RFP ECOFISH.pdf

Issuance Date : December 22, 2011

Deadline for Receipt of Questions : January 3, 2012

Closing Date : January 24, 2012

Closing Time : 3:00PM (Philippines time)

Subject: Request for Proposal (RFP) No. SOL-492-12-000002

Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (ECO-FISH) Program

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Mission to the Philippines, is seeking proposals from qualified organizations interested in providing technical services for the project entitled, ―Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (ECO-FISH)

Program” described in the attached solicitation.

This procurement is conducted through full and open competition for which the procedures described in

Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) shall apply. It is open to all qualified U.S. and

Philippine non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private, for-profit and non-profit organizations, universities, research organizations, professional associations, and relevant special interest associations.

USAID/Philippines intends to award a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) completion type contract for a period of five (5) years from the date of award with an estimated cost not to exceed $15 million. Revealing the estimated cost of the contract does not mean that offerors should necessarily strive to meet the maximum amount estimated. Offerors must propose costs that they believe are realistic and reasonable for the work described in Section C of this solicitation. The most effective approach for achieving the expected results is encouraged and award will be made to the Offeror whose proposal offers the best value to the

Government considering technical and cost factors (see Section M).

USAID encourages the participation to the maximum extent possible of small business concerns, small disadvantaged business concerns, and women-owned small business concerns in this activity as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor.

To facilitate a timely response, all questions and requests for clarification concerning this solicitation must be submitted electronically by the due date indicated above to Elvira P. Dela Cruz, Acquisition &

Assistance Specialist at ecruz@usaid.gov with copy to mbringula@usaid.gov. If substantive questions are received which affect the response to the solicitation, or if changes are made to the closing date and time, as well as other aspects of the RFP, this solicitation will be amended. The amendments made will be issued and posted on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website (http://www.fbo.gov). Offerors are encouraged to check FBO website periodically as acknowledgement of any such amendment is required to accompany the offeror’s proposal.

mailto:ecruz@usaid.gov mailto:mbringula@usaid.gov http://www.fbo.gov/

U.S. Agency for International Development

Office of Regional Procurement

8/F, PNB Financial Center

Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard

Pasay City, Philippines 1308

Tel Nos.: (632) 552-9924, 552-9923

Email: ecruz@usaid.gov and mbringula@usaid.gov

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this solicitation to ensure that the RFP has been downloaded and received in its entirety, including subsequent solicitation amendments, if any. USAID/Philippines bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from download, transmission, or conversion processes. Further, offerors are advised to read the solicitation carefully. Block 12 of Standard Form 33 of this RFP requires that offers remain valid for 120 calendar days from the closing date.

Offerors’ proposals must be submitted following the instructions prescribed in Section L of the RFP.

Facsimile submissions are not authorized and will not be accepted as valid. The preferred method for proposal submission is by electronic means. Proposals must be signed by an official who is authorized to bind the organization and must be submitted to USAID/Philippines no later than the closing date and time stated in the cover letter. Proposals received after the closing date and time will be considered late and will be handled in accordance with FAR 15.208.

Offerors are also instructed to pay careful attention to Section K - Representations, Certifications and

Other Statements of Offerors of the RFP. Offerors must comply with FAR 52.204-7, Central Contractor

Registration, and complete the annual representations and certifications electronically via the Online

Representations and Certifications Application website (http://orca.bpn.gov).

Issuance of this solicitation does not in any way obligate the U.S. Government to award a contract nor does it commit to pay for any costs incurred by the offeror in the preparation and submission of a proposal.

Sincerely, /s/

Sallie McElrath

Supervisory Contracting Officer

Attachment: SOL-492-12-000002 mailto:ecruz@usaid.gov http://orca.bpn.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. Sealed offers in original and _____________________________ copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in until local time _______________________ (Hour) (Date)

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

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

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

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

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

A

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

X X

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

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

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

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

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

(REV. 9-97)

10. FOR INFORMATION CALL:

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

STANDARD FORM 33

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

SOLICITATION

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

AWARD (To be completed by Government) cb

SOL-492-12-000002 December 22 , 2011 X

Office of Regional Procurement USAID/Philippines 8/F PNB Financial Center Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard

Pasay City, Philippines 1308

See Section L

Item 7 3:00PM Philippine January 24, 2012

Elvira P. Dela Cruz +63 2 5529928 ecruz@usaid.gov

See Attached Table of Contents

N/A

Regional Financial Services Center USAID/Philippines 8/F PNB Financial Center Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard

Pasay City, Philippines 1308

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Sallie McElrath, Supervisory Contracting Officer

SOL No. 492-12-000002

ECO-FISH Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SF333 – SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD…………………………………………….……………………. 1

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

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

B.4 CONTRACT BUDGET AND CEILINGS

B.5 BUDGET

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

B.7 REIMBURSABLE COSTS

B.8 FIXED FEE – FAR 52.216-8 (JUN 2011)

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING POLICY AND STRATEGY

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.4 KEY PERSONNEL

F.5 REPORTS

F.6 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS

F.7 LANGUAGE OF REPORTS AND OTHER OUTPUTS

F.8 PROJECT EVALUATION

F.9 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS (JAN 2004)

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE

G.3 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.4 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER – CENTERAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION

G.5 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

G.6 PAYING OFFICE

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

H.2 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.3 LOGISTICS SUPPORT

H.4 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.5 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY

H.6 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JULY 2007)

H.7 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.8 EMPLOYMENT OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS AND COOPERATING COUNTRY NATIONALS ... 35

H.9 INSURANCE AND SERVICES

H.10 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (JUL 2007)

H.11 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JUL 1997)

H.12 SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR HOST GOVERNMENT (HG) EMPLOYEES (OCT 1998)

H.13 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING (FEB 2002)

H.14 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DECEMBER 2004)

H.15 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (JAN 1990)

H.16 APPROVALS FOR NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES

H.17 VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) AND CUSTOMS DUTIES

H.18 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (MAR 2006)

H.19 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES (JAN 2002)

H.20 HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12) (SEP 2006)

H.21 VOLUNTARY POPULATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES (JUNE2008)

H.22 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

H.23 SOURCE/ORIGIN REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES

H.24 CONTRACTOR’S USE OF PROJECT VEHICLES AND LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR

PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES

H.25 BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL

H.26 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.27 NEWS RELEASE 41

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.3 RIGHTS TO PROPOSAL DATA (TECHNICAL) (JUN 1987)

I.4 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

I.5 UPDATES OF INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

I.6 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (DEC 2008)

I.7 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (FEB 2009) ALTERNATE I (AUG 2007)

I.8 SUBCONTRACTS (JUN 2007)

I.9 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DISCOVERED AFTER AWARD (JUN 1993)

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS55

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION (OCT 1998)

K.3 DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBER (APR 2008)

K.4 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAY 2011)

K.5 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (OCT 2008)

K.6 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.7 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

K.8 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.9 SIGNATURE

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS ........................................ …..63

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

L.2 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS-COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION JAN 2004) (JAN 2004)

L.3 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.4 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L.5 QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

L.6 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR

L.7 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.8 OFFEROR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

L.9 SUBMISSION OF ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

L.10 GOVERNMENT OBLIGATION

L.11 UNNECESSARILY ELABORATE PROPOSALS

L.12 INSTRUCTION REGARDING KEY PERSONNEL

L.13 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF THE BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION & MARKING PLANS72

L.14 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 OVERVIEW

M.2 CONTRACT AWARD – BEST VALUE

M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.4 COST EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.5 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS

M.6 CONTRACTING WITH U.S SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM . 81

M.7 DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE AND CONTRACT AWARD

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide technical assistance and services as described in detail in Section C –

Description/Specifications/Statement of Work for the implementation of USAID/Philippines’ ―Ecosystems

Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (ECO-FISH) Program.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) completion-type contract. For the consideration set forth below, the

Contractor shall achieve the performance objectives and provide the deliverables or outputs described in Section

C in accordance with the performance standards specified herein.

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

(a) For the five-year contract period, the estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $_____________. The fixed fee, if any, for the contract period is

$_____________. The total estimated cost plus fixed fee, if any, is $_____________.

(b) Within the estimated cost plus fixed fee (if any) 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 of the contract period hereunder is TBD. The Contractor shall not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount unless authorized by the Contracting Officer pursuant to the clause of this contract entitled

―Limitation of Funds‖ (FAR 52.232-22).

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

B.4 CONTRACT BUDGET AND CEILINGS

a) The contract budget found in Section B.5, Budget, is based on the contractor’s original proposal and/or final proposal revision, which was accepted by USAID through award of this contract.

b) Without the prior written approval of the contracting officer, the contractor may not exceed the total estimated cost set forth in the budget hereunder or the obligated amount, whichever is less.

c) Pursuant to the FAR Clause 52.232-22, "Limitation of Funds", the total amount of incremental funding allotted to this contract is (to be completed at time of award). .. It is estimated that this amount is sufficient to cover performance through (to be completed at time of award).. The Contractor shall not exceed the obligated amount unless authorized by the Contracting Officer pursuant to said clause. The

Contractor shall comply with the notice requirements of FAR Clauses entitled "Limitation of Funds"

(FAR 52.232-22) and "Limitation of Cost" (FAR 52.232.20).

d) The Contractor will not be paid any sum in excess of the Ceiling Price. The Contractor shall not transfer costs between the budget line items without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.5 BUDGET

(a) The following itemized budget sets forth the estimates for reimbursement of dollar costs for individual line items of cost, and the fixed fee (if any).

Cost Element Year 1 ($) Year 2 ($) Total ($)

I. Estimated Cost

1. Salaries and Wages

2. Fringe Benefits

3. Overhead

4. Allowances

5. Travel and Transportation

6. Equipment and Supplies

7. Subcontract(s)

8. Other Direct Costs

9. General and Administrative Costs

Subtotal Contract Estimated Cost

II. Fixed Fee (if any)

III. Total Estimated Contract Cost Plus

Fixed Fee (if any)

Note 1- Individual subcontractors proposed as part of the offer should include the same cost element break-downs in their budget as applicable.

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

(To be filled in at contract award)

The contract clause entitled ―Allowable Cost and Payment (DEC 2002)‖, FAR 52.216-7, specifies that the indirect cost rates shall be established for each of the Contractor’s accounting periods that apply to this contract.

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

Description Rate Base Type Period

1/ 1/ 1/

2/ 2/ 2/

1/ Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/ Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

B.7 REIMBURSABLE COSTS

The US dollar costs allowable shall be limited to reasonable, allocable and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 31 (Contract Cost Principles), A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational Institutions), A-122

(Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations), FAR 52.216-7 (Allowable Cost and Payment), FAR 52.216-8

(Fixed Fee), if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003 (Documentation for Payment), in order to be reimbursable under this contract.

B.8 FIXED FEE – FAR 52.216-8 (JUN 2011)

Fixed Fee Payment. USAID paying office ordinarily pays the Contractor a percentage of fixed fee that directly corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. Two exceptions to paying fixed fee in this manner apply:

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

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

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (ECO-FISH) Program

C.1 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this scope of work is to engage the services of a Contractor as a primary program implementer of the five-year ECO-FISH Program. The objective of ECO-FISH program is to improve the management of important coastal and marine resources and associated ecosystems that support local economies. It will conserve biological diversity, enhance ecosystem productivity and restore profitability of fisheries in eight marine key biodiversity areas

(MKBAs) using ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management as a cornerstone of improved social, economic and environmental benefits.

As part of the ECO-FISH program, but not part of this contract, networks of universities and NGOs will deliver on key research, training and public education services. Philippine university networks will form new partnerships with US universities to deliver scientific inputs and guidance to local and national government agencies on ecosystem approaches to fisheries management.

C.2 OVERVIEW

Coastal and marine resources provide a stream of goods and services to the country’s 94 million people with the fisheries sector, in particular, playing a critical social and economic role. Indeed, in 2010 it was estimated that fisheries contributed 3.78 percent of national GDP and employed five percent of the country’s labor force. However, the numerous signs of coastal and marine resource degradation are increasingly alarming. The degraded conditions apparent now are the result of decades of unsound coastal and marine planning and development, unsustainable fishing practices, land-based sources of pollution, poorly planned and managed mariculture, and growing coastal populations. It is now estimated that the Philippines loses approximately USD 120 million annually in economic benefits derived from coastal and marine resources.

The Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest (FISH) project demonstrated that it is possible to restore fisheries productivity and improve livelihoods of coastal fishing communities by improving the natural resource base while simultaneously elevating fisheries management as a critical public service that governments must provide to local communities. The FISH project’s approach, referred to as Growth, Control, and Maintenance (GCM), promoted integrated fisheries management and worked in a collaborative, participatory manner with local and national governments, communities and other stakeholders throughout the life of the project.

At the onset of the FISH project, a list of GCM mechanisms was introduced in four marine ecosystems through the active engagement of both national and local stakeholders.

The growth mechanisms to enhance fishery production and marine ecosystem integrity included:

The establishment of networks of marine protected areas (MPA) for critical habitats and open water to protect spawning, migration routes, populations of mature fish, endangered species and other resources with no-take

―sanctuaries‖ and management zones; and

The encouragement of environmentally-friendly economic development and revenue-generating activities such as marine ecotourism and user-fee systems.

Control mechanisms referred to an allocation of access to fisheries and coastal resources and included:

Identifying restrictions on fishing gear, fish size limits, fishing areas and seasons to achieve sustainable fishing based on the results of a baseline assessment, critical-threats analysis, and stakeholder planning;

Fishers were registered and issued licenses for fishing vessels and gear (both municipal and commercial), based on estimated sustained yield of fish stocks;

A licensing system was established and supported by legislation for commercial fishing vessels to operate in areas where sustainable yields of fish stocks could be expected and regulated; and

Coastal law enforcement units were trained to enforce fishery laws and other coastal resource-related laws.

The maintenance mechanisms were those used to improve institutional capacity for fisheries and coastal resource management (CRM) including:

Developed site-specific ecosystem-based fisheries management program to address critical threats to fisheries and other coastal resources;

Built capacity for Municipal Mayors and planning officers combined with a public education and awareness-building program on sustainable fisheries management;

Clustered LGUs to viable fisheries and CRM units in association with inter-agency and multi-sectorial collaborative mechanisms for planning, implementation and enforcement;

Assisted stakeholders in integrating populations and reproductive health programs in fisheries management;

Identified appropriate and efficient market-based incentives for compliance and investments in sustainable fisheries; and

Promoted public-private partnerships for fisheries management.

The ECO-FISH Program seeks to build and innovate on the FISH project by reforming the fishing sector through an application of the ecosystem-based fisheries management approach in larger marine conservation areas and involving clusters of local governments to promote the growth and restore the profitability of fisheries through conservation of ecosystem health and effective management.

The ECO-FISH Program will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture/Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA/BFAR) and LGUs in the project sites. Its implementation will be coordinated with the

Environment Project Steering Committee co-chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) and USAID, with participation from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agriculture/Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA/BFAR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the

National Economic Development Agency (NEDA). The Committee will provide guidance on the over-all implementation of ECO-FISH Program ensuring that its work plans are aligned and complementary to GPH sector priorities.

The proposed ECO-FISH Program is in line with the current U.S. Country Assistance Strategy with respect to assistance directed at reducing threats to biodiversity. The ECO-FISH Program will also contribute to achieving

Intermediate Result 1, ―Natural Resources and Environmental Services Improved‖ under Objective 1, ―Broad

Based and Inclusive Growth Sustained‖ of the proposed results framework for the planned USAID/Philippines

Mission’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy.

The ECO-FISH Program also prioritizes actions that support the goals of the Philippine Development Plan (2011-2016) and aligns with its pursuit of an integrated ecosystems approach to environment and natural resource management.

C.3 GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE

The ECO-FISH Program selected eight marine key biodiversity areas (MKBAs) that have a high biodiversity or fisheries significance, high level of threat to sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, and willingness of local government and stakeholders to adopt ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management. (Refer to Table 1 and

Map 1). Within these selected MKBAs, program activities are expected to be designed within feasible integrated fisheries management units. Where there are already existing development initiatives in these selected MKBAs, program activities are expected to be designed to complement such initiatives.

Table 1: ECO-FISH PROGRAM SITES Marine Key

Biodiversity Area

Priority Level Marine Bio-Region

Representation

Province(s) Population in the Province

(As of 2007)

1. Calamianes Group of Islands

Extremely High West Philippine Sea Palawan

892,660

Sulu Sea

2. Lingayen Gulf Very High West Philippine Sea Pangasinan

La Union

2,645,395

720,972

3. Ticao-San

Bernardino Strait-

Lagonoy Gulf

Extremely High Northern Philippine Sea Sorsogon

Masbate

Albay

709,673

768,939

1,187,185

Southern Philippine Sea

Visayan Sea

4. Danajon Reef Extremely High Visayan Sea Bohol

Cebu

Leyte

S. Leyte

1,230,110

2,440,120

1,724,240

390,847

5. South Negros Very High Visayan Sea Negros Occ.

Negros Or.

2,370,269

1,231,904 Sulu Sea

6. Surigao del Sur and

Norte

Extremely High Southern Philippine Sea Surigao Sur

Surigao Norte

545,902

409,468

7. Sulu Archipelago Very High Sulu Sea Tawi Tawi 450,346

Celebes Sea

8. Verde Island

Passage

Very High South China Sea Batangas

Mindoro Or.

Mindoro Occ.

2,245,869

735,769

421,952 Visayan Sea

TOTAL

18 provinces

21,121,620

1. Calamianes Group of Islands

2. Lingayen Gulf

3. Ticao-San Bernardino Strait-Lagonoy Gulf

4. Danajon Reef

5. South Negros

6. Surigao del Sur and Norte

7. Sulu Archipelago

8. Verde Island Passage

Map 1: ECO-FISH Program Sites

C.4 SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of this procurement is to improve the management of important coastal and marine resources and ecosystems that support local economies through the services of a technical assistance contractor for the ECO-FISH

Program. By the completion of the ECO-FISH Program, the Program shall have:

1. Established and implemented a national training program improving the understanding of EAFM of local government units (LGUs) within the 8 MKBAs,

2. Improved the governance capacity of National Government and LGU partners through targeted technical assistance,

3. Improved the management of municipal marine waters within the 8 MKBAs,

4. Created Public Private Partnerships (PPP) that support the ECO-FISH Program objectives,

5. Developed baselines and applied metrics on coastal and marine resources and relevant socio-economic information to monitor EAFM in the 8 MKBAs, and

6. Facilitated improved collaboration among from the National Government, LGUs, academic institutions, and private sector partners engaged in the various projects under the ECO-FISH Program.

C.5 CONTRACT TASKS

Task 1: Establish and implement a National Training Program

The Contractor shall work directly with DA-BFAR National Office, its Regional Offices and Regional Fisheries

Training Centers (RFTCs) to design and implement a National Capacity Training Program for DA-BFAR, LGUs in the 8 MKBAs (Municipal Mayors, Municipal Development and Planning Officers and Municipal Agriculture

Officers) and other relevant institutions involved in fisheries planning, management and enforcement. The

Contractor will implement the training through or in association with the Leagues of Local Governments (such as the League of Municipalities, League of Cities and Association of Barangay Chairpersons) and local academic institutions, including local universities involved in the University Mentoring Program of the Coral

Triangle Support Partnership (CTSP) Project or those affiliated with the Institute for Environmental

Governance, both USAID-assisted projects. The Training Program will provide an understanding of the basic principles and implementation of EAFM that includes integrated fisheries planning and coastal zoning to

Mayors and other relevant government officials within selected LGUs associated with MKBAs; incorporation of climate change analyses and action plans into the EAFM and ecological integrity analyses; increased technical capacity of BFAR staff and other partners engaged in natural resource management for monitoring and evaluation of fish populations as well as marine and coastal ecosystem health and improved options for environmentally sustainable income generation. This Training Program is expected to build on the previous training program of the FISH project including capacity enhancements that lead to more effective enforcement of the Philippine Fisheries Code (R. A. 8550) and increased compliance to international governance platforms such as the Coral Triangle Initiative for Food Security, Coral Reefs and Climate Change.

Below is a list of illustrative training courses that could be part of the National Capacity Training Program.

While these courses are illustrative, they represent part of the content and concepts that should be included in the Training Program.

1. EAFM training

1.1 Design training course for BFAR staff in EAFM

1.2 Conduct training for trainers courses for BFAR staff in EAFM in national and regional offices

1.3 Support for trainings for LGU alliances in EAFM

2. Growth-Control-Maintenance training

2.1 Design training course for BFAR and LGU staff in GCM

2.2 Conduct GCM orientation training at all EAFM LGUs

2.3 Conduct GCM follow up trainings at all EAFM LGU clusters

3. Coastal LGU revenue, financing options and licensing training (Basic course on how to evaluate, generate and increase LGU revenues from different revenue sources)

4. Baseline fisheries biomass monitoring training (Simplified courses for LGUs on how to easily calculate, measure and monitor fish biomass)

5. Coral Reef and Ecosystem Health training (Basic course for LGUs on how to monitor, evaluate, and track ecosystem health)

6. Municipal Fisheries Management training

6.1 Basic course for LGUs on how to manage their municipal fisheries

6.2 Basic course for LGUs on how to maximize sustainable revenues.

7. Fisheries statistics course (advanced course for BFAR national and regional staff designed to improve national fisheries statistics)

8. Fisheries and aquaculture management course (Advanced state of the art training for BFAR staff – mainly aimed at improving the ecological and economic soundness of current aquaculture projects)

9. Integrated fishery management and planning approaches

9.1 Coastal zoning management training

9.2 Gear management training

9.3 Species management and fisheries habitat protection training

9.4 MPA management training

10. Climate Change and Fisheries Management (training course to introduce the climate variability and it impact on fishery management)

11. The Contractor shall design and conduct other trainings identified and agreed upon in the annual work plan.

Task 2: Provide technical and advisory support at the local level

The Contractor shall provide technical assistance to the LGUs and LGU alliances in project sites in collaboration with the local Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils, community-based organizations and other fisheries interest groups as they carry out their roles and responsibilities on EAFM.

Long-term and short-term technical assistance will be identified in consultation with the LGU alliances. The

Contractor shall mobilize technical assistance teams to establish and sustain a GCM package in the project sites that will include the following tasks:

Establish coastal zoning;

Establish fisheries licensing system for municipal and commercial fisheries;

Initiate appropriate fisheries management measures related to gear and species management and fishery habitat protection;

Establish new marine protected areas (MPAs) as appropriate and MPA networks based on sound biophysical and socio-ecological analysis;

Implement maintenance activities for MPAs, MPA networks and all relevant fishery management measures including periodic management planning, implementation and monitoring;

Facilitate implementation and/or harmonization of fisheries enforcement activities;

Conduct policy assistance to MPAs for relevant fishery management measures;

Support strategic actions that respond to climate variability and its anticipated impact such as rehabilitating/reforesting mangroves and establishing new or reinforcing existing MPAs that can adapt to climate change impacts; and, Sustain fishery management measures through regular funding support, plan implementation and compliance to policies.

Task 3: Provide technical and advisory support at the national level

The Contractor shall provide technical assistance and advice for DA-BFAR and ECO-FISH Program partners to enhance their knowledge and skills to institutionalize sustainable fisheries management and environmentally sound aquaculture. This task is envisioned as technical assistance to DA-BFAR and ECO-FISH Program partners to codify relevant fisheries and environmental regulations such as the Philippine Fisheries Code (R.A.

8550). The expected results of this this task would be both improved understanding and skills to enforce fisheries regulations and strengthened environmental regulations supporting sustainable fisheries management and environmentally sound aquaculture.

The Contractor will work with DA-BFAR on the following:

The development of a national database on EAFM including determining appropriate content, identifying available baseline, monitoring, and evaluation data;

The development of a ―State of Marine Resources Report‖ for DA-BFAR

The Contractor shall also provide advisory assistance to the following:

The National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) of DA-BFAR;

Policy discussions of the National Fisheries and Aquatic resource management Council (NFARMC);

and

Development of issue papers or technical documents for publication.

Task 4: Develop a registry of users of municipal fishing waters

The contractor shall work in partnership with DA-BFAR and the LGU alliances to develop a registry of users of municipal fishing waters in the 8 program sites of ECO-FISH. Pursuant to the 1998 Philippine Fisheries Code

(R.A. 8550), this registry shall contain information on who are fishing or may desire to fish in municipal waters for the purpose of determining priorities among them, of limiting entry into the municipal waters, and of monitoring fishing activities and/or other related purposes. The registry shall also include information on municipal fishing vessels by type of gear and other boat particulars.

Task 5: Identify and implement sustainable financing programs to support EAFM projects

The Contractor shall work with LGUs within the project sites to identify opportunities for budget support through payment for ecosystem services (PES). This support would include determining feasibility and relevance of currently operational PES systems and those that are considered to come online during the life of the project. As a critical part of developing the PES models, the Contractor shall undertake cost-benefit analyses of all LGU operations involved in fisheries management with the intention of developing a realistic model that will demonstrate to individual and clusters of LGUs ways to increase the economic rent from the fisheries sector to determine break-even levels, optimum sustainable yield/catch and maximum sustainable yield/catch. LGU revenue streams from all licensing fees, whether from capture or culture fisheries, will be linked directly to EAFM operations. The Contractor shall provide a technical assistance package to LGUs to implement sustainable funding programs.

Task 6: Create Public-Private Partnerships

In collaboration with DA, BFAR and other national government agencies (DENR, DILG, Department of

Science and Technology and Department of Tourism), the Contractor shall create public-private partnerships that support the ECO-FISH Program objectives. The contractor shall provide technical assistance and training to facilitate the creation of these partnerships.

Task 7: Establish a baseline on coastal and marine resources and relevant socio-economic information, develop and apply metrics on monitoring EAFM implementation in target MKBAs

The Contractor shall establish baseline data on the biophysical, social and economic data in the target MKBAs and use this information to develop metrics on monitoring the application of EAFM in MKBAs. Examples of baseline data could include fish presence and abundance within selected MKBAs, percentage of coral reef within MKBAs damaged by unsustainable fishing practices, understanding of EAFM within LGUs and resource managers, and economic benefits derived from natural resources within project sites for households and LGUs.

In developing these monitoring metrics, the Contractor shall coordinate with the CTSP project and the relevant government institutions that are currently implementing the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Management

Effectiveness Assessment Tool and the BALANCED project that is implementing an integrated Population-

Health-Environment approach in its project activities. The Contractor shall integrate the tools and approaches of both projects, as appropriate, in its development of the metrics. In collaboration with DA-BFAR and the LGUs in the project sites, the Contractor shall develop and apply metrics on monitoring the implementation of EAFM in the target MKBAs.

C.6 DELIVERABLES

Below is a list of deliverables expected by the end of five years. The Offeror should propose a delivery plan that outlines the steps and milestones to achieve each of the deliverables listed below. Under the proposed program, the offeror should provide USAID with the following: (1) a description of each deliverable; (2) a target number to be achieved for each deliverable, and (3) an explanation on the linkage between the deliverables and the key results.

a) National, regional and municipal EAFM trainings conducted

b) Tool kits, source books and case studies on EAFM, MPA and climate change

c) Bio-physical, social and economic baseline assessments of the 8 MKBAs

d) Scientific studies on select MKBA-specific fish species

e) MPA Network analyses in the 8 MKBAs

f) Policy studies on EAFM, MPA and climate change

g) Fisheries Management Plans of select inter-LGU alliances in the 8 MKBAs

h) Registry of users of municipal fishing waters established in select municipal LGUs in the 8 MKBAs

i) A national database on EAFM established using the annual monitoring data in the 8 MKBAs

j) State of the Marine Resources Report

k) Revenue generation system on fisheries management established and effectively implemented in select LGUs in the 8 MKBAs

l) Sustainable financing programs on EAFM implemented in select LGUs in the 8 MKBAs

m) Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) supporting ECO-FISH objectives established

C.7 KEY RESULTS

At the end of five years, the ECO-FISH Program is expected to deliver the following key results. The offeror should provide USAID with their committed targets, explain a technical approach to achieve those targets, and outline a monitoring and evaluation scheme to measure each of the targets.

a) Establishment of a national capacity development program to enhance the capacities of LGUs and relevant national agencies to apply ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management

b) The negative trend of fisheries biomass loss will have been halted and reversed with an increase in fish biomass across all MKBAs

c) Hectares of municipal marine water under improved management

d) Number of provincial and municipal LGUs across all MKBAs with improved capacity on ecosystem approaches to fisheries management

e) Number of people gaining employment or better employment from sustainable fisheries management

f) Public-private partnerships supporting the objectives of ECO-FISH program are created

C.8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Special Activities Fund (SAF) In order to facilitate implementation of the various efforts and activities discussed above, ECO-FISH shall include a Special Activities Fund (SAF), to be managed by the contractor. The SAF will be used for the following principal purposes:

(1) Component Support - to meet some of the costs of various programs and activities to be designed and implemented by ECO-FISH during the course of its implementation (e.g., activity development costs for technical assistance from universities, experts and consultants for site-based monitoring systems, assessment, surveys and special studies; marketing and feasibility studies to support value-adding economic activities like fishery post-harvest and eco-tourism development); and

(2) General Support - to meet costs of opportune but unplanned activities which are necessary to achieve the results of the ECO-FISH program (e.g., studies, conferences, consultancies, publications, etc.).

While, on occasion, ECO-FISH may provide financial support to cooperating organizations, this will not be the customary procedure. For the most part, funds will not be transferred to cooperating organizations. Rather, the

ECO-FISH contractor shall procure the goods or services required and make them available to the cooperating organizations.

All proposed expenditures under the SAF shall be approved in advance, in writing, by USAID (i.e., by the

COTR for the ECO-FISH contract). Appropriate cost-sharing arrangements with recipients of SAF support shall be negotiated by the contractor, and approved in advance by USAID. It is anticipated that cost sharing shall characterize virtually all SAF expenditures.

C.9 KEY PERSONNEL

1. Chief of Party

Supervise all activities under the contract and have overall responsibility for the performance of the project team

Provide strategic leadership and support to partners to ensure the achievement of the project objectives

Report to and advise the USAID COTR on important strategic and substantive matters relating to contractual objectives under this project

Develop and maintain constructive working relationship with key stakeholders

Qualifications:

At least 20 years of experience in governance, social science, natural resource management and/or related field with at least five years of experience in the Asia/Pacific region

At least 10 years of experience in senior positions of project administration, contracting, or in the management and implementation of donor-funded projects

Hold an advanced degree (Ph.D. or Masters) in community development, rural sociology, agriculture/fishery, development management, public administration or related fields, with expertise in coastal and marine resources management desirable

Strong personal and team work skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

2. Senior Governance and Institutional Development Specialist

Lead in the capacity-building efforts on ecosystem approach to fishery management among national and local government agencies, NGOs, private sectors and other relevant stakeholders

Identify and assess the potential for private sector participation in sustainable coastal and marine fishery management

Work closely with other team members to carry out policy analysis, training and public awareness activities with follow on assistance to promote more sustainable coastal and marine fishery management

At least 10 years of experience in governance, social science and community organization and development in the Asia/Pacific region and developing countries, preferably in the Philippines

Demonstrated experience in training and in working with technical and community development staff in how to coach community groups to define and resolve issues relating to natural resource use

Experience in working for or with the private sector and have a good understanding of the private sector’s concerns regarding coastal and marine resources

Hold at least a master degree or equivalent experience in community development, anthropology, sociology, public administration or related fields

Excellent interpersonal and team work skills

3. Senior Fisheries/Coastal Resource Management Specialist

Lead overall efforts to develop and implement an ecosystem approach to fisheries management framework and coastal resource management plans for target marine ecosystems

Lead in conducting the coastal resource, biodiversity and fisheries assessments and use this information in establishing baselines and metrics on monitoring and application of ecosystem approach to fisheries management activities with follow on assistance to promote more sustainable coastal and marine fishery management

Have at least 10 years of experience in fishery management, social science and community organization and development in the Asia/Pacific region and in developing countries, preferably in the Philippines

Demonstrated experience in working with stakeholders in developing fishery management plans through consensus building

Hold at least a Master degree or equivalent experience in marine science, agriculture/fishery, community development, development management, public administration or related fields

4. Senior Resource Economics Specialist

Lead in conducting economic analyses related to environmental protection and presenting economic information in formats that is understandable to national and local governments and other stakeholders

Lead in evaluating and quantifying benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques

Lead in conducting the socio-economic assessments and use this information in establishing baselines and metrics on monitoring and application of ecosystem approach to fisheries management activities with follow on assistance to promote more sustainable coastal and marine fishery management

At least 10 years of relevant experience in the resource economics, environmental economics and related fields in the Asia/Pacific region and in developing countries, preferably in the Philippines

Have demonstrated knowledge to incorporate socio-economic analyses in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management

Have experience in working with local and national government officials and a broad range of stakeholders including local fishing communities and women’s groups

Experience in working for or with the private sector and have a good understanding of the private sector’s concerns regarding coastal and marine resources

Hold at least a Master degree or equivalent experience in economics, resource economics or related field

C.10 BACKGROUND READING:

7 Years and 4 Seas can be downloaded at http://www.oneocean.org/

FISH Completion Report (full document is attached to the solicitation)

[END OF SECTION C]

http://www.oneocean.org/

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

(a) It is USAID policy that USAID-financed commodities and shipping containers, and project construction sites and other project locations be suitably marked with the USAID emblem. Shipping containers are also to be marked with the last five digits of the USAID financing document number. As a general rule, marking is not required for raw materials shipped in bulk (such as coal, grain, etc.), or for semi-finished products which are not packaged.

(b) Specific guidance on marking requirements should be obtained prior to procurement of commodities to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construction sites and other project locations. This guidance will be provided through the contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR), or by the USAID mission director in the cooperating country to which commodities are being shipped, or in which the project site is located.

(c) Authority to waive marking requirements is vested with the Regional Assistant Administrators and with

Mission Directors.

(d) A copy of any specific marking instructions or waivers from marking requirements is to be sent to the

Contracting Officer; the original should be retained by the Contractor.

D.2 BRANDING POLICY AND STRATEGY

Branding strategy implementation and marking under this contract shall comply with the ―USAID Graphics

Standards Manual‖…