RFP number 72018224R00001.pdf

Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: Solicitation No. 72018224R00001

Date Issued: January 24, 2024

Deadline for Submission of Questions: February 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM Tirana local time

Deadline for Proposal Submission March 8, 2024, at 12:00 PM Tirana local time

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) Solicitation No.: 72018224R00001 Accelerating Albania's European Union (EU) Accession through Improved Competitiveness

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Agency for International Development in Albania (USAID/Albania) seeks proposals from qualified offerors to provide services for a five-year contract entitled “Accelerating Albania's European Union (EU) Accession through Improved Competitiveness” as described further in this solicitation. As referenced in Section L, below are key items from the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Offerors’ consideration:

● Offerors must detail their proposed activities with greater specificity.

● Research and analysis during this activity’s period of performance to inform the implementation should be time limited. Offerors are expected to have substantial background, context, and research prior to the start of the period of performance.

● Strategic communications giving visibility to USAID’s commitment to the people of Albania is critical under this planned Activity. Offerors are expected to incorporate strategic communication highlighting USAID’s impact via elevating USAID’s brand in the proposed approach.

USAID anticipates awarding a single Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract for an anticipated five-year period. The procurement will be conducted through full and open competition, under which any type of organization (large or small commercial for-profit firms, and nonprofit organizations) is eligible to compete. The procedures set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15 apply. The geographic code for this procurement is 937, and the NAICS code is 541611.

The overall estimated cost of this procurement is approximately $12 million, inclusive of fees. The Government is in no way obligated to make an award within the estimated ceiling identified. Offerors should not strive to meet the maximum amount; rather, Offerors should propose costs that are appropriate, realistic and reasonable, and in accordance with the proposed approach for achieving results. Cost proposals will be evaluated as part of a best value determination. The Government may award a contract without discussions with Offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1.

USAID reserves the right to amend or rescind this solicitation at any time. If substantive questions are received which affect the response to the solicitation, or if changes are made to the closing date and time, as well as other aspects of the RFP, this solicitation will be amended and amendments to this https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-15 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.215-1#FAR_52_215_1

Request For Proposals (RFP) Solicitation No.: 72018224R00001 Accelerating Albania's European Union (EU) Accession through Improved Competitiveness solicitation will be issued and posted on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). In order to be informed of changes that may affect proposal preparations, Offerors are encouraged to check the SAM.gov website periodically. It is the responsibility of the prospective Offerors of this solicitation to ensure that the solicitation has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

Questions and Proposals must be submitted only electronically via email on or before the due dates stipulated above, to Tea Kaceli at: tkaceli@usaid.gov and Urime Abdyli at: uabdyli@usaid.gov and must conform to all requirements outlined in the solicitation. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Award of a Contract under this RFP is subject to availability of funds and other internal USAID approvals. 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.

Please note that this RFP, and any potential amendments to the RFP, are controlling. Any social media posts and other outreach efforts are not intended to alter the substance of this formal RFP and amendments to the RFP.

USAID appreciates the time and effort put into preparing proposals in response to this solicitation.

Sincerely, Chad Berkowitz Contracting Officer USAID/Kosovo Regional Office of Acquisition & Assistance https://sam.gov/content/home mailto:tkaceli@usaid.gov mailto:uabdyli@usaid.gov

72018224R00001

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

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

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

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 101

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

CAUTION: LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

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A

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

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

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

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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

by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the

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

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

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

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

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

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

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

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

REQ-182-24-00000401/24/2024

X

USAID/Kosovo Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance Pristina Place 20521 Washington DC

1200 A 03/08/2024

Tea Kaceli tkaceli@usaid.gov

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PAGE(S)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

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 BUDGET

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

B.6 COST REIMBURSABLE

B.7 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT

B.8 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

SECTION C PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SECTION D PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JANUARY 1993)

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING

D.3 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

D.4 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS

SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

SECTION F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND STANDARDS

F.5 KEY PERSONNEL

F.6 REPORTS, PLANS AND DELIVERABLES

F.7 AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS

(SEPTEMBER 2013)

SECTION G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO)

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.4 PAYING OFFICE

G.5 INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS

G.6 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.7 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

SECTION H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

H.2 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.4 AIDAR 752.228-70 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (JULY 2007)

H.5 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL (AIDAR 752.7002 AND 752.7032)

H.6 PERSONNEL APPROVALS (AIDAR 752.7007 AND 752.7027)

H.7 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.8 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING (FEB 2002)

H.9 AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

H.10 AIDAR 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) (DEC 1991)

[(DEVIATION JUN 2022)]

H.11 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN, INDIVIDUAL SUBCONTRACT REPORT (ISR) AND THE SUMMARY

SUBCONTRACT REPORT

H.12 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT

H.13 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES (JAN 2002)

H.14 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

H.15 LOGISTIC SUPPORT

H.16 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.17 GRANTS UNDER USAID CONTRACTS

H.18 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.19 AIDAR 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUN 2012)

H.20 AIDAR 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DEC 2004)

H.21 AIDAR 752.231-72 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013)

H.22 ADS 302.3.5.21 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (OCT 2014)41

H.23 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK

H.24 AIDAR 752.7036 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR ACQUISITION

(JULY 2014)

H.25 LOGISTIC SUPPORT GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY

H.26 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, AS AMENDED

H.27 RIGHT TO PROCURE FROM OTHER SOURCES (AUGUST 2016)

H.28 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.29 CLOUD COMPUTING (MAY 2016)

H.30 LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (APRIL 2018) (DEVIATION NO.

M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-03c and M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-06c)) (APRIL 2022)

H.31 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOV 2017)

SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 FAR 52.204-30 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Prohibition (Dec 2023)

I.3 FAR 52.217-2 CANCELLATION UNDER MULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS (OCT 1997)

I.4 AIDAR 752.209-71 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DISCOVERED AFTER AWARD (JUN

1993)

I.5 AIDAR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JULY 1997)

I.6 AIDAR 752.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (OCT 1989) [DEVIATION (JUNE 2018)] (Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-08c)

I.7 VOLUNTARY POPULATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES (JUNE 2008)

SECTION J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SECTION K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAR 2023)

K.3 52.204-20 PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR (AUG 2020)

K.4 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO

SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

K.5 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES-REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020)

K.6 52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Representation and Disclosures (Dec 2023)

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

K.8 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX LIABILITY OR A

FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (FEB 2016)

K.9 52.209-12 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TAX MATTERS (OCT 2020)

K.10 52.209-13 VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATIES OR AGREEMENT-CERTIFICATION (NOV 2021)

K.11 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (JUNE 2020)

K.12 FAR 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE--COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR 2005)

K.13 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

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

K.15 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.16 SIGNATURE

SECTION L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

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

L.4 GOVERNMENT OBLIGATION

L.5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.6 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

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

L.8 TECHNICAL APPROACH/PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) (see Section M.2)

L.9 ACTIVITY MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING PLAN (see Section M.2)

L.10 PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT APPROACH (see Section M.2)

L.11 PAST PERFORMANCE (see Section M.2)

L.12 COST PROPOSAL (see Section M.3)

L. 13 STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS (see Section M.2)

L. 14 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

L. 15 MOBILIZATION PLAN

SECTION M EVALUATION CRITERIAS FOR AWARD

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2 EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.3 PRICE/COST EVALUATION

M.4 DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE AND CONTRACT AWARD

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT J.1 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

SECTION B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide the services and deliverables that fall within the Statement of Objectives (SOO) specified in Section C for the Accelerating Albania's EU Accession through Improved Competitiveness activity.

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 will provide the performance objectives and outputs described in Sections C and F, in accordance with the performance standards specified in Section E, and otherwise comply with all contract requirements.

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

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $[TBD]. The fixed fee for the contract period, if any, is $[TBD]. The total estimated cost-plus fixed fee, if any, is $[TBD].

(b) Within the estimated Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (if any) specified in paragraph B.3 (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.

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

B.4 BUDGET

Description Total

Direct Cost TBD

Indirect Costs TBD

Grants under Contracts (GUC) TBD

Fixed Fee TBD

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Ceiling Price TBD

These amounts may not be adjusted prior to the written approval of the Contracting Officer. The Contractor is not allowed to exceed any Contract Line Item nor is authorized to shift funding between Contract Line Items without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

Pending the establishment of a revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs will be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

[the following to be inserted at award]

Description Rate Base Type Period

% 1/ 1/ 1/

% 2/ 2/ 2/

% 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

B.6 COST REIMBURSABLE

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

B.7 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT

The Contract is subject to the requirements of FAR 17.106. However, this is a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type contract where the Contractor is authorized to be reimbursed for all costs which are allowable in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Costs and Payment.” Therefore, the Contractor will not incur any costs which would have been amortized over the life of the Contract should the Contract be canceled in accordance with FAR 52.217-2. The cancellation ceiling for each cancellation date is $0 and there is no requirement to include cancellation dates in the contract.

B.8 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

The Contractor may earn and be paid all or a portion of the total fee based on completed deliverables under this contract. Payment of the Contractor’s fee is tied to the accomplishment of objectives, deliverables, or outputs described in Sections C and F.

The Offerors must propose a fixed fee schedule tied to the objectives and deliverables or output for Governments review and acceptance. The fixed fee schedule will become part of the contract upon award. Payment of the fixed fee will be in accordance with FAR 52.216-8.

1. Fixed fee

(a) Payment of the fixed fee will be made upon the receipt of an invoice deemed proper by the USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Regional Financial Management Office in accordance with FAR 52.216-8. The total amount of fee payable upon completion of all contract requirements will be set at the time of award and does not vary with actual cost.

(b) Definite goals or targets must be achieved, and end products must be completed, delivered, and accepted by USAID during the period of performance and within the total estimated cost as a condition for payment of the fixed fee.

(c) The Contractor must propose the Fee Distribution Schedule as per the illustrative fee payment and delivery schedule presented in the table below. The final Fee Distribution Schedule, and any subsequent changes, must be approved by the CO, and shall be incorporated in the contract upon award.

(d) Goals or targets and end products from the Fee Distribution Schedule that have a fee associated with their completion or delivery must be referred to as Fee Bearing Results or Deliverables.

(e) The Fee Distribution Schedule must emphasize completion of goals, targets and/or deliverables that are the development results sought by USAID through this award but must also include selected implementation management and development results milestones as Fee Bearing Milestones.

(f) As a condition for the payment of the portion of the total fixed fee associated with a specific goal, target and/or deliverable, the Contractor must complete the goal, target and/or deliverable. When a Fee Bearing Milestone is not completed or achieved, the portion of the total fixed fee allocated to the Milestone in the Fee Distribution Plan will not be paid.

(g) Any unpaid fee resulting from the Contractor not achieving a certain result beyond its manageable control can be reallocated among other or new deliverables in the work plan for the current or upcoming year.

2. Illustrative Fee Payment Schedule (Table 1)

Deliverables Delivery schedule Percentage of Fixed Fee

Fixed Fee Amount for payment

Deliverables for Year 1

TBD by the Contractor

Deliverables for Year 2

TBD by the Contractor

Deliverables for Year 3

TBD by the Contractor

Deliverables for Year 4

TBD by the Contractor

Deliverables for Year 5

TBD by the Contractor

(To be finalized after the award)

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

[USAID will insert the Contractor’s Performance Work Statement (PWS) at award; see Attachment J.1 for the Statement of Objectives that informs the development of Section C.]

[END OF SECTION C]

SECTION D PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JANUARY 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 should be obtained prior to procurement of commodities to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construction sites and other project locations. This guidance will be provided through the 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 should be retained by the Contractor.

D.2 BRANDING AND MARKING

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 Contracting” (version from March 15, 2022) at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/320.pdf; and USAID "Standard Graphic Manual" available at http://www.usaid.gov/branding/gsm, or any successor branding policy.

As per 320.3.2 Branding and Marking in USAID Direct Contracts, USAID policy is to require exclusive branding and marking in USAID direct acquisitions. “Exclusive Branding” means that the program is positioned as USAIDs, as showcased by the program name (e.g., “The USAID/DOC Support Program”).

“Exclusive Marking” means Contractors may only mark USAID-funded programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities with the USAID Standard Graphic Identity and, where applicable, the host-country government or ministry symbol or another U.S. Government logo.

It is USAID’s policy that Contractors’ and Subcontractors’ corporate identities or logos must not be used on USAID-funded program materials.

D.3 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

The Contractor must submit a draft Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and the draft Marking Plan (MP) as an annex and as part of the technical proposal. The plan will not be counted in the page limitation.

Upon award, the revised and approved BIP and MP will be incorporated in the Contract and as an Attachment in Section J. The BIP and MP must align with the Strategic Communication Plan and specifically address the following and in accordance with Section L.13.

(a) Program Name: “Accelerating Albania's EU Accession through Improved Competitiveness”

(b) USAID Logo: The USAID logo must be posted at every static support position. The USAID logo must be used on all program reports, memoranda, printed materials, and other program-related https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/320.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/branding/gsm documents produced under this activity. Contractor employee business cards will not be marked with the USAID logo but may include language so that any person reading the card can know this is a Contractor employee. Contractor employee email and correspondence to external sources will be marked so that any person reading the document can know this is a Contractor employee. Where required, the USAID logo should be of equal or greater prominence than all other logos and symbols.

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

(d) Desired level of visibility: Where required, the USAID Identity must be of equal or greater prominence than all other logos and symbols.

(e) Other organizations to be acknowledged: No other organizations are required to be acknowledged.

(f) Branding Implementation Plan (BIP): The Contractor must develop a Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) to describe how the program will be promoted to participants and other stakeholders. All branding and marking plans under this activity will be reviewed against the USAID "Graphic Standards Manual" available at www.usaid.gov/branding, and USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) 320.3.2 “Branding and Marking in USAID Direct Contracting” at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/320.pdf or any successor branding policy.

USAID policy is to require exclusive branding and marking in USAID direct acquisitions. “Exclusive

Branding” means that the program is positioned as USAID’s. “Exclusive Marking” means Contractors may only mark USAID-funded programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities with the USAID Standard Graphic Identity and, where applicable, the host-country government or ministry symbol or another U.S. Government logo. It is USAID’s policy that Contractors’ and subcontractors’ corporate identities or logos must not be used on USAID-funded project materials.

(g) Marking Plan (MP): Deliverables to be marked, include products, equipment and inputs delivered;

places where program activities are carried out; external public communications, studies, reports, publications and informative and promotional products; and workshops, conferences, fairs, media related activities and any such events. Publications authored by Contractors or other non-USAID employees must include the following disclaimer on the title page:

This study/report/Website (specify) is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID.) The contents of this (specify) are the sole responsibility of (name of organization) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Threats and restrictions to the security of the program need to be identified and assessed in order to request any necessary exception from the marking requirement in accordance with ADS 320.3.2.

(h) 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 participants in host countries. It should never be used to promote a contractor. Social media channels may be approved as part of an activity's branding and marking plan in consultation with the CO, COR, and DOC team.

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 activity should be used as a profile picture. 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.

http://www.usaid.gov/branding https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/320.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/320.pdf

D.4 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS

Grants under contracts, when authorized in accordance with ADS 302, “USAID Direct Contracting,” must be branded and marked like grants. The policy directives and required procedures for branding and marking of assistance awards in ADS Section 320.3.3 apply. The Contractor is responsible for including branding and marking requirements for these grants in its Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan, as part of its overall responsibility for managing grants under its contract.

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.204-14 SERVICE CONTRACT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OCT 2016

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

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs will take place at the principal place of performance or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) referenced in Section G has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or output.

E.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

In accordance with FAR 46.4, the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is a document used to ensure that Contractor performance is effectively monitored, documented, and meets the performance standards contained in the contract. The QASP establishes procedures on how the inspection and acceptance process will be conducted. The QASP is based on the premise that the Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for managing and ensuring that quality controls meet the terms of the contract. The Contractor is responsible for implementing and delivering performance that meets contract standards and the QASP will be used as a Government monitoring process to enforce the inspection and acceptance clauses of the contract.

The QASP ensures the quality of contract performance whereas the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) ensures the activity is progressing towards achieving the objectives of the activity.

The QASP provides the detailed process for a continuous oversight process and provides the following information:

● The intervention or deliverable that will be monitored for performance and compliance

● Determines the quality standard for each activity or deliverable

● How monitoring will take place and how the results will be documented

● Includes any potential remedial actions to address any issues related to quality of performance

An effective QASP should be designed with the intent of encouraging maximum performance, efficiency, and cost effectiveness by the Contractor and should enable the early identification and resolution of performance issues to minimize impact on mission performance. The QASP is a “living” monitoring, evaluation, and learning process that may require modification and/or updates after selection for award to reflect the Contractor’s known strengths and weaknesses. The QASP should be discussed, reviewed, http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html and updated regularly but no less than on an annual basis. It is the Contractor's responsibility to follow up with the COR to ensure the QASP monitoring process is implemented and updated.

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

Authority for issuance of this QASP is provided under Part 46 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Inspection of Services clauses, which provides for inspection, acceptance and documentation of the services in this activity.

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See Part 52 - Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses | Acquisition.GOV for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 STOP WORK ORDER APR 1989

52.242-15 STOP WORK ORDER - ALTERNATE I APR 1984

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract is five (5) years, from TBD to TBD, subject to the availability of funds.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance for this contract will be principally in Albania.

F.4 PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND STANDARDS

Evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance shall be in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the Contractor’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) as incorporated in Section E.3, and the fully incorporated Performance Work Statement (PWS) under the contract’s Section C. Reviews will be conducted jointly by the COR and the Contracting Officer and shall form the basis of the Contractor’s permanent performance record regarding this contract and as required by FAR part

42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.

During the period of performance, the COR will conduct periodic performance reviews to monitor the progress of work, determine if programmatic adjustments or adaptations were conducted, and if the required results are achieved. A variety of mechanisms will be used to monitor the progress and success of this award and the Contractor’s performance in achieving agreed results including but not limited to:

● Monthly meetings with USAID;

● Review of Contractor’s scheduled reports (which include updates to the Work Plan, fiscal expenditures and accruals, progress reports, consultancy reports, etc.);

● Partner and other counterparts feedback;

● USAID personnel site visits;

● Periodic impact assessments and evaluations;

● Regular planning meetings between USAID and the Contractor to finalize annual work plans or identify emerging priorities requiring attention; and

● The Contractor’s performance will also be evaluated annually and at contract completion, utilizing at a minimum, the following factors:

a) Technical (Quality of products and services) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52

b) Cost Control

c) Schedule/Timeliness

d) Management or business relations

e) Small business contracting (as applicable).

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

F.5 KEY PERSONNEL

The personnel positions specified below are considered essential to the work being performed hereunder. The key personnel whom the Contractor must furnish for the performance of this contract are as follows:

1. Chief of Party (COP)

2. Strategic Communications Lead

3. EU Accession Lead

4. TBD [To be inserted upon award based on the successful Offeror’s proposal]

5. TBD [Optional and to be inserted upon award based on the successful Offeror’s proposal]

Prior to replacing any of the individuals specified above, the Contractor will immediately notify both the Contracting Officer and the USAID Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) reasonably in advance and must submit written justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. USAID reserves the right to adjust the level of key personnel during the performance of this Contract. The Chief of Party must be an employee of the prime Contractor rather than a subcontractor. No replacement of Key Personnel will be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The following guidance for each of the key personnel positions are set forth below.

1. Chief of Party (COP) The primary responsibilities of the COP are to provide overall leadership, management, and general technical direction of the entire activity, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the contract. The COP must identify issues and risks related to activity implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate activity adjustments.

This individual must act as the key liaison between USAID/Albania and all other counterparts, including EU partners, implementing partners, and Government of Albania officials involved with the activity. The position requires significant coordination skills, technical knowledge, and private sector experience to ensure coherence and consistency despite urgent deadlines. Experience in developing countries, particularly in the Balkans and with EU accession is preferred.

The Offeror is expected to provide the educational and professional experience criteria for this individual, which best positions the activity to meet its stated goal. Further, the Offeror should ensure that the COP position has the requisite familiarity with international development programming and technical operations, management and financial oversight capabilities and representational ability to accomplish the objectives of this activity.

2. Strategic Communications Lead The Strategic Communications Lead will provide oversight and technical direction for the communications and outreach objectives of the activity. The Lead will be responsible for executing the activity’s Strategic Communications Plan (which includes the Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan). The Strategic Communications Plan serves as a roadmap that outlines all the strategies, tasks, and actions to be taken to highlight that this activity’s key milestones or opportunities are supported by from the American people. Further, this individual will serve as a public relations expert, coordinating with local and international news outlets, expertly using social media platforms and other communication channels to ensure that this assistance is not only attributed to the American People, but also very well coordinated with the joint efforts of the development community (including donors, international finance institutions, civil society, and UN agencies), the European Commission and the Albanian government.

The Offeror is expected to provide the educational and professional experience criteria for this individual, which best positions the activity to meet its stated goal. Further, the Offeror should ensure that the Strategic Communications Lead position has the requisite familiarity with robust and wide-reaching media engagement, expertise in designing, preparing, and presenting cutting edge and professional communications and outreach campaigns and materials, diplomatic communications expertise in politically sensitive environments, and broad understanding of the technical approach needed to accomplish the objectives of this activity.

3. EU Accession Lead The EU Accession Lead will provide oversight and technical direction for the EU integration and alignment to EU acquis objectives of the activity. The Lead will be responsible for ensuring that the overarching goal of the activity to help advance Albania’s EU accession is in fact being accomplished through the technical approaches as executed under the activity’s objectives. This individual will serve as the technical lead for engaging primarily with EU and Albanian government officials as they work on economic reform (e.g., approximation of legislation, EU integration negotiations and screening, and policy and procedural reform) and with the private sector and civil society stakeholders that will be connected to these processes through this activity. The EU Accession Lead must intimately understand the EU accession process, the steps, political implications, and vulnerabilities for corruption and be able to recognize and overcome challenges to advancing EU accession in a timely manner.

The Offeror is expected to provide the educational and professional experience criteria for this individual, which best positions the activity to meet its stated goal. Further, the Offeror should ensure that the EU Accession Lead position has the requisite familiarity with robust and wide-reaching media engagement, expertise in designing, preparing, and presenting cutting edge and professional communications and outreach campaigns and materials, diplomatic communications expertise in politically sensitive environments, and broad understanding of the technical approach needed to accomplish the objectives of this activity.

F.6 REPORTS, PLANS AND DELIVERABLES

In addition to the requirements set forth for submission of reports in Sections I and in accordance with AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the Contractor must submit required reports, performance objectives, deliverables or outputs via email as further described below to the COR (referenced in Section G) or his/her designate and a copy to the Contracting Officer. Additionally, the Contractor must deliver the results stated in Section B.8. All reports must be written in English. Unless otherwise noted below, narrative reports must be submitted in Microsoft Word and PDF, and budgets unlocked in Excel. The Contractor must promptly notify the Contracting Officer and COR of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which materially impair the Contractor's ability to meet the reporting requirements of the Contract. A description of the required reports is as follows, and due dates are noted in the table below:

In addition to the reports outlined below and those elsewhere specified, the Contractor may be required to respond quickly to ad hoc information requests with short deadlines.

The following table outlines the plans, reports, and deliverables required under this contract, and the due dates for each:

SECTION

NO.

DELIVERABLES SUBMISSION DATE APPROVAL

BY

1 Mobilization Plan A revised Mobilization Plan is due within fifteen

(15) calendar days after receipt of comments from the COR of the draft mobilization plan submitted as part of the proposal.

COR

2 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

A revised QASP is due forty-five (45) calendar days after the Award effective start date. An updated QASP must be submitted within thirty

(30) calendar days after the beginning of each fiscal year.

COR

3 Activity Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP)

Within forty-five (45) calendar days after the Award effective start date and an updated AMELP within thirty (30) calendar days after the beginning of each fiscal year.

COR

4 Strategic Communications Plan (including Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan)

Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Award effective start date and an updated plan within

(30) calendar days after the beginning of each fiscal year.

COR/CO

5 Annual Work Plan First annual work plan due within forty-five (45) calendar days of award. Subsequent annual work plans due by September 1, covering the period from October 1 to September 30.

COR

6 Grants Under Contract (GUC) Manual

Within 60 calendar days from the effective start date of the Award. (If the Offeror proposes a GUC(s)).

CO

7 Quarterly Performance Report/Annual Reports

Within fifteen (15) calendar days after each quarter ending on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Note: Fourth quarter report (July-September) will serve as an annual report.

COR

8 Quarterly Financial Report

Within fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each quarter of a fiscal year.

COR

9 Annual Report Within fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each fiscal year.

COR

10 Final Report Within 30 calendar days before the end date of the Award.

COR

11 Ad Hoc Reports As requested by COR/CO. COR and/or CO

12 Short-Term Consultant Reports

Within 10 calendar days after completion of the consultant's period of performance.

COR

13 Closeout Plan 120 calendar days prior to the end date of the Award.

CO

14 Subcontract Plan and Reporting (Large Businesses Only)

Subcontract Plan:

Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Award effective start date.

The Individual Subcontract Report(s) shall be submitted semi-annually of a fiscal year during the Award performance for the periods ending March 31 and September 30.

The Summary Subcontract Report (SSR): Shall be submitted annually by October 30 for the twelve-month period ending September 30.

CO

Description of Report Content:

1. MOBILIZATION PLAN

The Contractor will submit a Draft Mobilization Plan as part of the proposal. The Mobilization Plan must describe a proposed approach to ensure rapid, efficient, and effective operational start-up. Once the contract has been awarded, the COR will review the Draft Plan and provide comments within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Award effective start date. The Contractor must revise and submit the revised (final) Mobilization Plan no later than fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of comments. If acceptable, the USAID COR will provide a written approval of the final mobilization plan to the Contractor.

2. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

The Contractor must submit a revised QASP within forty-five (45) calendar days after the effective date of the award that provides a systematic method to assess performance for the Contract. The COR will review the revised QASP and provide comments and recommendations for changes to the revised plan within fifteen (15) calendar days. The Contractor must revise and submit the final QASP within fifteen

(15) calendar days after receipt of comments. An updated QASP must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days after the beginning of each fiscal year.

3. ACTIVITY MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING PLAN (AMELP)

The Contractor will submit a revised life-of-project AMELP within forty-five (45) calendar days after the Award effective start date to the COR for review and approval. The COR will review the revised AMELP and provide comments and recommendations for changes to the revised AMELP within thirty(30) calendar days. The Contractor must revise and submit the final AMELP within fifteen (15) days after receipt of comments. An updated AMELP must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days after the beginning of each fiscal year. Standard U.S. Government Indicators must be included in the AMELP and will be subject to Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) conducted by USAID with the Contractor. The Contractor must propose contingency options for monitoring and evaluation of activities in instances where there might be constraints to in-person site visits, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic or in instances of insecurity or inaccessibility.

4. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS PLAN, INCLUDING BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND

MARKING PLAN

The Contractor will submit a Draft Strategic Communications Plan as part of the proposal. This plan will articulate the strategic communications approach that will be employed and resourced in this Contract to promote U.S. government support to Albania and its coordination with key partners to advance EU accession and broader Euro-Atlantic partnerships. The Strategic Communications Plan will include the Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan, as core but distinct components. Once the contract has been awarded, the COR will provide comments on the Draft Strategic Communications Plan within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Award effective start date. The Contractor must revise and submit the final Strategic Communications Plan within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of comments.

Following CO’s approval, the plan will be added to the Award as an attachment. The Strategic Communications Plan must be updated on an annual basis to respond to the operational environment and USAID’s strategic communications priorities. Updated Strategic Communications Plans will be due within thirty (30) calendar days after the beginning of each fiscal year. The COR and/or CO will review the updated Strategic Communications Plan and provide any comments within fifteen (15) calendar days.

The Contractor must revise and submit the final updated Strategic Communications Plan within fifteen

(15) calendar days after receipt of comments.

5. ANNUAL WORK PLANS

The Contractor must submit the first Annual Work Plan - covering the period from the Award effective start date through the end of the current fiscal year - to the COR for review and approval forty-five (45) calendar days after the Award effective start date. If the Award effective start date is within three (3) months of the end of the current fiscal year, the Annual Work Plan should also cover the period to the end of the next fiscal year. The Annual Work Plan must indicate implementation processes and schedules, projected results, indicators and targets and project costs associated with the activities as outlined in Section C (PWS), including any special activities for rapid response. The Annual Work Plan must also clearly identify, and present results expected by each task. The COR will provide written comments to the Contractor within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of the Annual Work Plan. The Contractor must revise and submit the revised work plan within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of comments.

The Annual Work Plan must be consistent with the AMELP and the QASP. The Annual Work Plan can be amended throughout the implementation of the activity if sufficient justification is provided by the Contractor and the COR’s concurrence is obtained.

6. GRANT UNDER CONTRACTS (GUC) MANUAL

The Contractor must develop and submit a Grants Under Contract (GUC) Manual to the CO for approval, within sixty (60) calendar days after the award effective start date, if GUCs are to be utilized.