Sol_72011121R00002.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Tel: (374-10) 464-700 1 American Avenue Fax: (374-10) 464-728 375082 Yerevan, Armenia

Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: 72011121R00002 Issue Date: August 9, 2021 Questions Due: August 23, 2021 at 5pm, Yerevan local time Closing Date: September 27, 2021 at 5pm, Yerevan local time

Subject: Request for Proposal (RFP) # No. 72011121R00002 “Armenia Improved Water

Management for Sustainable Economic Growth Program”

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Agency Mission for International Development in Armenia (USAID/Armenia), is seeking proposals from qualified companies and organizations interested in implementing the “Armenia Improved Water Management for Sustainable Economic Growth Program” as described in this solicitation.

Any questions regarding the RFP’s requirements must be submitted to Mr. Armen Yeghiazarian and Ms. Narine Sarksisian via e-mail at ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov and nsarkisian@usaid.gov no later than 17:00 hours Yerevan time, August 23, 2021.

Subject to availability of funds, USAID contemplates award of a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract for a period of five (5) years from the date of award. The total estimated value of the award is $8 million - $9 million, including Base and Options 1 and 2.

Proposals must be received electronically on or before the closing date stipulated above to provide the services and deliverables specified in the below RFP. Proposals must be sent via e-mail attachments to ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov and nsarkisian@usaid.gov by the closing date and must conform to all requirements outlined in Section L.

Any amendments to this solicitation will be issued and posted on the FedBizOpps website (www.fbo.gov) along with the RFP. Offerors are encouraged to check the website periodically. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure that solicitation or any amendments to it has been received from Internet in its entirety and USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. Oral instructions, answers or guidance from any USAID source prior to the award of the contract shall not be binding. More details regarding proposal submission please see in Section L of this RFP.

This request in no way obligates the USAID to award a contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of your proposal. We look forward to receiving and reviewing your proposals.

Sincerely, /S/

Robert Claussen Regional Contracting Officer USAID/Armenia mailto:ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov mailto:nsarkisian@usaid.gov mailto:ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov mailto:nsarkisian@usaid.gov

72011121R00002

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

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

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

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 399

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

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

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

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

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

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

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

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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

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

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

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

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

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

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

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

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

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

REQ-111-21-00001408/09/2021

X

720111

USAID/Armenia 00000

1700 D 09/27/2021

Armen Yeghiazarian +37 66 ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov

410-4944

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

PAGE(S)

Robert Claussen

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

B-1

C-1 D-1 E-1 F-1 G-1 H-1

I-1

J-1

K-1

L-1

M-1

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____270_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 399

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

72011121R00002

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

Delivery: 01/31/2027

Delivery Location Code: USAID/ARMENIA

USAID/Yerevan

1 American Avenue

Yerevan 0082, Armenia

Period of Performance: 04/01/2022 to 03/31/2027

0001 Armenia Improved Water Management for Sustainable

Economic Growth

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

Contents

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES ..................................................................................................B-1 B.1 PURPOSE ..........................................................................................................................................B-1 B.2 CONTRACT TYPE...........................................................................................................................B-1 B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT...........................................B-1 B.4 BUDGET ............................................................................................................................................B-2 B.5 INDIRECT COSTS ...........................................................................................................................B-2

B.6 ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING ON CEILING INDIRECT COST RATES AND FINAL

REIMBURSEMENT FOR INDIRECT COSTS ............................................................................B-2 B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE ............................................................................................................B-3 B.8 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT AND CANCELLATION CEILING .............................................B-3

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK...................................................C-1 C.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................C-1 C.2 BACKGROUND................................................................................................................................................C-1 C.3 SCOPE OF WORK ...........................................................................................................................................C-3 C.4 DETAILED WORK REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................C-3 C.5 TECHNICAL GUIDELINES AND CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................C-7

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING.........................................................................................................D-1 D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993).......................................................................................................D-1 D.2 MARKING AND BRANDING STRATEGY..................................................................................................D-1 D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY AND MARKING PLAN......................................................................................D-1 D.4 BRANDING STRATEGY ................................................................................................................................D-2 D.5 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (BIP) AND MARKING PLAN (MP) .....................................D-2

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE..................................................................................................E-1 E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE...............................E-1 E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE ..............................................................................................................E-1

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE .................................................................................................F-1 F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE...............................F-1 F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE .......................................................................................................................F-1 F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE .........................................................................................................................F-1 F.4 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK.......................................................................................................................F-1 F.5 AIDAR 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCT 2007) ........................................................F-1 F.6 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS......................................................................................F-2 F.7 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.....................................................................................................................F-6 F.8 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION ..................................................................................................................F-7

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA........................................................................................G-1 G.1 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)......................................................G-1 G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE .........................................................................................G-2 G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY ..............................................................................................G-2 G.4 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)......................................................................G-2 G.5 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID.................................................................G-3 G.6 PAYING OFFICE .............................................................................................................................................G-4 G.7 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT ...............................................................................G-4

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................H-1 H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE ..............................H-1 H.2. AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012) .............................H-1 H.3 AIDAR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JUL 1997) ............................................H-2

SOL #72011121R00002

H.4 AIDAR 752.7005, SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

DOCUMENTS (SEP 2013) ...............................................................................................................................H-2

H.5 INSURANCE AND SERVICES.......................................................................................................................H-3 H.6 752.228-70 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (JULY 2007)......................................H-5 H.7 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE ........................................................................................................H-5 H.8 LANGUAGE OF REPORTS AND OTHER OUTPUTS ..............................................................................H-5 H.9 752.7034 ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND DISCLAIMER (DEC 1991) .........................................................H-6 H.10 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING (FEB 2002).........................................................H-6

H.11 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

(JUNE 2012) .......................................................................................................................................................H-6 H.12 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007) .....................................................................................H-7 H.13 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DECEMBER 2004) .....................................................H-7 H.14 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST .....................................................................................H-8 H.15 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST..........................................................................................................................H-8

H.16 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

(APR 2014) .........................................................................................................................................................H-9 H.17 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE..........................................................................................................H-10 H.18 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION............................................................................................................H-11 H.19 BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL ........................................................................................................................H-12 H.20 NEWS RELEASE............................................................................................................................................H-12 H.21 TITLE TO PROPERTY .................................................................................................................................H-12 H.22 PRESS RELATIONS ......................................................................................................................................H-12 H.23 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUNE 2012)........................................................................................................H-12 H.24 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (AUG 2013)...............................................................H-13 H.25 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013) .........................................H-14

H.26 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR ACQUISITION

(JULY 2014) .....................................................................................................................................................H-15

H.27 SUBMISSIONOF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATALIBRARY (DDL)

(OCTOBER 2014) ...........................................................................................................................................H-16 H.28 PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION (OCT 2011)...................................................................H-17

H.29 PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS TO PROMOTE, SUPPORT, OR ADVOCATE

THE LEGALIZATION OR PRACTICE OF PROSTITUTION– TIP ACQUISITION (MAY 2007) ...H-17

H.30 USAID IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

AND FEDERAL ACQUISITION CIRCULAR (FAC) 97-27 "ELECTRONIC AND

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY...............................................................................H-18

H.31 CONTRACTOR’S PERSONNEL INTEGRITY IN FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ......................................H-18 H.32 THIRD COUNTRY TRAINING ...................................................................................................................H-18

H.33 52.203-99, PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN

INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS (DEVIATION 2015-02) ........................................H-18 H.34 LOGISTIC SUPPORT....................................................................................................................................H-18 H.35 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACTS ...............................................................................................................H-19

H.36 CONTRACTOR’S USE OF PROJECT VEHICLES AND LIABILITY INSURANCE

REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES..................................................................H-19

H.37 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES...................................................................................................................................................H-19 H.38 FRAUD REPORTING....................................................................................................................................H-20 H.39 FACILITIES USED FOR RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES...............................................................................H-20

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES...............................................................................................................................I-1 SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES.........................................................................................................................I-1 I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE................................I-1 I.2 52.204-5 WOMEN – OWNED BUSINESS (OTHER THAN SMALL BUSINESS).....................................I-4

I.3 52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (AUG 2020)............................................I-4

I.4 52.209-9 UPDATES OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING

RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) ..................................................................................................I-7 I.5 52.216-24 LIMITATION OF GOVERNMENT LIABILITY (APR 1984)....................................................I-8

I.6 52.219-9 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (JUN 2020) .....................................................I-8 I.7 52.222-2 PAYMENT FOR OVERTIME PREMIUMS (JUL 1990) .............................................................I-20 I.8 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (JUN 2020)..........................................................I-21 I.9 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES.......................................I-21 I.10 52.229-8 TAXES – FOREIGN COST REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS (MAR 1990)........................I-21 I.11 52.243-7 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES (JAN 2017) ...............................................................................I-22 I.12 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS FOR AUDIT (FEB 2006) ..............I-24 I.13 752.219-70 USAID MENTOR- PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM (JUL 2007)..........................................................I-24 I.14 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY - USAID REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. (OCT 2017) ...I-24

I.15 752.225-9 BUY AMERICAN ACT - TRADE AGREEMENTS ACT - BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

PROGRAM........................................................................................................................................................I-26 I.16 752.7101 VOLUNTARY POPULATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES (JUN 2008)....................................I-26

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS .............................................J-1 SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ..................................................................................................................J-1

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF BIDDERS ....K-1 K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.................K-1 K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAR 2020) ................................K-1

K.3 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO

SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (OCT 2020) ..................................................................K-5 K.4 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY ............................................................................K-8 K.5 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS .............................................K-8 K.6 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS ...........................................K-8 K.7 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) .......................K-11 K.8 52.215-6 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE (OCT 1997)..................................................................................K-12 K.9 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999) ............................K-13 K.10 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984) ..........................................................K-13

K.11 52.225-20 PROHIBITION ON CONDUCTING RESTRICTED BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN

SUDAN—CERTIFICATION (AUG 2009) ...................................................................................................K-13

K. 12 52.227-15 REPRESENTATION OF LIMITED RIGHTS DATA AND RESTRICTED COMPUTER

SOFTWARE (DEC 2007) ...............................................................................................................................K-14 K.13 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (JUN 2020)........K-15 K.14 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE--COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR 2005) .K-17 K.15 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS.................................................................................................................K-18 K.16 SIGNATURE ...................................................................................................................................................K-18

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS................................................L-1 L.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) ................L-1 L.2 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984) ................................................................................................L-1 L.3 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006) ..............................................................................................L-1 L.4 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS.............................................................................................L-2 L.5 SUBMISSION/DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS...............................................................................................L-2 L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.................................................L-3

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF THE COST/BUSINESS

PROPOSAL.......................................................................................................................................................L- 6 L.8 ANNUAL CANCELLATION CEILINGS ....................................................................................................L-11

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD......................................................................................M-1 M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION..........................................................................................................................M-1 M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA ...................................................................................................M-2 M.3 COST/BUSINESS EVALUATION.................................................................................................................M-5 M.4 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE .....................................................................................M-5 M.5 SOURCE SELECTION ...................................................................................................................................M-6

SOL #72011121R00002 SECTION B

B-1

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of the Armenia Improved Water Management for Sustainable Economic Growth Program, implemented through this contract, is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to shift Armenia to a new, sustainable paradigm for water management and use.

The activity’s Theory of Change is that, IF USAID strengthens the capacity of the Government of Armenia, local communities, and the private sector to apply advanced technologies and increase the use of data for decision-making, THEN equality of access to water will increase, while maintaining environmental flow and water quality.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor achieves the performance objectives and deliverables or outputs described in Section C, Statement of Work, and in accordance with the performance standards specified herein.

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

(a) For the five-year contract period, the Total Estimated Cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, is _______ [ TBD ]. The Total Fixed Fee, is _______ [ TBD ] . The Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee, if any, is _______ [ TBD ] .

The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder for Base, exclusive of fixed fee, is _______ [ TBD ]. The fixed fee for Base, is _______ [ TBD ] . The estimated cost plus fixed fee for Base, if any, is _______ [ TBD ] .

The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder for Option 1, exclusive of fixed fee, is _______ [ TBD ] . The fixed fee for Option 1, is _______ [ TBD ] . The estimated cost plus fixed fee for Option 1, if any, is _______ [ TBD ] .

The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder for Option 2, exclusive of fixed fee, is _______ [ TBD ] . The fixed fee for Option 2, is _______ [ TBD ] . The estimated cost plus fixed fee for Option 2, if any, is _______ [ TBD ] .

(b) Within the estimated cost plus fixed fee specified in paragraph (a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee) for performance hereunder is _______ [ TBD ] . The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount, unless authorized by the contracting officer pursuant to the clause of this contract entitled “Limitation of Funds (APR 1984)” FAR 52.232-22.

(c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through _______ [ TBD ] .

B.4 BUDGET

The following itemized budget sets forth the estimates for reimbursement of dollar costs for cost categories and the fixed fee.

Base (Objectives 1, 2 and 3) Option 1 (Objective 4) Option 2 (Objective 5)

Cost Category CLIN Cost CLIN Cost CLIN Cost

Total Direct Cost 001 005 009

Subcontracts 002 006 010

Total Indirect Cost 003 007 011

Fixed Fee 004 008 012

Total Estimated Cost

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

The contract clause entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment (JUN 2013)”, FAR 52.216-7, specifies that the indirect cost rates shall be established for each of the contractor’s accounting periods that apply to this contract. Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs shall be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD TBD% 1/ 1/ 1/

TBD TBD% 2/ 2/ 2/

1/ Base of Application: TBD Type of Rate: TBD Period: TBD 2/ Base of Application: TBD Type of Rate: TBD Period: TBD

B.6 ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING ON CEILING INDIRECT COST RATES AND

FINAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR INDIRECT COSTS

(a) The Contractor must make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

(b) Reimbursement for indirect costs must be at the lower of the negotiated final provisional/pre-determined rates or the following ceiling rates:

Description 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

[Rate 1 description to be inserted] % % % % %

[Rate 1 description to be inserted] % % % % %

[Rate 1 description to be inserted] % % % % %

(c) The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount should the final indirect cost rates exceed the negotiated ceiling rates. If the final indirect cost rates are less than the negotiated ceiling rates, the negotiated rates will be reduced to conform to the lower rates.

(d) This advance understanding must not change any monetary ceiling, cost limitation or obligation established in the contract.

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

a) The Government shall pay the Contractor for performing this contract the fixed fee specified in the Schedule.

(b) In accordance with FAR 52.216-8 “Fixed Fee (JUN 2011),” USAID reserves the right to withhold a reserve not to exceed $100,000. The Contracting Officer shall release 75 percent of all fee withholds under this contract after receipt of an adequate certified final indirect cost rate proposal covering the year of physical completion of this contract, provided the Contractor has satisfied all other contract terms and conditions, including the submission of the final patent and royalty reports, and is not delinquent in submitting final vouchers on prior years’ settlements. The Contracting Officer may release up to 90 percent of the fee withholds under this contract based on the Contractor’s past performance related to the submission and settlement of final indirect cost rate proposals.

B.8 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT AND CANCELLATION CEILING

This contract is considered non-severable, and is therefore a multi-year contract as defined in FAR 17.103. Therefore, this contract is subject to the requirements of FAR 17.106.

A. Performance under this contract during the second and subsequent program years is contingent upon the appropriation of funds. All program years except the first are subject to cancellation.

Cancellation shall occur by the dates specified below if the Contracting Officer:

1. Notifies the Contractor that funds are not available for contract performance for any subsequent program year; or

2. Fails to notify the Contractor that funds are available for performance of the succeeding program year.

B. Cancellation Ceiling:

This is a CPFF type contract where the Contractor is authorized to be reimbursed for all costs which are allowable in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Costs and Payment.”

Therefore, the Contractor will not incur any costs which would have been amortized over the life of the contract should the contract be cancelled in accordance with FAR 52.217-2.

The Government's liability for cancellation charges shall not exceed $TBD. This amount will be reduced in accordance with FAR 17.106-1(c)(1) at the conclusion of each program year, as follows:

Program Year Cancellation Date Cancellation Ceiling

Year 1: 2022/2023 N/A N/A

Year 2: 2023/2024 March 31, 2023 $0.00

Year 3: 2024/2025 March 31, 2024 $0.00

Year 4: 2025/2026 March 31, 2025 $0.00

Year 5: 2026/2027 March 31, 2026 $0.00

END OF SECTION B

SOL #72011121R00002 SECTION C

C-1

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Improved Water Management for Sustainable Economic Growth

C.1 INTRODUCTION

The Improved Water Management for Sustainable Economic Growth Activity implemented through this contract will transform Armenia’s approach to water management to improve the equity of access to water while maintaining environmental flow and water quality for the protection of freshwater resources. The activity will achieve this through the development and dissemination of improved approaches and tools to support sustainable and secure water management; advancing improved water governance; and spreading best practices and innovative approaches in water conservation and use. The activity will also provide technical and advisory services (including training, applied research, and analysis) to the Government of Armenia (GOAM), local communities, and the private sector, and support the implementation of small-scale pilot projects to improve water management and use.

C.2 BACKGROUND

Armenia is currently unable to sustainably manage its water resources. The lack of proper management practices has resulted in the overuse of existing resources, and an urgent need to reshape its natural resource management and distribution in order to respond to economic and environmental demands, and ensure sustained economic growth. Communities are already suffering the consequences of poor water management - approximately 30 communities in the Ararat valley and about 85 communities in the Syunik region are facing serious water availability issues.

Armenia’s rural communities are running out of water for irrigation and drinking due to uncontrolled water use by fish farms and small hydro power plants (SHPP), and pollution caused by untreated mining tailings. At the same time, insufficient water flow means some SHPP are unable to operate at their installed capacity, causing economic losses for power producers.

Armenia faces a multitude of serious obstacles to reaching sustainable water resource management, including:

● A lack of proper data on water usage, and the technical and human capacity to monitor and analyze the data in order to model future water availability.

● A regulatory environment which currently does not support the efficient redistribution1 of resources in accordance with water use priorities outlined in the Water Code or maintain the quality of water resources. Instead, the current system seems to provide preferences to oligarchs and other groups, as it was observed in the Ararat Valley, where over exploitation of water resources by the big fish farms caused a deficit of irrigation water in the Ararat Valley.

● Relevant stakeholders, such as small water users, civil society, and local governments are not currently included in decision-making and oversight processes.

1Distribution of water is about allocating water to ensure that it is used efficiently and to provide access to safe water for as many people as possible. Redistribution of the resource means changes in water allocation through renewed permits.

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● Aging and inefficient infrastructure, and a related lack of reliable services, especially in rural areas.

● Limited adoption of new, innovative technologies by farmers, SMEs, energy producers, and other water users, which results in low water usage efficiency. This limited adoption is due to a combination of a lack of knowledge about new technologies, low capacity to apply the new technology, and inability to access the credit and capital necessary to acquire it.

● Low levels of investment in water infrastructure in the villages, including local and foreign direct investment, due to broader economic and political factors, and uncertainty about the operating environment.

● Limited access to data from neighboring riparian countries, and a change in regional water dynamics due to the geopolitical situation.

The impacts of climate change impacts, resulting in temperature increases, will add further stresses on different water uses, including drink, irrigation and environmental uses. According to Armenia’s 4th National Communication on Climate Change report, “The projected climate change is expected to have negative effects on the country’s water resources, energy, agriculture, ecosystems, human health….” The same report notes that due to climate change, “Armenia’s agriculture sector will see an increase in the demand for irrigation water and a decrease in the volume of irrigation water reserves.”2

Due to these challenges, the GOAM has indicated the necessary political will to strengthen environmental compliance and promote long-term growth based on the sustainable management of natural resources. For example, the current government supports transparent water allocation and permitting. It is important to capitalize on this political will and commitment while strengthening the GOAM’s capacity to develop and implement the needed changes.

In pursuing opportunities and addressing Armenia’s water challenges, the USG enjoys a long legacy of work in the water sector which has earned USAID a high level of respect and a strong working relationship with the GOAM, private sector, and affected communities. This activity builds on USAID’s extensive experience working in the sector and expands on the models and approaches developed under the ASPIRED and PURE Water activities in the Ararat Valley.3 The GOAM and other stakeholders view USAID as a driver of improvements in water resource management. During the 2019 US-Armenia Strategic Dialogue, the GOAM requested in official stakeholder meetings that USAID follow-up, scale up, and expand its current water management activities to include broader basin and national levels.

Strategic links to Country Development and Cooperation Strategy and applicable USAID policies and strategies

The activity aligns with USAID/Armenia’s new 2020-2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) Development Objective (DO) 2, “Economic Security Enhanced,” and specifically Intermediate Results IR 2.3 “Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Improved,” Sub-Intermediate Results IR 2.3.2 “Sustainable Access to and Management of Water

2 https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/NC4_Armenia_.pdf at 92 3 www.aspired.wadi-mea.com ›; https://www.meandahq.com/projects/armenia-clean-energy-and-water-program-cewp/.

https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/NC4_Armenia_.pdf http://www.aspired.wadi-mea.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Hovtashat_design_RFP_-final_ENG.pdf http://www.aspired.wadi-mea.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Hovtashat_design_RFP_-final_ENG.pdf

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Resources Improved.” The activity also contributes to IR 1 “Economic Governance Improved,” Sub IR 2.1.2 “Government effectiveness increased to support private sector growth.”

This activity is aligned with Mission Goal 3: Ensuring a Stable, Prosperous, Secure Armenia at Peace with Its Neighbors in the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) released in 2018. The activity specifically supports Mission Objective 3.2: More Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth.

By emphasizing improved environmental policies, as well as more effective government decision-making regarding critical natural resources, the activity will also support Armenia’s sustainable development and self-reliance.

Improving water management and the enabling environment will support public and private sector growth, which will in turn enable citizens to better resist malign influence, reduce emigration, and support economic integration with the West. The activity also supports strategic objectives one, two, and four of the U.S. Global Water Strategy.4 The activity supports objectives one (finance and governance), two (access to drinking water) and four (water resources management) of USAID’s Water and Development Plan. The activity will engage in several complementary results, specifically efficient agricultural water management and improved land and resource governance.

C.3 SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of the five-year activity is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to shift Armenia to a new, sustainable paradigm for water management and use. The activity’s Theory of Change is that, IF USAID strengthens the capacity of the GOAM, local communities, and the private sector to apply advanced technologies and increase the use of data for decision-making, THEN equality of access to water will increase, while maintaining environmental flow and water quality.

The activity will achieve this by supporting the development and implementation of the Objectives described in the detailed work requirements below. The activity will also contribute to improved water quality and supply in light of emerging priorities to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19.

USAID’s principal counterparts in this endeavor include, but are not limited to, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures, universities, research institutions, local governments, local communities, private sector, and civil society organizations.

The interventions are expected to build on previous USAID/Armenia results and recommendations, as well as evidence-based lessons learned from its previous activities, and more generally, studies/lessons learned in the field of sustainable water management and use.

C.4 DETAILED WORK REQUIREMENTS

The contract purpose will be achieved through three interconnected Base Objectives and two Optional Objectives and their related Expected Results (ER), as described below. The Optional Objectives are subject to availability of funds and requests from the GOAM. If the GOAM requests additional USAID/Armenia assistance, this activity may expand to support cooperation on water resources monitoring and management with the neighboring countries of Azerbaijan, 4 https://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/water-and-sanitation/us-global-water-strategy

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Turkey, or Georgia. USAID/Armenia may also support implementation of additional small-scale projects if funding becomes available.

Base Objective 1 - Application of advanced technologies and tools to support sustainable and secure water management

Under Objective 1, the contractor will provide demand-driven technical assistance, including but not limited to the application of modern approaches for data gathering and analysis (e.g. remote sensing technologies, modelling), analytical support, and research studies. The contractor will also provide general and on-the-job-training to support the Ministry of Environment, other state entities at the national and basin/community levels, scientific institutions, and other stakeholders in promoting and implementing evidence-based water management.

Expected Results:

● Improved monitoring of water availability, quality, and use/allocation.

● Data-driven water modelling, planning, and decision-making capacities enhanced to support evidence-based water allocation and management at the selected basin and national levels, and, if the opportunity arises, at the regional level.

● Increased water resource management transparency and accountability at the national and basin levels using modern technology and innovation.

● Enhanced engagement with academia, universities, research institutions, and the private sector for the development and application of modern water management tools.

Illustrative Indicators:

● Milestones and/or point based reduction of information gaps that lead to greater accountability of the GOAM.

● Number of tools/approaches institutionalized and applied to enhance the functional and operational capacity for assessment of water availability, quality, and allocation.

● Number of water monitoring points upgraded with modern tools to provide data.

● Number of tools/systems/processes to enhance functional and operational capacity for sustainable water management institutionalized in three entities of the Ministry of Environment, including departments and state non-commercial organizations.

● Number of staff using the tools and data provided by the activity.

● Increased percentage of ongoing costs contributed by the GOAM to support sustainable water management.

● Number of partnerships with academia, universities, research institutions, and the private sector resulted in development and/application of modern water management tools.

Base Objective 2 - Improved water governance

Under Objective 2, the contractor will support the GOAM and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the systems and institutions that influence water use and management implement sound, evidence-based policies and practices in an equitable manner. The contractor will provide technical assistance to address laws, regulations, and policies, as well as practices and processes through which decisions for the management of water resources and services are taken and decision-makers are held accountable and balances water use between socio-economic activities and ecosystems. The contractor will advise the government at all levels (national, marz, community) on how to design and implement better water policies, laws, and regulations. The contractor will rely on multi-stakeholder engagement to support participatory governance. The data collection, analysis, and studies that will be conducted under Objective 1 will serve as a critical foundation for good water governance under this objective. The contractor may support

C-5 different water governance instruments and strengthen institutions that can contribute to water security and sustainable growth. For example, per the request of the GOAM, the activity may review water abstraction and pollution fees to help the country in setting incentives to use water efficiently and reducing the qualitative pressure on water resources.

Expected Results

● Legal, regulatory, and planning environment streamlined to support sustainable, transparent governance of water resources, their efficient/effective use, and the use of innovative financing.

● Improved enforcement of laws, regulations, and plans that support the conservation and efficient use of resources.

● Government water-related institutions - including the National Assembly and Executive branch - strengthened to exercise transparent and accountable water governance and maintain on-going dialogue with the public.

● Strengthened linkages between stakeholders (GOAM, private sector water user associations, non-governmental organizations, and communities - including youth and women) in participatory water governance, and water management oversight and advocacy, including, but not limited to, the application of innovative approaches.

● Stakeholder engagement for improved accountability and GOAM buy-in to stakeholder initiatives are promoted.

Illustrative Indicators:

● Number of laws, policies, regulations, or standards to enhance water sector governance formally proposed, ready for adoption or implemented, as supported by USG assistance.

● Number of institutions’ capacity strengthened to exercise transparent and accountable water governance.

● Number of stakeholder organizations participated in water governance and oversight

● Number of stakeholder engagements, including of youth and women, in developing legal or planning documents.

Base Objective 3 - Promote and scale best practices and innovative approaches in water conservation and use to increase equitable access to water resources

Conservation practices are a key bottleneck to equitable and sustainable access to water for productive use. Under Objective 4, water conservation and more efficient technologies will be demonstrated for different users. The contractor will explore different modalities of private sector and scientific institutions participation to apply innovative best practices and/or increased efficiency in small-scale, water projects. These projects are intended to benefit communities as well as serve as demonstrators for uptake within the private sector. The contractor will implement these advances in water conservation and disseminate the results of these pilot projects to the private sector and communities to promote uptake.

Meanwhile, per community request, the contractor may support the rehabilitation of water infrastructure in the communities that increase equitable access to water.

The contractor shall identify locations of the projects based on their analysis; however, the activity should focus on projects that have greater economic and/or social impact.

Expected Results

● Improved small-scale irrigation and drinking water supply based on innovative and/or efficient technologies, as well as community needs.

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● Modern water treatment, and/or conservation technologies applied at different levels, including SMEs, and the public sector.

● Increased water saving, reuse, and recycled pilots as a result of Public-Private Partnerships.

● Scaled up pilots for sharing experience across basins and communities.

● Enhanced collaboration of university, research institutions, and private sector partners to promote knowledge transfer between scientific organizations, and the private sector to strengthen technological improvements and implementation.

● Demonstrated uptake of new technologies not directly funded by the activity.

Illustrative Indicators:

● Number of small-scale innovative, efficient and/or cost-effective irrigation, and drinking water supply projects implemented.

● Number of water treatment, and/or conservation technologies applied.

● Amount of water saved.

● Amount of electricity saved.

● Number of collaborative efforts that promoted knowledge transfer.

Option Objective 4 - Preparing for regional…