AE_RFQ_SOL-294-15-000006.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1

DESCRIPTION OF DESIGN/ARCHITECTURE

AND ENGINEERING SERVICES

1. INTRODUCTION:

The USAID/West Bank and Gaza Mission’s (USAID/WBG) Architecture and Engineering

Services Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract (WBG A&E Services IDIQ) contributes to the achievement of United States Government (USG) foreign policy objectives through the rehabilitation and construction of infrastructure. The purpose of the IDIQ is to procure infrastructure services, including engineering design, construction management, and related support in the areas of water resources, water supply, wastewater, environmental, transportation, energy, and facilities. These services predominantly require performance or approval by registered and licensed A&E professionals.

2. BACKGROUND

The WBG A&E Services IDIQ contract will directly support the USG goal of achieving a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict of two states living side by side in peace and security. According to Objective 2, “Building Public Institutions of a Future Palestinian

State,” of the Mission Resource Request for the U.S. Mission to Jerusalem 2015, as part of achieving a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the USG supports Palestinian institution building. USG support “provides critical infrastructure programming to improve water, sanitation, and road networks; and improves the everyday lives of Palestinians in the health and education sectors.” To support this objective, Task Orders implemented by the

Contractor will primarily design and provide construction management services for activities that construct and rehabilitate roads, water systems, distribution networks, sewage systems, energy infrastructure, public buildings, and other infrastructure, as well as strengthen the Palestinian

Authority’s (PA’s) ability to effectively operate and maintain infrastructure and resources.

The prior contract issued by USAID/WBG for these services was awarded in 2010 and was a single-award IDIQ. This IDIQ contract provides professional A&E services for the Mission’s construction portfolio throughout the West Bank and Gaza, including design, tendering, construction management, other related Architecture and Engineering services, studies, training, and capacity building of host government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations

(NGOs) primarily in road, water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as community infrastructure (vertical structures).

The Mission’s construction portfolio currently includes two separate awards. In December 2011

USAID awarded construction IDIQs for the Infrastructure Needs Program II (INP II), a 5-year, $750 million comprehensive program to construct, rehabilitate and improve infrastructure in the

West Bank and Gaza.

In addition, in July 2013 USAID launched the Local Construction Program (LCP), a 5-year, $300 million infrastructure program, that uses the services of multiple local West Bank and Gaza companies for the construction or rehabilitation of roads, buildings, water, wastewater, public buildings - including health facilities and schools - and other infrastructure works. The contractor for the A&E Services IDIQ will support the continuance of these activities, as well as other future infrastructure programs.

3. OBJECTIVES

The Contractor under the WBG A&E Services IDIQ will provide multi-discipline services in support of infrastructure programs for the West Bank and Gaza. The Contractor will provide for the following disciplines:

(1) Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, as defined by U.S. State law, which are required to be performed or approved by a person licensed, registered, or certified to provide those services;

(2) Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature performed by contract that are associated with research, planning, development, design, construction, alteration, or repair of real property; and

(3) Other professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, or of incidental services, that members of the architectural and engineering professions (and individuals in their employ) may logically or justifiably perform, including studies, investigations, surveying and mapping, tests, evaluations, consultations, comprehensive planning, program management, conceptual designs, plans and specifications, value engineering, construction phase services, soils engineering, design drawings reviews, peer reviews, preparation of operating and maintenance manuals, and other related services.

These services will be provided to support USAID’s construction-related efforts in the following areas:

3.1 Roads

The road network in the West Bank is in poor or failed condition. Many agricultural roads are beyond repair. The extended travel time and increased transport costs impair economic growth in this area. Recognizing the needs in the road sector, USAID has reconstructed and repaired road infrastructure to provide means for safer travel, better access to services, and enhanced commerce by connecting numerous villages to nearby towns. Road projects have been completed in areas best suited for economic development and impact on local populations.

Many of the roads rehabilitated have been key import-export routes to and from border crossings. From internal roads throughout the West Bank to major city entrances and crossings, USAID’s roads program has facilitated movement for Palestinians.

Under current and existing infrastructure programs, USAID plans to develop and rehabilitate main and regional roads to form a contiguous road network that supports economic and social development.

Some of these roads will extend through border crossings that serve as commercial crossing points between Israel and the West Bank. USAID plans to continue rehabilitating severely damaged road segments that are presently unsafe for existing traffic levels and ensure that road development continues to address economic growth, movement and access in the West Bank, and, if conditions permit, in Gaza. The Contractor will support construction efforts to include restoring or replacing damaged utility structures above and below the traveled roadway, including but not limited to water, wastewater, storm water, gas, electricity, telephone and manholes of utilities located in the right-of-way and in the immediate vicinity of the roads.

3.2 Water Supply

Inefficient and insufficient potable water distribution systems result in low consumption rates and a lack of potable water to support economic growth and general welfare of the population.

Approximately five percent of Palestinian households still have no access to running water.

Many localities that do have running water consume water below the World Health Organization recommended personal consumption rate. During the summer months some villages receive no water at all. Low-income groups must purchase tankered water at inflated prices. In response, USAID has financed large-scale well-drilling and water pipeline distribution projects throughout the West Bank and Gaza.

Additional assistance is required to increase water production, improve the quality of water, reduce water losses from leaking pipelines, and connect the population that is still without piped water. Over the course of the next five years, USAID plans to rehabilitate and construct water storage and distributions systems, and develop new water sources consistent with water conservation efforts and the rational development of underground aquifers. The Contractor will work in close coordination with and assistance to the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) to ensure that water resources are strategically exploited based on sound science and geographical need.

3.3 Sanitation

Untreated wastewater continues to pose an increasing health hazard. Only a small percentage of wastewater is collected in the West Bank and most of this is not properly treated.

Raw sewage currently flows to the valleys causing local health problems and the potential for long-term contamination of the eastern and western aquifers, impacting future water supply options for both Palestinians and Israelis. Poor treatment facilities and lack of repair have led to the pollution of beaches and aquifers.

USAID’s involvement in this sector has been in the rehabilitation and expansion of sewage collection systems and upgrading sanitation systems at schools, health clinics, and other public facilities.

USAID plans to address immediate needs in this sector in order to improve basic health conditions of the Palestinian population and protect the aquifers from being further contaminated. The Contractor will support construction programs that may include pumping stations, conveyance pipelines, wastewater treatment facilities, reuse, storage, and distribution projects.

3.4 Other Infrastructure

USAID will construct or upgrade other infrastructure to support programs in the education, health, energy and private sectors. Activities may include, but are not limited to, the construction of structures and buildings such as border crossings, courthouses, youth centers, renewable and other power stations, solid waste facilities, and other government and municipal buildings.

3.5 Training, Operation and Maintenance, and Institutional Capacity Building

The provision of infrastructure requires that Palestinian institutions develop the internal capacity to manage, operate, maintain, expand and finance key infrastructure in order to protect valuable infrastructure investments and reduce dependency on international donor funding. USAID has previously supported capacity building for operation and maintenance of water and road facilities in the West Bank. USAID has also provided capacity building to grantees and contractors to ensure that stringent requirements related to safety and quality are met.

The Contractor will support USAID in providing training, operation and maintenance, and institutional capacity building to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MPWH), PWA and other Palestinian entities as well grantees and contractors.

3.6 Studies and Assessments

Numerous infrastructure sector assessments have been completed by donors and the PA in recent years. USAID recently completed a road economic study that identified the financial requirements for conducting maintenance, as well as possible revenue sources; a Hebron industrial zone discharge study; a road cost-benefit analysis; and a number of environmental reviews. The Contractor will assist in completing assessments and studies, and/or perform ad hoc studies in the infrastructure sector.

3.7 Coordination

The Contractor will coordinate with (1) the MPWH for road rehabilitation and construction; (2) the PWA for water supply and sanitation facilities; and (3) other PA ministries and organizations on education, health, energy and other facilities. The implementation of infrastructure projects will require extensive coordination efforts with different Palestinian and Israeli entities to obtain the required approvals on the design drawings, obtain the required construction permits, and allow the entry of construction equipment into West Bank and Gaza. The Contractor is expected to play a major role in the coordination with PA and Israeli entities to facilitate the design and implementation of the intended activities.

3.8 Cross-cutting Considerations

The Contractor must be familiar with required Agency policies as Task Orders may include elements of these documents. Below is a list of USAID policies that may be integrated into Task

Orders:

● Evaluation Policy : http://www.usaid.gov/evaluation/policy

● USAID Forward: http://www.usaid.gov/usaidforward

● Gender and Female Empowerment: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/gender-female-empowerment

● Climate Change Adaptation Plan: http://www.usaid.gov/sustainability/climate-change-adaptation-plan

● Other Sector Specific Policies: http://www.usaid.gov/results-and-data/planning/policy

● Countering Trafficking in Persons: https://www.usaid.gov/trafficking

Additionally, Task Orders performed under this contract must build the capacity of local organizations. In accordance with Local Capacity Development business rules under ADS 201, organizations must meet the following requirements in order to qualify as “local:”

● Be organized under the laws of recipient country;

● Have its principal place of business in the recipient country;

● Be majority owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the recipient country or be managed by a governing body, the majority of whom are citizens or lawful permanent residents of a recipient country; and

● Not be controlled by a foreign entity or by an individual or individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of the recipient country.

USAID expects the Contractor to subcontract with local contractors to the maximum extent possible. Designs that are common in the U.S. may not be applicable in the context of a developing country, and projects and activities must comply with appropriate national and international standards, and reflect Agency best practices.

Specific to gender, all infrastructure programs need to carefully consider the gender dimensions in all stages of the projects – from planning and design through construction, operation and maintenance, and capacity building activities. Design must take into account gender dynamics in the community or region and capture the current or anticipated effects of infrastructure on men and women. To do this, the Contractor may need to conduct a stakeholder analysis that incorporates the perspective of both men and women of the community, community leaders, and other key stakeholders within the community. At construction worksites, gender issues at this stage are still critical, particularly in regard to sexual harassment. Appropriate remedial action needs to be taken if such incidents occur.

http://www.usaid.gov/evaluation/policy http://www.usaid.gov/evaluation/policy http://www.usaid.gov/usaidforward http://www.usaid.gov/usaidforward http://www.usaid.gov/policy/gender-female-empowerment http://www.usaid.gov/policy/gender-female-empowerment http://www.usaid.gov/sustainability/climate-change-adaptation-plan http://www.usaid.gov/sustainability/climate-change-adaptation-plan http://www.usaid.gov/results-and-data/planning/policy https://www.usaid.gov/trafficking

It is also critical to encourage training women engineers and facilitate the participation of women in workforce development across all infrastructure sectors in order to increase the overall accessibility of infrastructure.

Furthermore, because infrastructure can be costly and is often built to last for decades, these assets are uniquely affected by climate change, though impacts will vary across different infrastructure types and locations. It is critical that the potential impacts of climate change be considered as part of overall program and project development to ensure resiliency and sustainability. This needs to begin at the planning phase and continue throughout the life of a project. An ongoing process of adaptive management can help decision-makers understand vulnerability, assess climate impacts, identify priorities, and take appropriate adaptation actions.

4. DESCRIPTION OF DESIGN/ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING

SERVICES

The Contractor must, when directed by USAID, provide all services from project conception through close-out. Task Orders under this IDIQ may call for the provision of A&E services or a combination of services including, but not limited to, the services outlined in this section.

The Contractor will provide multi-discipline engineering and construction management services in support of the Mission’s infrastructure construction program implemented in the West Bank and Gaza. These are professional services of an architectural or engineering nature associated with research, planning, development, design, studies, construction, alteration, repair, procurement, construction management, capacity and institutional building, and any other services related to infrastructure development. The Contractor will provide services for USAID on contractual, administrative, engineering, construction, procurement, and technical issues of various multi-discipline infrastructure projects that will be implemented by USAID West Bank and Gaza. In addition, the Contractor will provide support for coordination meetings and contact with the MPWH, PWA, and other PA ministries, local governments, the Coastal Municipalities

Water Utility (CMWU), subject to appropriate approvals, and other entities. The Contractor will work closely and coordinate with different Palestinian and Israeli entities in order to secure construction permits, as well as permits and clearances for the import or shipment of construction material and equipment required for projects.

The nature of the work to be performed for each Task Order will be prescribed in a statement of work (SOW) specific to each individual Task Order. A full range of program management services may be required, from initial design of the infrastructure through completion of construction and training.

4.1 Project Identification and Design

The Contractor will provide support pertaining to the identification of potential infrastructure projects in the areas listed below that meet USAID and PA goals and objectives.

Such support may include, but is not limited to, preparation of cost estimates, determining prospective schedules for project completions; serving as a source of information and data, evaluating alternative approaches, assessing sustainability of the benefits and obstacles that may have to be overcome in order to achieve project objectives, conducting peer reviews of designs performed under other programs, and advising on the practicality to undertake specific projects.

a. Water Resources: These services may include, but are not limited to, the planning, design, and training for water resource management, urban and rural water systems, wastewater treatment reuse, drinking water disinfection, watershed management systems, alternative water treatment systems, improvement of water quality, drainage basins and irrigation systems, dams and storage reservoirs, flood control programs, and the exploration and development of groundwater resources.

b. Environmental/Sanitary Engineering: These services may include, but are not limited to, the planning, design, training, management, etc., of domestic and industrial water supply; water distribution systems; wastewater collection, treatment and disposal techniques; wastewater recycling, materials reuse; coast line erosion and flood control, natural wells, storm water drainage; proper solid waste collection, recycling, and disposal, and recommendations for effective operation and maintenance.

c. Civil and Industrial Engineering: These services may include, but are not limited to, the manufacturing, processing, and waste treatment of sanitary and solid waste; the design of buildings and civil works structures such as roads, ports, railroads, and bridges;

building and support structures related to industrial parks and industrial clustering areas;

supply chain management infrastructure design; waste/energy minimization strategies;

the design of green buildings and sustainable construction; construction design concepts including materials/technology selection; site planning and management, and demolition techniques.

d. Energy Installations: These services may include, but are not limited to, the design of power generation from alternative sources, i.e., wind, flowing water, hydropower, biofuels, solar, biogas, and other clean sources.

e. Value Engineering, Engineering Economics, Institutional and Policy Reform: These services may include, but are not limited to, alternative financing, capacity building and training specific to the construction, rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of water, sanitary and solid waste management systems, IT systems; roads, shipping and transportation systems, power matrixes, tariff studies, cost recovery systems, and analysis of public-private partnerships; whole-life-cycle performance and costing; procurement needs; water concession design and tariff structure.

f. Specifications and other design planning materials: The Contractor will assist in developing construction specifications, drawings, special conditions, and cost estimates for projects to be designed under this contract; provide general and specialized support in the preparation of solicitation documents for the procurement of construction services;

conduct environmental reviews and prepare mitigation measures and environmental assessments in accordance with 22 CFR 216; and monitor, protect, and preserve cultural resources and archeological artifacts in the design and implementation of projects.

The Contractor may be required to review design drawings, tender documents, bills of quantities, and cost estimates prepared by others. The Contractor may be required to revise such documents to bring them up to a standard acceptable to USAID for its program activities. Designs must comply with the International Building Code, local construction standards, and international best practices.

4.1.1 Special Project Identification and Design Considerations

Cost analysis must be prepared for all proposed construction designs. These analyses must compare the relative costs and advantages in alternative approaches. To the maximum extent practicable, USAID-funded infrastructure must incorporate features into the design concepts and utilize construction materials that contribute to low operation and maintenance costs. The

Contractor must introduce into the design and construction of infrastructure projects appropriate measures to minimize operation and maintenance costs.

Other related issues that must be addressed during design include the available management structure of the operating entity, the capabilities and experience of the operating staff, the tariff structure, security factors, and community involvement. In the preparation of analyses of alternatives and in the design and construction of specific infrastructure, the Contractor must give due consideration to the issue of the sustainability of the proposed infrastructure project. In addition, the design of infrastructure and energy efficient equipment can substantially reduce the operating cost for infrastructure while still maintaining the functionality of same. The contractor must ensure that designs promote energy efficiency. USAID/WBG is adopting the International

Building Code (IBC) as the design and construction standard for all USAID-funded structures.

Therefore, designing to and ensuring compliance with the IBC during construction projects is expected.

Lastly, USAID fosters a climate of nondiscrimination against people with disabilities. USAID requires the Contractor to comply with standards of accessibility for people with disabilities in all structures, buildings or facilities resulting from new or renovation construction or alterations of an existing structure.

The objectives of the USAID Disability Policy are:

(1) To enhance the attainment of United States foreign assistance program goals by promoting the participation and equalization of opportunities of individuals with disabilities in USAID policy, country and sector strategies, activity designs and implementation;

(2) To increase awareness of issues of people with disabilities both within USAID programs and in host countries;

(3) To engage other U.S. Government agencies, host country counterparts, governments, implementing organizations and other donors in fostering a climate of nondiscrimination against people with disabilities; and

(4) To support international advocacy for people with disabilities. The full text of

USAID's policy can be found at the following Web site:http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDABQ631.pdf.

USAID therefore requires that the contractor not discriminate against people with disabilities in the implementation of USAID programs and that it make every effort to comply with the objectives of the USAID Disability Policy in performing this contract.

To that end and within the scope of the contract, the contractor's actions must demonstrate a comprehensive and consistent approach for including men, women, and children with disabilities.

In addition, the following standards specifically apply to the design and construction of infrastructure:

(a) One of the objectives of the USAID Disability Policy is to engage other U.S. Government agencies, host country counterparts, governments, implementing organizations and other donors in fostering a climate of nondiscrimination against people with disabilities. As part of this policy

USAID has established standards for any new or renovation construction project funded by

USAID to allow access by people with disabilities (PWDs). The full text of the policy paper can be found at the following Web site: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDABQ631.pdf

(b) USAID requires the contractor to comply with standards of accessibility for people with disabilities in all structures, buildings or facilities resulting from new or renovation construction or alterations of an existing structure.

(c) The contractor must comply with the host country or regional standards for accessibility in construction when such standards result in at least substantially equivalent accessibility and usability as the standard provided in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the

Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines of July 2004. Where there are no host country or regional standards for universal access or where the host country or regional standards fail to meet the ADA/ABA threshold, the standard prescribed in the ADA and the ABA must be used.

(d) New Construction. All new construction must comply with the above standards for accessibility.

(e) Alterations. Changes to an existing structure that affect, or could affect, the usability of the structure must comply with the above standards for accessibility unless the contractor obtains the contracting officer's advance approval that compliance is technically infeasible or constitutes an undue burden or both. Compliance is technically infeasible where structural conditions would require removing or altering a load-bearing member that is an essential part of the structural frame or because other existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements, spaces, or features that are in full and strict compliance with the minimum requirements of the standard. Compliance is an undue burden where it entails either a significant difficulty or expense or both.

(f) Exceptions. The following construction related activities are excepted from the requirements of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section:

(1) Normal maintenance, re-roofing, painting or wallpapering, or changes to mechanical or electrical systems are not alterations and the above standards do not apply unless they affect the accessibility of the building or facility; and

(2) Emergency construction (which may entail the provision of plastic sheeting or tents, minor repair and upgrading of existing structures, rebuilding of part of existing structures, or provision of temporary structures) intended to be temporary in nature. A portion of emergency construction assistance may be provided to people with disabilities as part of the process of identifying disaster- and crisis-affected people as “most vulnerable.”

4.2 Other Incidental Related Services

The Contractor will provide construction contract procurement services during the construction and pre-construction phases of assigned projects. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Assist the USG in the preparation of cost estimates for projects selected by USAID.

b. Assist USAID with construction task order pre-proposal meetings and the preparation and issuance of meeting minutes, as well as draft any necessary addenda and responses to offerors' questions.

c. Assist USAID in the preparation and award of construction Task Orders.

d. Provide subject-matter experts to participate in the selection process of construction contractors, if deemed necessary by USAID.

e. Review and provide advice on claims and disputes as necessary to include expert opinions on issues where USAID requires engineering expertise or commentary on the execution of contracted construction work as well as related services for participation in litigation or alternative dispute resolution of claims.

4.3 Construction Management Services

The Contractor will provide all aspects of construction management during the construction and pre-construction phases of assigned projects. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Oversee all aspects of engineering and construction management during the design and construction phases of assigned projects.

b. Develop, update and maintain a general project work schedule(s) as required. This will include an overall schedule and/or individual schedules, as required, to track design review activities, procurement activities and construction activities.

c. Provide quality services related to oversight and supervision of construction contractors’ quality control services, including, at a minimum, confirmation that the standards required by the contract are met.

d. Review construction contractors’ schedules, quality assurance and quality control plans and provide recommendations to USAID.

e. Perform safety program development and monitoring.

f. Draft meeting minutes and any necessary addenda.

g. Work closely with USAID’s Environmental Officer and Contracting Officer’s

Representatives (COR) to ensure compliance with all environmental requirements.

h. Verify the construction contractors’ mobilization schedule including recommendations to

USAID for approval of contractual requirements before issuance of Notice to Proceed.

i. Hold pre-construction meetings and prepare meeting minutes.

j. Review and approve the contractors’ Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plan(s).

k. Provide services to monitor construction, prepare reports and take necessary measures to confirm that the contractor complies with the contract requirements.

l. Review and approve construction contractors’ shop drawings and other submittals.

m. Maintain project construction records and issue correspondence, certificates, notices and instructions to contractors as may be required by the provisions of the construction contract documents.

n. Advise USAID of situations that the A&E construction contractor becomes aware of

(technical, legal, political or otherwise), as well as contractor actions that may adversely impact project implementation, and do everything within the Contractor’s realm of responsibility to avert anticipated detrimental impact on the project.

o. Host periodic construction meetings, and additional meetings if needed, to resolve issues impacting cost and schedule.

p. Inform USAID, in writing, of all issues which the Contractor becomes aware of that may affect the project’s timeliness, scope, or cost and suggest methods of resolution.

q. Review the construction contractors’ payment invoices and make associated recommendations for payments to USAID. The Contractor will certify that the completed work has been carried out in accordance with the requirements of the contract.

r. Promptly examine and prepare recommendations regarding construction contractor claims for extensions of time, payment for additional work and other similar matters.

s. Submit site reports indicating the progress of activities. The reports will describe the value of the work completed, problems that may require USAID’s attention, construction contractors’ performance, whether the completion of work may be advanced or delayed, and whether circumstances have materially affected the contract cost.

t. Ensure that guarantees and insurances, including equipment warranties, as required under the contract, are in place.

u. Upon completion of the work, review, certify, and accept construction contractor “as-built” drawings, as well as other documentation required in the contract.

v. Review and oversee the preparation of Systems Operation and Maintenance Manuals as required under the contract.

w. Carry out the necessary daily inspections.

x. Respond to the contractors’ requests for information and site memorandums.

y. Monitor, report and take necessary measures to ensure that the construction contractors implement necessary environmental mitigation and control measures and include actions in monthly report, as well as in the final project report.

z. When construction requirements are satisfactorily completed, notify USAID and draft

Certificates of Final Acceptance and Construction Site Handover documents.

aa. Provide services related to review of change orders (variation orders) requests for equitable adjustments, disputes, and claims.

bb. Provide oversight of the QA/QC inspection services during the construction contractor’s defects liability period and report back to the COR and the Contracting Officer (CO) any warranty or non-warranty issues. Follow up with the contractor on any noted defect and its remedy.

cc. Monitor the protection and preservation of cultural resources and archaeological artifacts, consistent with Environmental Assessment requirements.

dd. Provide miscellaneous and supplemental services that are deemed necessary to meet the scope and objectives of the infrastructure programs. In some instances the CO and/or

COR may require ad hoc reports and tasks that are not mentioned above but fall within the work required to achieve the goals and objectives of the program.

ee. Work with the PWA, West Bank Water Department, Joint Service Councils, local governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders to strengthen delivery, operation and maintenance of infrastructure projects implemented by USAID in the West Bank and Gaza. Ensure that proper training is included in the requirements documents under the scope of construction Task Orders.

4.4 Training, Operation and Maintenance, and Capacity Development

The Contractor will provide services related to training, operation and maintenance, and institutional and capacity building, as needed. These services include, but are not limited to, the

a. The development, implementation, and/or oversight of training programs as needed to both build local capacity and ensure successful and sustainable project implementation.

b. Regular, periodic, or as-needed operations and maintenance duties related to the daily plant operation, equipment, materials, waste disposal, and local and remote monitoring.

The development, implementation and/or oversight of maintenance programs aimed at providing preventive and corrective maintenance for infrastructure facilities. Procure and deliver pumps, spare parts and other commodities for the PWA and other PA entities, as directed.

c. Provide services related to institutional and capacity building at a variety of levels. This may include, but will not be limited to aiding in the development of institutional reform, assisting with the drafting of municipal codes or standards, building local government policy and capacity, increasing citizen participation in and awareness of PA activities, improving human resource management, increasing local capacity to design and build to the International Building Code and other related duties or services.

4.5 Studies and Assessments

Services include, but are not limited to, study of the local and regional markets and preparation of research, studies, and reports that are deemed necessary by USAID/WBG to augment the investment in the infrastructure sector or optimize infrastructure program implementation.

4.6 Procurement, Control, and Distribution of Commodities

In cases where commodities are required over a broad range of projects, provide commodities with the following scope:

a. Purchase from domestic or imported sources, maintain inventories, provide warehouses for interim storage, and otherwise be responsible for the intended disposition of USAID-funded commodities whether assigned to projects or to other parties. It is the intention of

USAID to purchase major equipment as part of the construction contracts. However, in instances where long lead items are necessary and cannot be purchased through the construction contractors due to time restraints or other emergency response situations, the

Contractor may be required to purchase the items at the direction of USAID. Making such purchases on the Government’s behalf will adhere to but not be limited to the following general guidelines:

● Warranties: These will be transferable to end users/contractors.

● Storage: Coordination will be made with the PA or other entities as designated by

USAID to store materials and equipment on the Government’s behalf to include security and maintenance, if needed.

● Accountability: The Contractor will track inventory and disposal in coordination with USAID/WBG.

b. Assess, analyze, develop specifications, and monitor the installation of approved commodities and equipment for USAID partners according to USAID regulations.

Commodities could include, but will not be limited to, computer and office equipment, pumps, pipes, valves, electrical motors, field and training tools, and other commodities, supplies, and equipment required.

5. IDIQ PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 IDIQ Personnel

The Contractor will provide the central management necessary to fulfill all the requirements of the contract, including cost and quality control and quality assurance of all tasks and assignments.

The Contractor must provide one Key Personnel position, an IDIQ Manager, who will satisfy the following criteria.

IDIQ Manager: S/he must be able to provide vision, direction, and leadership in working with and bringing together performance improvement and disparate technical areas. This position is the primary point of contact for USAID. The IDIQ Manager will bear primary responsibility for all technical aspects of contract performance, as well as management related requirements of the contract, such as procurement, personnel, reporting, and financial administration. Specifically, the IDIQ Manager will:

1. Respond to Task Order requests and provide central management and oversight of Task

Orders under this award, working collaboratively and often with USAID central and field project managers, technical officers, COs, and meet and consult regularly with the IDIQ

COR.

2. Select and provide technical and administrative direction and guidance, as well as provide and support all technical experts carrying out technical requirements.

3. Report to USAID in accordance with USAID contractual reporting requirements.

4. Ensure quality and control methods are conducted in a consistent and transparent manner for all contracted tasks and functions.

Minimum Qualifications: The IDIQ Manager must have:

A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or architecture.

Ten years of project management experience.

Demonstrated experience of three years in managing projects of a similar size and scope in developing countries.

Desired Qualifications:

Oral and written English language skills must be commensurate with a U.S. professional environment.

Strong writing and oral presentation skills, Knowledge about the overall technical, administrative and logistical responsibility for the effective, efficient, and timely implementation of all activities undertaken by the contractor.

6. MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE

USAID monitors and evaluates the progress of all project activities toward achieving or advancing its objectives based upon selected performance indicators. For most USAID-funded infrastructure activities, the Contractor will be required to collect baseline and control data specific to individual infrastructure projects. Additionally, the Contractor will be required to collect data necessary for both monitoring the progress of construction activities as well as to measure qualitative and quantitative improvements provided by USAID-funded interventions under each Task Order.

Geographic Management Information System (Geo-MIS): The Contractor will be required to collect required project data and indicators from construction contractors, enter all data into

USAID Geographic Management Information System (Geo-MIS), update the data periodically, conduct periodic audits to ensure that data provided by construction contractors conform to the

USAID’s five (5) data quality standards:

a. Validity. Data should clearly and adequately represent the intended result. While proxy data may be used, the Contractor must consider how well the data measure the intended result. Another key issue is whether data reflect a bias such as interviewer bias, unrepresentative sampling, or transcription bias.

b. Integrity. Data that are collected, analyzed, and reported should have established mechanisms in place to reduce the possibility that they are intentionally manipulated for political or personal reasons. Data integrity is at greatest risk of being compromised during data collection and analysis.

c. Precision. Data should be sufficiently precise to present a fair picture of performance and enable management decision-making at the appropriate levels. One key issue is whether data are at an appropriate level of detail to influence related management decisions. A second key issue is what margin of error (the amount of variation normally expected from a given data collection process) is acceptable given the management decisions likely to be affected. In all cases, the margin of error should be less than the intended change; if the margin of error is 10 percent and the data show a change of 5 percent, the USAID

Mission/Office will have difficulty determining whether the change was due to the

USAID activity or due to variation in the data collection process. USAID

Missions/Offices should be aware that improving the precision of data usually increases the cost of collection and analysis.

d. Reliability. Data should reflect stable and consistent data collection processes and analysis methods from over time. The key issue is whether different analysts would come to the same conclusions if the data collection and analysis processes were repeated.

USAID Missions/Offices should be confident that progress toward performance targets reflects real changes rather than variations in data collection methods. When data collection and analysis methods change, the PMP should be updated. The Contractor will seek USAID COR approval prior to proceeding with any variation in data collection methods.

e. Timeliness. Data should be timely enough to influence management decision-making at the appropriate levels. One key issue is whether the data are available frequently enough to influence the appropriate level of management decisions. A second key issue is whether data are current enough when they become available.

6.1 Reporting Schedule

1. IDIQ Annual Reports: Annual Reports will be due by October 31 of each year. The report must include an activity tracking matrix that shows the status of all task orders under execution over the year. Accomplishments, constraints, proposed and implemented constraint solutions, constraint resolution, and budget status for each task order must be presented. Annual reports must be delivered to the IDIQ COR in electronic format as may be agreed upon with the IDIQ

COR.

2. Task Order Monthly Progress Reports: Monthly reports will be due as specified in each Task

Order contract. The monthly progress reports will provide a summary of the activities accomplished, deliverables submitted and approved or disapproved, schedule update, and problems and resolutions encountered during the previous month. It will also provide a summary of the activities anticipated during the upcoming reporting period.

The report will highlight any circumstances that may lead to delays under the Task Order delivery schedule and the impact of such delay(s) to the remaining performance period.

In addition, the report will provide an overview of the actual expenditures to be invoiced, projection of anticipated expenditures for the remaining Task Order period, and the obligated funding remaining under the Task Order. Illustrative of the reports that may be required during performance of a task order include inspection reports, materials testing reports, punch list verification inspections, corrective actions, etc.

The Task Order Contracting Officer Representative (TOCOR) will review reports within 10 business days and either accept, reject, or provide comments. The Contractor will address any

TOCOR comment(s) within two business days and immediately revise and resubmit the progress report. Corrective actions for rejected reports will be determined by the TOCO.

Reports will be submitted to the TOCOR in electronic format as may be agreed upon with the

TOCOR and indicated in each TO contract. Additional reporting requirements for TO deliverables may be defined in individual TO contracts.

3. Task Order Final Report: is to be submitted within 90 days following the completion of each

Task Order. In the event the due date of the final report occurs after the Contractor intends to submit its final invoice, the final report is to be submitted no later than the time in which the final invoice is submitted to USAID.

The final report will provide a summary of the activities accomplished, deliverables submitted and approved or disapproved, problems and resolutions encountered during the Task Order’s performance period, and lessons learned. It will also provide an overview of the actual expenditures billed, Government Furnished Property status, payments received, outstanding balance, final invoice amount, and any funding remaining under the Task Order.

6.2 Meetings

Task Orders will define requirements for meetings.

The contractor must attend and participate in all project conferences pertinent to the services as defined by the particular task order. Periodic meetings may be held whenever requested by the

Government, or the Contractor, for discussion of questions and problems relating to the services required under each order.

[END OF ATTACHMENT 1]

ATTACHMENT 2

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS AND SELECTION PROCESS

1. GENERAL IDIQ CONTRACT INFORMATION

(a) Applicable contracting procedures. The services USAID is procuring under this solicitation require performance or approval by a U.S registered or licensed architect or engineer to a substantial or dominant extent. Therefore the contracting procedures USAID is using for this acquisition are in accordance with FAR 36.601-3(c).

(b) Single Award. The U.S. Government anticipates issuing a single-award IDIQ through this solicitation. However the Agency reserves the right to award more or none of the anticipated number of contracts stated above.

(c) Type of Contract. Task Orders issued under the IDIQ may be Firm, Fixed-Price (FFP) or

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), or a combination thereof depending upon the nature of the task.

(d) Small Business Participation. USAID encourages the participation to the maximum extent possible of small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned business concerns in this activity. In this respect, it is anticipated that the prime contractor will make every reasonable effort to identify and make maximum practicable use of such concerns.

(e) Ordering. Task Order proposals will be solicited from the Contractor via requests for Task

Order Proposals (RFTOPs). Each RFTOP will include a SOW, proposal requirements and requisite deliverables for the specific Task Order in accordance with FAR Subparts 16.5 and 36.6.

(f) Estimated Value. The maximum aggregate dollar value of all Task Orders awarded to all contractors cannot exceed a ceiling of $150,000,000. The minimum guarantee will be

$1,000,000. Task Orders will require specific services and will be individually funded within the established ceiling.

(g) Period of Performance. The period of performance for this IDIQ Contract is seven (7) years from date of award although, Task Orders may only be ordered during the first five years from the date of issuance. In addition, two constraints apply to the period of performance for

Task Orders. First, the period of performance for a Task Order may not go beyond two (2) years after the end of the ordering period of the IDIQ. Second, a Task Order Contract Officer

(TOCO) may not award a Task Order for a period of performance exceeding five (5) years, including modifications.

(h) Eligibility. USAID will only accept offerors that are: (1) registered under the North

American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 – Architecture-Engineer services; (2) that are eligible to receive awards in accordance with geographic code 937;

(3) that are U.S. licensed and registered firms that are either individual firms, partnerships, corporations, associations, or other legal entities permitted by law to practice the professions of architecture and/or engineering; and, (4) have a valid registration in the System for Award

Management (SAM).

(i) Protests, As defined in Subpart 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, protests that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the

Government Accountability Office (GAO), must be served on the Contracting Officer

(addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Eric Strong

USAID/West Bank & Gaza

Trade Tower Building – 10 th floor

25 HaMered Street

Tel Aviv, Israel

Also send a copy of the protest via facsimile to William Buckhold (GC/LE) at 1-202-216-

3058.

The copy of any protest must be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest.

2. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

The selection of a firm for contract under this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be based on qualifications. Offers submitted must therefore only include the information requested in this

RFQ. The CO…