across all programs. In Bangladesh, cultural, social and religious sensitivities around gender play a significant role in all sectors and can either hinder or promote access to information and service utilization.

Gender inequality continues to have a negative impact on a range of health issues, and directly relates to early marriage and childbearing for girls. In USAID, child marriage is also considered another form of gender-based violence. Gender discriminatory norms and rules contribute to excess female mortality across their lifecycle: at birth, during infancy, early childhood, throughout reproductive years and at old age. USAID/Bangladesh programs are aligned and integrated with the USAID’s Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy (March 2012).

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/GenderEqualityPolicy_0.pdf The policy aims to:

● Reduce gender disparities in access to, control over, and benefit from resources, wealth, opportunities and services - economic, social, political, and cultural.

● Reduce gender-based violence and mitigate its harmful effects on individuals and communities.

● Increase capability of women and girls to know their rights, determine their life outcomes, and have influence on decision making in households, communities, and societies.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/GenderEqualityPolicy_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/GenderEqualityPolicy_0.pdf

USAID’s Communications Campaign and Support Activity will be directly informed by the Agency’s gender policy and the USAID/Bangladesh CDCS gender analysis and will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of gender issues and gender gaps; the importance of male engagement, and develop positive messages on the role of men, husbands and fathers, and how they can be addressed in USAID programming to reduce gender-based violence. This activity will include approaches to increase the level of gender messaging among all priority populations including minority, ethnicity, disability and gender diverse populations, while aiming to reduce gender gaps, foster girls’ and women’s empowerment, and develop constructive engagement of boys and men in the Bangladesh context. The contractor must develop gender specific indicators as part of its Monitoring , Evaluation and Learning Plan (MEL) including tools and processes for monitoring and data collection.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(1) Prior to commencing with each campaign activity, the Contractor shall present to USAID/Bangladesh the strategy, approach and timetable for completion of each task. This material shall address the following components:

● Development of the creative communication and outreach concept

● Preparation of work schedule

● Message Development

● Pre-launch research and testing

● Production of outreach materials

● Distribution of outreach materials

(2) All strategies, public relations and communication activities, outreach and advertising tactics will be reviewed and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representatives (COR) prior to execution. The COR will be responsible for receiving and accepting all deliverables and approving invoices. The Contractor will work closely with the COR throughout the duration of the contract.

The COR will provide the Contractor information which will help refine strategies and creative designs.

(3) The Contractor shall provide the COR copies of all ads and documentation in which media are used. USAID's technical direction is to focus the campaign on the American people's assistance to Bangladesh and to ensure quality control.

(4) Deliverables will be received by the COR via email attachments in MS Word. Videos shall be provided on DVD.

(5) All photography stills, sketches, designs, films, plates and video will become the property of

USAID.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance is 24 months from the date of contract award, subject to extension based on availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

The notional timeline of activities is as follows:

August 2020 Polling to establish baseline, determine audience, etc.

Develop strategy, creative brief, activity platform, and elements

September 2020 - November 2021 Staged campaign implementation

December 2021- August 2022 Post-campaign analysis and support

[END OF SECTION C]

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

(a) It is USAID policy that USAID-financed commodities and shipping containers, and project construction sites and other project 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 must 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 cognizant technical office indicated on the cover page of this contract, or by the Mission Director in the Cooperating Country to which commodities are being shipped, or in which the 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 will be retained by the Contractor.

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

Branding Strategy Implementation and Markings under this contract must comply with ADS 320.3.4, D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

In accordance with ADS 320 Branding and Marking, and USAID’s overall policy, all assistance delivered through this program must be clearly credited to the American People. This Branding Strategy (BS) outlines the framework in which materials and communications use to promote the program deliver the message that the assistance is from the American People, as well as to ensure appropriate use of the USAID identity markings. The branding strategy for this contract, as specified in USAID ADS 320.3.2.1, is as follows:

Activity Name: USAID’s Communications and Support Activity

Positioning: The Contractor will use full branding and the USAID tagline “From the American People” on materials and communications, which may be translated into local languages as appropriate. Co-branding / no branding will only be considered on a case-by-case basis as considered appropriate by https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/320 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/320 the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer

(CO).

Level of Visibility: USAID’s Communications Campaign and Support Activity has a desired high level of visibility within USAID since the purpose of this activity is to enhance the perception of USAID’s contributions to Bangladesh’s development journey, and highlight the life-changing impact of its work for the people of Bangladesh. USAID is also looking to conduct community-level activities and engage with the private sector to increase its brand visibility in support of its development objectives. In addition, USAID’s Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team plans to utilize comprehensive communications support services to enhance the team’s ability to produce ad-hoc supplemental communications materials for short-notice requests, including but not limited to producing creative content for social media, managing events, and preparing for media engagements. The USAID identity must be prominently displayed in commodities or equipment; audio, visual or electronic public communication; studies, reports, publications, web sites, and all promotional and informational products; and events.

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

NUMBER TITLE Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) DATE

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 performance objectives or outputs will take place at:

USAID/BANGLADESH

U.S. Embassy Madani Avenue, Dhaka-1212 Bangladesh

Or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and performance objectives or outputs are produced or submitted. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) listed in Section G has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required performance objectives or outputs. However, the Contracting Officer has the right to conduct the inspection of all services, reports, and required performance objectives or outputs of the award at any time best for the Government.

A variety of mechanisms included but not limited to the following may be utilized by the Contractor and COR to monitor the progress/success of the activity and the Contractor’s performance:

a) Weekly contract mobilization meetings including minutes (minutes may address issues, actionable items, steps to address and solve any issues/actions as well as POCs for each issue/action item) during the first three months of contract implementation;

b) Monthly progress review meetings, including similar protocols as above, with the implementation teams;

c) Review and proposed feedback and/or edits, if any, to the Contractor’s scheduled reports (see Section F);

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

d) Feedback in the form of action memos, emails or other forms of communication agreed upon by the parties from GoB and collaborating partners utilized to inform and improve program performance;

e) Site Visits as needed or directed by USAID personnel organized by the Contractor;

f) Quarterly reviews of work plan with performance milestones and proposed feedback and/or edits, if any, to the Contractor’s work plan and performance milestones incorporated/addressed;

g) Periodic impact and performance evaluations as required by the contract and /or determined as necessary by the COR and approved by the CO during contract administration; and

h) Review of deliverables achieved as stated in section F and C and proposed feedback and/or edits, if any, to the Contractor’s work plan and performance milestones incorporated/addressed.

E.3 MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING PLAN

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will monitor and evaluate the progress, success, and impact of the Contractor’s performance under this contract as a part of the overall activity results using agreed-upon indicators through the Contractor’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan. The COR will utilize the MEL Plan to assess the impact of the activity and whether it achieves the stated objectives or if the parties should make performance-based adjustments. The MEL Plan exists as a “living” document reviewed and updated as required as specified in Section F.5. The MEL Plan sets forth the specific performance goals for the contract, all in accordance with and subject to Section C. Subject to the other terms and conditions of this Contract, the COR, in consultation with the Contractor, may modify the MEL Plan at any time to reflect changing priorities and circumstances. USAID may also conduct management reviews of work progress during the contract’s period of performance. USAID will conduct Data Quality Assessments (“DQAs”) for selected indicators periodically to ensure that the Contractor collects quality data.

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1)

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER AUG 1989

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER ALTERNATE 1 APR 1984

AIDAR (48 CFR CHAPTER 7)

752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT SEP 2013

EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of this contract is two (2) years from the date of award.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Performance of this contract will be in Bangladesh.

F.4 WORK WEEK

No overtime or premium pay is authorized under this Contract. The contractor must work five days a week, with full-time equivalency at 40 hours of work in a week. However, a (6) six-day work week may be approved on a case-by-case basis for short-term assignments, but must be approved in advance in writing by the CO. The work week in Bangladesh is Sunday through Thursday.

F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR PERFORMANCE

SL

No.

Description of Deliverable Date of Delivery

1 Initial Workplan Within 90 days of the award date

2 Gender Analysis Within 6 months of the award date

3 Final Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan Within 90 days of the award date

4 Strategic Communications Plan

Within 6 months of the award date

5 Annual Workplan Draft by August 31, 2021 and Final by September 30, 2021

6 Annual Report (includes 4th quarter report) Draft by October 31, 2021 and Final by November 15, 2021

7 Quarterly Progress Reports (3 annually) Draft within 30 days after the end of each quarter and Final within 45 days after the end of each quarter

8 Quarterly Financial Reports and Accrual 12th day of last month of each quarter

9 Opinion Polling Research Plan Prior to conducting opinion poll

10 Polling Completion Report Following completion of polling; but no later than 30 days

11 Mid-Term Report Midway point of a campaign

12 Campaign Completion Report Following completion of a campaign; but no later than 30 days

13 Exit Strategy Due at the time of the Annual Workplan

14 Closeout Plan 3 months prior to the end of contract period of performance

15 Final Report 3 months after the end of the period of performance

16 Other Reports (when applicable) TBD

The Contractor will submit the following reports and deliverables or outputs according to the delivery dates specified above.

1. Initial Work Plan

The Annual Work Plans will be developed in consultation with USAID, other USAID partners, and key counterparts. Annual Work Plans will be approved by the COR. The Contractor will submit the draft initial annual work plan within two months of the beginning of the Activity.

USAID/Bangladesh will review the work plan and provide comments within two weeks of receipt;

the Contractor will incorporate these comments and provide a revised annual work plan within two weeks of receiving USAID/Bangladesh’s comments. Thus, a final first year annual work plan will be in place within three months of the beginning of the Activity. The work plan will include a list of all anticipated activities and associated funding requirements for the coming year (or part of a year, in the case of the first Work Plan), as well as anticipated outcomes and key milestones. The Work Plan shall be comprehensive, but concise.

2. Gender Integration Strategy

The Contractor must undertake a gender analysis of the Target Population with the goal of ensuring gender equality and equity.