RFQ - Solicitation 72061321Q00001 Cultural and Language Training Services.pdf

Request for Quotation (RFQ) No: 72061320Q00002 Issuance Date: March 2, 2021 Closing Date: March 16, 2021 Closing Time: 17:00 hours, Zimbabwe Time

Subject: Request for Quotation (RFQ) for USAID/Zimbabwe Language and Cultural Training Services

Dear Sir/Madam, The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking a quotation from you to provide Zimbabwean cultural and language instruction services as described in the attached Statement of Work.

This procurement is issued pursuant to the simplified acquisition procedures of Part 13 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations of the United States. Award will be made to the responsible offeror who provides the best value to the U.S. Government based on the evaluation criteria set forth in the attached Quotation Submission Information.

Contractors 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 Brian Murphy at bmurphy@usaid.gov with a copy to Zeb Simpson at jsimpson@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 and/or submission of a quotation.

Sincerely, Brian Murphy Contracting Officer

Attachments:

1. Statement of Work

2. Quotation Submission Information mailto:bmurphy@usaid.gov mailto:jsimpson@usaid.gov

Attachment 1: Statement of Work

Title: Post Language and Culture Training Services Est. Period of Performance: One Base Year (plus Four Option Years) Location: Harare, Zimbabwe

1. Purpose

The Contractor must provide professional services in both Shona language training and Zimbabwean cultural orientation courses as identified in this Statement of Work (SOW). Services shall be provided when requested by the Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) during the specified period stated in Section 6 – “Period of Performance”.

2. Background

USAID/Zimbabwe hires American Foreign Service personnel (FSOs) to live and work in Zimbabwe. Many personnel have little or no experience with Zimbabwean culture before arriving in country. Many who arrive have varying degrees of overseas experience but lack an access to understand cultural nuances of Zimbabwean culture. Eligible family members typically have even fewer opportunities to learn about Zimbabwe before arriving. USAID/Zimbabwe would like to provide courses for incoming and resident direct hire personnel and eligible family members. These courses will provide personnel and their families with excellent foundational knowledge in beginning or continuing their tours in Zimbabwe.

3. Scope of Services

USAID/Zimbabwe requires services of a Contractor to provide Shona language and Zimbabwean cultural orientation courses. USAID/Zimbabwe would like a menu of courses to choose from to suit the needs and abilities of participants, with the option to enroll new attendees as they arrive in country, throughout the agreed upon period of service. The contractor will design the courses, propose corresponding syllabi, and provide any required study materials. The Contractor will be responsible for preparing and delivering all lectures as well as facilitating all discussions. USAID/Zimbabwe will provide the training space as well as any electronic/non-electronic media aids (power point projector & screen, flipcharts & markers) to facilitate this training. The Contractor must maintain a private, high-speed internet capable workspace throughout the contract period, to allow for remote instruction as outlined in Section 5.1 – “COVID-19 Online Instruction Provision”.

3.1. Shona Language Training

One objective of this contract is to provide local language and culture training for USAID FSOs to better function on site visits and be successful in supporting USAID/Zimbabwe activities, programs, management and operations.

It is essential that the contractor work closely with the CO and COR to identify a strategy for meeting purchase order deliverables that are timely, of high-quality, and advance cultural proficiency and language orientation of USAID/Zimbabwe students.

The selected contractor shall provide one-on-one Shona language instruction for identified American personnel within USAID/Zimbabwe, as well as group language instruction for American personnel, eligible family members, and members of household (as applicable). The instructors shall focus on each student’s unique professional needs to assist them in interacting with their Shona-speaking colleagues. The contractor shall deliver the instruction to include the development of speaking, listening, and reading skills to adequately carry out the students’ specific job requirements. All instruction shall include job-related language terminology and usage within the designated field of interest.

The contractor shall provide elementary to general professional proficiency language training instruction. The instructors shall be required to develop appropriate training materials, and corresponding teaching aids, to help meet each student’s needs. The contractor shall also provide guided study, language coaching, and sector specific language training (e.g., democracy and governance, health, education, private sector, financial management, operations management), as well as topic-specific language training, e.g., media, presentations, or writing for business, as required by each student. The contractor shall provide any core training materials such as text books and workbooks for use by students to support the training curriculum.

The Contractor shall discuss each student's progress in class and offer training recommendations for each student when necessary. The student's progress will be reported when asked by the student and a copy provided to the student’s training file to be reviewed by the USAID/Zimbabwe COR.

The instructor will document the student's progress as measured performance under each training plan established for participating students. The Contractor shall prepare training recommendations that state specific plans for helping each student achieve their desired skill level.

The Contractor shall work on knowledge and proficiency as a required element of evaluating the student's progress in the training module or lesson. The Contractor shall periodically:

• determine the student's progress in training;

• identify areas of weakness where supplemental training may be needed; and,

• quantify the student's then-current level of knowledge and proficiency.

Initial testing will be used to establish a baseline for measurement of knowledge and proficiency obtained, and may be used in a predictive manner to facilitate personal training planning.

The contractor shall provide instructor(s) who will address the particular language needs of individuals and/or groups attending the language training; and as required, a) assign homework tasks and b) prepare supplementary materials to enhance learning and complement the training texts. Instructors should be encouraging, supportive, approachable, and capable of answering in-depth questions on each topic. Instructors will explain things clearly, and be well-prepared.

Additionally, instructors shall be experienced at teaching native English speakers, with demonstrated success in helping students achieve the required level of fluency. Resumes or curriculum vitae shall be provided for each proposed instructor. The Contracting Officer and COR reserve the right to approve or deny instructors based on their prior qualifications and actual performance.

The contractor shall provide Shona language instruction at the firm, fixed hourly rate as determined by the contract. The contractor shall provide the appropriate number of qualified instructor(s) to efficiently cover the workload. USAID estimates up to 480 hours could be expended in the first year of the contract. The actual number of sessions and final schedule will be determined by enrollment and initial self-assessments by students.

3.2. Zimbabwe Cultural Orientation

The contractor will provide a menu of introductory, intermediate, and advanced Zimbabwean cultural orientation courses for identified American personnel and eligible family members within USAID/Zimbabwe, led by Zimbabwe-based specialists with experience in teaching English-language courses of this kind.

The introductory course may include basic tools for navigating daily life safely, a brief overview of Zimbabwe’s history, language and cultural influences, and how to respectfully interact with Zimbabweans. More in-depth course options will include essential topics such as: human rights;

gender equality; food security; education access; religion; politics; and the environment. This intensive examination of the historical, social and economic features of Zimbabwe will provide an excellent foundation for attendees to contribute meaningfully to the USAID/Zimbabwe mission.

Participants will receive the added benefit of an increased depth of experience as they interact with Zimbabweans, and will become more mindful of and connected to their host nation’s people. This, in turn, will increase overall mission morale, which will increase mission productivity and focus.

It is essential that the contractor work closely with the CO and/or COR to identify a strategy for meeting purchase order deliverables that are timely, of high-quality, and advance the Zimbabwean cultural understanding of USAID/Zimbabwe students.

The instructors shall focus on each student’s unique professional needs to assist them in interacting with their Zimbabwean colleagues and neighbors. The contractor shall deliver the instruction to include discussions covering human rights; gender equality; food security; education access;

religion; politics; and the environment.

The instructors shall be required to develop training materials, corresponding teaching aids, guided study, as well as topic-specific cultural orientation, as required by each student. The Contractor shall provide any core training materials such as text books and workbooks for use by students to support the training curriculum.

3.3 Participation in USAID site visits and USAID project orientation

The contractor will be invited to participate in site visits with USAID representatives. The purpose of participating in these events is for the contractor to become better acquainted with the work USAID officers are responsible for and to support USAID staff in being contextually aware.

4. Deliverables

USAID/Zimbabwe requires that the instructors be available to teach lessons between the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Class instruction time excludes lunch and coffee breaks. Classes will not be scheduled during U.S. Federal or national holidays. Exact schedules will be defined by the number and availability of American personnel and eligible family members enrolled in the program.

The COR will work closely with the contractor to identify and manage the weekly training calendar and schedule. The contractor will need to complete the following activities, in close coordination with the USAID/Zimbabwe Executive Office COR, in order to meet contract requirements:

4.1. Introduction to Zimbabwean language and culture

The contractor must provide a guidebook that will be provided to USAID Foreign Service employees. The guidebook will serve as a first resource for students to refer to as they begin language and cultural studies. The guidebook content will include overview material about

Zimbabwean language and culture, highlights for what students will learn in the courses, recommendations for experiential learning, and anything else the contractor determines is important to impart as an introduction to Zimbabwe. This initial deliverable will be on a firm fixed price basis. A first draft of the guidebook is due to the COR no later than 30 calendar days from the signed purchase order. USAID will provide feedback on the draft within 10 business days. The contractor must provide the final product within 10 business days of USAID feedback on the draft. The firm fixed price on this deliverable will be paid upon acceptance of the final product.

4.2. Language Training Sessions

The contractor will be required to provide individual (one-on-one) instruction and group instruction, as appropriate for each student to reach his/her goals, in accordance with section 3.1 above.

4.3. Cultural Orientation Sessions

The contractor will be required to provide group instruction in accordance with Section 3.2 above.

4.4. Progress Reports (Quarterly)

At the end of each quarter, the contractor will submit a report (to the COR) which highlights the skill level assessment of all students enrolled for Shona language instruction. The report could include a summary of milestones achieved for each student, challenges faced, and any other observations and feedback which could be useful in helping students achieve their language and instruction goals. This is a separate report from the Time and Attendance Sheet report (below).

4.5. Time and Attendance Sheets (Monthly)

At the end of each month, the contractor will submit a report (to the COR) which consolidates time and attendance of all students enrolled for Shona language instruction. The report will include total number of hours completed by each student (per week), signed attendance sheets, and observations from the contractor noting any irregularities they observed with attendance, with the goal of utilizing lessons learned in creating efficiencies for improved scheduling. This is a separate report from the Progress Report.

5. Place of Performance

The place of performance will be the USAID/Zimbabwe office building, located at:

USAID/Zimbabwe 2 Lorraine Drive Westgate, Harare

Zimbabwe

5.1. COVID-19 Online Instruction Provision

In the event that COVID-19 restrictions cannot be observed via in-person instruction, the Contractor agrees to provide instruction using an online platform, to be agreed upon between the Contractor and the COR. USAID/Zimbabwe will ensure that participants in the courses have the ability to participate remotely, but will not provide equipment to the Contractor to conduct training sessions. The Contractor will maintain the ability to switch between online and in-person instruction, as COVID-19 restrictions and USAID/Zimbabwe guidelines dictate. The Contractor will maintain a private, high-speed internet space with any needed equipment needed to conduct training sessions without disruption during agreed upon intructional hours. The Contractor will maintain this capability, even if training sessions begin and continue in-person throughout the contract period. The Contractor will include the overhead cost associated with maintaining this capability when submitting the proposal.

6. Period of Performance

The term of the contract will be for one year from the start date. The contract may be extended for additional one-year option periods, up to a maximum of five years, subject to favorable review of the Contractor’s performance and availability of funds, prior to the expiration of each year of performance. USAID reserves the right not to exercise option years.

7. Technical Direction and Support

Technical direction under this purchase order will be provided by the COR, in the Human Resources Unit of the USAID/Zimbabwe Executive Office. They will provide support and liaison with the contractor, and provide direct feedback to the CO as appropriate regarding work completed in meeting contract deliverables.

The Contractor should understand that only the USAID/Zimbabwe Executive Officer (the CO) is the authorized official to make changes to the terms and conditions of the Contract. In the event that the Contractor believes that he/she is required to perform activities outside the approved contract, he/she shall immediately contact/inform the USAID/Zimbabwe Executive Officer before performing these tasks.

8. Government Furnished Equipment

USAID/Zimbabwe shall provide the following government furnished equipment in support of this contract:

• Furnished space on government leased property to support classrooms for instruction;

• When possible and upon availability, USAID may provide audio-visual equipment which will enhance the learning capabilities of attendees.

Government-furnished property shall not be removed from the compound without written permission from USAID/Zimbabwe.

9. Payment Terms

The contract type is a firm fixed price contract for services paid at the following hourly rates:

Year 1: [TBD at the time of PO award] Option Year 2: [TBD at the time of PO award] Option Year 3: [TBD at the time of PO award] Option Year 4: [TBD at the time of PO award] Option Year 5: [TBD at the time of PO award]

These rates include all costs associated with providing services (labor, fringe benefits, paid leave, insurance, equipment, overhead, and profit).

In addition, the contractor will be paid a fixed price for the first deliverable (Introduction to Zimbabwean language and culture guidebook): [price TBD at the time of PO award]

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

USAID will accept submissions of invoices each month. Payments will be processed within 15 days upon submission of the following items:

1. SF-1034 Public Voucher;

2. Time and Attendance sign-in sheets;

3. Progress report 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 each contract year.

10. 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

11. 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)).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_19

(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:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_23 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_4 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_8 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_11 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_39 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_244_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_253_1

(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).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_10 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-4#FAR_4_1403 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-2#FAR_2_101 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_20 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_35 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-22#FAR_22_1303 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_36 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-22#FAR_22_1408 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_37 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-22#FAR_22_1303 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_41 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-chapter67-front&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3

(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 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_55 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_41 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_62 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_41 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_5 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_11 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-23#FAR_23_804 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_12 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_15 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-23#FAR_23_204 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_20 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_1 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 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).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-2#FAR_2_101 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-19#FAR_19_502_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_226_6 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-26#FAR_26_404 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_33 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_34 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_247_64 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-47#FAR_47_504 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-9#FAR_9_405_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_211_17 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_247_29 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_247_34

(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 2: QUOTATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS FOR THE PREPARATION OF 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 Brian Murphy at bmurphy@usaid.gov and copy J. Zeb Simpson at jsimpson@usaid.gov no later than the date and time stated on the cover letter.

Separately from the quotation (and not included in the page limitation), offerors must sign the representations and certifications in Attachment 3 of this RFQ and attach them to their email submission.

PERSONNEL

The offeror shall identify at least one key personnel for this project but may propose more. The narrative must clearly describe the professional qualifications of the proposed key personnel. The key personnel must have demonstrated experience teaching Shona and on Zimbabwean cultural topics.

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, a signed letter of commitment from each candidate indicating his/her availability to serve in the stated position and for the stated term of service.

Offerors shall 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.

mailto:bmurphy@usaid.gov mailto:jsimpson@usaid.gov

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 shall discuss their proposed work schedule, including how they plan to deal with emergency requests. Offerors must describe how they will be available to conduct training or participate in meetings during the regular work day in Zimbabwe: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Central African Time (CAT), which is currently 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

B. EVALUATION CRITERIA

General USAID may, without discussion or negotiations, award 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 below. Therefore, quotations should contain the offeror’s best terms. USAID may reject any or all quotations, accept other than the lowest-priced quotation, and waive informalities and minor irregularities in quotations received.

Quotations will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth below.

USAID will use the following criteria, in descending order of importance, to evaluate quotations:

1. Past Performance: Extent to which the contractor demonstrates successful implementation of similar activities. Demonstrated experience with providing cultural and language services to U.S. citizens preferred.

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

3. Schedule: Extent to which the contractor demonstrates flexibility and ability to respond to Mission requests quickly and availability to participate in meetings and conduct training during the USAID/Zimbabwe regular work hours (7:30am-5:30pm CAT).

4. Price: Although weighted less heavily than the other factors, the offeror’s total price, including labor, administrative, supplies, and other costs, will be evaluated in determining the best value. Offeror must present fully loaded hourly rate for the estimated 480 hours of support in the first year of the contract. Offerors must indicate any escalation in the hourly rate for subsequent option years of the contract. Offerors must also provide a firm fixed price for the initial deliverable, “Introduction to Zimbabwean Language and Culture guidebook”

ATTACHMENT 3: 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)

FAR 52.204-8ANNUAL 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:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_7

(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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-13#FAR_Part_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_11 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_18 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_5 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_5 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_11

(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.)

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_214_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_215_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_22 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_38 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_4 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_22

(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:

__ (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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_1…