RevisedRequestforQuotations72068824Q00001PartnerLiaisonSecurityOperationforUSAID Mali.pdf

Solicitation Issuance Date: January 23, 2024 Closing Date and Time for Questions: January 30, 2024, 5 p.m. Bamako, Mali Time Closing Date for Additional Clarifications: February 13, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Bamako, Mali Time Solicitation Closing Date and Time: March 1, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Bamako, Mali Time

Subject: Request for Quotations (RFQ) No. 72068824Q00001 – Partner Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) for USAID Mali

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Agency for International Development Mission in Mali (USAID/Mali) is seeking quotations to implement the Partner Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) Contract as described in the attached Request for Quotations (RFQ). USAID anticipates awarding one Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order with a period of performance of five years (2 years Base Period plus 3 years Option Period). The estimated cost is approximately $2 million for the 2-year base period. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 561621. The authorized geographic code is 935.

This procurement will be conducted under full and open competition procedures, pursuant to Part 12 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Offerors should take into account the expected delivery time required by the quotation transmission method they choose, and they are responsible for ensuring quotations are received at USAID. Failure to comply with the submission date will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated. Faxed quotations are not acceptable, nor will they be reviewed or evaluated. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of the contract will not be binding.

This RFQ can be viewed and downloaded from https://sam.gov/. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. Further, be aware that amendments to solicitations are occasionally issued and will be posted on the same website from which you downloaded the solicitation. USAID advises to regularly check the above website for amendments.

Prospective Offerors must submit questions about this solicitation to bamakoaao@usaid.gov by the time and date indicated above. The subject line of the email must contain RFQ No. 72068824Q00001.

Issuance of this solicitation does not in any way obligate the U.S. Government to award a purchase order, nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of quotes.

Furthermore, the U.S Government reserves the right to reject any quote, if such action is considered not to be in the best interest of the Government. Specifically, USAID may reject any price quotation which is unreasonable and does not meet the requirements identified in the Statement of Work. Award of the Purchase Order under this RFQ is subject to the availability of funds and other internal USAID approvals.

Sincerely, Aaron Ruble Contracting Officer https://sam.gov/ mailto:bamakoaao@usaid.gov

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

1. STANDARD FORM (SF)-1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

PAGE 2 OF50

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

72068824Q00001

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

January 23, 2024

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/ LOCAL

TIME: March 1, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Bamako, Mali Time

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS ☒ UNRESTRICTED OR ☐ SET ASIDE: ____ % FOR:

Office of Acquisition and Assistance

USAID Mali

☐ SMALL BUSINESS ☐ WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

☐ HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

☐ (WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM NAICS:

☐ SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

☐ EDWOSB

☐ 8 (A) SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINAT-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

☐ SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS ☐ 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

☒ RFQ ☐ IFB ☐ RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFERER

TELEPHONE NO.

CODE FACILITY

CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

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

OFFER

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

BELOW IS CHECKED ☐ SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

☒ 27a.SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ☐ ARE ☐ ARE NOT ATTACHED

☒ 27b.CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ☐ ARE ☐ ARE NOT ATTACHED

☐ 28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN ____ COPIES

TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS

SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS

SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

☐ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _________________ OFFER DATED

____________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY

ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS

TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

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

30c. DATE SIGNED

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 02/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Computer Generated Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

☐ RECEIVED ☐ INSPECTED ☐ ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: _______________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

PARTIAL ☐

FINAL

☐ COMPLETE ☐ PARTIAL ☐ FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO.

39. S/R VOUCHER NO. 40. PAID BY

41.a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41C. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC’D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

2. CONTINUATION TO SF-1449

I. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

A. The purpose of this firm fixed price purchase order is to provide partner liaison security operations services between USAID Mali and its implementing partners, both Contractors and Recipients, and assist with monitoring critical security information and performing the full range of safety, security, and operational activities responsive to USAID Mali’s Implementing Partners (IPs) in accordance with Section 2.

B. The purchase order will be for a two-years base period plus three years option period commencing on the effective date of the purchase order.

C. The place of performance of this purchase order is Mali.

SECTION 2 - STATEMENT OF WORK

1. BACKGROUND

USAID/Mali manages the U.S. Government’s (USG) development and humanitarian assistance program in

Mali, one of the largest and most complex in the world. The Mission’s FY 2022 program development budget for Mali totals more than $148 million, including several Presidential Initiatives, and $90 million for humanitarian assistance programming in FY 2022. The Mission portfolio includes a broad range of peace, democracy and governance, education, health, economic growth, agriculture, environment, and humanitarian assistance activities implemented through more than 106 Implementing Partners (IPs) implementing approximately 85 activities throughout Mali.

The USG security rating for Mali as of July 2023 is currently on Level 4 “Do Not Travel” due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. The rating depicts the broad picture, but several events in the last few years have had a direct impact on the security environment in Mali, and the U.S. Mission as a whole. The U.S.

Department of State’s (DOS) Mali Travel Warning details the security incidents that have impacted Mali in recent years and emphasizes the security environment. The DOS Mali Travel Advisory can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mali-travel-advisory.html#:~:text=Mali%20%2D%20Level%204%3A%20Do%20Not%20Travel.

Thus, security is a concern for USAID’s IPs. While USAID’s relationship with its IPs dictates against providing prescriptive guidance on security or mandatory reporting by the IPs, the Mission is establishing the Partner

Liaison Security Office (PLSO) as a tool to enhance communication between USAID and its IPs regarding security information to help IPs better manage and mitigate their respective security concerns. The PLSO efforts will assist in more effective delivery of USG-funded assistance, as it will enhance the IPs’ ability to stay abreast of security concerns and better secure their operations so that IPs can more aptly perform and advance development objectives under their respective agreements.

2. CONTRACTOR LOCATION OF POSITION

This contractor will be located in Bamako, Mali. However, the Contractor will provide security support to

IPs operating throughout eight regions of Mali and one capital district. The targeted regions are Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Ségou, Sikasso, Timbuktu, and Bamako, the capital district. Targeted regions are subject to change over the course of the program activity as needs and priorities may change.

The Contractor will be required to travel to program activity implementation sites in the country as the need arises. It should be noted that at any given time, security may impact programs in various regions throughout Mali. Although the U.S. Embassy Government personnel are restricted from traveling outside of Bamako, this restriction does not apply to IPs. Thus, the Contractor will provide support throughout

Mali as the need arises despite the ever-changing security environment. The Contractor selected to implement this Activity will be located outside of the U.S. Embassy Compound.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mali-travel-advisory.html#:~:text=Mali%20%2D%20Level%204%3A%20Do%20Not%20Travel https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mali-travel-advisory.html#:~:text=Mali%20%2D%20Level%204%3A%20Do%20Not%20Travel

3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The basic function of the PLSO is to act as a liaison to and facilitate communications between USAID IPs operating in Mali in order to enable the IPs to better use and share publicly available security information so that the IPs are better informed about their own security. This will entail proactive engagement including meetings, site visits, and written communications. The PLSO will also provide liaison services between USAID staff and their implementing partners, both Contractors and Recipients, and assist with monitoring critical security information and performing the full range of safety, security, and operational activities responsive to USAID IPs. The PLSO will be responsible of the following tasks:

1. Operations

● Serve as the primary point of contact between USAID/Mali and their implementing partners on matters relating to security.

● Develop personal networks and contacts to support operations. Maintain close coordination with other agencies as they have operational impact on USAID projects.

● Facilitate the flow of security-related information between the Regional Security Office (RSO) and

USAID partners.

● Evaluate the safety and security requirements, both current and projected, and develop personnel and organizational strategy options, with recommendations, to support the Mali Mission.

● Develop a systemic plan that minimizes personnel shortfall in implementing the USAID Safety and Security Plan.

● Collect and review current plans from implementing partners, Contractors and Recipients. Assist implementing partners in the creation of their security plans and training.

● Assist Mission staff in reviewing the Security Plans/Amended Security Plans submitted by the IPs based on their evaluation of the current security situation in Mali.

● PLSO staff, or a combination of staff, should be fluent in English, French and local languages.

● PLSO’s persons of contact PoC(s) must be able to receive calls and communicate in case of emergency or unexpected situations.

● PLSO must maintain back-up access to communications and power to operate in case of emergency or limitations in communication or power networks.

2. Security Assistance, Monitoring, and Management

● Provide contextual analysis of the various areas for implementing partners, USAID, and the U.S.

Embassy.

● Provide an overarching mosaic of the country, to include the political, security, economic, and social, humanitarian, and historical contexts.

● Provide reporting and analysis on local, regional, and international incidents affecting partner or

USAID operations.

● Provide guidance to implementing partners regarding security upgrades, security-related contract modifications, and necessary funding for security upgrades in coordination with the Contracting Officer Representative.

● Establish and maintain a formal online community among implementing partners to support the exchange of pertinent security-related information.

● Develop and maintain a bulk SMS text message notification system to communicate with implementing partners.

● Hold regular meetings with IPs to focus on security issues affecting their community.

● Develop a Safety Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) training program for implementing partners.

● Advise on evacuation plans for USAID personnel, and reviewing similar plans of the IPs to ensure they stay up to date. Maintain file copies of all IP security and evacuation plans.

● Draft and distribute weekly security communiqués to USAID staff, USAID’s Office of Security in Washington, DC (SEC/W), and IPs.

● Communications with Senior ranking Gov, Non-Gov Security Officials, Provincial leaders, Government officials, Police Chiefs, senior military officers and various senior US officials on concerns and threats toward US and US related entities.

● Provide input to the COR for the weekly activity reports reflecting IP reported safety and security incidents.

● Provide input to the USAID Point of Contact for this contract or his/her alternate for the weekly activity report containing pertinent information regarding support provided to IPs and any security-related issues or concerns communicated by IPs.

● Serve as a liaison with USAID IPs, UN Agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Host Government Entities, international donor organizations, and other entities, as needed.

● Conduct site visits on a quarterly basis with IPs, UN agencies, NGOs, Host Government Entities, international donor organizations, and other entities to address any security concerns and obtain security-related information as it pertains to USAID IPs and projects.

● Draft and submit detailed reports based on all site visits. Reports will be submitted within three working days of each visit.

● Maintain a current database of key personnel (Contractors, USAID Chiefs of Party, Deputy Chiefs of Party, and Security Managers) of USAID partners. This database will include contact information and the location of project sites.

● Produce Mali region-specific security reports and analyses on a weekly basis.

● Encourage and assist IPs with the documentation and reporting of security incidents to the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) and or USAID/SEC, as needed, and develop (or adopt) a template for IPs to use for incident reporting.

● Ensure that all IPs’ U.S. Nationals and their dependents are registered with the U.S. Embassy Bamako.

3.Training and Briefing

● Meet, visit, and coordinate with existing and newly arrived IPs to provide security briefings.

● Upon coordination with numerous contacts, sharing, analyzing, and disseminating timely and significant security related information/incidents to IPs.

● Attend/represent USAID PLSO at IP meetings within and outside of Mali.

● Provide technical security expertise to IPs based on subject-matter-expert contact information to help ensure the implementation of successful USAID funded programs in high-risk environments.

● Disseminate weekly updates to the IP and USAID staff on the challenges, lessons learned and recommendations for enhancing the safety and security of the IPs.

● Assess needs and develop training programs for field operations in a high-risk insecure environment for USAID staff and the staff of USAID-funded implementing partners and contractors. Research, organize and provide references and guidelines for effective standard operating procedures for USAID employees operating throughout Mali. Also, assist partners in identifying needs and issues relevant to their safety and security.

● Attend and participate in training sessions with USAID/SEC.

4. SECURITY INFORMATION

(A) Type of Security Information

The term “security information” as used in this solicitation shall mean information related to security which is hostile or threat-related in nature received from implementing partners or their subcontractors collected at the volition of the IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. The security information is publicly available which means it is only unclassified and open-source information. The security information shall not be independently verified by the Contractor and is not considered comprehensive of the security environment. The security information represents the security situation collected at the time of the incident report but does not embody the complete threat environment as it evolves.

(B) Use of Security Information

The security information is designed to provide IPs, USAID, and the U.S. Embassy Bamako RSO Team with potentially useful information regarding the security environment in Mali. Each IP will decide how it utilizes or does not utilize the security information to effectively manage its risk profile. The security information is intended for informational purposes only and decisions regarding security of facilities, personnel and travel should be based on Department of State travel advisories, OSAC advisories, or other

'authorities' guidance.

(C) Disclosure of Security Information Reported by Implementing Partners

The source of the security information shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the Contracting

Officer’s and Agreement Officer's Representatives (CORs/AORs), Contracting/Agreement Officer (CO/AO), and RSO, as appropriate, in order to protect the privacy of the IPs’ locations, business purpose, operations, and other proprietary information. To further protect the privacy of the IPs, the Contractor shall not investigate the validity of the security information reported by IPs. Though the source of the security information is protected, the actual underlying security information is unclassified and open-source information; thus, there is no restriction on its disclosure.

(D) Method of Collecting Security Information

The Contractor will only provide security support at the request of the IP. The Contractor will collect information through voluntary reporting by USAID IPs and information from security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. IPs will be made aware of the PLSO mechanism and can utilize it as it is relevant to their internal security procedures and protocols. IPs will not be required but will be encouraged to report security incidents or mandatorily opt-in to the system. The Contractor will utilize and disseminate security information provided by the IP, as well as security databases, systems, and other relevant sources. The Contractor will not actively monitor IP movements or activities through the country in order to obtain information. IPs are encouraged to use the security information provided by the

Contractor and conduct their own research of the continuously evolving threat environments in which they operate.

(E) Disclaimer on all Security Information and Communications

The Contractor must include disclaimers on all security information and communications that state that all information provided is open-source, non-prescriptive in nature, and to be used at the IP’s discretion.

Please refer to H.22 – REQUIRED SECURITY DISCLAIMER LANGUAGE FOR ALL INFORMATION for exact disclaimer language.

5. TRAVEL

Travel to IP activity sites is required under the contract. Currently, there are approximately 106 partners implementing approximately 75 activities in Mali on behalf of USAID/Mali. Travel will be required for training, briefings, site visits, and responses to security incidents. USAID is unable to identify how many security incidents will happen per year for budgeting purposes. The Contractor should propose a budget which includes all estimated travel costs for up to at least 75 activities over the contract period of performance.

6. KEY PERSONNEL

There is one (1) key personnel position that is critical to the achievement of contract results: the

Operations Manager. In the main body of the proposal, Offerors must identify and describe the candidate for the Key Personnel position, describe the proposed individuals’ qualifications and suitability for the position and include a summary of the position description. The Operations Manager must have demonstrated experience leading safety and security initiatives for a minimum of 5 years in security related coverage areas such as physical security, personnel security, cybersecurity, security awareness training and/or performing assessments of vulnerabilities. The Operation Manager should have significant high-level experience on similar security requirements as required by this Contract in Mali

The Operations Manager will serve as the Contractor’s senior officer and who will be responsible for the efficient and effective management of all aspects of the operation. This position will oversee all security, risk management, risk mitigation, analytical, and field activities.

The contractor must provide the above minimum requirements for the positions, as well as general roles and responsibilities. Key personnel must have the requisite skill set to implement the approach set forth in Section C, achieve results, and coordinate and cooperate with a wide range of stakeholders.

a. The Key personnel is considered essential to the work being performed under this contract.

Each key person will be under the direct supervision of the prime Contractor (not under a subcontractor), unless otherwise approved by the USAID Point of Contact for this contract or his/her alternate.

b. Failure to provide key personnel may be considered nonperformance unless such failure is beyond the control of the Contractor, and through no fault or negligence of the Contractor.

c. The Contractor must immediately notify the CO and the USAID Point of Contact for this contract or his/her alternate of any key personnel’s departure and the reasons therefore at a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance of the employee’s departure. The Contractor must promptly propose a replacement for each vacated position. Any proposed replacement for the key personnel must possess qualifications at least comparable to those qualifications of the proposed key personnel included in the Contractor’s final proposal.

d. The Contractor must not replace the key personnel without the prior written approval of the

COR.

e. USAID reserves the right to adjust the number of key personnel during the performance of this contract.

7. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The Contractor must have a detailed management plan which defines its proposed organizational structure, including the proposed lines of responsibility, authority, communication, and reporting between USAID/Mali and the Offeror, between Offeror’s headquarters and field team, key personnel, and other team members. The structure proposed should take into account the best organization and staffing mix and must clearly define duties to enable effective execution of the objectives and deliverables. The

Management Plan must include an organizational chart that identifies the proposed staff members, with, both, the key and non-key personnel.

8. STAFFING PLAN

The staffing pattern proposed must provide an adequate skill mix to meet the needs for implementation and management of the contract. This staffing plan must clearly show the ability to have multiple staffing resources available for simultaneous efforts. The staffing plan should outline qualifications, experience, language abilities, and appropriateness of the professionals available to the team.

9. REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Contractor reports solely to USAID/Mali in Bamako. The Contractor has a legal and direct relationship with USAID/Mali, as such all communications under this Contract will go through USAID/Mali. Since the

IPs are not under Chief of Mission authority, the IPs are not required to report to or through the RSO, and reciprocally, RSO has no responsibility to manage or direct them.

However, the Contractor is expected to work independently carrying out assigned responsibilities and duties at USAID/Mali’s request:

● Authority to Make Commitments: No authority to make fiscal commitments; full authority vetted through the supervising office to make recommendations pertaining to safety and security conditions and responses.

● Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are with U.S. Embassy personnel up to the highest levels; USAID/Mali personnel; USAID/Washington personnel; USAID IPs; UN personnel; and GoM officials.

● IP Solicitation: The Contractor cannot solicit outside business from USAID IPs. All contact with

USAID IPs must fall within the scope of work.

10. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY

The Contractor must have proven experience in working on security matters in Mali and/or the Sahel and demonstrated capability of effectively implementing security procedures and policies required by clients.

The Contractor must also have ready access to databases, systems, and other relevant information which will allow the Contractor the ability to analyze, assess and report on security information, as applicable to

USAID/Mali IPs operating in Mali. These systems must have in place mechanisms which protect security information provided to the Contractor. The Contractor must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to IPs and the USAID/Mali.

11. LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all logistical support in the USAID/Mali geographical area and worldwide to meet the terms and conditions of the contract. These shall include but are not limited to all support for database and systems, travel arrangements, communications, appointment scheduling, administrative services, report preparation services, printing, and duplicating.

[END OF SECTION 2]

SECTION 3 – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES—FIXED PRICE AUG 1996

2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs shall take place at USAID/Mali or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted.

USAID/Mali C/o US Embassy Bamako ACI 2000 Rue 297, Porte 243 Bamako, Mali

The USAID Point of Contact for this contract or his/her alternate has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports, and deliverables required by the contract.

[END OF SECTION 3]

http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html

SECTION 4– CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. CONTRACTING OFFICER

The USAID/Mali team shall provide technical oversight to the Contractor through the designated USAID Point of Contact for this contract or his/her alternate.

Contracting Officer Address:

USAID/Mali Office of Acquisition and Assistance C/o American Embassy Rue 243 Porte 297 Bamako, Mali Email: bamakoaao@usaid.gov

2. CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

The Contractor’s primary point of contact is TBD and can be reached at (email address to be TBD).

3. AIDAR 752.7003 – DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

1) Claims for reimbursement or payment under this contract must be submitted to the Paying Office indicated in the schedule of this Contract. The TOCOR is the authorized representative of the Government to approve vouchers under this Contract. The Contractor must submit electronic versions of the SF-1034 – Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other Than Personal. Each voucher shall be identified by the appropriate USAID Contract number, in the amount of dollar expenditures made during the period covered.

● The SF 1034 provides space to report by line item for products or services provided. The form provides for the information to be reported with the following elements:

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

[Document Number: XXX-X-XX-XXXX-XX]

Line item No.

Description Amount Vouchered to Date

Amount Vouchered this Period

001 Product/Service Description for Line Item

$XXXXX.XX $XXXXX.XX

002 Product/Service Description for Line Item

$XXXXX.XX $XXXXX.XX

Total $XXXXX.XX $XXXXX.XX mailto:bamakoaao@usaid.gov

● The fiscal report shall include the following certification signed by an authorized representative of the Contractor:

The undersigned hereby certifies to the best of my knowledge and belief that the fiscal report and any attachments have been prepared from the books and records of the Contractor in accordance with the terms of this Contract and are correct: the sum claimed under this contract is proper and due, and all the costs of Contract performance (except as herewith reported in writing) have been paid, or to the extent allowed under the applicable payment clause, will be paid currently by the Contractor when due in the ordinary course of business; the work reflected by these costs has been performed, and the quantities and amounts involved are consistent with the requirements of this Contract; all required Contracting Officer approvals have been obtained; and appropriate refund to USAID will be made promptly upon request in the event of disallowance of costs not reimbursable under the terms of this Contract.

BY:

TITLE:

DATE:

2) Local currency payment. The Contractor is fully responsible for the proper expenditure and control of local currency, if any, provided under this Contract. Local currency will be provided to the Contractor in accordance with written instructions provided by the Mission Director. The written instructions will also include accounting, vouchering, and reporting procedures. A copy of the instructions shall be provided to the Contractor's Chief of Party and to the Contracting Officer.

The costs of bonding personnel responsible for local currency are reimbursable under this Contract.

3) Upon compliance by the Contractor with all the provisions of this Contract, acceptance by the

Government of the work and final report, and a satisfactory accounting by the Contractor of all Government-owned property for which the Contractor had custodial responsibility, the Government shall promptly pay to the Contractor any moneys (dollars or local currency) due under the completion voucher. The Government will make suitable reduction for any disallowance or indebtedness by the Contractor by applying the proceeds of the voucher first to such deductions and next to any unliquidated balance of advance remaining under this contract.

4) The Contractor agrees that all approvals of the Mission Director and the Contracting Officer which are required by the provisions of this contract shall be preserved and made available as part of the Contractor's records which are required to be presented and made available by the clause of this contract entitled “Audit and Records – Negotiation.”

4. PAYING OFFICE

The Contractor must submit invoices to the payment office indicated below:

Office of Financial Management USAID/Mali, B.P. 34 Bamako, Mali

Electronic copies of invoice must be sent to bamakovoucher@usaid.gov with a copy to the Designated USAID Point of Contact for this contract or his/her alternate’s email address.

● Send via email; one invoice, all other required supporting documents, and SF-1034 Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other Than Personal.

● The SF-1034 must be signed.

● The invoice must provide the bank account details, including the bank account number, the bank name and address, the SWIFT Code and the ABA number.

5. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

Budget Fiscal: TBD Operating Unit: TBD Strategic Objective: TBD Team/Division: TBD Benefiting Geo Area: TBD Expanded Object Class Code (EOCC): TBD Amount Obligated: TBD

6. CONTRACTOR'S PAYMENT ADDRESS

[TBD]

[END OF SECTION 4]

mailto:bamakovoucher@usaid.gov

SECTION 5 - CONTRACT CLAUSES

1. NOTICE LISTING CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation

Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE" in Section 5 of this contract. See http://www.arnet.gov/far/ for electronic access to the full text of FAR clauses.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.202-1 DEFINITIONS JUN 2020

52.203-3 GRATUITIES APR 1984

52.203-6 RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT JUN 2020

52.203-6 ALTERNATE 1 NOV 2021

52.203-12 LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL

TRANSACTIONS JUN 2020

52.203-16 PREVENTING PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS JUN 2020

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND

REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS NOV 2023

52.203-19 PROHIBITION ON REQUIRING CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY

AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS JAN 2017

52.204-10 REPORTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND FIRST-TIER

SUBCONTRACT AWARDS JUN 2020

52.204-14 SERVICE CONTRACT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OCT 2016

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE AUG 2020

52.204-23 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND

SERVICES DEVELOPED OR PROVIDED BY KASPERSKY LAB COVERED

ENTITIES DEC 2023

52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT NOV 2021

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION JUN 2023

52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING

WITH CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, OR PROPOSED FOR

DEBARMENT NOV 2021

52.209-9 UPDATES OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING

RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS OCT 2018

52.209-10 PROHIBITION OF CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC

CORPORATIONS NOV 2015

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS NOV 2023

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES DEC 2023

http://www.arnet.gov/far/

52.222-3 CONVICT LABOR JUN 2003

52.222-19 CHILD LABOR-COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES AND REMEDIES NOV 2023

52.222-21 PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES APR 2015

52.222-26 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SEP 2016

52.222-40 NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UNDER THE NATIONAL

LABOR RELATIONS ACT DEC 2010

52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS NOV 2021

ALTERNATE 1 MAR 2015

52.223-18 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING

WHILE DRIVING JUN 2020

52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES FEB 2021

52.228-3 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) JUL 2014

52.229-6 TAXES-FOREIGN FIXED-PRICE CONTRACTS FEB 2013

52.229-12 TAXES ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS FEB 2021

52.232-29 TERMS FOR FINANCING OF PURCHASES OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES NOV 2021

52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER-SYSTEM FOR

AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2018

52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS JUN 2013

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS MAR 2023

52.233-3 PROTEST AFTER AWARD AUG 1996

52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM OCT 2004

52.242-2 PRODUCTION PROGRESS REPORT APR 1991

52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY JUL 1995

52.243-7 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES JAN 2017

52.245-9 USE AND CHARGES APR 2012

52.246-20 WARRANTY OF SERVICES MAY 2001

52.246-25 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY—SERVICES FEB 1997

52.247-63 PREFERENCE FOR U.S.-FLAG AIR CARRIERS JUN 2003

52.247-64 PREFERENCE FOR PRIVATELY OWNED U.S.-FLAG COMMERCIAL

VESSELS FEB 2006

52.249-2 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT

(FIXED-PRICE) APR 2012

52.249-8 DEFAULT (FIXED-PRICE SUPPLY AND SERVICE) APR 1984

AIDAR CLAUSES (48 CFR Chapter 7)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

752.202-1 DEFINITIONS JAN 1990

752.209-71 DISCOVERED AFTER AWARD JUN 1993

752.211-70 LANGUAGE AND MEASUREMENT JUN 1992

752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT)

[(DEVIATION JUN 2022)] DEC 1991

752.228-70 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES JUL 2007

752.229-71 REPORTING ON FOREIGN TAXES JUL 2007

752.231-72 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS

[DEVIATION APR 2020] AUG 2013

752.245-71 TITLE TO AND CARE OF PROPERTY APR 1984

752.247-70 PREFERENCE FOR PRIVATELY OWNED U.S.-FLAG COMMERCIAL VESSELS OCT 1996

752.7019 PARTICIPANT TRAINING JAN 1999

752.7025 APPROVALS APR 1984

752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS APR 2014

2. CLAUSES INSERTED IN FULL TEXT

52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within the performance period of the contract.

(End of clause)

52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within the performance period of the contract or within 30 days after funds for the option year become available, whichever is later.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed five years.

(End of clause)

52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984)

Funds are not presently available for performance under this contract beyond September 30 of the current calendar year. The Government's obligation for performance of this contract beyond that date is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise for performance under this contract beyond September 30 of the current calendar year, until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for performance and until the Contractor receives notice of availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(End of clause)

[END OF SECTION 5]

SECTION 6 - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

(MAR 2023) IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (SEE SF-1449, BLOCK 27A)

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1

1. SUMMARY OF INTRUCTIONS

Each offer must consist of the following:

1.1. A completed solicitation, in which the SF-1449 cover page (blocks 12, 17, 19-24, and 30 as appropriate), and providing the following:

a) Technical Proposal that includes:

1. A brief narrative statement (not to exceed ten pages in a readable font size, using only 8.5 by

11 inches (Letter) or 8.27 by 11.69 inches (A4) size paper type). The narrative must summarize the proposed approach and provide the description of the tasks to be performed.

2. The resume for the key personnel.

b) A Price Quotation that includes:

1. A detailed budget in Microsoft Excel format

2. A narrative providing assumptions made to come with the proposed price. The narrative will also provide the labor categories/daily rates and Level of Effort (LoE) for each.

The Offeror shall include Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance premium costs covering employees. The offeror may obtain DBA insurance directly from any Department of Labor approved providers at the DOL website at http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm ]

1.2. Information demonstrating the offeror’s/quoter’s ability to perform, including:

(1) Name of the Operations Manager and his/her resume.

(2) Evidence that the offeror/quoter operates an established business with a permanent address and telephone listing or plans to establish an office within 90 days of contract award.

(3) The offeror shall provide proof of SAM registration to include the SAM UEI number.

1.3. List of clients over the past three years, demonstrating prior experience with relevant past performance information and references (provide dates of contracts, places of performance, value of contracts, contact names, telephone and fax numbers and email addresses). The offeror shall provide its international experience for performing comparable services in a complex environment. Offerors are advised that the past performance information requested above may be discussed with the client’s contact person. In addition, the client’s contact person may be asked to comment on the offeror’s:

● Quality of services provided under the contract.

● Compliance with contract terms and conditions.

http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm

● Effectiveness of management.

● Willingness to cooperate with and assist the customer in routine matters, and when confronted by unexpected difficulties; and

● Business integrity / business conduct.

The Government will use past performance information primarily to assess an offeror’s capability to meet the solicitation performance requirements, including the relevance and successful performance of the offeror’s work experience. The Government may also use this data to evaluate the credibility of the offeror’s proposal. In addition, the Contracting Officer may use past performance information in making a determination of responsibility.

1.4. Evidence that the offeror/quoter can provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and financial resources needed to perform the work.

1.5. The offeror shall address its plan to obtain all licenses and permits required by local law. If the offeror already possesses the locally required licenses and permits, a copy shall be provided.

1.6. The offeror’s strategic plan for partner liaison security operations services to include but not limited to:

(a) A work plan taking into account all work elements in Section 1, Performance Work Statement.

(b) Identify types and quantities of equipment, supplies and materials required for performance of services under this contract. Identify if the offeror already possesses the listed items and their condition for suitability and if not already possessed or inadequate for use how and when the items will be obtained.

(c) Plan of ensuring quality of services including but not limited to contract administration and oversight; and

(d) (1) If insurance is required by the solicitation, a copy of the Certificate of Insurance(s), or (2) a statement that the contractor will get the required insurance, and the name of the insurance provider to be used.

2. ADDENDUM TO SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

FAR PROVISIONS NOT PRESCRIBED IN PART 12

52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions 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. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current

FAR.

THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION SOLICITATION PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE:

PROVISION TITLE DATE

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2018

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING AUG 2020

52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS OCT 2018

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES SEP 2023

52.214-34 SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE APR 1991

[END OF SECTION 6]

https://acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://gov.ecfr.io/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d9a7851186785ba2b1896db79b1b6b29&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title48/48tab_02.tpl https://gov.ecfr.io/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d9a7851186785ba2b1896db79b1b6b29&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title48/48tab_02.tpl

SECTION 7 - EVALUATION FACTORS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

● Award will be made to the responsible quoter (s) whose quotation represents the best value to the

U.S Government considering the technical merit and the proposed price. The quoter shall submit a completed solicitation, including Sections 1 and 8.

● The Government reserves the right to reject proposals that are unreasonably low or high in price.

● The Government will determine acceptability by assessing the offeror's compliance with the terms of the RFQ to include the technical information required by Section 2.

● The Government will determine contractor responsibility by analyzing whether the apparent successful offeror complies with the requirements of FAR 9.1, including:

● Adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain them.

● Ability to comply with the required performance period, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments.

● Satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

● Necessary organization, experience, and skills or the ability to obtain them.

● Necessary equipment and facilities or the ability to obtain them; and

● Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

2. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Technical proposals will be evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Committee using the following criteria:

A. Technical Approach

The extent to which:

● The proposed technical approach addresses the requirements in the Statement of Work and describes a clear understanding of the challenges and proposes a creative and feasible strategy to address them.

● The narrative demonstrates innovative approaches and solutions in addressing the requirements in Section 2.

B. Management Approach and Key Personnel

The extent to which:

● The Offeror’s management approach and staffing, specifically key personnel position that is critical to the achievement of contract results: the Operations Manager, is clear and responsive to the requirements of the RFQ. The Management approach should explain how the Offeror will be organized to respond to the requirements, adaptation to changing needs, demonstration of the capacity and flexibility of home office technical and management support with description of support roles and responsibilities as well as the mechanisms for engaging and recruiting qualified personnel and experts.

● The Offeror proposes the candidate for the key personnel position that meets or exceeds the stated qualifications under Section 2 6).

● The proposal includes a plan to mobilize within 90 days after the contract's signature.

C. Past Performance

a. Performance information will be used for both the responsibility determination and best value decision.

USAID may use performance information obtained from other than the sources identified by the offeror/subcontractor. USAID will utilize existing databases of contractor performance information and may solicit additional information from the references provided in this RFQ and from other sources if and when the Contracting Officer finds the existing databases to be insufficient for evaluating an offeror’s performance.

b. Adverse past performance information to which the offeror has not previously had an opportunity to respond will be addressed by the Contracting Officer.

c. USAID will initially determine the relevance of similar performance information as a predictor of probable performance under the subject requirement. USAID may give more weight to performance information that is considered more relevant and/or more current.

d. The past performance information will be reviewed and given an overall adjectival score based on all information collected and the relevancy of that information.

e. An offeror’s performance will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably when:

(1) The offeror lacks relevant performance history,

(2) Information on performance is not available, or

(3) The offeror is a member of a class of offerors where there is provision not to rate the class against a sub factor.

When this occurs, an offeror lacking relevant performance history is assigned a "neutral" rating.

3. COST/PRICE EVALUATION

The cost/price evaluation will be based upon the cost proposal and the supporting narrative provided by the Offeror. USAID will evaluate the proposed costs to determine if they are fair and reasonable using proposal analysis techniques The evaluation of cost will include a determination of cost realism, completeness, and reasonableness.