SIMPLE_IDIQ_RFP.pdf

Issuance Date: June 23, 2014 Deadline for questions: June 30, 2014 at 8am EST

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) No. SOL-263-14-000005

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals to provide Services to Improve Performance Management, Enhance Learning and Evaluation (SIMPLE) for USAID/Egypt as described in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP). USAID anticipates the award of one (1) five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ).

USAID anticipates that the maximum aggregate ordering limitation for the contract resulting from this RFP will be $24,500,000 over the five-year ordering period. The maximum aggregate dollar value of task orders awarded cannot exceed this contract ceiling. There is no guarantee on the number of task orders that the successful Contractor will receive or the amount of money beyond the minimum order guarantee set forth in the RFP.

Please refer to Section L for information or instructions regarding proposal requirements. Failure to comply with the submission date will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated. Faxed proposals are not acceptable, nor will they be reviewed or evaluated.

Section L of the RFP sets forth all instructions for the preparation and submission of required proposal contents, including critical dates/times for the submission of questions, and the proposal submission closing date and time. Section M states the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of the contract will not be binding.

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. Award of a Contract under this RFP is subject to availability of funds and other internal USAID approvals.

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

Sincerely, Ralph V. Koehring Contracting Officer, USAID

AWARD/CONTRACT

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

RATING PAGE OF PAGES

2. CONTRACT (Proc. Inst. Indent ) NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST/PROJECT NO.

6. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 5) CODE5. ISSUED BY CODE

FACILITY CODE

7. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

CODE

8. DELIVERY

FOB ORIGIN OTHER (See below)

9. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

10. SUBMIT INVOICES

(4 copies unless otherwise specified) TO THE

ADDRESS SHOWN IN

ITEM

14. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

11. SHIP TO/MARK FOR CODE 12. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

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

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

15A. ITEM NO. 15B. SUPPLIES/SERVICES 15C. QUANTITY 15D.UNIT 15E. UNIT PRICE 15F. AMOUNT

15G. TOTAL AMOUNT OF CONTRACT $

16. TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

PACKAGING AND MARKING

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

L

M

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

I

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 17 (SEALED-BID OR NEGOTIATED PROCUREMENT) OR 18 (SEALED-BID PROCUREMENT) AS APPLICABLE

17. CONTRACTOR'S NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT (Contractor is required to sign this document and return copies to issuing office ) Contractor agrees to furnish and deliver all items or perform all the services set forth or otherwise identified above and on any continua ion sheets for the consideration stated herein. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract shall be subject to and governed by he following documents: (a) this award/contract, (b) the solicitation, if any, and (c) such provisions, representations, certifications, and specifications, as are attached or incorporated by reference herein. (Attachments are listed herein.)

18. SEALED-BID AWARD (Contractor is not required to sign this document )

Your bid on Solicitation Number , including the additions or changes made by you which addi ions or changes are set forth in full above, is hereby accepted as to the terms listed above and on any continuation sheets.

This award consummates the contract which consists of the following documents: (a) the Government's solicitation and your bid, and (b) this award/contract. No further contractual document is necessary. (Block 18 should be checked only when awarding a sealed-bid contract.)

19A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or Print)

19B. NAME OF CONTRACTOR 19C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

BY

20A. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

20B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 20C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

BY

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is NOT usable

STANDARD FORM 26 (REV. 5/2011)

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

1 85

SOL-263-14-000005

Office of Procurement, USAID/Egypt 1/A Nady El Etisalat St.

New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Postal Code: 11435

Ralph V. Koehring

Services to Improve Performance Management Enhance Learning and Evaluation (SIMPLE)

See block 20C

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 Scope of Work (SOW) specified in Section C for Services to Improve Performance Management, Enhance Learning and Evaluation (SIMPLE). USAID Contracting Officers (COs) 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 Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. The Government will issue task orders that are Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (CPFF). The Contractor must perform the services set forth in task orders at prices consistent with section B of this contract. The IDIQ will include all CORE activities.

B.3 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

This is a single award Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ) with an overall ceiling price of $24,500,000 for USAID/Egypt. The maximum aggregate dollar value of all task orders awarded to the Contractor must not exceed the contract ceiling.

B.4 FIXED FEE CEILING (Cost-Plus- Fixed-Fee Type Only)

(a) For each task order issued under this IDIQ, the CO and Contractor agree to negotiate a set dollar amount for fixed fee. In negotiating the fixed dollar amount for fee, the CO 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, may the amount of fixed fee in any individual task order exceed the statutory limit of 10% of the task order’s estimated cost, excluding fee, set forth in FAR 15.404. This fee must not be applied to costs that have a separate fee ceiling established below.

The fee ceiling applies to the Offeror.

NOTE: The ceiling on fixed fee does not apply to Fixed-Priced Task Orders.

(b) The Total Estimated Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee for each Task Order must be negotiated in accordance with the terms of this contract.

(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 fees 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 CO 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.5 CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINs):

Contract Line Items for core functions:

Total Estimated Cost Fixed Fee Total Estimated Cost-plus-fixed-fee

Contract Line Items for fixed-price task orders:

Total Estimated Cost Fixed Fee Total Estimated Cost-plus-fixed-fee

B.6 LABOR

a) Central management costs will be handled through the following method:

The Contracting Officer has determined that a key (full-time) technical manager is not necessary or required to administer the basic IDIQ. Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ or under task orders. Contractors shall propose a centralized management structure that allows for recovery of IDIQ management costs as part of its indirect costs.

b) The work day and work week policies and method of accounting for paid absences including holidays for the Contractor is set forth in Attachment J.7.

Compensation of personnel under this contract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation (July 2007) (See Section H.).

B.6 (a) Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR)

(1) The task order rates must not exceed the ceiling daily rates set forth in the table below.

Each CDR for personnel listed below is “unburdened” and must only include salary costs or consulting rates of the individual providing the services.

The CDR for employees must not include the following:

• Payroll costs (fringe benefits, FICA, allowances, differentials, etc.);

• Indirect Costs applicable to labor; and

• Profit or fee, if any.

Unless otherwise authorized by USAID, the compensation for CCN and TCN labor shall not exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and shall be paid in the currency of the cooperating country.]

[Note 4: The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates above do not apply to Fixed-priced task Orders.]

(3) Definition of labor categories:

Example

Senior Performance Monitoring Specialist (Key Personnel)

This individual will be responsible for leading and managing the technical work related to performance monitoring under this contract. Among other relevant tasks, the Senior Performance Monitoring Specialist will conduct Data Quality Analyses in accordance with ADS 203; lead/oversee the review of project-level M&E plans, and work to ensure the quality and utility of performance monitoring data.

This individual will also support the Field Monitors by reviewing reporting methods, carrying out training needs analyses, designing reporting tools, and advising technical offices on ways to improve field monitor performance.

B.6 (b) Minimum Qualifications

In order to perform the statement of work set forth in Section C, the Contractor must provide personnel that meet the minimum education and experience requirements set forth below. These minimum qualifications for mid-level and senior personnel correspond to the Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates above.

Example Qualifications

The candidate must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as international development, statistics, economics, with emphasis on monitoring and evaluations, and a minimum of ten years of progressively more responsible experience in the following areas:

• Indicator development, data collection and analysis, data quality assessments, statistical methods and/or performance monitoring and/or reporting.

• Substantive experience leveraging performance monitoring data for the improvement of ongoing project management.

• Previous experience working in Egypt is preferred.

• Arabic skills are preferred.

• Project management skills are desirable.

B.6(c) Subcontractor Rates.

The following provides guidance for various subcontracting arrangements:

(i) The Prime subcontracts with an approved subcontractor from the original IDIQ competition

*Special Note: The un-shaded columns in the indirect cost table are the current approved indirect cost rates for the prime and major subcontractor(s).

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.

Reimbursement for indirect costs shall be at final negotiated rates, but not in excess of ceiling rates specified above.

The Government shall not be obligated to pay any additional amount associated with indirect costs above the ceiling rates established in the contract. This advance understanding shall not change any monetary ceiling, cost limitation, or obligation established in the contract.

NOTE: For Fixed-priced Task Orders, the overhead ceilings serve as the basis for negotiation only.

Note: Contractors are allowed to recoup indirect costs (OH, G&A, etc.) as other direct costs if it is part of the Contractor’s usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR 31 and the contactor’s NICRA.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 PURPOSE

USAID/Egypt requirements outstrip workforce resources available to effectively perform assessments and rigorous analyses, gather baseline data, track results, periodically report on progress, verify data, perform evaluations, respond to ad-hoc requests for information, manage recordkeeping, and other project development and program office functions. Moreover, in light of USAID Forward principles, the Mission is directing funding to local organizations and mechanisms. Many of these local organizations, however, lack the skills necessary to effectively manage performance and conduct independent evaluations and verification activities. As such, the Program Office plans to award a contract to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of performance management of USAID/Egypt’s portfolio, as well as to improve the information and reporting mechanisms, products, and systems.

The purpose of SIMPLE is to execute a host of services to improve the efficiency of programs implemented by the Mission’s Technical Offices. These services include activity/project designs, assessments, evaluations, management information and reporting and mapping. In addition, technical assistance is to be provided to the Program Office to collect and disseminate public information and enhance the quality of data.

The primary purpose of this award is to improve performance management at all levels to help the Mission meet Agency requirements, make better informed strategic and management decisions, and advance Agency learning.

C.2 OBJECTIVE

Under SIMPLE, the Contractor will provide select services to the Program Office and Mission Technical Offices: 1. Education; 2. Public Health; 3. Economic Growth; and 4. Democracy and Governance.

The Contractor shall provide the following services to the Program Office and other technical offices in the Mission:

A. Performance Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Update, improve, and support implementation of the Mission’s monitoring and evaluation procedures and programs. Support services would include assisting the Mission with: 1) performance management planning; 2) performance management training of implementing partners and staff; 3) field-based monitoring; 4) evaluations;

B. Project/Program Design: Provide the Program Office and Mission technical offices with Project/Program Development and Design assistance via short and long-term technical consultants. Such assistance would include providing the Program Office and Mission technical offices with short-term technical assistance that will: 1) conduct sectoral and geographic assessments; 2) conduct topical and geographical research relating to development in Egypt; 3) other project development design assistance as required; and 4) collect baseline data.

C. Information Management: Provide support for information management that will enable USAID/Egypt to be more responsive to the many data calls it receives with accurate and consistent data necessary for reports and briefing materials.

C.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

The Contractor shall accomplish the objectives above by completing the tasks listed below. Tasks designated as IDIQ core functions are marked as CORE and tasks designated as task order functions are marked as TASK ORDERS.

There will be one COR for the IDIQ core functions and individual CORs for each task order.

Objective A: Performance Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation

A.1 Performance Management

Performance management is first and foremost the responsibility of the USAID/Egypt Mission staff, and as such, monitoring of project implementation and reporting on project results is an essential responsibility of AORs/CORs and project managers in the technical offices. These fundamental project management responsibilities cannot be delegated to the Program Office or its Contractor. The Mission and AORs/COR use Performance Management Plans (PMP) to systematically monitor the results achieved towards the Mission’s Assistance Objectives by collecting and analyzing performance data for each indicator, and comparing it with previously established baseline situations and targets. This information is used to monitor whether planned results are being achieved, as defined in the USAID Country Development and Coordination Strategy and Project Appraisal Document. The Contractor will coordinate with the Program Office to assist technical offices and implementing partners in developing and updating their PMPs. The Contractor will assist the Program Office and technical offices in monitoring program results against stated indicators in the Performance Plan and Report (PPR) and Mission results framework. As part of this activity, the SIMPLE will assist Mission technical office and implementing partner staff in ensuring that data quality assessments have been conducted for the indicators on which the programs are reporting. Any Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) contracted to do this work will work with implementing partner CORs and AORs; and while carrying out their duties will identify themselves as Contractors rather than USG representatives.

Task 1: The Contractor will assist the Program Office and Mission technical offices to develop, finalize, and/or implement a PMP for the Mission. This may include revising PMPs at the Development Objective (DO), Intermediate Result (IR), and Sub-IR to respond and adhere to new standard indicators, and other relevant guidance for Egypt with final approval by the Mission. (CORE)

Task 2: The Contractor will work with the Program Office Backstops and Mission technical office to review and finalize project level PMPs. This may include revising PMPs to respond and adhere to new standard indicators, Agency policy, review existing baselines and control groups data to ensure conformity with USAID Evaluation Policy and other relevant guidance for Egypt with final approval by the AOR/COR. (CORE)

Task 3: The Contractor will build the capacity of USAID/Egypt’s implementing partners in order to effectively manage for performance to ensure that PMP-related data is being captured and reported accurately. This includes trainings on performance management systems, data specifications/protocols, baseline data collection, site visit monitoring, and conducting evaluations. (Task Orders)

Task 4: The Contractor will organize M&E workshops with USAID/Egypt staff, implementing partners, Egyptian non-governmental organizations, and private sector, as necessary;

coordinate data collection and reporting requirements; and understand the PMP and other reporting requirements and data. (Task Orders)

A.2 Monitoring - Increased frequency and quality of project monitoring

Effective performance management calls for the use of performance data through collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating results. Data collection includes not only those indicators specified in the Mission’s Performance Management Plan (PMP), but also those which are collected through project M&E plans, sub-activity reports, field monitor reports, and secondary data received from other stakeholders. Monitoring performance during an intervention is critical to understanding how USAID/Egypt should correct the course of an award and/or how to develop future programming. As such, the Contractor will assist in monitoring the results of USAID activities and programs on beneficiaries, communities and local organizations (including baseline surveys, mid-term, and final evaluations), in accordance with USAID policy. Ultimately, the Contractor will assist Mission technical offices with third-party, field-based monitoring of project activities, collecting performance information related to Mission level report.

Task 5: The Contractor shall provide short and long-term technical assistance for the purpose of conducting third party field-based monitoring, and related activities.

(Task Orders)

Task 6: The Contractor will assist with relevant USAID/Egypt staff to track program results against indicators, targets, and baselines in the PMP and PPR. The Contractor will analyze data presented by USAID implementing partners in their periodic reports and updates to ensure quality and accuracy. (CORE)

Task 7: Per USAID instruction, provide annual analysis of and reporting on the overall trend of the country and by governorate. (Task Orders)

Task 8: The Contractor will also support project implementers and technical teams by conducting data quality assessments and independent analysis at the directive of USAID staff. (Task Orders)

A.3. Evaluation - Increased use of evaluation and assessment results

The Contractor will conduct evaluations for USAID/Egypt according to a schedule established by Mission management and maintained by the Program Office. All evaluations will comply with ADS 203.3.2 and the latest USAID Evaluation Policy. The Contractor will provide evaluation teams (with the necessary skills and experience) for USAID/Egypt concurrence (AOR/COR and relevant technical office); facilitate presentations to the Mission, GOE, and other donors and partners on the findings, and solicit feedback on recommendations; and finalize the report in coordination with the Program Office and the appropriate Mission Objective team. Upon final clearance of the evaluation report, the Contractor will ensure that the report is submitted to the Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) – http://dec.usaid.gov.

Presently the Mission expects to conduct, at a minimum, the following evaluations and assessments during calendar years 2015/2016:

1. Final Evaluation of the Leadership for Education and Development Undergraduate Scholarship program (LEAD).

2. Mid Term Evaluation of the Agribusiness for Rural Development and Increasing Incomes

3. Mid Term Evaluation of the Trade and Investment Promotion in Egypt (TIPE).

4. Mid Term Evaluation of the Sustainable Investments in Tourism in Egypt (SITE)

Task 9: Assist the Mission in the development and tracking of a comprehensive, forward-looking evaluation and assessment plan (detailing the type, timing, purpose, and potential research questions). The Contractor will coordinate with the Program Office and relevant technical offices to recommend when program evaluations should be conducted based on monitoring activities. The Contractor will identify the following situations, which could also trigger the need for an evaluation:

(a) Performance information indicates an unexpected result (positive or negative) that should be explained (such as gender-differentiated results);

(b) Informed feedback from customers, partners or others suggests that there are implementation problems, unmet needs, or unintended consequences or impacts;

(c) Issues of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, or relevance have been cited in the portfolio review or PMP monitoring process; or

(d) The validity of Results Framework hypotheses or critical assumptions are questioned, e.g. due to unanticipated changes in the host country environment.

(CORE)

Task 10: On an annual basis, the Contractor will perform at least 5 high quality evaluations and assessments per Agency’s guidance of Mission-funded programs, projects and/or activities, analyzing progress made, lessons learned, issues and challenges encountered during implementation, and relevance to USAID/Egypt’s Mission Objectives. The evaluations and assessments will be described in Scopes of Work, and will run the gambit from conducting baseline evaluations to impact evaluations. (Task Orders)

Objective B: Project/Program Design

USAID/Egypt’s annual appropriation is approximately $250 million. The Program Office and Mission technical offices are currently in the process of designing new programs to meet Egypt’s transitional and development needs over the coming years. In support of this ongoing Project/Program Design effort, USAID/Egypt will require short-term technical assistance on an as needed basis to assist in conducting assessments for new projects/programs.

Task 11: In collaboration with, and as required by the Program Office and Mission technical offices, the Contractor shall conduct assessments (gender, poverty, youth, geographical, sectoral, etc.), analyses, and/or stakeholder consultations necessary to inform the development of Project Appraisal Documents. The Contractor may be asked to collect baseline data and assist technical offices to identify and collect data on a control group prior to project initiation, conduct studies on broad policy and strategic issues, such as institutional development, mainstreaming gender in development assistance, benefit sustainability, technology transfer, information technology & innovation, policy dialogue, private sector development, or public-private partnerships.

(Task Orders)

Objective C: Information Management

Provide support for information management that will enable USAID/Egypt to be more responsive to the many data calls it receives with accurate and consistent data necessary for reports and briefing materials.

Task 12: The Contractor will analyze the Mission’s procedures for generating information for periodic reports and data calls, including but not limited to the PPR, OP, Mission Resource Request, and the various formats required for each report. The Contractor will prepare recommendations on how to streamline management and reporting of data, geographic data, and information, and use of program information systems, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve efficiency and reduce the amount of time spent on preparing related reports and responding to data calls. In coordination with USAID global IMS projects and contracts. (Task Order)

C.4 DELIVERABLES

The period of the SIMPLE IDIQ will be five years from the date of the award. Expected award date is November 1, 2014.

The Contractor will be required to have a finalized, approved project M&E plan and an initial work plan within 90 days after signing the contract. The initial work plan should cover the entire project period and provide greater detail for the period up through December 31, 2015 Subsequent annual work plans will be presented on September 1 each year to cover the subsequent fiscal year (October 1- September 30). Each annual work plan (including the initial work plan) should provide a detailed account of the content, formatting, and frequency, and schedule for routine reporting of work performed under this contract. All work plans are subject to review and approval by the COR.

Routine reporting will be in the form of a monthly report, to be delivered no later than two weeks after the end of the month. The content of these routine reports will be specified in the annual work plans.

All work performed in order to meet the deliverables requirements specified below shall be ordered, in writing (email is an acceptable format) by the COR, subject to the COR’s approval of projected budget expenditure for such purposes.

USAID/Egypt expects the following deliverables to be produced over the Life of Project (LOP).

Specific details concerning the timing of each deliverable shall be incorporated into the annual work plan.

Deliverable 1: A fully functional in-country support center staffed with a core team of key personnel hired, to provide ongoing management and support for USAID/Egypt performance management monitoring, and evaluation requests.

This in-country support center team will serve as the management and service hub for all activities under this contract. In addition to providing basic support services, management oversight, and liaison with USAID/Egypt’s Program Office, the core team will also perform a variety of recurring, analytical tasks, as requested by the COR. Illustrative tasks may include:

1. Promoting greater comparability across all Mission activities by, for example, recommending a consistent definition of project beneficiaries so that results can be aggregated.

2. Assisting the Mission in the development and tracking of a forward-looking evaluation and assessment plan (detailing the type, timing, and purpose).

3. As directed, assisting the Mission with the development and deployment of performance management information systems designed to monitor, measure, and report on performance.

4. Tracking of compliance with Mission and Agency guidance on performance management (ADS, policies, Mission Orders).

5. Organization and support for an M&E user’s group bringing together the performance management specialists of all USAID/Egypt’s partners to meet and discuss issues with USAID staff.

6. Supporting design, review, and finalization of Mission and project level PMPs.

7. Conducting a variety of desk studies and research products.

8. On an as-needed basis, responding to urgent ad-hoc information needs of the Mission.

9. Support the USAID/Egypt Mission staff in developing SOWs for evaluations and assessments.

Deliverable 2: Support the preparation and development of a Mission-level Performance Management Plan (PMP) and conduct an annual review of the PMP. (Tasks 1-2)

In conjunction with the Mission’s strategy development process, the Contractor will provide support in preparing the PMP. This could include working with teams to develop Assistance Objectives, Intermediate Results, sub-Intermediate Results, and indicators associated with each level. In addition, the Contractor will provide training and materials to USAID/Egypt staff on developing performance management plans. The Contractor will build capacity, as well, of implementing partners – implementing partners may include international and Egyptian non-governmental organizations, Contractors, and private sector.

On an annual basis, the Contractor will conduct a thorough review of USAID/Egypt’s mission-level PMP and the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) plans for each USAID/Egypt’s project. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the following criteria are met, both at the strategic (Mission) and project levels: (1) the causal relations of inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts are logically and sensibly arranged, consistent with the (anticipated) USAID/Egypt’s strategy and any relevant project design documentation; (2) appropriate performance indicators are selected; (3) as relevant and appropriate, context indicators are selected; (4) Performance Indicator Reference Sheets are completed for all performance and context indicators; (5) baseline, target, and actual values are recorded for all performance indicators, (6) evaluations are adequately planned for, and (7) USAID’s performance management policies, guidance documents, and procedures are followed.

Deliverable 3: Provide training on performance management and relevant tools to USAID/Egypt staff and/or partners. (Tasks 3-4)

The Contractor shall coordinate and provide training and advisory services on performance management issues to staff and/or partners at USAID/Egypt. The content of training sessions may include: (1) USAID policy and guidance vis-à-vis performance management, (2) technical content or special topics related to performance management, project monitoring, and/or evaluation; or (3) other pertinent topics, as determined by the COR in response to demand from USAID/Egypt staff. The Contractor shall provide four workshops/training per year to USAID staff and/or partners over the LOP.

Deliverable 4: Provide third-party monitoring services (Tasks 5-7)

Deliverable 4.a.: Task 5 (Task Orders): Provide short- and long-term technical assistance to conduct third party field-based monitoring.

Deliverable 4.b.: Task 6 (Core): Track program results against indicators, targets, and baselines in the PMP and PPR; analyze data by USAID implementing partners.

Deliverable 4.c.: Task 7 (Task Orders): Provide analysis of and reporting on the overall trend of the country and by governorate.

These services will be performed on an ‘as-needed’ basis and will include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Data quality verification of USAID implementing partners’ results reporting and PMPs.

• Rapid response, flexible, activity-level results analyses

• Targeted activity-level performance (non-financial) spot checks and monitoring site visits

The Implementer shall propose a methodology to undertake the data quality verification exercises including an indication of the sampling methods and techniques, the type of data collection methods and tools, (e.g. forms and questionnaires) to be applied, as well as the selection process and training – including training materials - of M&E field and supervisory project staff. Also included shall be a description of quality control processes and the design and elaboration of the data entry systems.

Deliverable 5: Conduct at least one Data Quality Assessment (DQA) per project, annually. (Task 8)

The Contractor will conduct at least one annual review of data and DQAs covering both Mission and project-level data. To the greatest possible extent, the Contractor should attempt to include input from third party monitoring in the DQA process. As necessary, and on an ad hoc basis, the Contractor may train, and/or work directly with Mission Staff to assess data quality on a routine basis. In Year 1 and Year 4 or Y 2 and Y 5 the Contractor shall conduct and complete at least four full DQAs covering all the indicators included in the PMPs of each Development Objective.

Deliverable 6: Plan, and conduct high quality evaluations and assessments/research papers/other analytical reports. Disseminate reports and conduct outreach activities, as appropriate. (Tasks 9- 12)

Deliverable 6.a.: Task 9 (Core): Assist the Mission in the development and tracking of an evaluation and assessment plan; identify situations which could trigger the need for an evaluation.

Deliverable 6.b.: Task 10 (Task Orders): On an annual basis, perform at least 5 high quality evaluations and assessments described in specific scopes of work.

Deliverable 6.c.: Task 11 (Task Orders): Conduct assessments, analyses, and/or stakeholder consultations.

Deliverable 6.d.: Task 12 (Task Orders): Prepare recommendations on how to streamline management and reporting of data, geographic data, and information; prepare recommendations on the use of program information systems, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

At the onset, the Contractor will assist the Mission to develop an evaluation and assessment plan that is responsive to USAID Evaluation Policy, and incorporates USAID/Egypt scheduling as well. The USAID Evaluation Policy requires that one evaluation be completed for each “large” (above average size) project within an Operating Unit’s Development Objective. The policy also requires an evaluation for each pilot/innovative project that explores previously untested development hypotheses. At minimum, the Contractor will be expected to complete 25-30 high quality evaluations over the LOP.

These evaluations should not only meet the criteria established in Annex 1 of USAID’s Evaluation Policy, but also any additional guidance or technical documents recommended by USAID. In addition to the evaluation work that is required by policy, USAID/Egypt may prioritize other evaluations, on a select basis. The Contractor should expect to conduct 25 performance evaluations and 3 impact evaluations at a minimum, although USAID reserves the right to substitute performance evaluations in lieu of impact evaluations, should it be determined that project design issues preclude the possibility of conducting a rigorous counterfactual analysis.

The Contractor will also perform 10 assessments, research papers, and/or other analytical products over the LOP. These analytical reports may include research on a particular sector within Egypt or within the region, or they may comprise more comprehensive data collection and/or survey efforts that serve the programming needs of USAID/Egypt. They may also explore/examine issues of internal interest to USAID/Egypt.

Examples of these types of products include:

- An assessment of gender, youth, sustainability, etc. as it pertains to USAID programming in Egypt.

- A targeted needs assessment in anticipation of a project design.

In compliance with ADS 203 and USAID’s Evaluation Policy, all evaluations must be submitted to the Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) within ninety days of completion. The Contractor will be responsible for the translation of each report into Arabic. Additionally, the Contractor shall also be responsible for the dissemination and circulation of evaluations and research reports.

Although USAID/Egypt Mission staff will be responsible for developing the SOWs for evaluations and assessments, the Contractor will proactively support the process and provide assistance in SOW planning.

In order to fulfill this deliverable, the implementing partner will need to hire short term technical assistance consultants in the area of expertise needed to conduct these evaluations. These consultants will be used to form evaluation teams lead by a designated team leader and coordinated by the AOR/COR of the project being evaluated and the COR of SIMPLE.

C.5 PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN

The Contractor’s performance shall be evaluated based on the completion of specific tasks as outlined in the contract and reports submitted to the COR.

C.6 POST AWARD ORIENTATION

The Contractor shall attend a post-award orientation conference with USAID staff one week after contract award. The conference should be attended by the key staff. The purpose of the meeting will be to ensure understanding of the contract.

C.7 USE OF U.S. GOVERNMENT PROPERTY

The Contractor will be expected to utilize U.S. Government property (USAID building located at 1/A Nady El Etisalat Off El-Laselky Street, New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt) for its primary office space. The office space is a total of 106.5 square meters with four (4) large enclosed offices, one (1) small conference room, and one (1) large reception area. The space also includes access to a large shared conference room with audio/video capability. No furniture or equipment shall be provided as part of this office space.

Contractor staff based in this office space will be required to complete the appropriate security forms for USAID building access. See C. 8 below.

C.8 CONTRACTOR ACCESS

Before a Contractor (or a Contractor employee) may obtain a USAID ID (new or replacement) authorizing him/her routine access to USAID facilities, or logical access to USAID’s information systems, the individual must provide two forms of identity source documents in original form and a passport size photo. One identity source document must be a valid Federal or state government- issued picture ID. (Overseas foreign nationals must comply with the requirements of the Regional Security Office.) USAID/Washington Contractors must contact the USAID Security Office to obtain the list of acceptable forms of documentation, and Contractors working in overseas Missions must obtain the acceptable documentation list from the Regional Security Officer. Submission of these documents, and related background checks, are mandatory in order for the Contractor to receive a building access ID, and before access will be granted to any of USAID’s information systems. All Contractors must physically present these two source documents for identity proofing at their USAID/Washington or Mission Security Briefing. The Contractor or his/her Facilities Security Officer must return any issued building access ID and remote authentication token to USAID custody upon termination of the individual’s employment with the Contractor or completion of the Contract, whichever occurs first.

C.9 SECURITY PLAN

Security for the Contractor’s personnel and offices is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contactor shall assess the security situation in Egypt and institute appropriate measures. The Contractor is responsible for establishing a security protocol that facilitates safety of all staff and allows completion of required tasks and activities in the prevailing operating environment. If security factors are expected to disrupt implementation or to cause delay in attaining established targets, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to immediately notify USAID. Offerors should expect to issue a draft security plan after award to be approved by the COR and CO. No specific budget for security costs should be proposed at this time. If the security context in Egypt should change to the point that additional costs are deemed reasonable, the Contractor should immediately notify the CO and COR.

C.10 GENDER CONSIDERATIONS

All performance management activities, assessments, surveys, studies, and reports must include gender-disaggregated data, where feasible. In conducting field studies or surveys, the Contractor will need to be culturally sensitive and activities may need to be gender-segregated to facilitate participation by women. Facility selection will need to ensure appropriate access and privacy for women. Interviews, workshops, or other activities conducted with women may need to be led by women. As far as practicable in various assignments, the Contractor shall undertake specific assessments of perceptions, attitudes, and values of women and the impact of activities on women in target areas.

The Contractor shall pay attention to–and highlight–gender-based constraints and issues in connection to the conduct of all deliverables. For example, the contractor should highlight gender-specific issues that arise from the data collection of implementing partners. The contractor should also identify gender trends that materialize from evaluations and assessments. The Contractor shall inform USAID of such issues and offer suggested measures to be taken to address them.

C.11 LIMITATION OF FUTURE CONTRACTING

(a) The Contracting Officer has determined that this acquisition may give rise to a potential organizational conflict of interest. Accordingly, the attention of prospective Offerors is invited to FAR Subpart 9.5--Organizational Conflicts of Interest.

(b) The nature of this conflict is based on the premise that contractors who provide USAID Services in a Program Management Support or Consulting capacity such as developing USAID-specific business requirements & providing impact analysis may give rise to a potential organizational conflict of interest on contracts where the contractor is providing services in an operational support capacity. Services provided in a Program Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, or Consulting capacity may have a direct impact on contracts of an operational support nature. Likewise, services performed on the operational support contract could impair a contractor’s capacity to provide impartial advice on the Program Management Support, Monitoring and Evaluation, or Consulting Services contract. These conflicting roles could result in the inability to render impartial or objective assistance or bias a contractor’s judgment resulting in an impaired objectivity Organizational Conflict of Interest.

(c) The restrictions upon future contracting are as follows:

(1) If the Contractor, under the terms of this contract, or through the performance of tasks pursuant to this contract, is required to develop specifications or statements of work that are to be incorporated into a solicitation, the Contractor shall be ineligible to perform the work described in that solicitation as a prime or first-tier subcontractor under an ensuing USAID contract. This restriction shall remain in effect for a reasonable time, as agreed to by the CO and the Contractor, sufficient to avoid unfair competitive advantage or potential bias (this time shall in no case be less than the duration of the initial production contract). USAID shall not unilaterally require the Contractor to prepare such specifications or statements of work under this contract.

(2) To the extent that the work under this contract requires access to proprietary, business confidential, or financial data of other companies, and as long as these data remain proprietary or confidential, the Contractor shall protect these data from unauthorized use and disclosure and agrees not to use them to compete with those other companies.

C.12 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST

(a) Determination. The Government has determined that this effort may result in an actual or potential conflict of interest, or may provide one or more offerors with the potential to attain an unfair competitive advantage. The nature of the conflict of interest and the limitation on future contracting is described below:

The nature of this conflict is based on the premise that contractors who provide USAID Services in a Program Management Support or Consulting capacity such as developing USAID-specific business requirements & providing impact analysis may give rise to a potential organizational conflict of interest on contracts where the contractor is providing services in an operational support capacity. Services provided in a Program Management or Consulting capacity may have a direct impact on contracts of an operational support nature. Likewise, services performed on the operational support contract could impair a contractor’s capacity to provide impartial advice on the Program Management Support or Consulting Services contract. These conflicting roles could result in the inability to render impartial or objective assistance or bias a contractor’s judgment resulting in an impaired objectivity Organizational Conflict of Interest.

(b) If any such conflict of interest is found to exist, the CO may (1) disqualify the offeror, or (2) determine that it is otherwise in the best interest of the United States to contract with the offeror and include the appropriate provisions to avoid, neutralize, mitigate, or waive such conflict in the contract awarded. After discussion with the offeror, the CO may determine that the actual conflict cannot be avoided, neutralized, mitigated or otherwise resolved to the satisfaction of the Government, and the offeror may be found ineligible for award.

(c) Disclosure: The offeror hereby represents, to the best of its knowledge that:

(1) It is not aware of any facts which create any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the award of this contract, or ___ (2) It has included information in its proposal, providing all current information bearing on the existence of any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest, and has included a mitigation plan in accordance with paragraph (d) of this provision.

(d) Mitigation. If an offeror with a potential or actual conflict of interest or unfair competitive advantage believes the conflict can be avoided, neutralized, or mitigated, the offeror shall submit a mitigation plan to the Government for review. Award of a contract where an actual or potential conflict of interest exists shall not occur before Government approval of the mitigation plan. If a mitigation plan is approved, the restrictions of this provision do not apply to the extent defined in the mitigation plan.

(e) Other Relevant Information: In addition to the mitigation plan, the CO may require further relevant information from the offeror. The CO will use all information submitted by the offeror, and any other relevant information known to USAID, to determine whether an award to the offeror may take place, and whether the mitigation plan adequately neutralizes or mitigates the conflict.

(f) Corporation Change. The successful offeror shall inform the CO within thirty (30) calendar days of the effective date of any corporate mergers, acquisitions, and/or divestures that may affect this provision.

(g) Flow-down. The contractor shall insert the substance of this clause in each first tier subcontract that exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold.

(h) The Contractor warrants that, to the best of the contractor’s knowledge and belief, there are no relevant facts or circumstances which could give rise to an organizational conflict of interest, as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5 Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, or that the contractor has disclosed all such relevant information.

(i) Prior to commencement of any work, the contractor agrees to notify the CO immediately that to the best of its knowledge and belief, no actual or potential conflict of interest exists or to identify to the CO any actual or potential conflict of interest the firm may have. In emergency situations, however, work may begin but notification shall be made within five (5) working days.

(j) The Contractor agrees that if an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest is identified during…