SOL-306-13-000034_-_RADP_NW_-_2FBO_-_Final_for_Publication.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Great Massoud Road Kabul, Afghanistan

Tel: 202-216-6288 / 0700-108-001 Email: kabulusaidinformation@usaid.gov http://afghanistan.usaid.gov

1/1

Date Issued: April 18, 2013

Question Deadline: April 29, 2013

Closing Date: June 4, 2013

SUBJECT: Request for Proposal (RFP)

Regional Agricultural Development Program – North and West

SOL-306-13-000034

ATTENTION: PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Afghanistan Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) in conjunction with the USAID/Afghanistan

Office of Agriculture (OAG), intends to award two new Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) completion type contracts for the Regional Agricultural Development Program (RADP) – North and West regions in

Afghanistan. No more than one contractor will be designated to a geographic area; however, one contractor may be awarded both contracts, one covering each region. Therefore, if a contractor wants to be considered for an award in both regions, they must submit a separate proposal for each region and address each of the geographic areas as described in Section B herein. The two resultant awards are not follow-on contracts to other USAID projects.

USAID/Afghanistan, OAA invites interested and qualified United States based organizations to submit proposals in accordance with the requirements of this RFP. USAID will conduct this procurement through full and open competition, under which any type of organization (large or small commercial [for profit] firms, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations) is eligible to compete.

The procedures set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15 shall apply. The Government is not obligated to make either of the two awards suggested in this cover letter. Offerors are encouraged to read the entire solicitation. Special attention should be paid to Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors, and Section M – Evaluation Criteria. Proposals in response to this solicitation will be valid for 120 days.

The primary point of contact for this RFP is Mr. Raphael Metzger, Contracting Officer. Any questions related to this RFP must be submitted by email to KabulAidOAAmailbox@usaid.gov by 3:00 PM Kabul

Time on April 29, 2013. No questions will be accepted after this date. Each e-mail must contain a subject line, which clearly indicates the name of the offeror and the solicitation number. Any information given to a prospective offeror concerning this RFP will be furnished to all offerors as an amendment to the solicitation.

Proposals in response to this RFP are due by electronic mail to KabulAidOAAmailbox@usaid.gov not later than 3:00 pm, Kabul Time, on June 4, 2013.

Sincerely, /s/

Marcus Johnson

Director

Office of Acquisition and Assistance

USAID/Afghanistan mailto:KabulAidOAAmailbox@usaid.gov

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

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

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

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

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

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

9. Electronic proposal for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in until local time _______________________ (Hour) (Date)

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

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

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

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

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM I CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

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

D PACKAGING AND MARKING PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

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

H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

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

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within ________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

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

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

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

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the

SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated:

CODE FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER 15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

(Type or print)

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

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT FROM

ABOVE - ENTER SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE

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

Not Applicable

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION: 23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified) 10 U.S.C. 2304(a) ( ) 41 U.S.C. 253(c) ( )

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

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

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

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

(REV. 9-97)

10. FOR INFORMATION CALL:

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

STANDARD FORM 33

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

SOLICITATION

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

1 146

X 04/18/2013

Office of Acquisition and Assistance

USAID/Afghanistan

Great Massoud Road

Kabul - Afghanistan

Proposals are due electronically to the address shown in section L

3:00 pm (Kabul) 06/04/2013

5/8/2013

Raphael Metzger KabulAidOAAmailbox@usaid.gov

X 1

X 9-14

X 15-30

X 32

X 33

X 34-46

X 51

X 55-66

X 67-76

X 77-104

X 105-116

X 117-139

X 141-145

REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (RADP) – NORTH AND WEST

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

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

B.4 BUDGET ($) - THIS CONTRACT

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

B.6 COST REIMBURSABLE

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

B.8 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT

SECTION C: DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

C.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

C.2 PROGRAM CONTEXT

C.2.1 LINKAGES TO OTHER USG PROGRAMS

C.2.2 LINKAGES TO THE WORK OF OTHER DONORS

C.3 SCOPE OF WORK AND PROGRAM TECHNICAL APPROACH

C.3.1 PROGRAM THEMES AND COMPONENTS:

C.3.2 PROGRAM THEMES

C.3.3 PROGRAM COMPONENTS

C.4 MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND REPORTING

C.4.1 PROGRAM EVALUATION

C.5 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT APPROACH

C.6 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS

C.7 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT MANUAL

C.8 CROSS CUTTING CONSIDERATIONS

SECTION D: PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 BRANDING STRATEGY

D.2 AIDAR 752.7009 – MARKING (JAN 1993)

SECTION E: INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3 MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN

SECTION F: DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2. 752.7005 – SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

DOCUMENTS (JAN 2004)

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.5 DELIVERABLES

F.6 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.7 PROGRESS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

F.8 KEY PERSONNEL

SECTION G: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.4 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.5 PAYING OFFICE

G.6 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

G.7 CONTRACTOR’S PAYMENT ADDRESS

PART II – CLAUSES

SECTION H: SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

H.2 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.4 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT)

H.5 AIDAR 752.7001 BIOGRAPHICAL DATA (JULY 1997)

H.6 AIDAR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JUL 1997)

H.7 LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

H.8 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.9 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING

H.10 PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

H.11 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

H.12 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DECEMBER 2004)

H.13 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (APRIL 2006)

H.14 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.15 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT

H.16 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.17 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACTS

H.18 SUBCONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS

H.19 VETTING

H.20 USE OF SYNCHRONIZED PRE-DEPLOYMENT AND OPERATIONAL TRACKER (SPOT)

FOR CONTRACTORS SUPPORTING A DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR MISSION OUTSIDE

THE UNITED STATES (SUPPLEMENT TO FAR 52.225-19)

SECTION I: CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.2 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.3 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (APR 2010)

I.4 52.217-2 CANCELLATION UNDER MULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS (OCT 1997)

I.5 52.216-8 FIXED FEE (JUN 2011)

I.6 52.216-24 LIMITATION OF GOVERNMENT LIABILITY (APR 1984)

I.7 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I.7 AIDAR 752.209-71 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DISCOVERED AFTER

AWARD (JUN 1993)

I.8 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL

I.10 AIDAR 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCT 2007)

I.11 AIDAR 752.7006 NOTICES (APR 1984)

I.12 AIDAR 752.7008 USE OF GOVERNMENT FACILITIES OR PERSONNEL (APR 1984)

I.13 AIDAR 752.7025 APPROVALS (APR 1984)

PART III- LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, & OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J: LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 BACKGROUND (NORTH AND WEST)

J.2 USAID INFORMATION FORM

J.3 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE BIOGRAPHICAL DATA SHEET

J.4 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE REPORT-SHORT FORM

J.5 CERTIFICATION OF CURRENT COST OR PRICING DATA

J.6 U.S. COUNTER-NARCOTICS STRATEGY FOR AFGHANISTAN

J.7 PRE-SOLICITATION CONFERENCE REGISTRATION LIST

J.8 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS HORTATORY LANGUAGE FOR ACQUISITION AND

ASSISTANCE SOLUTIONS

J.9 INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE)

J.10 SF – LLL DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

J.11 SF – 294 SUBCONTRACTING REPORT FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS

J.12 AFGHANISTAN AGRICULTURAL ASSESSMENT AND FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT—

SUMMARY PRESENTATION BY DALBERG GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORS.

APRIL 22, 2011

J.13 AGRICULTURAL ASSESSMENT AND FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT—ADDITIONAL

SUPPORTING MATERIALS BY DALBERG GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORS. APRIL

22, 2011

J.14 LONG-TERM GROWTH PROSPECTS FOR WHEAT PRODUCTION IN AFGHANISTAN—

REPORT FROM USDA’S ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE. JANUARY 2012

J.15 WHEAT SEED DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER AVIPA PLUS AND DEVELOPMENT OF FOUR

NEW UG99 RESISTANT WHEAT VARIETIES FOR AFGHANISTAN

J.16 AGRICULTURE PROSPECTS REPORT—REPORT FROM MAIL GENERAL

DIRECTORATE OF PLANNING AND POLICY, STATISTICS AND MARKETING

INFORMATION OFFICE. JULY 8, 2012

J.17 WHEAT MARKETS AND WHEAT AVAILABILITY IN AFGHANISTAN—REPORT BY THE

FOOD SECURITY RESPONSE ANALYSIS SUPPORT TEAM IN AFGHANISTAN.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2012

J.18 GENDER ASSESSMENT OF USAID AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS—REPORT BY SAYARA

MEDIA & COMMUNICATION. AUGUST 2012

J.19 USAID “POWERING AGRICULTURE: AN ENERGY GRAND CHALLENGE FOR

DEVELOPMENT” BRIEFER. CHALLENGE LAUNCHED IN JUNE 2012

J.20 NORTHERN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR STUDY—PUBLICATION PREPARED BY DAI

UNDER THE AFGHANISTAN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

(ASMED) PROJECT. MARCH 2012

J.21 HERAT ECONOMIC CORRIDOR STUDY—PUBLICATION PREPARED BY DAI UNDER

THE AFGHANISTAN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (ASMED)

PROJECT. NOVEMBER 2011

SECTION K: REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS 105

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 52.204-3 TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION (OCT 1998)

K.3 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2012)

K.4 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

K.5 52.209-7 – INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (feb 2012)

K.6 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (MAY

2012)

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

2005)

K.8 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.9 SIGNATURE

SECTION L: INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) .. 117

L.2 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (JAN 2004) .. 117

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

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

L.5 SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.6 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE BUSINESS PROPOSAL

L.9 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF BRANDING AND MARKING PLANS

L.10 LATE SUBMISSIONS

L.11 52.215-22 LIMITATIONS ON PASS-THROUGH CHARGES—IDENTIFICATION OF

SUBCONTRACT EFFORT (OCT 2009)

SECTION M: TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2 EVALUATION FACTORS

M.3 EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.4 COST

M.5 DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.6 SOURCE SELECTION

M.7 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS

COMMONLY USED ACRONYMS

ACE Agricultural Credit Enhancement

ACO Administrative Contracting Officer

ADS Automated Directives System

ADF Agriculture Development Fund

AFSA Afghanistan Farm Service Alliance

AIDAR USAID Acquisition Regulation

AKIS Agricultural Knowledge Information System

AO Assistance Objective

ARD Agriculture and Rural Development

ASAP Accelerating Sustainable Agriculture Program

ASNF Afghanistan Special Narcotic Force

ANSF Afghanistan National Security Forces

AVIPA Afghanistan Vouchers for Increased Production in Agriculture

BEO Bureau Environmental Officer

BIP Branding and Implementation Plan

CARD-F Comprehensive Agriculture and Rural Development Facility Program

CAS Cost Accounting Standard

CCN Compensation for Cooperating Country

CCR Central Contractor Registration

CFDA Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CGIAR Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research

CENTCOM Central Command

CHAMP Commercial Horticulture and Agricultural Marketing Program

CIB Combat Information Bulletin

CJTF Afghan Criminal Justice Taskforce

CLIN Contract Line Item Number

CNPA Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan

CO Contracting Officer

COP Chief of Party

COR Contract Officer’s Representative

CPFF Cost-Plus Fixed Fee

CST Contractor Salary Threshold

DAIL Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock

DBA Defense Base Act

DC District of Colombia

DCOP Deputy Chief of Party

DEC Development Experience Clearinghouse

DOC Department of Commerce

DOD Department of Defense

DOJ Department of Justice

DOS Department of State

DQA Data Quality Assessment

DUNS Data Universal Numbering System

EA Environmental Assessment

EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Management Plan

EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation

FAIDA Financial Access for Investing in the Development of Afghanistan

FHCRAA Future Harvest Centers’ Consortium for Rebuilding Afghan Agriculture

FSC Farm Service Centers

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GIRoA Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

GIS Geographic Information System

GL Grant Letter

GUC Grants Under Contract

HQ Head quarters

HSDP Homeland Security Presidential Directive

HR Human Ressources

ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas

ID Identification

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

IFB Invitation for Bid

IT Information Technology

IQC Indefinite Quantity Contracts

IPA Intergovernmental Personnel Act

IR Intermediate Result

IRS Internal Revenue Service

IT Information Technology

LOA Letter of Authorization

LOE Level of Effort

LOP Life of Project/Program

MAIL Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MI Middle Initial

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

MP Marketing Plan

MS Microsoft

MSc. Master of Science

NABDP National Area-Based Development Program

NADF National Agricultural Development Framework

MRRD Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development

NAEC National Agriculture Education Center

NADP National Agricultural Development Framework

NARDTC National Agriculture and Rural Development Training Center

NARP National Agricultural Experiment Stations Rehabilitation Project

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NCU National Coordination Unit

NGO Non Governmental Organization

NHLP National Horticulture and Livestock program

NPP National Priority Program

NSB National Seed Board

OAA Office of Acquisition and Assistance

OAG Office of Agriculture

OFAC Office of Foreign Assets Control

OFM Office of Financial Management

OIEE Office of Infrastructure, Energy, and Engineering

ORCA Online Representation and Certification Applications

OSM On-Site Monitors

PCU Project Coordination Unit

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

PMP Performance Management Plan

PDF Portable Document Format

PI Public Information

PIV Personal Identity Verification

PPA Pollution Prevention Act of 1990

PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal

PSC Private Security Contractors

R&E Research and Extension

RADP Regional Agricultural Development Program

RAMP Rebuilding Agriculture Markets Program

REPC Research and Extension Program Coordinators

RFP Request for Proposal

RC Regional Command

RCE Request for Categorical Exclusion

SB Small Business

SF Standard Form

SO Strategic Objective

SOW Scope of Work

SPOT Synchronized Pre-Deployment and Operational Tracker

SRAD Southern Region Agriculture Development Program

TAC Technical Advisory Committee

TEC Technical Evaluation Committee

TIFF Tagged-Image File Format

TIN Taxpayers Identification Number

TCN Third Country Nationals

US United States

UNDP United Nations Development Program

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USAID/W United States Agency for International Development Washington Office

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USG United States Government

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The objective of the RADP is to improve food and economic security for rural Afghans in targeted areas.

Focus will be on improving the productivity and profitability for targeted value chains to be selected from the wheat, high-value crop, and livestock sectors. This sustainable agricultural development program will support the consolidation of licit economies to fuel economic growth, including providing alternatives to poppy cultivation.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

The U.S. Government contemplates award of two Cost-Plus-Fixed -Fee (CPFF) completion type contracts resulting from this solicitation. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must provide the deliverables or outputs described in Section F in accordance with the performance standards specified therein based on the Scope of Work (SOW) found in Section C of this document. The period of performance for these CPFF contracts is five years.

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

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fee(s) is $[to be added upon award]. The fixed fee is $[to be added upon award] and the estimated cost plus all fixed fees is $[to be added upon award].

(b) Within the estimated cost plus all possible fees specified in paragraph (a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor

(and payment of fee, if any) for performance hereunder is $[to be added upon award]. The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

(c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through [date to be added upon award].

B.4 BUDGET ($) - THIS CONTRACT

As the period of performance for these contracts is five years, the CLIN budget structure must be broken out into five, one-year increments.

RADP NORTH

CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBERS (CLINs)

CLIN 0001 WHEAT VALUE CHAIN

0001AA Staff, International $ TBD

0001AB Staff, Local $ TBD

0001AC Consultants, International $ TBD

0001AD Consultants, Local $ TBD

0001AE Implementation Travel (Travel, Transportation and Per Diem) $ TBD

0001AF Non-expendable Property $ TBD

0001AG Equipment and Supplies $ TBD

0001AH Communications $ TBD

0001AJ Direct Facilities Costs $ TBD

0001AK Other Direct Costs $ TBD

0001AL Subcontracts $ TBD

0001AM Security $ TBD

0001AN Indirect Costs $ TBD

0001AP Fixed Fee $ TBD

0001AQ Grants Under Contract $ TBD

Subtotal CLIN 0001 $ TBD

CLIN 0002 HIGH VALUE CROPS

0002AA Staff, International $ TBD

0002AB Staff, Local $ TBD

0002AC Consultants, International $ TBD

0002AD Consultants, Local $ TBD

0002AE Implementation Travel (Travel, Transportation and Per Diem) $ TBD

0002AF Non-expendable Property $ TBD

0002AG Equipment and Supplies $ TBD

0002AH Communications $ TBD

0002AJ Direct Facilities Costs $ TBD

0002AK Other Direct Costs $ TBD

0002AL Subcontracts $ TBD

0002AM Security $ TBD

0002AN Indirect Costs $ TBD

0002AP Fixed Fee $ TBD

0002AQ Grants Under Contract $ TBD

Subtotal CLIN 0002 $ TBD

CLIN 0003 LIVESTOCK

0003AA Staff, International $ TBD

0003AB Staff, Local $ TBD

0003AC Consultants, International $ TBD

0003AD Consultants, Local $ TBD

0003AE Implementation Travel (Travel, Transportation and Per Diem) $ TBD

0003AF Non-expendable Property $ TBD

0003AG Equipment and Supplies $ TBD

0003AH Communications $ TBD

0003AJ Direct Facilities Costs $ TBD

0003AK Other Direct Costs $ TBD

0003AL Subcontracts $ TBD

0003AM Security $ TBD

0003AN Indirect Costs $ TBD

0003AP Fixed Fee $ TBD

0003AQ Grants Under Contract $ TBD

Subtotal CLIN 0003 $ TBD

CLIN 0004 ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

0004AA Staff, International $ TBD

0004AB Staff, Local $ TBD

0004AC Consultants, International $ TBD

0004AD Consultants, Local $ TBD

0004AE Implementation Travel (Travel, Transportation and Per Diem) $ TBD

0004AF Non-expendable Property $ TBD

0004AG Equipment and Supplies $ TBD

0004AH Communications $ TBD

0004AJ Direct Facilities Costs $ TBD

0004AK Other Direct Costs $ TBD

0004AL Subcontracts $ TBD

0004AM Security $ TBD

0004AN Indirect Costs $ TBD

0004AP Fixed Fee $ TBD

0004AQ Grants Under Contract $ TBD

Subtotal CLIN 0004 $ TBD

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST PLUS FIXED FEE: $ TBD

RADP WEST

CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBERS (CLINs)

CLIN 0001 WHEAT VALUE CHAIN

0001AA Staff, International $ TBD

0001AB Staff, Local $ TBD

0001AC Consultants, International $ TBD

0001AD Consultants, Local $ TBD

0001AE Implementation Travel (Travel, Transportation and Per Diem) $ TBD

0001AF Non-expendable Property $ TBD

0001AG Equipment and Supplies $ TBD

0001AH Communications $ TBD

0001AJ Direct Facilities Costs $ TBD

0001AK Other Direct Costs $ TBD

0001AL Subcontracts $ TBD

0001AM Security $ TBD

0001AN Indirect Costs $ TBD

0001AP Fixed Fee $ TBD

0001AQ Grants Under Contract $ TBD

Subtotal CLIN 0001 $ TBD

CLIN 0002 HIGH VALUE CROPS

0002AA Staff, International $ TBD

0002AB Staff, Local $ TBD

0002AC Consultants, International $ TBD

0002AD Consultants, Local $ TBD

0002AE Implementation Travel (Travel, Transportation and Per Diem) $ TBD

0002AF Non-expendable Property $ TBD

0002AG Equipment and Supplies $ TBD

0002AH Communications $ TBD

0002AJ Direct Facilities Costs $ TBD

0002AK Other Direct Costs $ TBD

0002AL Subcontracts $ TBD

0002AM Security $ TBD

0002AN Indirect Costs $ TBD

0002AP Fixed Fee $ TBD

0002AQ Grants Under Contract $ TBD

Subtotal CLIN 0002 $ TBD

CLIN 0003 LIVESTOCK

0003AA Staff, International $ TBD

0003AB Staff, Local $ TBD

0003AC Consultants, International $ TBD

0003AD Consultants, Local $ TBD

0003AE Implementation Travel (Travel, Transportation and Per Diem) $ TBD

0003AF Non-expendable Property $ TBD

0003AG Equipment and Supplies $ TBD

0003AH Communications $ TBD

0003AJ Direct Facilities Costs $ TBD

0003AK Other Direct Costs $ TBD

0003AL Subcontracts $ TBD

0003AM Security $ TBD

0003AN Indirect Costs $ TBD

0003AP Fixed Fee $ TBD

0003AQ Grants Under Contract $ TBD

Subtotal CLIN 0003 $ TBD

CLIN 0004 ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

0004AA Staff, International $ TBD

0004AB Staff, Local $ TBD

0004AC Consultants, International $ TBD

0004AD Consultants, Local $ TBD

0004AE Implementation Travel (Travel, Transportation and Per Diem) $ TBD

0004AF Non-expendable Property $ TBD

0004AG Equipment and Supplies $ TBD

0004AH Communications $ TBD

0004AJ Direct Facilities Costs $ TBD

0004AK Other Direct Costs $ TBD

0004AL Subcontracts $ TBD

0004AM Security $ TBD

0004AN Indirect Costs $ TBD

0004AP Fixed Fee $ TBD

0004AQ Grants Under Contract $ TBD

Subtotal CLIN 0004 $ TBD

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST PLUS FIXED FEE: $ TBD

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

For the Prime Contractor:

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs shall be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD 1/ 1/ 1/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate: Predetermined

Period:

For Major Subcontractor(s):

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs shall be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD 1/ 1/ 1/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate: Predetermined

Period:

“Major subcontractor(s)” are those subcontractors whose proposed costs exceed 20 percent of the contract value or who are otherwise defined by the prime to be essential to successful project implementation. All primes MUST identify “major subcontractors” in the cover letter of their proposals.

B.6 COST REIMBURSABLE

The resulting contracts will be Cost Reimbursable contracts. The costs allowable shall be limited to reasonable, allocable and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for

Payment.

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

Payment of fixed fee, subject to FAR 52.216-8, may be made upon receipt of a proper invoice. Subject to

FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee shall be allocated based upon the proportion of the labor provided over the period covered by the invoice. In the event that the contractor does not provide the total Level of Effort stipulated in the contract budget, the total amount of fixed fee will be reduced in similar proportion.

B.8 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT

CLINs 0001 through 0004 are considered non-severable and are therefore multi-year contracts as defined in FAR 17.103. These contracts are subject to the requirements of FAR 17.106.

Cancellation Dates:

Contract Year 2: TBD

Contract Year 3: TBD

Contract Year 4: TBD

Contract Year 5: TBD

Cancellation Ceiling:

This is a CPFF type contract where the contractor is authorized to be reimbursed for all costs which are allowable in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Costs and Payment”. Therefore, the contractor will not incur any costs which would have been amortized over the life of the contract should the contract be cancelled in accordance with FAR 52.217-2. Therefore, the cancellation ceiling for each cancellation date is $TBD.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C: DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

Title: Regional Agricultural Development Program (RADP) – North and West

C.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Approximately 80 percent of Afghanistan’s residents depend on some form of agricultural activity for their livelihood. While positive developments have been achieved in the agricultural sector over the last decade, productivity levels lag significantly behind neighboring countries and even those historically achieved in Afghanistan. The agricultural sector comprises roughly one-third of the $17 billion Gross

Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. USAID has been contributing to the reconstruction and development of the agricultural sector in Afghanistan since 2002. USAID’s programs have supported the capacity building of Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL), increased licit agricultural production and processing, and strengthened the viability of agricultural production from farm to market.

As transition towards Afghan-led development gains momentum, building the market oriented capacity of

Afghan farmers and private sector counterparts, with the strategic support of MAIL, is the path to ensure greater and more inclusive economic growth and sustainability, including women’s involvement in agriculture value chains.

USAID will issue four contracts in support of the Regional Agricultural Development Program (RADP), covering the South, North, and West. The three regional contracts will have a long-term, geographic agricultural development focus. They will utilize similar approaches, including working with DAILs.

Another contract, for an activity called RADP-Central, will be made to facilitate coordination between the regional programs and MAIL and communication between the regional contractors and USAID, as well as to support efforts to improve the enabling environment for agribusiness and agricultural sector growth.

The RADP-Central contractor will coordinate and facilitate the overall policy approach of the program

(regional and national) with central MAIL, in order to ensure that common goals and any common policy problems identified by the programs at the regional level are addressed at the central level. The central program will help ensure that MAIL is adequately informed of the activities and results of the regional programs.

USAID will issue two separate contracts—one for RADP-North, and one for RADP-West. The RADP-

North program will focus on Jowzjan, Balkh, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Samangan, and Baghlan provinces.

The RADP-West program will focus on Badghis, Farah, and Herat provinces.1 RADP-North and RADP-

West are both five-year programs commencing in 2013.

The objective of the RADP is to improve food and economic security for rural Afghans in targeted areas.

The focus will be on improving the productivity and profitability of targeted value chains to be selected from among the wheat, high-value crop, and livestock sectors. This sustainable agricultural development program will support the consolidation of licit economies to fuel economic growth and provide alternatives to poppy cultivation.

RADP will achieve this objective through a longer-term agricultural value chain approach designed to address sustainability as well as by supporting policy, legal, and regulatory development. While the strengthening of agricultural policies, laws, regulations, and administrative procedures will primarily be led by the RADP-Central contract, RADP-North and RADP-West will play an important role in informing and coordinating with the RADP Central contractor to support achievement of this component.

Prudent and judicious use of Grants under Contract (GUC) will contribute to long-term program objectives. Recipients of GUCs will be either service providers or the direct program beneficiaries.

Service providers will include local NGOs or companies providing assistance to targeted farmers and agribusinesses in the select value chains. Example services could include agricultural extension service

Ghor is not currently one of the target provinces for RADP-West, but the Contractor shall maintain the capacity and flexibility to operate there in the future as directed by USAID. Refer to Section J.1 for more information.

or management capacity building. Grants could be provided directly to farmers and agribusinesses to reduce the risk of adopting new technologies and increase the productivity and profitability of the respective value chains. All grants will be assessed prior to disbursement with respect to proposed impact, promotion of private sector development, and sustainability.

The overall approach will enable a cohesive strategy to maximize sustainable return on program investment and contribute to food security. The approach will build on previous investments in infrastructure and technical assistance provided by the donor community; select and invest in a limited number of high-value crop value chains; promote wheat value chain activities to foster food security; and support one livestock value chain. Geographical focus on core economic growth zones will also be a key element to ensure success.

C.2 PROGRAM CONTEXT

To date, USAID has focused on shorter-term livelihood activities in the Northern and Western regions.

RADP is a sustainable agricultural development program that will promote investments leading to sustained, long-term increases in farmer incomes and private sector growth. Focus will be on training and mentoring of farmers and agribusinesses in the use of appropriate technologies and agricultural practices, post-harvest and valued added processing, and strengthening market linkages to domestic and international markets.

RADP is designed to promote the agricultural and alternative development strategies of the USG and

GIRoA, and to harmonize with Afghanistan’s National Agricultural Development Framework (NADF) and MAIL’s priorities – particularly food security and agribusiness. RADP also aligns with GIRoA’s

Agriculture and Rural Development National Priority Program (NPP) Two.

C.2.1 LINKAGES TO OTHER USG PROGRAMS

Numerous USG programs have invested, or are currently investing, in the Northern and Western regions of Afghanistan. A few of note in the agriculture sector include: the Afghanistan Farm Service Alliance

(AFSA); Incentives Driving Economic Alternatives for the North, East, West (IDEA-NEW); the Afghan

Agricultural Research and Extension Development (AGRED) Program; and, the Irrigation and Watershed

Management Program (IWMP). The contractor shall build upon and/or coordinate between these and other programs, where appropriate, to maximize impact of activities. The contractor shall also coordinate, where appropriate, with relevant non-agriculture programs that may complement RADP objectives, such as health programs that may be in line with national policies or priorities to reduce malnutrition

(recognizing that nutrition is an essential component of food security). More information on USAID’s past programs in Afghanistan can be found at https://dec.usaid.gov

C.2.2 LINKAGES TO THE WORK OF OTHER DONORS

The program will collaborate with activities supported by MAIL and other donors, such as: The World

Bank supported National Horticulture and Livestock Program (NHLP) and the DFID-supported

Comprehensive Agriculture and Rural Development Facility (CARD-F) program.

C.3 SCOPE OF WORK AND PROGRAM TECHNICAL APPROACH

The conceptual framework for RADP-North and RADP-West builds on key principles, components, and outcomes in order to provide a coherent, long-term development approach. The program will complement and expand on USAID’s development hypothesis and the theory of change discussed in

Section C.4.1 to achieve measureable, sustainable results.

http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/USAID/Activity/104/Afghanistan_Farm_Service_Alliance_AFSA http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/USAID/Activity/104/Afghanistan_Farm_Service_Alliance_AFSA http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/USAID/Activity/119/Incentives_Driving_Economic_Alternatives_for_the_North_East_West_IDEANEW https://dec.usaid.gov/

Two key principles will guide RADP operations to maximize return on program investment and coordination with GIRoA and USG priorities:

Build on previous investments by GIRoA, USG, and other donors. Significant investments have been made over the past 10 years in the agricultural sector in infrastructure, government capacity, technology transfer, and local organization development. RADP will build on these achievements, understand the challenges, and apply lessons learned to increase the returns on investment of this new program.

Focus on core economic growth zones. Focus will be on economically active geographic regions that have a dynamic private sector and improved transportation networks to local and regional markets.

Primary economic zones in the North reach from Mazar-e-Sharif in Balkh province to Kunduz and

Baghlan. In the West, Herat is the industrial and agricultural hub, connecting with Badghis and Farah provinces. These are economic growth zones in the sense that these areas follow existing or planned transportation routes and energy, and link hubs of economic activity. The contractor must propose specific districts in each target province and justify this selection as part of their technical approach.

C.3.1 PROGRAM THEMES AND COMPONENTS:

RADP-North and RADP-West each encompass four components: Wheat Value Chain activities, High-

Value Crop activities, Livestock activities and Enabling Environment activities for GIRoA. All four of the components will address four thematic areas: farmer productivity and profitability, gender, agribusiness and alternative development.

C.3.2 PROGRAM THEMES

The following are the thematic areas that will be addressed for each of the program components:

Farmer Productivity and Profitability. While positive developments have been achieved in the agricultural sector over the last decade, productivity levels lag significantly behind neighboring countries and even behind levels historically achieved in Afghanistan. Technical assistance and the promotion of highly productive and efficient techniques, including increasing access to inputs, improving productivity, and strengthening post-harvest handling practices, will be a major focus of RADP. Development of high quality, sustainable Afghan public and private extension networks will be critical for farmers.

Gender. Women play an important role in the agricultural sector, yet they have very limited control over agricultural-related resources or decision making. Incorporating women into USAID agricultural programs has been a challenge. Activities that include and empower women will need to be integrated in a substantial and sustainable manner throughout the operations of the program. Planned activities with stakeholders and beneficiaries will need to be carefully tailored to ensure that clear, realistic, and equitable strategies are implemented for women with the aim of increasing women’s access to and control over productive resources, service delivery and market opportunities, and their capability to influence decision-making in households and communities. Opportunities to collaborate with MAIL’s Directorate of Home Economics and DAIL extension activities at the field level will be included. Creative approaches must be used to engage women and ensure they directly benefit from the activities implemented under this program. Past activities have been substantially insufficient.

Under RADP-North and RADP-West, women will comprise at least 15 percent of beneficiaries. Where possible and appropriate, innovative approaches must be used to reach women with program activities.

The contractor must integrate gender considerations into all program components and activities. The work plan, objectives, results, indicators, staffing and budget will demonstrate commitment to the equitable inclusion of Afghan women in program activities and indicate specific results to be achieved.

Agribusiness. Efficiency of transportation and access to markets has improved in the North and West because of infrastructure investment, although there are still areas where transportation networks are poor and economic activity significantly constrained. New and improved roads and transport systems are developing, but the transport of farmer’s agricultural products remains a challenge. Opportunities to increase the efficiency of trade and access to markets will be tested and implemented. The security situation in both regions has generally been favorable to private sector growth. Agribusiness and rudimentary post-harvest value-added processing is centered in Mazar-e-Sharif for the North and Herat city for the West. Both are large population centers with good road access to domestic markets.

Opportunities exist to increase the capacity of processing units to compete in domestic markets to substitute imports.

The leadership capacity and dynamism of existing and new grower organizations will be strengthened.

Agricultural cooperatives and other forms of farmer organizations have been established throughout the

Northern and Western regions. Most members of associations and cooperatives have very basic levels of understanding about the benefits and dynamics of working together for agribusiness purposes. The contractor must build capacities of farmer organization membership and leadership and increase linkages to agribusinesses.

Alternative Development. In the North, poppy production has decreased significantly over the past decade, with several of the provinces now classified as ‘poppy-free.’ Of the RADP-North focus areas, there continues to be limited production in Baghlan and increasing production in Badakhshan. Poppy production in the West has been concentrated primarily in Farah, but with rising levels also seen in

Badghis province.

Throughout the Northern and Western regions, RADP will work with poppy-free communities to continually strengthen income and profitability derived from licit crops. Opportunities to expand high-value crops must be evaluated. Where security permits, RADP-North and RADP-West will work with poppy producing communities to identify licit crops that can satisfy household livelihood requirements.

The Ministry of Counternarcotics (MCN) has drafted Food Zone proposals for Badakhshan and Farah that link law enforcement, public information and drug demand reduction. The contractor must align program activities with MCN activities and the proposed Food Zones, where possible and appropriate. The contractor will apply a multifaceted understanding to alternative licit crops that considers factors such as geography, crop budget comparisons, financing, cropping patterns, socio-economic standing, cost-benefit and risk analysis and operational security. Creative alternative solutions to encourage licit production over illicit production linked to public information campaigns and other GIRoA initiatives are encouraged.

C.3.3 PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Wheat Value Chain

Wheat is the most important cereal grown in northern and western Afghanistan. Rural households are reluctant to rely on the market to supply wheat for household requirements, given its importance for household consumption and food security. Improving the productivity of wheat cultivation will allow farmers to convert some of their acreage to higher value crops that can contribute to increased household income. RADP-North and RADP-West will promote improved technologies for wheat cultivation in areas where such production can be sustained and where it is cost-effective for the farmer. A focus on post-harvest handling to reduce losses will also be important. Wheat activities must be supplemented by the promotion of mixed crop-livestock farming systems as a vehicle to improve food security and to generate increased income. Creativity is encouraged to achieve all goals and objectives.

Focus of the wheat value chain in RADP will be on economically active geographic regions.

Improvements will focus on on-farm water management. The Contractor must implement activities in the following areas: Farmer Productivity and Profitability, Gender, Agribusiness and Alternative

Development.

Deliverables (RADP-North)

- The contractor will carry out a baseline survey for this CLIN that would cover the approved beneficiary communities (including targeted private sector partners) as well as at least one control community (where no activities are carried out). This will be used to finalize the schedule of milestones. The contractor must include the methodology for the baseline collection in the proposed Performance Management Plan (PMP).

- The contractor must develop a strategy for the wheat value chain that would lead to improved farmer productivity and agribusiness profitability. The strategy must be developed in coordination with MAIL and DAILs.

- The contractor must work with at least 80,000 farmers over the life of the program to increase the productivity of wheat by a minimum of 20 percent. The contractor must introduce improved inputs, new technologies, and improved farming techniques to increase wheat productivity for the targeted districts. Extension methodologies that combine training, field monitoring to ensure adoption, and re-training, as required, will be used. Activities will be conducted in collaboration with provincial DAIL extension agents and private sector entities, as appropriate.

- The contractor must work in a minimum of 4 of the target provinces (i.e., Jowzjan, Balkh, Kunduz, Samangan, Baghlan, and Badakhshan ) and at least 3 districts in each province. Districts will be selected based on the potential to capitalize and sustainably improve upon existing agricultural activities or practices, and to maximize cost-effectiveness and return on investment.

- A minimum of 15 percent of beneficiaries of program activities under this component will be women.

- At least 8,000 farmers will use improved post-harvest handling techniques (such as pest control, storage, or processing).

- The contractor must improve market linkages between farmers and agribusinesses and between agribusinesses and final consumers to increase total sales over baseline over the life of the program. The increase in total sales will be at least $4 million.

- The contractor must provide technical assistance to a total of at least 20 community or commercial level value-added activities, such as milling to increase financial returns to users and/or owners by at least 20 percent as operational profitability increases through value-added activities and improved management of seasonal price variations.

Deliverables (RADP-West) community (where no activities are carried out). This will be used to finalize the schedule of

- The contractor must develop a strategy for the wheat value chain that would lead to improved

- The contractor must work with at least 80,000 farmers over the life of the program to increase the productivity of wheat by a minimum of 20 percent. The contractor must introduce improved inputs, new technologies, and improved farming techniques to increase wheat productivity for the targeted districts. Extension methodologies that combine training, field monitoring to ensure adoption, and re-training, as required, will be used. Activities will be conducted in collaboration with provincial DAIL extension agents and private sector entities, as appropriate.

- The contractor must work in a minimum of five districts in Herat province and a minimum of 3 districts in Farah and Badghis provinces. Districts will be selected based on the potential to capitalize and sustainably improve upon existing agricultural activities or practices, and to maximize cost-effectiveness and return on investment.

- At least 8,000 farmers will use improved post-harvest handling techniques (such as pest control, storage, or processing).

agribusinesses and final consumers to increase total sales over baseline over the life of the program. The increase in total sales will be at least $4 million.

- The contractor must provide technical assistance to a total of at least 25 community or commercial level value-added activities, such as milling to increase financial returns to users and/or owners by at least 20 percent as operational profitability increases through value-added activities and improved management of seasonal price variations.

High-Value Crops

USAID believes that efforts should focus on a minimum number of high-value crops that will deliver a maximum return on investment. Accordingly, RADP will invest in three high-value crops in the Northern and Western regions with greatest measurable and sustainable potential for value chain development and growth.2 The value chains selected may include perennial and annual crops. Strategic investment may be made in areas, such as increasing access to propagated fruit trees or improving use of integrated pest management for crop protection, or improving models for intercropping perennial plantations with annual crops.

Value chains approved by USAID will be selected based on the following factors: (a) competitiveness of a commodity at the farm, regional, and national levels; (b) potential to sustainably reduce poppy production where applicable; (c) environmental sustainability; (d) prospects for replication and adoption in the future with little or no donor assistance; (e) potential to empower and increase the status and performance of women; and (f) reduction in food insecurity. The focus will be on economically active geographic regions. The contractor must also ensure that value chain strategies are synchronized with the local level government as well as MAIL through partnership with the RADP Central contractor. Improvements will focus significantly on on-farm water management. At least two of the three crops must be perennial crops.3 USAID may be prepared to make an exception to this rule on a case-by-case basis, given that the contractor could provide sufficient justification as to why such an exception would be warranted and/or desirable in light of the program objective.

USAID would consider approaches that focus on additional crops given sufficient justification and explanation as to why such an approach would make technical sense and be warranted or desirable in light of the program objective and principles such as sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and maximization of return on investment.

3 This is based on conclusions from the Dalberg report and other economic analysis.

Deliverables (RADP-North):

community (where no activities are carried out). This will be used to finalize the schedule of

- USAID will approve three high-value crops under which all program activities will be conducted in this CLIN. Justification will be based on the above factors.