RFP 72061124R00011 DIGI.pdf

Issue Date: August 1, 2024

Questions Due Date and Time August 16, 2024, 2024, 5 pm (Lusaka Time)

Deadline for Pre-proposal Conference

Registration

August 8, 2024, 5pm (Lusaka Time)

Closing Date and Time for Price Proposal: September 20, 2024, 9 am (Lusaka Time)

Time for Oral Presentations: TBD; Week of September 23. 2024

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) Number 72061124R00011 USAID Digital

Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia (DIGI Zambia)

Dear Prospective Offerors, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Zambia is seeking proposals from qualified entities to provide commercial services for USAID Digital

Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia (DIGI Zambia), as described in the attached

Request for Proposals (RFP).

USAID anticipates the resulting award will be a Firm-fixed-price contract, awarded to a local entity, for a maximum four (4) year period of performance subject to the availability of funding.

A pre-proposal conference is scheduled to be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at

10:00 am, Lusaka Time, to discuss the application process and address submitted questions.

Potential offerors are requested to send their intent to participate in the pre-proposal conference to Moono Chikumbi at mchikumbi@usaid.gov and copy Brian LeCuyer at blecuyer@usaid.gov . The Deadline for registration is August 8, 2024 at 17:00 Lusaka

Time. You are welcome to invite sub-partners; however, the total number of people cannot exceed four (4) individuals per organization.

This contract requires that performance of work commence on or about November 20, 2024, following awarding of the contract. Please ensure you read Section L, and M for the submission instructions and evaluation factors.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this solicitation is

541990. The authorized geographic code for the prime contractor of this procurement is

935.

This letter in no way obligates USAID to award a Contract nor does it commit the U.S

Government any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the foregoing. Do not incur any expense or begin work until informed that your Offer has been awarded, in mailto:mchikumbi@usaid.gov mailto:blecuyer@usaid.gov

72061124R00011

USAID Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia (DIGI Zambia) writing by the Contracting Officer. Please refer any questions about this requirement to

Moono Chikumbi at mchikumbi@usaid.gov and copy Brian LeCuyer at blecuyer@usaid.gov any time during your proposal preparation.

Sincerely, Brian LeCuyer

Contracting Officer

Office of Acquisition and Assistance mailto:mchikumbi@usaid.gov mailto:blecuyer@usaid.gov

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

Not Applicable

ZAMBIA/LOCAL CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

541990

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR720611

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

08/01/2024

Moono Chikumbi (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

09/20/2024 1600 B

b. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

72061124R00011

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 69REQ-611-24-000051OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

See Schedule

15. DELIVER TO

00000

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$19.5

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USAID/Zambia

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

The purpose of the Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia (DIGI Zambia) activity is to showcase democratically driven development progress to the people of Zambia by creating stronger investment opportunities and economic growth in technology and tech-enabled businesses that utilize open, secure, reliable, and inclusive digital technologies.

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Brian LeCuyer

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

SECTION B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS:

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is for the Contractor to implement the USAID Digital

Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia (DIGI Zambia) in accordance with Section

C – Statement of Work.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

USAID intends to award a Firm-fixed-price contract consistent with Federal

Acquisition Regulations 16.202-2. For the consideration set forth in Section B, the

Contractor must deliver the items as described in Section C and the Deliverables as described in Section F.

B.3 CONTRACT PRICE

The maximum price of this contract is TBD for the performance of the work required hereunder and delivery of the deliverables.

B.4 PAYMENT

(a) The Payment Schedule for the contract is as follows:

Deliverable Name Proof of

Performance

Anticipate d Delivery1

Percentage Fixed

Payment

Deliverable I - Accelerate 20 viable tech startup businesses

5 tech startup companies reaching second anniversary with at least three

FTE employees and

$50,000 in revenues2

Company records and bank statements showing employment and revenue levels.

Year 2

1 Anticipated Delivery denotes the date by which USAID expects the deliverable. USAID encourages the offeror to achieve the deliverable sooner than this date. Payment is only made on deliverable, not date.

2 See Section J - Definitions for the way USAID defines terms such as Tech Startup, Second Anniversary, FTE, and Revenues.

5 additional tech startup companies

Company records and bank statements

Year 3

5 additional tech startup companies

Company records and bank statements

Year 3.5

5 additional tech startup companies

Company records and bank statements

Year 4

Deliverable Name Proof of

Performance

Anticipated

Delivery3

Percentage Fixed

Payment

Deliverable II - Mobilize $40 million in debt or equity investment into tech and tech enabled companies

Establish a new or repurpose an existing investment fund

Proof of SEC authorization

6 months

Mobilize $5 million in debt or equity investments into tech and tech-enabled companies4

Legally binding contracts and bank statements that demonstrate successful deal close

Year 1

Mobilize an additional $5 million in debt or equity investments

Demonstrated successful deal close

Year 1.5

Mobilize an additional $5 million in debt or equity investments

Demonstrated successful deal close

Year 2

3 Anticipated Delivery denotes the date by which USAID expects the deliverable. USAID encourages the offeror to achieve the deliverable sooner than this date. Payment is only made on deliverable confirmation.

4 See Section J - Definitions for the way USAID defines terms such as Tech and Tech-enabled Companies.

Mobilize an additional $5 million in debt or equity investments

Demonstrated successful deal close

Year 2.5

Mobilize an additional $5 million in debt or equity investments

Demonstrated successful deal close

Year 3

Mobilize an additional $5 million in debt or equity investments

Demonstrate successful deal close

Year 3.5

Mobilize an additional $5 million in debt or equity investments

Demonstrated successful deal close

Year 4

Mobilize an additional $5 million in debt or equity investments

Demonstrated successful deal close

Year 4

(b) Payment will be made only for deliverables accepted by the Government.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C: STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 TITLE OF ACTIVITY

The title of this activity is USAID Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia.

This name must be used, in full, in public-facing documents and meetings. For internal reports to USAID, the acronym DIGI Zambia can be used on second reference.

C.2 PURPOSE

The purpose of the Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia (DIGI Zambia) activity is to showcase democratically driven development progress to the people of

Zambia by creating stronger investment opportunities and economic growth in technology and tech-enabled businesses that utilize open, secure, reliable, and inclusive digital technologies.

This activity will:

● Accelerate 20 technology startup companies to reach their second anniversary with at least three full-time equivalent employees and $50,000 in revenue.

● Mobilize $40 million in private sector investment into Zambian technology and tech-enabled businesses.

C.3 BACKGROUND

There is an opportunity to counter malign influences from authoritarian governments, promote international democratic goals, advance national security and sovereignty, and increase economic security, for Zambia and USA through a pro-investment activity.

A recent Afrobarometer survey shows that 31% of respondents preferred the United

States as a model for Zambian development. USAID intends to showcase democratically driven development progress to the people of Zambia in the Digital Innovation and

Growth Initiative in Zambia (DIGI Zambia) activity by creating stronger investment opportunities and economic growth in technology and tech-enabled businesses that utilize open, secure, reliable, and inclusive digital technologies.

However, the current economic context in Zambia is not conducive to debt or equity financing. There is at least a $40 million annual gap of excess demand for financing by

Zambian businesses, according to a 2019 Prospero Report.

DIGI Zambia intends to spur investments that are lucrative to investors, indicating successful investments, and therefore successful businesses, and exciting other investors to crowd into the Zambian technology investment ecosystem. Such crowding-in would create a self-sustaining technology investment ecosystem in Zambia that showcases how democratic systems can spur economic growth and achieve the Sustainable Development

Goals.

C.4 RESULTS/SUCCESS

The contractor will showcase successful, democratically driven development that will generate positive investor excitement and promote inclusive economic growth to the

Zambian people. The selected contractor must implement two mutually reinforcing deliverables concurrently: accelerate technology startup companies and mobilize private sector investment into technology and tech-enabled companies.

Deliverable 1: Accelerating technology startup companies

The contractor must identify nascent or startup technology companies that show promise for growth. Utilizing the selection criteria such as a strong founding team, unique or specialized software or services, an overlooked business niche with minimal competition, all three or other positive characteristics, the contractor must support selected companies to increase their capacity or revenue through:

● Direct mentorship of the team,

● Facilitating angel or seed investments into the company, or

● Linking the team with other companies through networking.

Deliverable

The contractor must provide support to the technology startup companies in order to achieve:

1. At least 20 technology startup companies reaching their second anniversary with at least three full-time equivalent employees and $50,000 in revenues, confirmed by company records and bank statements.

Deliverable 2: Mobilizing private sector investment in the tech and tech-enabled companies

The contractor must either start a new private investment fund or adapt an existing fund to this activity, ensuring that the fund is appropriately authorized by the Zambian

Securities and Exchange Commission.

The contractor must seek private sector investment using their normal business practices.

Private sector investment must be pooled and managed to effect debt or equity investments into technology and tech-enabled firms. The contractor must structure the investment fund as to not require undue expenses by investors or require abnormal fees that would be passed on to investees in deal terms and conditions.

The contractor must invest their own capital in the fund in excess of the 1% required by

SEC regulations. This co-investment must be evergreen - continuously reinvested in the fund as it is repaid by investees - in a way that lowers risk and increases returns available to investors.

Deliverables

The contractor must structure the new or existing private investment fund and demonstrate through authorized registration documentation:

1. An investment fund authorized by the Zambian SEC with the capacity to receive private sector investment, make debt and equity investments into Zambian technology and tech-enabled firms, and continue as a fund beyond the 4-year timeframe of this activity.

The contractor must find, vet, and negotiate investment terms with investors and investable technology and tech-enabled firms to achieve:

2. Debt or equity investments into technology and tech-enabled firms confirmed by legally binding contracts and bank statements that demonstrate successful deal close, with a cumulative value of at least $40 million.

No single equity or debt investment will exceed $5 million. Debt investment repayments can be rolled over into new debt investments with each new investment counting towards the deliverable.

The contractor must assume all the expenses, risks, and rewards associated with investments, including supporting the invested firms with technical assistance to achieve investment goals, potential investee default, and lucrative investment exits.

C.5 OPERATING CONSTRAINTS AND CONTRACT PARAMETERS

Investor & Investment Screens

Investor and investee selection for accelerating technology startup companies and mobilizing private sector investment must be governed by the following hard and soft screening criteria.

● Hard criteria must be followed and excludes investment from any source or into any organization that is controlled by or connected to an authoritarian regime, such as the PRC, as defined by FAR 52.204-35. In addition, no investment will occur into any organization for the purchase of telecommunication equipment or services that is controlled by or connected to an authoritarian regime, such as

Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation, and Kaspersky Lab, or their subsidiaries/affiliates, as defined by FAR 52.204-35. Exclusions can be obtained where there are no viable alternatives - for example in Internet service provision where virtually all providers in Zambia utilize equipment from Huawei

Technologies Company.

● Soft criteria promote investors and investment that increases social impact results important to USAID, these include:

○ Is the investor a US-domiciled private sector entity?

○ Is the investor a Zambian entity or member of the Zambian Diaspora?

○ Does the investee pass the 2X Criteria5 for gender inclusion?

○ Does the investee have gender-sensitive policies?

○ Is the investee focused on USAID/Zambia target populations?

○ Will the investment spur business activity in the Lobito corridor?

○ Will the investment facilitate purchases from US domiciled companies?

○ Will the investment support rights-respecting technology solutions?

○ Will the investment strengthen an open, secure, reliable, and inclusive digital ecosystem?

○ Will the investment advance trustworthy and interoperable ICT infrastructure or telecommunications networks?

The Contractor will propose the full soft criteria and process utilized in the identification of investors and investees. Criteria can be changed at the mutual agreement of the

Contractor and the COR.

Gender

Gender issues are central to the achievement of equitable, sustainable health and economic outcomes. USAID strives to promote gender equality, in which both women and men have equal opportunity to benefit from and contribute to economic, social, 5 2X Criteria is a global standard for investing with a gender lens. https://www.2xchallenge.org/2xcriteria cultural, and political development. This is especially true in the technology industry, where women are often underrepresented in companies and their customers.

The Contractor must therefore account for inequitable gender norms when developing strategies and interventions that promote gender roles, and responsibilities for women, particularly young women, and men. Women of all ages need support to enhance their roles in decision-making and control over resources and services. The Contractor must incorporate gender equity considerations in all aspects of the DIGI Zambia activity including in its design and implementation.

Third-Party M&E

USAID/Zambia contracts with a separate contractor to provide monitoring and evaluation

(M&E) services. If requested, the Contractor must coordinate with the M&E contractor and provide access and data, including a baseline study before significant activity starts, a mid-term and final evaluation based on contract timelines, and impact assessments to examine how the contractor's efforts are affecting the Zambian digital ecosystem.

[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 and shipping containers, and program construction sites and other program 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 program construction sites and other program 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 program 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

(a) USAID policy on the branding and marking of the work products of this contract is contained in the USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) Chapter 320. The

Branding and Marking Implementation Plan communicates to beneficiaries and stakeholder audiences that the work of this contract is from the American people.

Requested exceptions to ADS Chapter 320 requirements, shall be included in the

Branding and Marking Implementation Plan using the language from ADS

320.3.2.5. USAID Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia will adhere to USAID branding and marking guidance in the USAID Graphic Standards

Manual and Partner Co-branding Guide and available at:

http://www.usaid.gov/branding.

(b) The Contractor must develop a Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking

Plan (MP) for the contract to describe how they will implement the following branding strategy to effectively communicate the purpose and the impact of this project-to-project participants, stakeholders and host-country citizens.

(c) The BIP will implement the following USAID branding strategy for the DIGI

Zambia activity:

Activity Name: “USAID Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia”.

The full activity name should be used in all public-facing documents and http://www.usaid.gov/branding meetings. The acronym DIGI Zambia can be used in internal reports to USAID on second reference.

Branding: The branding will incorporate the message that the assistance is “From the American People through USAID.”

Desired Level of Visibility: High. The USAID identity must be prominently displayed in the following: commodities or equipment, printed, audio, or electronic public communications; studies, reports, publications, web sites, and all promotional and informational products; and at all events.

Organizations to be acknowledged: USAID has exclusive branding of activities implemented under contract. For activities implemented with substantial involvement of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, co-branding with the government and use of the Zambia Coat of Arms is allowed. The Marking Plan must enumerate all of public communications, commodities, infrastructure projects, program materials, events, deliverables, and other items that will be marked with the USAID identity or brand.

The Marking Plan may include requests for exceptions to marking requirements for programmatic reasons, to be approved by the Contracting Officer. Waivers, as defined by ADS 320, may be necessary for compelling political, safety or security concerns, or if the marking will have an adverse effect in the host country. Marking and attribution for physical structures may need to be visible as soon as work commences. Contract deliverables to be marked with the USAID identity must follow design guidance for color, type, and layout in the Graphic Standards Manual, available at www.usaid.gov/branding, and all successor branding policies (if any).

D.3 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

The Branding Implementation and Marking plan must be submitted thirty days after

Contract Award and address the following:

(a) How to incorporate the message, “This assistance is from the American People,” in public-facing documents, reports, presentations, community meetings, workshops, etc?

Explain how the contractor will communicate in writing and/or orally that the USAID

Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia is “from the American People”.

Branding and marking requirements flow down from the prime contractor to subcontractors and grantees. The branding implementation plan should describe how the contractor will use contracts, agreements, training, and monitoring to ensure employees, subcontractors and grantees comply with the branding implementation and marking plans.

The Contractor and subcontractors must use the full name when talking about the project in meetings, workshops and community gatherings, and on first introduction will explain that the project is “from the American People.”

(b) What is the communications plan? Provide a communications calendar that is anchored by anticipated milestones and provides a cadence for how frequently the project will communicate that the program is from the American people and how program participants are applying knowledge, tools, or technology received from USAID Digital http://www.usaid.gov/branding

Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia to attract investment and expanded tech-enabled businesses that utilize open, secure, reliable, and inclusive digital technologies.

Channels can include, but are not limited to:

● Photos and audio and clips of program participants who can speak to the impact of the project for use on radio and/or social media

● Project e-newsletter or e-cards

● Professional photographer to capture photo stories

● Professional videos

● Media tour/site visits or interview opportunities for journalists

All press events and press releases must be organized through USAID COR and

Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team.

(c) The key milestones or opportunities anticipated to generate awareness that the program, 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 an activity, or an opportunity to showcase publications or other materials, research findings, or activity success. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Launching the activity

● Announcing findings from the situational analysis

● Publishing reports or studies, including the transformation and sustainability plans

● Spotlighting trends

● Highlighting success stories

● Featuring beneficiaries as spokespeople

● Securing endorsements from ministry or local organizations

● Facilitating deals or transactions between beneficiaries and the private sector

● Promoting final or interim reports

● Communicating activity impact/overall results

The Contractor must comply with the requirements of the policy directives and required procedures outlined in USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) 320.3.2 “Branding and Marking in USAID Direct Contracts” (effective date: 02/05/2020) at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/320.pdf, and USAID Graphic

Standards Manual and Partner Co-Branding Guide, or any successor branding policy.

D.4 SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE OUTREACH

Social media is often part of an integrated communications campaign. It should always be used to communicate directly with stakeholders or beneficiaries in host countries. It should never be used to promote a program or Contractor. Social media channels may be approved by the CO as part of a project’s marking plan.. To avoid confusion with official

USAID social media channels, the USAID logo should not be used as a profile picture.

A photo reflective of the project should be used as a profile picture.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/320.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1869/USAID_GSM-02_04_2020.pdf

A USAID-branded photo should be displayed as the banner photo, and acknowledgement of USAID support should appear in the “Profile” or “About” section. For more information, please refer to the USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co-

Branding Guide.

[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. Full text of the FAR clauses is available at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and full text of the AIDAR clauses is available at http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar-http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/300.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.246-2 Inspection of Supplies - Fixed-Price AUG-1996

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required or outputs will be subject to the performance standards set forth in Sections C, H, and F. Inspection and acceptance will take place at:

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road

PO Box 320373

Lusaka, Zambia – 10101 or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The Contracting Officer, unless delegated to the

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) has the authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

[END OF SECTION E]

http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/300

SECTION F: DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract is 4 years with one base period and one option period.

(a) The base period of performance for this contract is [(_to be completed at award______________ to September 30, 2028.)]

The option period of performance is [October 1, 2028 to _to be completed at award______________].

[Note to Offerors: Paragraph (b) below will be added to the award if it is based on the Modified Foreign Assistance waiver. ]

(b) This paragraph does not apply to a contractor that at the time of award represents at paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at FAR 52.204–26 that it “does not” use covered telecommunications equipment or services.

The exercise of the option is conditional on:

(1) the Contractor’s submission of the representation at FAR 52.204-24 or 52.204-

26 no later than March 31, 2028, indicating that the Contractor does not use covered equipment and services; or

(2) availability and agency’s use of a new or other applicable waiver. In this case the period of the option could extend for the period of time authorized in the applicable waiver, not to exceed the option period specified in paragraph (a) of this section. (See FAR Part 4.21 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Covered

Telecommunications And Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Section

889) (December 2021)).

F.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance for this award is Zambia.

F.3 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The contractor’s performance will be evaluated based on the completion of specific tasks as outlined in the section C, Statement of Works (SOW), and reports submitted to the

COR in accordance with the performance standards set forth in Section C. Evaluations will be conducted jointly by the COR and the Contracting Officer and will form the basis of the Contractor's permanent performance record with regard to this contract as required in FAR Part 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.

F.4 REPORTING AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports and the AIDAR clause

752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports (OCT 2007, JAN 2023), the contractor shall provide the following plans and reports under this contract with a copy to the COR and the Contracting Officer/Administrative Contracting Officer:

REQUIRED PLANS

Deliverable Due Date Approver

Annual Work Plans (AWP) Within 10 days after award, and annually based on direction from

USAID, but no later than 30 days before the end of fiscal year

COR

Branding Strategy and

Marking Plan

30 Days after award CO

Monitoring and Evaluation

(MEL) Plan

30 Days after award, updated as needed

COR

Close out/Demobilization

Plan

Ninety (90) calendar days prior to close of the award

COR

REQUIRED REPORTING

Deliverable Due Date Approver

Quarterly Progress Report 30 days after the end of each USG quarter.

(USG quarterly periods are from:

October 1–December 31; January

1- March 31; April 1 – June 30;

and July 1 – September 30)

Fourth quarter reports will be included as part of the Annual

Progress Report.

COR

Annual Progress Report Within 10 days after award, and annually based on direction from

USAID, but no later than 30 days before the end of fiscal year

COR

Transaction Closeout

Report

The contractor will submit a close-out report for each debt or

COR

equity investment deal close during the contract period, or ongoing when the contract period ends

Final Project Completion

Report

Ninety (90) calendar days from close of the award

COR

Ongoing reports after contract period ends

After the end of the USAID contract, the contractor will continue to provide reports to

USAID in the format and frequency that it would report to any other interested party to the fund, and in line with its standard business practices.

TBD

F.5.1 PLANS, REPORTS, DELIVERABLES, AND PERFORM MONITORING

The following plans are required under this contract:

1. Annual Work Plan (AWP)

The Annual Work Plan (AWP) will form the basis for activities to be implemented in each year of the contract. The AWP must include major activities that will be undertaken;

rationale behind these activities; how they will lead to the required results and how they will be measured; and a timeframe for when activities will commence and end. AWPs must be developed in close collaboration with USAID, relevant private sector entities and business associations, and appropriate GRZ entities.

The AWP must be structured based on performance, delineated by USG fiscal year and quarter, and directly linked to the overarching goal and specific deliverables of the activity. With the concurrence of the COR, AWPs may be revised on an occasional basis to reflect changes in the needs of USAID. The format of the first year and all Annual

Work Plans will be agreed upon between the Contractor and the COR. It's essential to note that any substantial changes to the AWP require prior written approval by the COR, and USAID retains the right to review and revise these plans as needed.

For the purpose of the AWP, “Annual” is defined according to the U.S. Government fiscal year (October 1 to September 30). The initial draft AWP covering the first year of the contract period (until September 30th) must include a description of the activities the

Contractor intends to implement during the first year of the contract through September

30, 2025.

2. Branding and Marking Plan

Refer to Section D.3 for the Branding and Marking Plan.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

USAID/Zambia contracts with a separate contractor to provide monitoring and evaluation

(M&E) services. The Contractor must coordinate with the M&E contractor to develop a plan to provide access and data, a baseline study before significant activity starts, a mid-term and final evaluation based on contract timelines, and impact assessments to examine how the contractor's efforts are affecting the Zambian digital ecosystem. The Plan must be consistent with the requirements of AIDAR 752.242-71 ACTIVITY MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING PLAN, included as F.6 under this contract.

4. Closeout/Demobilization Plan

The Plan will include, at a minimum, an illustrative Property Disposition Plan addressing all requirements under contractual and local law for the transfer of property; a plan for the phase out of the award’s operations; a delivery schedule for all reports or other deliverables required under the award; and a timeline for completing all required actions in the Demobilization Plan, including the submission date of the final Property

Disposition Plan to the Contracting Officer.

The Plan is due not less than four months prior to the completion date of the award; the

Contractor must submit a Closeout/Demobilization Plan.

F. 5. 2 Required Reports

The following reports are required under this contract:

1. Quarterly Reports

The contractor must submit quarterly written reports on key metrics and brief qualitative updates and success stories. The quarterly report must include newly identified startup companies with the potential for growth, investors seeking investment opportunities, Zambian companies seeking investment, and technology and investment trends within

Zambia. The contractor must also be available for periodic in-person meetings to review progress and discuss challenges and propose solutions.

The report must reflect the structure of the AWP and address the following points:

● Summary of key achievements and challenges for the quarter;

● Activities completed under each planned intervention;

● Activities to be undertaken in the following quarter;

● Outputs accomplished in comparison to annual targets;

● Challenges during the implementation period and proposed solutions;

● Lessons learned during the implementation period and proposals on how to apply the lessons;

● Collaboration and coordination with other relevant USAID and donor activities and other partners within the implementation environment;

● Aggregate outputs accomplished and results realized since project inception;

● Demonstration of steps taken to analyze the Contractor’s own progress against desired results and to devise solutions, propose course corrections, and identify whether new stakeholders should be engaged to ensure program success.

● Copies of all reports, success stories, and other relevant documents prepared during the quarter must be submitted as attachment.

● The fourth quarter progress report must serve as the annual report and include an updated assessment of the project’s critical assumptions and associated risks, and recommend changes based on monitoring results and documentation of successes and shortcomings/failures of the interventions, and reasons for shortcomings with recommended actions to overcome them. For each action, the Contractor must designate responsible parties and establish a timeframe for completion.

2. Annual Progress Reports

Each year, the contractor must submit an annual report that summates quarterly reports, updating qualitative and qualitative results, and detailing technology startup and investee progress, including data such as:

● The quantity and quality of technology startups, including their name, sector, team, approach, investment levels, and status.

● The investors name, background, investment terms, activity, and status.

● The investees name, sector, team, approach, investment, and status, and social impact activity, including investment size, revenue and employee change, and other relevant metrics.

3. Transaction Closeout Report

The contractor must submit a close-out report for each debt or equity investment deal completed during the contract period, or ongoing when the contract period ends, summarizing the investment’s aims, underlying engagements and their scope, and a summary of investment terms, conditions, parties, metrics and indicators.

4. Final Project Completion Report

The Contractor must submit the Final Report within 90 calendar days after the expiration of the award. Electronic copy of the report shall be submitted to the COR. The final performance report should contain the following information:

● Executive summary of the Contractor’s accomplishments over the contract period of performance;

● Overall description of the Contractor’s activities during the life of the contract;

● A summary of the accomplishments of the contract, methods of work used, best practices, and lessons learned;

● Recommendations regarding unfinished work and/or project continuation;

● Index of all reports and information products produced under the contract

5. Ongoing Reports

After the end of the USAID contract, the contractor will continue to provide reports to

USAID in the format and frequency that it would report to any other interested party to the fund, and in line with its standard business practices. The contractor can end Ongoing

Reports at any time, provided that it ends similar reporting to other interested parties in line with its normal business practices.

F.6. 752.242-71 ACTIVITY MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING

PLAN

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) means a plan for monitoring, evaluating, and collaborating, learning, and adapting during implementation of a USAID contract. Some USAID documentation may refer to

“MEL Plan” or “Activity MEL Plan”. These terms are synonymous.

Contract will be interpreted as “task order” or “delivery order” when this clause is used in an indefinite-delivery contract.

Evaluation means the systematic collection and analysis of data and information about the characteristics and outcomes of the programming carried out through a contract, conducted as a basis for judgments, to understand and improve effectiveness and efficiency, and timed to inform decisions about current and future programming.

Feedback from beneficiaries means perceptions or reactions voluntarily communicated by a beneficiary of USAID assistance about the USAID assistance received.

Indicator means a quantifiable measure of a characteristic or condition of people, institutions, systems, or processes that might change over time.

Learning activity means efforts for the purpose of generating, synthesizing, sharing, and applying evidence and knowledge.

Monitoring context means the systematic collection of information about conditions and external factors relevant to implementation and performance of the contract.

Output means the tangible, immediate, and intended products or consequences of contract implementation within the Contractor's control or influence.

Outcome means the conditions of people, systems, or institutions that indicate progress or lack of progress toward the achievement of the goals and objectives of the contract.

Performance indicator means an indicator that measures expected outputs and/or outcomes of the contract implementation.

Target means a specific, planned level of results to achieve within a specific timeframe with a given level of resources.

(b) Requirements. (1) Unless otherwise specified in the schedule of the contract, the

Contractor must develop and submit a proposed AMELP to the contracting officer or delegated contracting officer's representative within ninety (90) days of contract award. The contracting officer or delegated contracting officer's representative will review and provide comments within thirty (30) days after receiving the proposed

AMELP. The Contractor must submit a final AMELP for contracting officer or delegated contracting officer's representative approval no later than 15 days after receiving comments.

(2) The Contractor must revise the AMELP as necessary during the period of performance of this contract. Any revisions to the plan must be approved by the contracting officer or delegated contracting officer's representative.

(c) Content. (1) The Contractor's proposed AMELP must include, at a minimum, the following:

(i) The Contractor's plan for monitoring, including any existing systems or processes for monitoring progress, any Standard Foreign Assistance Indicators as agreed upon by the contracting officer or delegated contracting officer's representative, any other USAID required indicators, and other relevant performance indicators of the contract's outputs and outcomes, their baseline (or plan for collecting baseline), and targets; and

(ii) The Contractor's plan for regular and systematic collection of feedback from beneficiaries, responding to feedback received, and reporting to USAID a summary of feedback and actions taken in response to the feedback received, or a rationale for why collecting feedback from beneficiaries is not applicable for this contract.

(2) The Contractor's proposed AMELP must be appropriate to the size and complexity of the contract and address the following, as applicable:

(i) Plans for monitoring context and emerging risks that could affect the achievement of the contract's results;

(ii) Plans for any evaluations to be conducted by the contractor, sub-contractor or third party, including collaboration with an external evaluator;

(iii) Learning activities, including plans for capturing knowledge at the close-out of the contract;

(iv) Estimated resources for the AMELP tasks that are a part of the contract's budget; and

(v) Roles and responsibilities for all proposed AMELP tasks.

(End of clause)

[END OF SECTION F]

SECTION G: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in the requirements of this Contract and notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this Contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the

Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment must be made in the contract terms and conditions, including cost/price.

All questions concerning the administration of this award must be sent to the Contracting

Officer. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to inform the Contracting Officer of requests that affect any and all sections of this award. The Contracting Officer is located at:

Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA)

USAID/Zambia

Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road

P. O. Box 320373

Lusaka, Zambia

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

USAID/Zambia will provide technical oversight to the contract through the designated

COR. The CO will issue a letter designating a COR for the contract and will provide a copy of the designation letter to the Contractor. The COR is based at the office and address provided below:

TBD

USAID/Zambia

Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road

P. O. Box 320373

Lusaka, Zambia

G.3 CONTRACTOR’S POINT OF CONTACT

The Contractor appoints the following as the primary point of contact:

[To be completed upon award]

G.4 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

a. Technical directions must be in writing, and must be within the scope of the contract, as detailed in Section C. Technical directions include:

1. Written directions to the Contractor that fill in details, suggest possible lines of technical inquiry, or otherwise facilitate completion of the work;

2. Assisting in the integration of the contractor's services with existing systems or operations;

3. Facilitating access to necessary government resources or information;

4. Review and, where required, written approval of technical reports, specifications, or technical information to be delivered.

b. The CO, by separate designation letter, authorizes the COR to take any or all action with respect to the following, unless specifically prohibited by the terms of this contract:

1. Provide technical direction.

2. Assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract in accordance with the contract terms, conditions, and specifications.

3. Perform or cause to be performed, inspections in connection with this contract and require the Contractor to correct all deficiencies; perform acceptance for the

Government.

4. Maintain direct communications with the Contractor. Written communications with the Contractor and documents must be signed as “Contracting Officer’s

Representative” with a copy furnished to the CO.

5. Monitor the Contractor’s production or performance progress and notify the

Contractor in writing of deficiencies observed during surveillance, and direct appropriate action to effect correction. Record and report to the CO incidents of faulty or nonconforming work, delays or problems.

6. Complete CPARs every 12 months.

7. Obtain necessary security clearance and appropriate identification if access to

Government facilities is required.

8. If to be provided, ensure that Government furnished property is available when required.

c. LIMITATIONS: The COR is not empowered to award, agree to, or sign any contract

(including delivery or purchase orders) or modifications thereto, or in any way to obligate Government funds. The COR may not take any action that may impact the contract schedule, funding, contract scope, or rate of utilization of level of effort. All contractual agreements, commitments, or modifications that involve costs, prices, quantities, quality, and schedules will be made only by the CO.

d. In the separately issued COR designation letter, the CO may designate an alternate

COR to act in the absence of the designated COR, in accordance with the terms of the letter.

e. Contractual Problems: Contractual problems of any nature that arise during the life of the contract must be handled in accordance with the terms of this contract and applicable laws and regulations. The Contractor and the COR will bring all contractual problems to the immediate attention of the CO. Only the CO is authorized to formally resolve such contractual problems. The CO is the sole authority authorized to approve changes to the contractual requirements. Notwithstanding any clause contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely with the

CO. These changes include, but will not be limited to, the following areas: Statement of Work, price, quantity, technical specifications, delivery schedules, and contract terms and conditions. In the event the Contractor effects any changes at the direction of any other person other than the CO, the change will be considered to have been made without authority.

f. Failure by the Contractor to report to the CO any action by the Government considered to be a change, within the specified number of days contained in FAR

52.243-7 (Notification of Changes), waives the Contractor’s right to any claims for equitable adjustments.

g. In case of a conflict between this contract and the COR designation letter, the contract prevails.

G.5 INVOICES, ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL

(a) In order to receive payment, deliverables must be accepted and approved by the

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

(b) One (1) original of each invoice must be submitted on an SF-1034 Public

Voucher for “Purchases and Services Other Than Personal” to the paying office stated…