RFQ 72061321Q00001 PSLA.pdf

Request for Quotation (RFQ) No: 72061321Q00001

Issue Date: March 2, 2021 Deadline for Questions: March 9, 2021 at 5:00pm (Harare Time) Submission Date: April 13, 2021 at 5:00pm (Harare Time)

Subject: Request for Quotation (RFQ) #72061321Q00001 Zimbabwe Private Sector Landscape Analysis (PSLA)

Dear Sir/Madam, The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking quotations from qualified local entities to conduct a Private Sector Landscape Analysis.

This procurement is issued pursuant to the simplified acquisition procedures of Part 13 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations of the United States.

Potential Offerors are encouraged to carefully read the documentation attached to this letter, as it contains the terms and conditions of the proposed Firm Fixed Price purchase order.

If you choose to submit a quotation, it must be submitted by email to harareprocurement@usaid.gov with a copy to Relax at rmoyo@usaid.gov not later than the date and time displayed at the top of this letter. The quotation must adhere to the requirements listed in the attached Quotation Submission Information.

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

Sincerely, J. Zeb Simpson Contracting Officer

Attachments:

1. Statement of Work

2. Purchase Order Clauses

3. Instructions for Submitting Quotations

4. Representations and Certifications

ATTACHMENT 1: STATEMENT OF WORK

TITLE

Zimbabwe Private Sector Landscape Analysis (PSLA)

BACKGROUND

USAID/Zimbabwe seeks the services of a local entity to conduct a Private Sector Landscape Analysis (PSLA). The PSLA will inform the design and implementation of the multisectoral Local Works Zimbabwe Youth Program, inform USAID/Zimbabwe’s new five-year (2021 – 2026) Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), and support the Mission’s private sector engagement (PSE) efforts.

Zimbabwe once had a vibrant and flourishing economy, driven by agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing and services sectors. Unfortunately, the country has experienced tumultuous economic times dating back to the ill-fated Economic Structural Adjustment Program in the 1990s and the hyperinflation of the 2000s. Despite abundant natural resources, favorable climatic conditions and an educated workforce, Zimbabwe faces myriad challenges including grand corruption, deteriorating rule of law, low foreign direct investment, low levels of domestic capital formation, high levels of unemployment and underemployment, and shortages of foreign exchange. Decades of political and economic mismanagement have resulted in a structural shift from an economy based on large, stable, formal enterprises to an economy based on fragmented, fragile, and informal enterprises (Zimbabwe Labor Market Assessment, 2014). Zimbabwe’s informal sector now contributes about 61 percent of GDP (International Monetary Fund, 2018).. The Zimbabwe Labor Force and Child Labour Survey (2019) estimated that about 76 percent of all employment in Zimbabwe is informal.

The goal of the Local Works Zimbabwe Youth Program is to economically empower young Zimbabweans through locally-led development, where youth lead priority setting, design, implementation and management of interventions to create employment, increase incomes and reduce poverty and desperation. In a highly informal economy with limited formal jobs, enterprise development is a viable pathway for employment and income generation. To build and strengthen a network of local actors that can support youth entrepreneurship, and in line with USAID PSE policy, USAID/Zimbabwe would like to consult, strategize, align, collaborate, and implement with the private sector for greater scale, sustainability, and effectiveness of development outcomes. Effective engagement with the private sector requires a deeper understanding of the sector context including available players, current and future priorities, existing opportunities and challenges. One way of getting this deeper understanding is through carrying out a PSLA.

USAID/Zimbabwe anticipates that the new CDCS will focus on youth (15-35 years) development and empowerment. Zimbabwe’s youth bulge makes youth the majority demographic. Decades of economic and political crises have made youth the worst-affected demographic with little or no economic opportunities. USAID/Zimbabwe would like to deepen its PSE efforts by identifying different types of global and local private sector actors that can improve the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of development programming through targeted collaboration and partnerships.

OBJECTIVES

Given the private sector context, the Mission has identified two major objectives this PSLA will seek to achieve. First, the PSLA will help to refine USAID/Zimbabwe’s approach to working with the private sector to promote youth development, employment and empowerment including opportunities for entrepreneurship and supply chain linkages.

Second, the PSLA will provide a deep and broad understanding of the private sector ecosystem in Zimbabwe, and private sector perspectives and interests. The PSLA will also document lessons learned in USAID’s previous engagements with the private sector.

Below are some specific questions that the PSLA will seek to answer:

● Which private sector entities in Zimbabwe could USAID engage and partner with for sustainable development interventions?

● What opportunities (areas of aligned interests) and challenges exist for effective PSE in Zimbabwe?

● What lessons can we learn from USAID’s previous PSE efforts and which models would work best for effective PSE partnerships?

● Where do youth fit within the broad private sector spectrum, including how best to facilitate youth entrepreneurship and employment and how to partner with the private sector to engage youth across sectors?

The PSLA will cover the agriculture, natural resources management, science and technology, health, media, financial services, and education sectors.

In addition, the analysis will:

● map the private sector landscape in Zimbabwe,

● identify and recommend broad PSE or partnership opportunities and models that align with USAID/Zimbabwe’s portfolio, and

● highlight challenges that inhibit successful partnerships and lessen the impact and sustainability of USAID/Zimbabwe’s development programming.

Throughout the research, the PSLA should be sensitive to, assess, and report on the often-close relationship between the Government of Zimbabwe, the military, the ruling party, and political elites with private sector entities. The PSLA will help USAID/Zimbabwe build upon previous engagement with the private sector by deliberately and strategically targeting PSE, building private sector linkages in new sectors to create more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive development assistance programs that lead to self-sufficiency, and building upon the Mission’s PSE Plan to inform the new CDCS.

PSLA DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Design of the PSLA

To get a diversified and broad understanding of the private sector in Zimbabwe, USAID expects a descriptive, cross-sectional study, with data from the Mission’s target sectors including agriculture, natural resources management, science and technology, health, education, media, and financial sector. The Contractor should consult and collaborate with associations or Business Member Organizations active in the different domains of the private sector in Zimbabwe. Whilst the PSLA should be a national exercise, the Contractor must pay attention to the south-east lowveld which includes Masvingo and part of Manicaland provinces where USAID/Zimbabwe will implement the bulk of Economic Growth and Humanitarian Assistance and Resilience activities.

Methodology of the Assessment

The Mission strongly recommends the use of mixed methods for this assessment. Qualitative data will bring a better and deeper understanding, and improved insights and perceptions of how the private sector can lead development in Zimbabwe. USAID expects the PSLA team to use quantitative methodology to gain adequate detail on the opinions, attitudes and motives of the private sector. USAID expects that the contractor conducts the assessment over a period of at least six months (tentatively March - August 2021).

Data collection and Analysis

Given the assessment objectives mentioned above, the Mission expects primary data collection through a combination of desk reviews, in-depth key informant interviews (KIIs), and a rapid private sector survey. The Contractor will prepare key informant interview guides, a virtual private sector survey tool, and will recruit suitable personnel to administer these. The Contractor will propose an appropriate sampling methodology and sample size estimation that will lead to a representative PSLA. USAID/Zimbabwe expects the Contractor to prepare a data treatment and analysis plan specifying how and when it will enter data into a database, conduct data quality checks and edits (data cleaning) to ensure logical consistency and coherence across records, and any planned data analyses.

LOCAL CAPACITY BUILDING AND LOCALLY-LED DEVELOPMENT

USAID/Zimbabwe is committed to locally led development and to empowering Zimbabweans, especially youths, to identify challenges, set priorities, and define solutions that meet their needs and aspirations. The Mission desires to strengthen local systems and networks and enable collaborative local solutions. As such, the Contractor should partner with another local entity(ies) who can enhance their capacity to conduct and lead this PSLA.

This could be a local research firm, private company or a local private sector business member organization. In line with the Local Works Zimbabwe Youth Program, USAID/Zimbabwe expects youth to participate in this assessment as respondents especially those already operating in the private sector. In addition, to enable Mission staff to foster relationships with private sector stakeholders and build Mission capacity for PSE, the Contractor shall engage and involve key USAID/Zimbabwe technical staff in the PSLA.

Preparing Mission staff to lead private sector meetings and interviews will develop USAID’s relationships with interviewees, which will allow Mission participants to easily follow up with private sector counterparts after the PSLA and ensure replicability of the process for future PSLA needs.

ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT

Although USAID/Zimbabwe expects to be involved in the design and implementation of the PSLA, the Contractor will be responsible for providing their own work/office space, computers, internet access, printing, photocopying, etc. The Contractor will also be responsible for arranging meetings and the fieldwork for this assessment.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainties, USAID encourages the employment of remote data collection methodologies including (i) mobile phone/telephone data collection (voice calls, short message services (SMS), WhatsApp), (ii) virtual interviews (using Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams), and (iii) online surveys (web-based, such as Survey Monkey). However, it is important to note that target companies and other stakeholders may be working remotely, have limited availability or online access, or have paused their operations in light of the current pandemic situation, which may have implications for the number of interviews the PSLA Team can conduct over the course of this PSLA. The PSLA team will consider the possibility of holding in-person interviews if conditions allow as it adds depth and contextualization of findings.

PSLA TASKS, DELIVERABLES AND TIMING

In order to meet the above-mentioned objectives, the Contractor must perform the following tasks and produce the stated deliverables. The period of implementation is an estimate, and the actual dates may vary.

Task 1: Mission Consultations & Coordination (April 2021)

This will help the Contractor understand the Mission’s (technical office and DO) approaches around PSE, prioritize industries for the PSLA, refine and agree on assessment questions, and identify stakeholders and other components for a preliminary market map. In addition, this will allow the Contractor to design the PSLA implementation plan (including PSE plan support needed by each technical office), develop data collection instruments and tailor deliverable formats. The PSLA Implementation Plan must be submitted to the Mission within 30 days after the contract signing date. This plan should include the methodology, timelines, the questionnaire(s), a sampling plan and a data treatment and analysis plan.

Deliverables

1. Approved PSLA Implementation Plan

2. Approved data collection instruments

Task 2: Desk Research/Initial Interviews (May 2021)

This will help the Contractor to deepen their understanding of the current country, political, and economic context, their impacts on the private sector and the Mission’s portfolio. This will entail a literature review to gain some baseline information on USAID/Zimbabwe’s PSE efforts and activities as it relates to priority areas to determine replicable models and activities that further PSE activities may enhance. In addition to the document review, the PSLA team must conduct a minimum of 10 semi-structured, phone/web-based interviews with different technical teams within USAID/Zimbabwe, implementing partners, and other external stakeholders. These initial interviews will serve to elicit nuanced feedback and input on USAID/Zimbabwe’s private sector engagement activities to-date and explore opportunities for future engagement. The results of this phase will inform the approach and focus of private sector interviews.

At the end of this task, the Contractor must submit a preliminary report and PowerPoint slide deck as well as a schedule of interviews conducted. The preliminary report must be submitted no later than 60 days after signing of the Contract. The report shall not exceed 20 pages, excluding appendices and attachments. The draft report must be presented in English and will include an executive summary, stakeholders interviewed, USAID/Zimbabwe’s PSE activities, lessons learned and recommendations for the in depth PSLA interviews. This report should be distilled into a PowerPoint slide deck which will be presented to the Mission for review and input.

Deliverables

1. Schedule of preliminary interviews

2. Preliminary report and presentation to the Mission

Task 3: Stakeholder Interviews and Data Analysis (June - July 2021)

This is when the Contractor conducts deeper interviews to understand private sector actors across sectors, linkages, constraints, enabling environment, priorities, strategic interests, and perspectives relating to youth entrepreneurship and employment, including COVID-19 impacts and/or responses. This will include development of a private sector mapping exercise. The PSLA team will test hypotheses developed during the desk phase using interviews with and survey responses from private sector actors to determine their ability and willingness to engage with USAID/Zimbabwe and uncover further areas of alignment. The PSLA team will conduct interviews with at least 30 large national, multi-national, and regional companies with current operations in Zimbabwe and at least 30 small and medium sized enterprises using a pre-developed interview guide and interview protocols. The PSLA team will create the interview guide and protocols, with feedback from the Mission to ensure that respondents discuss their ability to engage with Mission priorities in the short- to long-term. In addition to the remote phone and videoconference interviews, the PSLA team will also design and distribute a rapid survey to target private sector companies. The responses from the digital surveys will supplement the information gained from the phone or virtual interviews and allow the team to maximize access to companies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the conclusion of this phase, the PSLA Team will present its initial findings and key takeaways from the private sector interviews, along with a set of preliminary recommendations to USAID/Zimbabwe on opportunities and potential areas of engagement.

This presentation will serve to gather feedback from USAID/Zimbabwe regarding initial findings and hypotheses, to ensure that final recommendations are relevant and beneficial to the intended audiences.

Deliverables

1. List of stakeholder interviews conducted

2. Presentation of initial findings to the Mission

Task 4: Synthesis, Recommendations development and Reporting (July 2021)

The Contractor will synthesize findings from stakeholder interviews, report and confirm key themes, relationships, and potential opportunities to engage the private sector. The Contractor will prepare and share a report (maximum 30 pages) with an accompanying PowerPoint slide deck. This report will map the private sector landscape in Zimbabwe, summarize PSE activities that have been done to date and any lessons learned, and provide recommendations for opportunities of shared value between the private sector and USAID/Zimbabwe that will enhance the impact and sustainability of USAID/Zimbabwe’s portfolio. Before submission of final findings to USAID, the Contractor must validate the findings by hosting a virtual or in person meeting with representatives of the Private Sector, making sure that all sectors are represented and their voices are heard.

Deliverables

1. Private Sector validation meeting/workshop

2. PSLA Report

3. Presentation of the final findings to USAID

Task 5: Post Analysis Review and Feedback (August 2021)

The final phase of the PSLA will involve information-sharing with USAID/Zimbabwe to allow for the effective implementation of PSLA recommendations and ensure the effective capture of lessons learned throughout the process. After approval of the PSLA final report, the PSLA team will hold informal meetings with USAID/Zimbabwe staff responsible for follow-up outreach to walk through prioritized PSLA models and discuss next steps for follow up. The Contractor will also help each technical office at USAID/Zimbabwe to develop a PSE plan which will then be part of the Mission’s PSE Strategy. Finally, as part of the performance evaluation for the PSLA process, the Contractor will organize an After- Action Review (AAR) with relevant PSLA stakeholders to assess the PSLA process and discuss lessons learned as well as areas for improvement or adjustment. The Contractor will compile findings from the AAR into a summary of key takeaways.

USAID/Zimbabwe has four technical teams namely: Economic Growth; Humanitarian Assistance and Resilience; Health, Population and Nutrition; and Democracy, Rights and Governance. For each of these teams, the Contractor will work with each team’s PSE Point of Contact to develop a PSE plan. The PSE plan will include the Policy Context, Purpose & Vision, Approach to Private Sector Engagement, Strategic Pillars and Action Plan, and Next Steps. The PSE plans are expected to contain sector-specific recommendations that the teams can take into consideration for the new CDCS.

Deliverables

1. Technical Teams’ PSE plans

2. PSLA After Action Review Meeting

3. PSLA After Action Review Report

PROPOSED TEAM COMPOSITION

The Contractor shall propose and then mobilize a team with verifiable, relevant experience in private sector landscape mapping, interview facilitation, and private sector engagement. At least one member of the team should have experience or knowledge about youth and business in Zimbabwe. The Contractor will conduct the work under the contract in a highly collaborative manner, emphasizing joint planning and execution to fully integrate efforts into USAID/Zimbabwe strategies and activities.

Key Personnel

The team must include the following key positions, which require approval from the Contracting Officer:

● PSLA Team Lead: S/he will lead the assignment and manage the PSLA team. S/he will liaise closely with and report to USAID/Zimbabwe and will be responsible for providing input into the PSLA work plan, leading the development of the interview protocols, liaising with the relevant Mission teams, and leading all assessment activities. The Team Lead will also be the primary writer of the analysis and recommendations presented in deliverables. S/he should have at least 10 years of experience in working with the private sector and with experience in private sector landscape mapping.

● PSE Advisor: S/he will be a resident hire with experience working with the Private

Sector in Zimbabwe. Reporting to the Team Lead, the PSE Advisor will provide valuable local context and networks to support PSLA activities. S/he will contribute to developing interview protocols, providing necessary contextual information and knowledge. The PSE Advisor will help schedule and participate in private sector interviews. Finally, he or she will provide technical contributions to the final analysis and recommendations. S/he should have at least 10 years of experience in the private sector in Zimbabwe.

● Survey Specialist: The Survey Specialist will oversee the research and analysis methodology and framework of the Zimbabwe PSLA to effectively capture findings. S/he will advise on desk research methodology, interview tool development, and hypothesis development, advise on sector analysis company outreach, and business strategy considerations, participate in PSLA interviews as needed, develop analysis tools and advise on their use, and review and provide recommendations for PSE initiatives, engagement models, and partnership concepts. S/he should have at least 10 years of experience in conducting research and analysis.

INVOICES AND PAYMENT

The contractor is eligible to invoice in accordance with the following payment schedule:

Deliverable Amount Due Date

Approved PSLA Implementation Plan TBD TBD

Approved data collection instruments TBD TBD

Schedule of preliminary interviews TBD TBD

Preliminary report and presentation to the Mission TBD TBD

List of stakeholder interviews conducted TBD TBD

Presentation of initial findings to the Mission TBD TBD

PSLA Report TBD TBD

Presentation of the final findings TBD TBD

Technical Teams’ PSE plans TBD TBD

PSLA After Action Review Report TBD TBD

Amounts/dates in the table above are to be proposed by offeror and TBD at time of PO award.

USAID/Zimbabwe will process payments to the Contractor as follows:

USAID will accept submissions of invoices when deliverables are completed. Deliverables completed in the same month may be submitted on one invoice. Payments will be processed within 15 days upon submission of the following items:

1. SF-1034 Public Voucher;

2. Deliverable approved by the COR

USAID will process the final payment for the contract once confirmation has been received that all contract deliverables have been met at the conclusion of the contract.

PAYING OFFICE

Required documentation shall be submitted to the USAID/Zimbabwe’s Financial Management Office located at:

Financial Management Office

USAID/Zimbabwe 2 Lorraine Drive Westgate, Harare

Zimbabwe

ATTACHMENT 2: PURCHASE ORDER CLAUSES

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

(AUG 2020)

Terms and Conditions-Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial Items) (Feb 2021)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses that are incorporated by reference:

(1) The clauses listed below implement provisions of law or Executive order:

(i) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(ii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iii) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Aug 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115- 232).

(iv) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (E.O.11755).

(v) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(vi) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sept 2016) (E.O.11246).

(vii) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Jun 2008) (E.O.s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

(viii) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C.3553).

(ix) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Pub.L.108-77, 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(2) Listed below are additional clauses that apply:

(i) 52.232-1, Payments (Apr 1984).

(ii) 52.232-8, Discounts for Prompt Payment (Feb 2002).

(iii) 52.232-11, Extras (Apr 1984).

(iv) 52.232-25, Prompt Payment (Jan 2017).

(v) 52.232-39, Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013).

(vi) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013).

(vii) 52.233-1, Disputes (May 2014).

(viii) 52.244-6, Subcontracts for Commercial Items (Nov 2020).

(ix) 52.253-1, Computer Generated Forms (Jan 1991).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the following FAR clauses, incorporated by reference, unless the circumstances do not apply:

(1) The clauses listed below implement provisions of law or Executive order:

(i) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020)(Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note) (Applies to contracts valued at or above the threshold specified in FAR 4.1403(a) on the date of award of this contract).

(ii) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2020) (E.O. 13126) (Applies to contracts for supplies exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101 on the date of award of this contract).

(iii) 52.222-20, Contracts for Materials, Supplies, Articles, and Equipment., Contracts for Materials, Supplies, Articles, and Equipment (Jun 2020) (41 U.S.C.chapter 65) (Applies to supply contracts over the threshold specified in FAR 22.602 on the date of award of this contract, in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands).

(iv) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212) (Applies to contracts valued at or above the threshold specified in FAR 22.1303(a) on the date of award of this contract).

(v) 52.222-36, Equal Employment for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793) (Applies to contracts over the threshold specified in FAR 22.1408(a) on the date of award of this contract, unless the work is to be performed outside the United States by employees recruited outside the United States). (For purposes of this clause, "United States" includes the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Wake Island.)

(vi) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212) (Applies to contracts valued at or above the threshold specified in FAR 22.1303(a) on the date of award of this contract).

(vii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67) (Applies to service contracts over $2,500 that are subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute and will be performed in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S.

Virgin Islands, Johnston Island, Wake Island, or the outer Continental Shelf).

(viii)

(A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Oct 2020)(22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O.

13627) (Applies to all solicitations and contracts).

(B) Alternate I (Mar 2015) (Applies if the Contracting Officer has filled in the following information with regard to applicable directives or notices: Document title(s), source for obtaining document(s), and contract performance location outside the United States to which the document applies).

(ix) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Nov 2020) (Applies when 52.222-6 or 52.222-41 are in the contract and performance in whole or in part is in the United States (the 50 States and the District of Columbia)).

(x) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2017) (E.O.

13706) (Applies when 52.222-6 or 52.222-41 are in the contract and performance in whole or in part is in the United States (the 50 States and the District of Columbia.))

(xi) 52.223-5, Pollution Prevention and Right-to-Know Information (May 2011) (E.O. 13423) (Applies to services performed on Federal facilities).

(xii) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693)(applies to contracts for products as prescribed at FAR 23.804(a)(1)).

(xiii) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693) (Applies to maintenance, service, repair, or disposal of refrigeration equipment and air conditioners).

(xiv) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (May 2020) (42 U.S.C. 8259b) (Unless exempt pursuant to 23.204, applies to contracts when energy-consuming products listed in the ENERGY STAR® Program or Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)) will be-

(A) Delivered;

(B) Acquired by the Contractor for use in performing services at a Federally-controlled facility;

(C) Furnished by the Contractor for use by the Government; or

(D) Specified in the design of a building or work, or incorporated during its construction, renovation, or maintenance).

(xv) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693) (Applies to contracts for products that may contain high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons as a propellant or as a solvent; or contracts for maintenance or repair of electronic or mechanical devices).

(xvi) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693) (Applies to contracts for products that may contain high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons or refrigerant blends containing hydrofluorocarbons as a foam blowing agent; or contracts for construction of buildings or facilities.

(xvii) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Jan 2021) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67) (Applies to contracts for supplies, and to contracts for services involving the furnishing of supplies, for use in the United States or its outlying areas, if the value of the supply contract or supply portion of a service contract exceeds the micro-purchase threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101 on the date of award of this contract, and the acquisition-

(A) Is set aside for small business concerns; or

(B) Cannot be set aside for small business concerns (see 19.502-2), and does not exceed $25,000).

(xviii) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations., Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792) (Applies to contracts greater than the threshold specified in FAR 26.404 on the date of award of this contract, that provide for the provision, the service, or the sale of food in the United States).

(xix) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct 2013)(Applies when the payment will be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) and the payment office uses the System for Award Management (SAM) as its source of EFT information).

(xx) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (Applies when the payment will be made by EFT and the payment office does not use the SAM database as its source of EFT information).

(xxi) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. App. 1241) (Applies to supplies transported by ocean vessels (except for the types of subcontracts listed at 47.504(d)).

(2) Listed below are additional clauses that may apply:

(i) 52.204-21, Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (Jun 2016) (Applies to contracts when the contractor or a subcontractor at any tier may have Federal contract information residing in or transiting through its information system.

(ii) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Jun 2020) (Applies to contracts over the threshold specified in FAR 9.405-2(b) on the date of award of this contract).

(iii) 52.211-17, Delivery of Excess Quantities (Sept 1989) (Applies to fixed-price supplies).

(iv) 52.247-29, F.o.b. Origin (Feb 2006) (Applies to supplies if delivery is f.o.b.

origin).

(v) 52.247-34, F.o.b. Destination (Nov 1991) (Applies to supplies if delivery is f.o.b. destination).

(c) FAR 52.252-2, Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998). This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://www.acquisition.gov

(d) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall tender for acceptance only those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. The Government must exercise its postacceptance rights-

(1) Within a reasonable period of time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(e) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence, such as acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(f) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges that the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government, using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor’s records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred that reasonably could have been avoided.

(g) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(h) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(End of clause)

ATTACHMENT 3: QUOTATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUOTATIONS

Quotations are limited to 10 pages maximum for all information including cover page, table of contents, dividers, résumés/CVs, letters of commitment from proposed personnel, past performance information, and cost/price information.

Quotations must be submitted as email attachments in Microsoft Word or Excel, or Adobe PDF format to harareprocurement@usaid.gov with a copy to Relax Moyo at rmoyo@usaid.gov no later than the date and time stated on the cover letter.

PERSONNEL

The Offeror must identify the three required key personnel for this project. The narrative must clearly describe the professional qualifications of the proposed key personnel.

For each technical staff member candidate, a complete and current résumé demonstrating the candidate’s qualifications and experience must be submitted. Résumés shall be in chronological order starting with most recent experience.

Offerors must also submit three references of professional contacts, with current contact information including email addresses and telephone numbers, for each proposed candidate.

USAID may also check other sources to gather information on proposed personnel including, but not limited to, other USAID or US government persons who have knowledge of their previous work. In addition, USAID neither requests nor desires exclusivity agreements between the offeror and proposed personnel.

PAST PERFORMANCE

Offerors must clearly identify their experience and past performance in implementing similar work.

Offerors must provide at least three of the most recent and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work in the subject quotation. The most relevant indicators of performance are contracts of similar type of work, scope of work, complexity/diversity of tasks, skills/expertise required, etc. and how recently they were performed.

In addition to checking past performance references provided by the Offeror, USAID may also check other sources of information including, but not limited to: other government agencies, published media, and electronic databases.

SCHEDULE

Offerors must discuss their proposed timeline for meeting the assessment goals and deliverables. The successful offeror's estimated completion dates will be included in the contract. Offerors must describe how they will adapt the assessment to ongoing and potential context challenges and Covid-19 prevention protocols.

PRICE

Offerors must provide the proposed firm fixed price for implementation of the PLSA.

Offerors must also fill in dates and amounts in the table on Page 8-9 of this RFQ.

B. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Government intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose quotation conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotations (in descending order of importance):

1. Personnel: Extent to which the proposed key personnel demonstrate the offeror’s ability to meet the requirements in the SOW

2. Past Performance: Extent to which the contractor demonstrates successful implementation of similar projects

3. Schedule: Feasibility and appropriateness of proposed schedule.

4. Price: The Offeror’s total price will be evaluated in determining the best value. In addition, the reasonableness of the amounts for each deliverable will be evaluated.

USAID may, without discussion or negotiations, offer a purchase order to the responsive, responsible contractor whose quotation conforms to the Statement of Work (SOW) and offers the best value based on the evaluation criteria. Therefore, quotations should contain the Offeror’s best terms. USAID may reject any or all quotations, award to the Offeror with other than the lowest-priced quotation, and waive informalities and minor irregularities in quotations received.

ATTACHMENT 4: REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY

CODE REPORTING

(AUG 2020)

52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

(OCT 2020)

ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAR 2020)

(a)

(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541990.

(2) The small business size standard is $16.5 million.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b)

(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is not included in this solicitation, and the Offeror has an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), the Offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

The Offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

(i) □ Paragraph (d) applies.

(ii) □ Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c)

(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless–

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

(iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

(v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that-

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(vi) 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services- Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(vii) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations- Representation.

(viii) 52.209-5, CertificationRegarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(ix) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(x) 52.214-14, Place of Performance-Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xi) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xii) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic, Alternates I, and II). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(C) The provision with its Alternate II applies to solicitations that will result in a multiple-award contract with more than one NAICS code assigned.

(xiii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(xiv) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xvi) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial items.

(xvii) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA–designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xviii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA–designated items.

(xix) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals-Representation. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.204-7.)

(xx) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xxi) 52.225-4, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternates I, II, and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $25,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $25,000 or more but is less than $50,000, the provision with its Alternate I applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $83,099, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(D) If the acquisition value is $83,099 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

(xxii) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xxiii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan-Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiv) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran-Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

(2) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

__ (i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

__ (ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror.

__ (iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

__ (iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment- Certification.

__ (v) 52.222-52, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Certification.

__ (vi) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Products (Alternate I only).

__ (vii) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

__ (A) Basic.

__ (B) Alternate I.

__ (viii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM website accessed through https://www.sam.gov. After reviewing the SAM information, the offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below [offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

FAR Clause # Title Date Change

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on SAM.

(End of provision)

302.3.5.17 Limitation on Subcontracting to Non-Local Entities (July 2014)

(a) Applicability.

This provision…