SOL-176-11-000003_Microeconomic_IQC_26Jan11.pdf

OPENING DATE: January 26, 2011 CLOSING DATE: February 28, 2011 CLOSING TIME: 5:00 pm, Almaty Time (or 6:00 am Eastern time)

SUBJECT: Request for Proposal (RFP) SOL-176-11-000003, The USAID Microeconomic Foundations for Growth IQC

Dear Sir/Madam:

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development Regional Mission to Central Asia (USAID/CAR), is seeking proposals to provide the services described in the attached Request for Proposals. The objective of this IQC is to facilitate USAID/CAR’s continued engagement in microeconomic reform, strengthening businesses, infrastructure, and trade facilitation through a structured procurement process. The new IQC will build on previous USAID-funded efforts in addressing these areas.

USAID encourages maximum participation of small businesses and local private business. Accordingly, every reasonable effort will be made to identify and make use of such organizations. Organizations, specifically small businesses and local private business, that wish to express interest in this solicitation should provide relevant information on the “Interested Vendor List” at www.fbo.gov to assist in making this information known to others or in an e-mail to AlmatyAASolicitations@usaid.gov by February 7, 2011, 10:00 am Almaty time.

USAID’s primary program objectives focus on implementing robust activities that promote economic growth, reduce poverty, graduate transitional countries from aid to trade, promote open competitive markets, develop the private sector, and mobilize private financing sources to supplement and eventually replace development assistance. These activities should seek to enhance regional economic integration where it is mutually beneficial to Central Asian nations. IQC contractors will provide a full range of services to USAID/Central Asia in microeconomic reform, business improvement, and trade facilitation. USAID will also release another IQC dealing only with Macroeconomic Foundations for Growth, SOL-176-11-000002.

Offerors are invited to submit a proposal in accordance with the requirements of the RFP. This procurement shall be conducted through full and open competition, under which any type of organization is eligible to compete. The procedures set forth in FAR Part 15 shall apply. The US Government anticipates awarding approximately two (2) to four (4) awards with an overall ceiling price of $50,000,000.00 for a five-year period. The anticipated number of awards under The USAID Microeconomic Foundations for Growth IQC is subject to Contracting Officer’s determination.

Questions on this RFP should be submitted, in writing, no later than February 7, 2011, 10:00 am Almaty time, at AlmatyAASolicitations@usaid.gov.

USAID/CAR will conduct a Solicitation Conference on o/a February 11, 2011. Representatives from the USAID/CAR mission will be made available for a question & answer (Q&A) session from TBD pm until TBD pm.

Street Location of Solicitation Conference:

TBD

Proposals must be presented in accordance with the attached solicitation and received no later than 5:00 pm, local Almaty, Kazakhstan, time on the Closing Date indicated above at the place shown below. Proposals and modifications thereof, should be submitted with the name, street address, telephone number, internet email address of a point-of-contact who is an authorized agent of the offeror and Request for Proposal Number inscribed thereon, must be addressed to:

Geoffry Lohsl Contracting Officer

USAID/CAR

Internet email for electronic submission: Internet email: AlmatyAAsolicitations@usaid.gov

Street/delivery address:

USAID/CAR, Acquisition and Assistance Office 41 Kazibek bi Street Park Palace Building

Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010 Tel 7-2272-50-00-41

This RFP in no way obligates USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Notifications of receipt and questions concerning this RFP must be directed to the Contracting Officer via the internet email address listed above.

Sincerely, Geoffry Lohsls Regional Contracting Officer

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER RATING PAGE OF PAGES

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER 4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 5. DATE ISSUED 6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

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

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

9. Sealed offers in original and _____________________________ copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in until local time _______________________ (Hour) (Date)

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.

A. NAME B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS) C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

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

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM I CONTRACT CLAUSES

B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

D PACKAGING AND MARKING PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA L INSTR., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

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

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within ________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted 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 designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated:

CODE FACILITY

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

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

(Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER 17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT FROM

ABOVE - ENTER SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION: 23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

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

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BYCODE CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

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

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

(REV. 9-97)

10. FOR INFORMATION CALL:

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

STANDARD FORM 33

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

SOLICITATION

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

1 97

N/A

SOL-176-11-000003

X

USAID Acquisition and Assistance Office 41 Kazibek bi Street Park Palace Building Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010

SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN SECTION L.6

USAID/CAR, Acquisition and Assistance Office, 41 Kazibek bi Street, Park Palace Building, Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010 5:00 P.M. Almaty time

73272 500041 AlmatyAASolicitations@usaid.gov

See Attached Table of Contents

X 1

X 9-17

X 18-24

25-26

X 27

X 28-33

X 34-36

X 37-47

X 48-56

X 57

X 58-65

66-78

X 79-82

$.00

Geoffry A. Lohsl

SOL-176-11-000003

Table of Contents

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

B.5 OBLIGATED AMOUNT, ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE

B.6 INDIRECT COST

B.7 ADVANCED UNDERSTANDING ON CEILING INDIRECT COST

B.8 SUBCONTRACTORS

B.9 CEILINGS ON FIXED FEE

B.10 TASK ORDER LIMITATIONS

B.11 Ceiling Daily Rates

B.12 LABOR CATEGORIES

B.13 LABOR POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

B.14 LABOR CATEGORIES – LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 BACKGROUND

C.2 OBJECTIVES

C.3 CHALLENGES

C.4 SCOPE OF WORK (SOW)

C.5 KEY PERSONNEL

C.6 TECHNICAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

C.7 STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING POLICY

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (CPFF & FFP)

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.5 PROGRESS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

F.6 TASK ORDERS

F.7 FAIR OPPORTUNITY TO BE CONSIDERED

F.8 KEY PERSONNEL

F.9 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS

(JAN 2004)

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE (COTR)

G.4 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

G.5 PAYING OFFICE

G.6 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.7 CONTRACTOR'S PAYMENT ADDRESS

G.8 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

H.2 AIDAR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JULY 1997)

H.3 AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JULY 2007)

H.4 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.5 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE

H.6 AIDAR 752.228-70 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (JULY 2007)

H.7 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.8 LOGISTIC SUPPORT

H.9 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.10 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM IMPLEMENTATION

CONTRACT (Design Services)

H.11 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM FURNISHING CERTAIN

SERVICES AND RESTRICTION ON USE OF INFORMATION (Indefinite Quantity Contract) (Evaluation Services)

H.12 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING (FEB 2002)

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

H.14 AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (JAN 1990)

H.15 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES

H.16 USAID DISABILITY POLICY (DECEMBER 2004) (ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY

DIRECTIVE 04-17)

H.17 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT

H.18 PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

H.19 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE, ORIGIN AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 1997)

H.20 SALARY SUPPLEMENTS

H.21 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY

H.22 CONFIDENTIALITY AND OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

H.23 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES

H.24 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND MANAGEMENT

H.25 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION (AIDAR)

H.26 RIGHT TO PROCURE FROM OTHER SOURCES

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment. (DEC 2002) I.3 52.244-2 Subcontracts. (OCT 2010)

I.4 52.215-19 NOTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP CHANGES (OCT 1997)

I.5 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

I.6 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

I.7 52.222-39 NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS CONCERNING PAYMENT OF UNION DUES

OR FEES (DEC 2004)

I.8 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, AS AMENDED

(ADS 302.3.4.10)

I.9 COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS (OCT 1994)

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (OCT 2010)

K.3 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

K.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

K.5 52.223-13 CERTIFICATION OF TOXIC CHEMICAL RELEASE REPORTING (AUG 2003)

K.6 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (OCT 2008)

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

K.8 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.9 SIGNATURE

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

L.2 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisition (Jan 2004)

L.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L.5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.6 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

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

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL (CPFF)

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.4 COST / BUSINESS EVALUATION

M.5 SOURCE SELECTION

M.6 SUBCONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIP

ATTACHMENTS

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this Contract is to provide services that fall within the statement of work specified in Section C for The USAID Microeconomic Foundations for Growth IQC envisioned to be implemented under Task Orders in the Central Asia Region (CAR). USAID Task Order Contracting Officers (TOCOs) will request the work through the issuance of Task Orders during the ordering period as specified in Section F of the Contract.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC). The Government will issue Task Orders that are one of the following: Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (CPFF) (term and completion) or Firm Fixed Price (FFP) (completion). The contractor must perform the services set forth in Task Orders at prices consistent with Section B of this Contract.

B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

The basic contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $25,000 to cover the minimum order guarantee. USAID is required to order and the Contractor is required to furnish the minimum order amount of services. Following this initial obligation, individual task orders will obligate funds to cover the work required under that task order.

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

This is a multiple award Contract with an overall ceiling price of $50,000,000.00. The maximum aggregate dollar value of Task Orders awarded to all Contractors cannot exceed the Contract ceiling. This ceiling is not being subdivided among the number of awardees nor is it being multiplied by the number of awardees. USAID anticipates approximately two (2) to four (4) awards under this IQC.

B.5 OBLIGATED AMOUNT, ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE

(a) Obligated Amount. The basic Contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $25,000 to cover the minimum order guarantee. USAID is required to order and the Contractor is required to furnish the minimum order amount of services. Following this initial obligation, individual Task Orders will obligate funds to cover the work required under such Task Orders

(b) The Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee for each task order must be negotiated in accordance with the terms of the IQC contract. In no event may the indirect rates or fixed fee for a task order exceed the ceilings set forth in Section B.7 and B.8 of IQC contract. The U.S. dollar costs must be limited to reasonable, allocable, and allowable costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, and FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, A-21 (for universities), and A-122 (non-profit).

(c) Fixed Fee Payment. For any Task Order issued under this Contract, at the time of each payment of allowable costs to the contractor, the USAID paying office ordinarily pays the contractor a percentage of fixed fee that directly corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. Two exceptions to paying fixed fee in this manner apply:

(1) If the TOCO determines that this method results in paying a disproportionately higher ratio of fixed fee than the percentage of work that the contractor has completed, then the TOCO may suspend further payment of any fixed fee until the contractor has made sufficient progress to justify further payment, up to the agreed percentage.

(2) Because the clauses entitled "Allowable Cost and Payment" (FAR 52.216-7) and "Fixed Fee" (FAR 52.216-8) are incorporated into this Contract, the terms and conditions of these clauses apply after total payments of fixed fee reach eighty-five percent (85%) of the total fixed fee.

B.6 INDIRECT COST

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 for prime contractors and their major subcontractors (“major subcontractors” are those subcontractors expected to perform at least 20 percent of the technical effort or provide the professional expertise for any particular sector of the contract Statement of Work (SOW), even if the sector is expected to be less than 20 percent of the effort under the contract):

PRIME

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD TBD 1/ 1/ 1/

TBD TBD 2/ 2/ 2/

TBD TBD 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

Source:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

Source:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

Source:

MAJOR SUBCONTRACTORS

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD TBD 1/ 1/ 1/

TBD TBD 2/ 2/ 2/

TBD TBD 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

[The offeror having Gov’t-approved rates agreement is to complete above, subject to negotiations of the ceiling rates – see Sec. B.7, below]

Note 1: Contractors are allowed to recover applicable indirect costs (i.e., overhead, G&A, etc.) on other direct costs (ODCs), if it is part of the Contractor's usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31, and Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA).

B.7 ADVANCED UNDERSTANDING ON CEILING INDIRECT COST

(a) Reimbursement for indirect costs shall be at the lower of the negotiated final or predetermined rates, or the following ceiling rates:

PRIME

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD TBD 1/ 1/ 1/

TBD TBD 2/ 2/ 2/

TBD TBD 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

MAJOR SUBCONTRACTORS

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD TBD 1/ 1/ 1/

TBD TBD 2/ 2/ 2/

TBD TBD 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

(b) The Government shall 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 shall be reduced to conform to the lower rates.

(c) This understanding shall not change any monetary ceiling, obligation, or specific cost allowance or disallowance. Any changes in classifying or allocating indirect costs require the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

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

B.8 SUBCONTRACTORS

TBD

B.9 CEILINGS ON FIXED FEE

(a) For each CPFF Task Order issued under this IQC, the TOCO and contractor agree to negotiate a set dollar amount for fixed fee for prime contractors and their major subcontractors (“major subcontractors” are those subcontractors expected to perform at least 20 percent of the technical effort or provide the professional expertise for any particular sector of the contract Statement of Work (SOW), even if the sector is expected to be less than 20 percent of the effort under the contract). In negotiating the fixed dollar amount for fee, the TOCO must consider the policies and factors for establishing fee in FAR 15.404-4 as well as any applicable USAID policy on establishing a fixed fee amount. In no event, however, shall the amount of fixed fee in any individual Task Order exceed for prime contractors TBD percent (offeror proposes ceiling percentage) and for their major subcontractors TBD percent (major subcontractors propose ceiling percentages for each) of the Task Order's estimated cost, excluding fee.

NOTE: For Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Task Orders, the ceiling percentage above serves as the basis for negotiation only.

B.10 TASK ORDER LIMITATIONS

(a) Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Task Orders. When issuing CPFF task orders, the TOCO shall state in the Task Order the total estimated cost plus fixed fee, which is the total amount of the Task Order and the maximum amount the contractor may be paid without the advance written approval of the Contracting Officer. This maximum amount represents the negotiated mix of the prime Contractors and subcontractors' professional labor costs and salaries, an estimated number of workdays, other direct costs, and fixed fee.

(b) Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Task Orders. When issuing FFP Task Orders, TOCOs shall state in the Task Order the firm-fixed-price, which represents the total amount of the Task Order and the maximum price the contractor may be paid to perform the services, reports, or other deliverables in the Task Order.

(c) Minimum Order. When USAID requires services or reports and other deliverables covered by this Contract in a Task Order in the amount of less than $25,000, the contractor is not obligated to accept an order to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this Contract. However, if the contractor agrees to furnish services or reports and other deliverables required by USAID in an amount of less than $25,000 and is awarded a Task Order to do so, the contractor is required to provide said services and reports/deliverables in accordance with the Contract's terms and conditions.

(d) Maximum Order. When USAID requires services or reports and other deliverables covered by this Contract in a Task Order amount of more than $30,000,000, the contractor is not obligated to bid on an order to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this Contract. However, if the contractor agrees to furnish services or reports and other deliverables required by USAID in excess of $30,000,000 and awarded a Task Order to do so, the contractor is required to provide said services and reports/deliverables in accordance with the Contracts terms and conditions.

(e) Notwithstanding the above, if issuance of a Task Order to, and acceptance of a Task Order by, the contractor would: (1) result in the contractor (or its personnel or its subcontractors or their personnel) having an organizational conflict of interest for which restrictions would be placed on the contractor's (or its personnel’s or its subcontractors’ or their personnel’s) future activities; or (2) violate the provisions of the Procurement Integrity legislation, i.e., Section 27 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 423), as amended by Section 814 of Pub. L. 101-189 the contractor, after written notification to the cognizant Contracting Officer, is not obligated to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this Contract, and USAID may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

B.11 Ceiling Daily Rates

(a) The contractor will include the cost of home office management as part of their indirect cost.

(b) Compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation (July 2007).

(c) The task order will cite the negotiated Ceiling Daily Rates (CDRs) that must be at or lower than the IQC ceiling rates set forth below. The CDRs in effect when the task order is executed will remain in effect for the entire task order period.

(d) Each CDR for employees listed below is “unburdened” and must only include salary costs or consulting rates of the individual providing the services. Consultant daily rates should be loaded rates (contains any of consultant’s costs for indirect/profit separate from the contractor’s or major subcontractor’s indirect costs/profit).

The CDR for employees must not include the following:

Payroll costs (fringe benefits, FICA, etc.);

Indirect Costs applicable to labor; and

Profit or fee, if any.

(e) The CDRs set forth below are fixed for the contract period and is for an eight hour day, and apply to all major subcontractors set forth in Section B.8. If a new subcontractor is proposed for a specific task order on other than a fixed-price basis, the CDRs set forth below will apply, and the subcontract is subject to consent by the TOCO.

(f) The ceiling rates presented below do not constitute approval of final salary rates above the Contractor Salary Threshold (CST) (see ADS 302.3.6.10.). All TOCOs must comply with the approval requirements in ADS 302.

B.12 LABOR CATEGORIES

(a) The Contractor shall furnish personnel with the necessary education, training and/or relevant experience, as specified in the task orders to be issued under this contract. The labor categories provided below are not all-inclusive. Tasks order proposals may justify additional labor categories, subject to negotiation and approval by the TOCO. Salaries for any new labor categories cannot exceed the highest salary ceilings set forth below.

Regardless of the positions within the contract, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing adequate and qualified staff for this contract work. A description of each labor category is included below.

Offerors must bid separate rates for each year or group of years, and rates will be included accordingly.

(b) At the time a Request for Task Order Proposal is issued, the Offeror must provide a completed and signed Contractor Biographical Data Sheet (USAID Form 1420-157, see attachment J.2) for the positions listed below. The biodata sheets and resumes provided should be a representation of the prime and/or major subcontractor employees/consultants.

Year 1: Labor Category Ceiling Daily Rates Level I Level II Level III 1001 Agribusiness Specialist/Trade Specialist $ $ $ Enterprise Development Specialist/IQC Manager $ $ $ 1002 Attorney/Legal Advisor $ $ $ 1003 Training Specialist/Communications Specialist $ $ $ Event Specialist/Accountant/Financial Advisor 1004 Grant Manager/Contract Manager/M&E Specialist/ $ $ $ ICT Specialist 1005 Administrative Support $ $ $

Year 2: Labor Category Ceiling Daily Rates Level I Level II Level III 1001 Agribusiness Specialist/Trade Specialist $ $ $ Enterprise Development Specialist/IQC Manager $ $ $ 1002 Attorney/Legal Advisor $ $ $ 1003 Training Specialist/Communications Specialist $ $ $ Event Specialist/Accountant/Financial Advisor 1004 Grant Manager/Contract Manager/M&E Specialist/ $ $ $ ICT Specialist 1005 Administrative Support $ $ $

Year 3: Labor Category Ceiling Daily Rates Level I Level II Level III 1001 Agribusiness Specialist/Trade Specialist $ $ $ Enterprise Development Specialist/IQC Manager $ $ $ 1002 Attorney/Legal Advisor $ $ $ 1003 Training Specialist/Communications Specialist $ $ $ Event Specialist/Accountant/Financial Advisor 1004 Grant Manager/Contract Manager/M&E Specialist/ $ $ $ ICT Specialist 1005 Administrative Support $ $ $

Year 4: Labor Category Ceiling Daily Rates Level I Level II Level III 1001 Agribusiness Specialist/Trade Specialist $ $ $ Enterprise Development Specialist/IQC Manager $ $ $ 1002 Attorney/Legal Advisor $ $ $ 1003 Training Specialist/Communications Specialist $ $ $ Event Specialist/Accountant/Financial Advisor 1004 Grant Manager/Contract Manager/M&E Specialist/ $ $ $ ICT Specialist 1005 Administrative Support $ $ $

Year 5: Labor Category Ceiling Daily Rates Level I Level II Level III 1001 Agribusiness Specialist/Trade Specialist $ $ $ Enterprise Development Specialist/IQC Manager $ $ $ 1002 Attorney/Legal Advisor $ $ $

1003 Training Specialist/Communications Specialist $ $ $ Event Specialist/Accountant/Financial Advisor 1004 Grant Manager/Contract Manager/M&E Specialist/ $ $ $ ICT Specialist 1005 Administrative Support $ $ $

Year 6: Labor Category Ceiling Daily Rates Level I Level II Level III 1001 Agribusiness Specialist/Trade Specialist $ $ $ Enterprise Development Specialist/IQC Manager $ $ $ 1002 Attorney/Legal Advisor $ $ $ 1003 Training Specialist/Communications Specialist $ $ $ Event Specialist/Accountant/Financial Advisor 1004 Grant Manager/Contract Manager/M&E Specialist/ $ $ $ ICT Specialist 1005 Administrative Support $ $ $

Year 7: Labor Category Ceiling Daily Rates Level I Level II Level III 1001 Agribusiness Specialist/Trade Specialist $ $ $ Enterprise Development Specialist/IQC Manager $ $ $ 1002 Attorney/Legal Advisor $ $ $ 1003 Training Specialist/Communications Specialist $ $ $ Event Specialist/Accountant/Financial Advisor 1004 Grant Manager/Contract Manager/M&E Specialist/ $ $ $ ICT Specialist 1005 Administrative Support $ $ $

Orders may be placed through the end of year five. In accordance with F.2, the duration of the task orders have varying limits throughout the period of the IQC. During years 1-3, five year task orders are allowed and therefore include rates through year 7. During year 4, a three year task order is allowed and year 5 allows a two year task order.

B.13 LABOR POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

1. IQC Manager - Has ultimate responsibility for all management aspects of the IQC, including technical, administrative and logistical support. Lead responses to all Task Orders as they are issued. Duties may include: supervising administrative and support personnel on task orders;

supervising and coordinating technical services; managing task order proposal development, implementation and progress; ensuring timely and accurate submission of deliverables; managing preparation of all contract documentation; maintaining good working relationship with USAID Washington and relevant USAID missions.

2. AGRIBUSINESS SPECIALIST: Provides assistance and expertise implementing programs to improve agricultural productivity and agribusiness development, domestic, regional and/or international trade of agricultural products, improved competitiveness of agriculture-related industries and value chains, and other programs addressing the challenges of agricultural competitiveness and trade in specific sectors and value chains.

3. ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: Provides assistance and expertise facilitating the competitiveness of the private sector, conducts analyses of end-markets, value chain constraints, business environment constraints, inter-firm constraints and other systemic constraints to improved competitiveness. Identifies and implements private and public sector strategies and interventions to improve competitiveness and promote broad-based growth.

4. OTHER SECTOR SPECIALISTS: Provide assistance and expertise in specific technical areas covered by this IQC, including workforce development, industrial engineering, manufacturing, environment, energy, forestry, gender, vulnerable populations, conflict and security, accounting, and business recovery.

5. TRADE SPECIALIST: Provides assistance and expertise in areas such as: trade facilitation, logistics, business driven customs reform, trade promotion, implementation of regional trade agreements by businesses, compliance with “competition policy” by businesses, and other general firm level trade issues.

6. FINANCIAL ADVISOR: Provides assistance and expertise in commercial banking, microfinance, or related financial services provided by non-bank financial institutions, especially for micro to medium-sized enterprises; capacity-building and certification for professional associations in accounting, auditing and related professions; capital markets and institutional investment development at the firm level; policy advocacy by financial associations; and other financial issues such as developing new payment systems and banking platforms by financial firms.

7. MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST: Provides assistance and expertise in monitoring, impact assessment and evaluation of development projects using a rage of credible methodologies that contribute to program and project management, attribute impact to project interventions, assess the effectiveness of project implementation, and illuminate through qualitative research less tangible or quantifiable impacts.

8. TRAINING SPECIALIST: Provides assistance and expertise in the design and/or delivery of effective training – including continuous training – for a variety of learning needs and through flexible, cost-effective approaches, based on a knowledge of best practices and in coordination with technical experts who develop content.

9. ATTORNEY/LEGAL ADVISOR: This category includes legal professionals with JD, LLM or equivalent credentials and legal and overseas experience relevant to areas covered by this IQC.

Provides assistance and expertise on legal topics such as analyzing/drafting legislation, administrative law, business environment and regulatory reform, business formation and dissolution, small business advisory work, bankruptcy, company law, real estate, company restructuring/mergers/divestitures, small/medium/micro-enterprise legal issues, and legal work with organizations and associations.

10. INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLGY (ICT) SPECIALIST: provides assistance and expertise in designing and implementing ICT solutions in developing country contexts-particularly in support of e-commerce and e-government initiatives; assessing communications need to improve knowledge sharing networking; identifying appropriate communication activities and programs to promote efficient and effective technologies; developing workshops and relevant training; and other relevant tasks such as supporting IT needs of the Task Order.

11. GRANT/CONTRACT MANAGER: Prepares, negotiates, implements, monitors, and evaluates grants and work with USAID acquisition/assistance staff. This will likely involve working with host country counterparts and institutions. Provides support to Task Orders, such as contract-related finance and budgeting.

12. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT: Provides secretarial, logistical and operations support to contractor teams, USAID and cooperating country personnel. Conducts research and obtains documents to inform technical assistance, briefings and reports. Coordinates logistics for travel.

Study tours, training and other events.

B.14 LABOR CATEGORIES – LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION

In order to perform the scope of work set forth in Section C, the Contractor must provide the education and experience levels as indicated below of the specific Functional Labor Categories listed above. The qualifications in the categories must correspond to the applicable ceiling daily rates provided in Section B.12 (d). The mix of personnel proposed should include both academic and practitioners. Demonstrated professional excellence, excellent writing ability and strong cross-cultural interpersonal skills.

Level Academic

Degree Plus Approximate Years of Relevant Work Experience

Including Years of Experience in an Developing Country Environment

Relevant Regional Experience

Relevant Language Fluency

I Ph.D.

JD/ABD

MS/MA/MBA

BS/BA

4 years As specified in Task Order

As specified in Task Order

II Ph.D.

JD/ABD

MS/MA/MBA

BS/BA

3 years As specified in Task Order

As specified in Task Order

III Ph.D.

JD/ABD

MS/MA/MBA

BS/BA

2 years As specified in Task Order

As specified in Task Order

Locally – Hired National Personnel or Other Non-U.S. Expatriates

All locally hired national personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates must be paid in accordance with AIDAR 722.170 (a). Third Country Nationals (TCNs) and Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs) who are working in the United States and are legal residents of the United States at the time they are hired for a task order, must be extended benefits and be subject to restrictions on the same basis as U.S. citizens who work in the United States. The U.S. ceiling daily rates will be applied to TCNs and CCNs conforming to this regulatory provision.

Salaries for individual locally-hired personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation (August 2004) and should be based upon a combination of factors including prevailing in-country.

All proposed personnel must meet the minimum levels of qualification in section B.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 BACKGROUND

The Central Asian countries of the Former Soviet Union (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - the “CARs”) are a disparate group across a range of measures: their natural resource endowments, the degree of economic reform and liberalization completed since the Soviet Union’s dissolution, economic diversification, extent of economic and political pluralism, development of civil society, effectiveness of government, and standards of living among their populations. Despite these differences, sustainable economic development in the region is contingent upon greater economic integration and cooperation among countries. A wealthier, healthier and more stable Central Asia will be characterized by increasing trade and investment between countries among which economic interests are aligned. It will also be characterized by the establishment of mutually beneficial commercial ties with neighboring countries such as Russia and China. If the CARs are to succeed economically they will increasingly implement best practices in public management, take measures to improve their business environment and subscribe to international and regional agreements that mitigate conflict and enhance economic growth. This will attract foreign investment, open markets to trade, spur economic growth and create jobs for Central Asians.

The Mission’s Office of Economic Growth (OEG) addresses development problems in macroeconomic policy reform and microeconomic reforms. at the national level and trade facilitation, regional economic integration and energy and environmental problems on a regional basis.

OEG is contributing to improving the business environment and building public sector capacity throughout the Central Asian Region.

OEG has been one of the most important contributors to development of the microfinance sector in the Central Asian Region.

OEG is helping to introduce modern agricultural technologies to increase productivity throughout the Central Asian Region.

OEG also funds activities aimed at reforming national power industries, facilitating regional trade in energy and water basin management.

C.2 OBJECTIVES

The objective of this IQC is to facilitate USAID/CAR’s continued engagement in microeconomic reform, strengthening businesses, infrastructure, and trade facilitation through a structured procurement process.

The new IQC will build on previous USAID-funded efforts in addressing these areas.

USAID’s program objectives focus on implementing robust activities that promote economic growth, reduce poverty, graduate transitional countries from aid to trade, promote open competitive markets, develop the private sector, and mobilize private financing sources to supplement and eventually replace development assistance. These activities should seek to enhance regional economic integration where it is mutually beneficial to Central Asian nations. IQC contractors will provide a full range of services to USAID/Central Asia in microeconomic reform, business improvement, and trade facilitation.

Microeconomics refers to the branch of economics that analyzes the market behavior of individual consumers and firms in an attempt to understand the decision-making process of firms and households. It is concerned with the interaction between individual buyers and sellers and the factors that influence the choices made by buyers and sellers. In particular, microeconomics focuses on patterns of supply and demand and the determination of price and output in individual markets. The objective of the task orders under this IQC is to identify impediments to increased microeconomic entrepreneurial initiative, output, productivity, and trade with a focus on private enterprise growth and emphasis on small and medium sized enterprises as well as micro-enterprise development and expansion where possible. The Contractor shall undertake targeted interventions to address these constraints and to create conditions for sustained productivity growth at the enterprise, value chain, industry, and sector levels which contribute to expansion of economic growth and employment. Microeconomic encompasses (non-exclusively) the areas of:

1) Small and medium enterprise development.

2) Agribusiness enterprise development.

3) Micro-enterprise development.

4) Policy-related studies of key microeconomic factors--including policy and regulatory frameworks, key pricing and investment issues, planning and analysis.

5) Analysis and recommendations on economic clusters, value chains, and their relation to microeconomic economic performance, and design and implementation of pro-poor economic growth strategies.

6) Other areas of economics are also relevant, at the consumer or firm level, to the extent they affect employment, productivity, production, consumption, savings, and living standards.

7) The objective of this contract is to provide USAID entities and host government counterpart organizations with the ability to task leading thinkers, practitioners, and research organizations across the full range of microeconomic policy issues.

Microeconomic and other economic expertise under this contract will:

1) Position USAID to provide sound developmental policy advice and take a leadership role in fostering a better understanding of microeconomic policy issues.

2) Support USAID efforts to assist host countries in the design and implementation of economic and structural reform programs, and the elements of such programs.

This Microeconomic IQC’s goals will result in these outputs:

1) Technical advice and implementation support to USAID/CAR, CAR Country Offices, and host country officials on all aspects of relevant microeconomics;

2) Information dissemination through seminars, workshops, conferences, and working papers, and other means;

3) Customized strategic and tactical development approaches;

4) Research on technical, legal, policy and strategic issues, and applied research to meet specific, contextually defined requirements of countries, regions or sub-regions;

5) Training of USAID and host-country decision-makers and technical personnel in the design and implementation of economic policy and institutional reforms; and,

6) Long-term, in-country coordination and management of field activities under the IQC mechanism.

C.3 CHALLENGES

Despite the progress that has been made towards sustainable economic development, particularly in Kazakhstan, challenges exist. While regional economic integration and cooperation is a long-term and iterative process mandatory for sustainable economic growth, it is not viewed as a priority by decision-makers in Central Asia. Uzbekistan’s economy is heavily oriented towards import substitution and relatively unattractive to foreign investors. For Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, a sustainable increase in living standards will not occur without increased regional economic integration and cooperation, but engagement with their neighbors toward this outcome has had poor results. Tajikistan’s trade with other countries is hampered by poor relations with Uzbekistan, the easiest route by which to import or export.

With respect to domestic economic policy and its implementation, political expediency frequently results in decisions ill-suited for sustainable economic growth. Economic reform is beset by entrenched interests, and in some cases corruption, that serve as an obstacle to economic development.

In all Central Asia countries, private sector activity is dominated by extractive industries and/or the production of agricultural commodities with public functions, economic strategies and structures that relate to businesses focused on these sectors. Micro, small and medium sized enterprises account for an inadequate percentage of GDP while accounting for increasing large amount of employment.

Employment in the region ranges from levels considered high in Kazakhstan to catastrophic in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan where significant percentages of the workforce emigrate to take unskilled jobs in Russia and Kazakhstan. As a result of this migration, women in these countries are taking on larger roles in small business and agro-business, and they need increased programmatic and policy support.

Finally, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan both possess characteristics of failed states which complicate the implementation of economic reforms in those countries.

C.4 SCOPE OF WORK (SOW)

Contractor duties include provision of technical and advisory services, training, research, and other services to USAID/CAR, associated country offices and any newly created USAID missions in Central Asia. Contractors shall provide these services through the execution of task orders with specified performance bench-marks for achievement of objectives.

C.4.A CORE TASKS

The contractor shall perform or manage performance of two core tasks:

1) Implementation of Task Orders

2) Knowledge Management

C.4.A.1 IMPLEMENTATION OF TASK ORDERS

Contractors shall undertake the preparation of proposals in response to task orders that may include:

1) Problem diagnostics and analytics

2) Problem identification

3) Program/project/task design

4) Analysis and assessment

5) Program/task recommendations

6) Strategic planning at the level of the:

a) Public or private institution

b) Local authorities

c) Regional organization

d) Government body (ministry, agency)

7) Implementation in:

a) Program management

b) Transactions facilitation

c) Commodity procurement

d) Management of local non-US institutions

e) Grant management

f) Monitoring and evaluation and assessment

8) Evaluation

a) Metrics development

b) Performance targeting and monitoring

9) Assessments and analysis

a) Applied research on development challenges

b) Data generation

10) Provide logistical support for task implementation teams

11) Supervise task implementation teams

12) Collaborate in resolving IQC and Task Order issues

13) Manage contract resources cost effectively

14) Provide technical and advisory services that:

a) Assist USAID/Central Asia, associated country offices and any newly created USAID missions in Central Asia to accomplish task order objectives

b) Offer training and research services

15) Work closely with representatives of other development assistance institutions to coordinate programs and policies

16) Partner, subcontract, or prepare and administer grants with local, non-US organizations when necessary to accomplish Task Order objectives

17) Work closely with government, private sector, non-government, and private voluntary organizations, and use local expertise

18) Work with institutional partners of USAID/Central Asia, associated country offices and any newly created USAID missions in Central Asia to:

a) Achieve USAID/Central Asia and any newly created USAID missions in Central Asia Strategic Objectives

b) Establish relationships with local businesses, banks, professional associations, local consulting firms, and non-governmental organizations

19) Subcontract and partner with local organizations within the scope of work of Task Orders

20) Design, preparation, management and administration of USAID grants to regional/local organizations and institutions

C .4.A.2 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Knowledge Management (KM) is a significant part of the Microeconomic Foundations for Growth IQC.

The contractor shall:

1) Capture, provide custodianship for and, as directed, disseminate information, data, analyses, and any other written material produced under the IQC,

2) Create a standard framework for knowledge creation, sharing, and vetting,

3) Disseminate lessons learned, best-practices, and professional training in appropriate multimedia format,

4) Provide marketing and technical-support outreach to USAID/Central Asia, associated country offices and any newly created USAID missions in Central Asia, client country decision-makers, and other domestic US and international development and support organizations,

5) Coordinate donor and KM linkages,

6) Create and support "Communities-of-Practice," and

7) Market "branding" of USAID as a technical leader in solving business, trade, and investment issues.

C.4.B TECHNICAL TASKS

This section describes the technical task areas that the Contractor shall perform, either as an individual firm or in a prime-subcontractor consortium arrangement. These task areas are illustrative and should not be considered all-inclusive.

Under The USAID Microeconomic Foundations for Growth IQC technical assistance covers a wide range of potential activities necessary to address the problems and impediments constraining Central Asia’s growth, productivity and output. USAID intends the Task Orders issued under this IQC to coordinate closely with the other USAID contract mechanisms to avoid overlap of mandate and ensure effective use of resources.

Services provided under this IQC will fall within the following functional area, divided into a broad set of technical tasks defined as: Microeconomic Foundations for Growth.

Within the Microeconomic Foundations for Growth area, services will cover both developing and implementing:

1) Small and medium enterprise development,

2) Micro-enterprise development,

3) Support to agribusiness and agriproducers, and 4)Stabilization – Crisis Assistance-…