SOL-674-17-000016.pdf

Date Issued: September 28, 2017 Closing Date: November 13, 2017 Closing Time: 1:00 PM Local Pretoria Time Questions due date: October 13, 2017, 6:00 PM Local Pretoria Time

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: SOL-674-17-000016 REFERENCE: Combating Wildlife Crime in Southern Africa Activity

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals from qualified organizations interested in providing technical assistance and services as described in the attached solicitation.

This procurement will be conducted through full and open competition, for which the procedures for “contracting by negotiation, trade-off process” as set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) Part 15 will govern. All types of organizations (large or small commercial for profit firms, educational institutions, non-profit organizations meeting USAID source and nationality geographic code 935 are eligible to compete.

USAID/Southern Africa intends to award a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) term type contract for a four (4) year base period from the date of award, with a one (1) year option period. Offerors should propose costs that they believe are realistic and reasonable for the work described in their proposal. The most effective approach for achieving the expected results is encouraged and the award will be made to the Offeror whose proposal offers the best value to the Government considering technical and cost factors (see Section M) of the solicitation.

Offerors are encouraged to read the entire solicitation. Pay special attention to Section L – Instructions to Offerors and Section M – Evaluation Criteria. Any blanks in Sections B through J will be completed by the Contracting Officer before award. Offerors must comply with FAR Clause 52.204-7, System for Award Management and adhere to the requirements set forth in Section K – Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors.

Amendments to this solicitation will be made available through the Government homepage at http://www.fbo.gov. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to check this site periodically for official updates and amendments to the solicitation. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal in response hereto. Furthermore the Government reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of the Government.

By email only, please submit all questions and requests for clarifications about this RFP no later than the deadline above to proposals@usaid.gov and mkanjee@usaid.gov; include the RFP number in the email subject line. Oral instructions, answers, or guidance from any USAID source prior to the award of the contract shall not be binding.

SOL-674-17-000016

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 108

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

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.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

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

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

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

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

CALENDAR DAYS (%)30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

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

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

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

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

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

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

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

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

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

REQ-674-17-00023209/28/2017

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USAID/SA RAAO

Regional Acquisition and Assistance USAID/Southern Africa 100 Totius Street P.O. Box 43 Groenkloof 0027 Pretoria, South Africa 00000

1300 B 11/13/2017

Mahesh Kanjee mkanjee@usaid.gov

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PAGE(S)

Camille Hasha

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

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

6-7

8-21 22-24 26-36 37-42 43-59

60-71

73-84

85-103

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Request for Proposal (RFP) SOL-674-17-000016 Combating Wildlife Crime in Southern Africa Activity

SF 33

Contents

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

B.3 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

B.4 CONTRACT BUDGET

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

B.6 COST REIMBURSABLE

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 SCOPE

C.2 BACKGROUND

C.3 RELATIONSHIP TO MISSION AND AGENCY POLICIES AND STRATEGIES . 11

C.4 SERVICES AND TASKS REQUIRED

C.5 GENERAL CONTRACT IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES AND

CONSIDERATIONS

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING POLICY

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

D.4 MARKING

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE25

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3 MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING PLAN

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE26

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

F.5 LEVEL OF EFFORT

F.6 KEY PERSONNEL

F.7 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 TECHNICAL DIRECTION AND DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBLE USAID

OFFICIALS

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY

G.3 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.4 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.5 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.6 PAYMENT AND INVOICES

G.7 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT, AIDAR 752.7003 (NOV 1998) & AIDAR

752.232-70 (OCT 1989)

G.8 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.9 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.2 CONTRACTOR’S STAFF SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICS

ARRANGEMENTS

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.4 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK

H.5 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING

H.6 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT (GUC)

H.7 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL

CONFERENCES (JAN 2002)

H.8 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT

H.9 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN REPORT FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS AND

SUMMARY CONTRACTING REPORT

H.10 DEFENSE BASE ACT INSURANCE AND SERVICES

H.11 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

H.12 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUNE 2012)

H.13 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (AUGUST 2013)

H.14 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUGUST 2013) .. 48

H.15 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR ACQUISITION

(JULY 2014)

H.16 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL)

(OCTOBER 2014)

H.17 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE (22 CFR 216)

H.18 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.19 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM (JULY 2014)

H.20 EXCHANGE VISITORS AND TRAINING

H.21 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

H.22 NON-EXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES

H.23 OPERATING CONSTRAINTS

H.24 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE60

I.2 FAR 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (JUN 2016)

I.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) 66

I.4 FAR 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (OCT 2015)

I.5 FAR 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES

(JUL 2014)

I.6 FAR 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS FOR AUDIT

(FEB 2006)

I.7 FAR 252.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEB 1998)

I.8 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.9 AIDAR 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY—USAID REPORTING

REQUIREMENTS (JUL 1997)

I.10 52.222-2 -- Payment for Overtime Premiums (Jul 1990)

I.11 752.252-2 AIDAR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (MAR 2015) . 71

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS .. 72

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS

OF OFFERORS

K.1 FAR 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (JAN 2017)

K.2 FAR 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JUL

2013)

K.3 FAR 52.222-56 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

COMPLIANCE PLAN (MAR 2015)

K.4 FAR 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND

CERTIFICATION (OCT 2015)

K.5 FAR 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE—COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE

CHANGES (APR 2005)

K.6 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

K.7 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.8 SIGNATURE

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFEROR

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

L.2 FAR 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.3 FAR 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L.4 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

L.5 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL88

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL

L. 8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF BRANDING AND MARKING PLANS

(IF REQUESTED):

SECTION M: TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.1 NOTICE LISTING solicitation provisions INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

M.2 OVERVIEW

M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.4 COST EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.5 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND DISADVANTAGED108

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to dramatically decrease wildlife crime across Southern Africa.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Term Form Contract for a four (4) year base period from the date of award and with a one (1) year option period. The Contractor must perform the services detailed under Section C and must provide the level of effort described in Section F.5 and comply with all contract requirements.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

(a) The total estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the base period and option period combined hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is: $TBD. The total estimated fee is $TBD. The total estimated cost plus fixed fee, if any, is $TBD.

(b) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the four (4) year base period hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is: $TBD. The estimated fee for the base period is $TBD. The estimated cost plus fixed fee for the base period, if any, is $TBD.

(c) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the one (1) year option period hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is: $TBD. The estimated fee for the option period is $TBD. The estimated cost plus fixed fee for the option period, if any, is $TBD.

(d) 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 hereunder is $TBD. The Contractor shall not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

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

(f) The Contractor must 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).

(g) 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, if applicable, payment of fixed fee shall be allocated based upon the proportion of the labor specified in F.5. The Contractor will be paid the proportion of the fee that corresponds to the proportion of labor delivered by the Contractor during the period covered by the invoice. In the event that the Contractor does not provide the total LOE stipulated in Section F.5, the total amount of fixed fee will be reduced in similar proportion.

B.4 CONTRACT BUDGET

The total cost (including fixed fee) stated below for Professional Technical Labor and Management and Administration may not be adjusted without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer. No amounts in excess of the amounts specified for each line item below shall be billed against the Contract.

Base Period (Years 1-4)

Option Period

(Year 5)

Professional Technical Labor $TBD $TBD Management and Administration $TBD $TBD Fee $TBD $TBD Grants Under Contract $1,500,000 $0 Indirect Costs $TBD $TBD

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

Pending the establishment of a 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 appropriate bases:

Description Period Rate Base

- Description or type of rate indicated as a percentage, e.g. G&A

- Period, e.g. CY 2018

- Base, e.g. Direct Labor for Labor Overhead

B.6 COST REIMBURSABLE

USAID will only reimburse the Contractor for allowable costs in accordance with FAR 52.216- 7, “Allowable Cost and Payment,” FAR 52.216-8, “Fixed Fee,” FAR 52.232-20, “Limitation of Cost,” and FAR 52-232-22, “Limitation of Funds,” if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, “Documentation for Payment.”

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 SCOPE

The goal of the Combating Wildlife Crime (CWC) in Southern Africa Activity is to support the shared commitments of the U.S. Government (USG), the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), member states, private sector partners and civil society to dramatically decrease wildlife crime across Southern Africa. The purpose of this Contract is 1) the coordination of learning from multiple landscape-based combating wildlife crime activities awarded by USAID/Southern Africa, and 2) to support strategic regional activities that are necessary to address the wildlife crime challenges but that fall outside any discreet landscape.

C.2 BACKGROUND

The following provides relevant background information regarding (a) the development problem posed by wildlife crime, (b) the regional response including the current USAID programs, and

(c) the geographical focus.

C.2.a Development problem Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar illicit business that is decimating Africa’s iconic animal populations. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) African Elephant Status Report (2016)1, the African elephant population has declined by an estimated 111,000 animals in the past decade, primarily due to poaching, while 5,940 African rhinos have been killed since 2008 out of an estimated population of 25,000.2 Wildlife Crime undermines the economic prosperity of countries and communities, it threatens their natural capital and undermines sustainable economic development, including development benefits derived from legal nature-based enterprises like tourism. Wildlife crime threatens social stability and cohesion and impoverishes citizens as their cultural and natural heritage is robbed. Natural resource-dependent communities are exposed to security threats and erosion of their livelihoods.

Between 40% and 85% of Southern African Development Community (SADC) citizens live in rural areas where they depend on natural resources for survival.3 The region has a rich natural heritage of global significance, including some of the planet’s largest intact populations of rhinos and elephants. Natural resources are vitally important to the economy of the region and its growth. Approximately US$3.2 billion was generated from nature-based tourism by 10 of the 14 SADC countries in 2000/2001.4 The decimation of wildlife species and destruction of natural ecosystems threatens this prosperous development sector and livelihood security. Organized criminal networks also threaten the peace and security of the SADC region.

1 Thouless CR, Dublin HT, Blanc JJ, Skinner DP. Daniel TE, Taylor RD, Maisels F, Frederick HL and Bouche P (2016) African Elephant Status Report: An update from the African Elephant database. Occasional Paper Series of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, No. 60 IUCN/ SSC Africa Elephant Specialist Group. IUCN Gland, Switzerland.

2 Department of Environmental Affairs (2016) Rhino poaching statistics update. Pretoria, South Africa.

https://www.environment.gov.za/projectsprogrammes/rhinodialogues/poaching_statistics.

3 SADC (2015) SADC Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching Strategy 2015 – 2020. Gaborone, Botswana.

4 Vernon R. Booth (2010): The contribution of hunting tourism: How significant is this to national economies in contribution of wildlife to national economies. Joint publication of FAO and CIC. Budapest.

Law enforcement alone will not sufficiently or effectively address wildlife crime. Enforcement actions must be coupled carefully with actions that incentivize positive relationships with wildlife resources. Activities must shift the responsibility and benefits from wildlife to local communities to ensure active stewardship. Local communities are widely perceived as the first line of defense against wildlife crime. More strategic approaches are necessary to ensure that such community interventions are indeed shifting the balance to motivate positive behaviors and resulting in decreased wildlife crime.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other partners have developed a Theory of Change for communities as first line of defense. The theory argues that as communities strengthen wildlife stewardship, derive increased benefits from wildlife, and pride in their wildlife grows, they will become less likely to engage in poaching and more likely to report offenders.5 Collaboration with communities is critical to preventing poaching. There is a need to increase the motivation and capacity of communities to work with (rather than against) law enforcement agencies. To achieve this, it will be important to understand the socio-political, economic and ecological conditions under which community engagement against wildlife crime does and does not work. This will, in turn inform and contribute to strengthening disincentives (social and legal) for illegal behavior, increasing incentives for stewardship and pride in wildlife, and decreasing costs of living with wildlife. Two of the previously mentioned USAID activities (Kavango-Zambezi and Greater Limpopo transfrontier areas) will test this Theory of Change within their respective landscapes.

C.2.b Regional response Efforts to combat wildlife crime in the region were recognized by the SADC in 1999 through the adoption of the SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement by member countries. These were part of the SADC’s efforts towards regionally-agreed approaches to conservation, management and the enforcement of illegal uses of wildlife. The SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement is a region-wide efforts aimed at fostering regional cooperation, protecting wildlife, promoting national and regional capacity building and the facilitation of community-based wildlife management.6 The Protocol advocates Member States harmonize legal instruments for wildlife, establish management programs for wildlife, and create a regional database of wildlife status and management.

Recognizing the trans-regional and transnational nature of wildlife populations, SADC also supports the establishment of Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) as a positive contribution to wildlife conservation. The TFCAs are founded with the aim of collaboratively managing shared natural and cultural resources across international boundaries for improved biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development. In the SADC region, there are 18 TFCAs in terrestrial and marine environments in various stage of development covering over 700 000 km2. The TFCAs are embedded under the Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement.7

5 Biggs D, Cooney R, Roe D, Dublin H T, Allan J R, Challender D W S and Skinner D (2016) Developing a theory of change for a community-based response to illegal wildlife trade. Conservation Biology 00:1-8

6 SADC (1999) Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement. Gaborone, Botswana 7 SADC (2016) SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area. Gaborone, Botswana. www.tfcaportal.org

Another regional response emanating from the Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement is the development of a 5-year regional SADC Law Enforcement and Anti- Poaching (LEAP) Strategy (2016 – 2021). The strategy provides a framework for country and regional cooperation, together with international engagement on natural resource management and wildlife-related law enforcement and anti-poaching issues. Member countries have adopted the strategy and much of the regional efforts towards combating wildlife crime will be guided by this strategy.

A number of donor agencies including the European Union, USAID, the German Development Agency (GIZ) and others play an important role towards funding project activities aimed at combating wildlife crime in the region. Donor agencies play a significant role by communicating best practices, strengthening transboundary coordination and investing in building capacity efforts to achieve impact and sustainability.

USAID/Southern Africa has embarked on a regional program to address wildlife crime particularly the poaching and illegal trade of rhinos and elephants products. USAID/Southern Africa implements regional projects in partnership with relevant regional bodies to significantly reduce the level of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and to enhance law enforcement capacity and promote sustainable utilization.

USAID/Southern Africa is currently funding the following activities in the region:

a) World Wildlife Fund US (WWF-US) to support work in the Kavango-Zambezi Landscape and Northwest Namibia for a total estimated contribution of approximately 16 million USD for a period of five years.

b) The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to support work in the Malawi- Zambia Transfrontier landscape for a total estimated contribution of approximately 8 million USD for a period of five years.

c) WWF South Africa to support work in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier landscape for a total estimated contribution of approximately 16 million USD for a period of five years.

d) Sustainable Agriculture Technology to support work in the Lowveld areas of Zimbabwe linked to the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area for total estimated contribution of approximately 4 million USD for a period of five years.

e) Lowveld Rhino Trust to support work in the Lowveld areas of Zimbabwe linked to the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area for a total estimated contribution of approximately 1.1 million USD for a period of three years.

All work supported by USAID in the region must contribute to the SADC LEAP Strategy, which focuses on these areas:

1. Enhancement of legislation and judicial processes;

2. Minimization of wildlife crime and illegal trade;

3. Integration of people and nature;

4. Sustainable trade and use of natural resources; and

5. Improvement and strengthening of field protection.

In addition, SADC is developing a Wildlife Crime Prevention and Coordination Unit within the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Directorate. The Contractor must coordinate with this Unit, once established.

C.2.c Geographical Focus

USAID is investing resources in coordination of cross-border programs to combat wildlife crime in Southern Africa and facilitate cross-border learning to strengthen regional partnerships and coherent monitoring and reporting on wildlife crime. The regional activity implemented through this contract will complement other efforts through sharing of best practices, supporting common research themes to inform project implementation and management and development of an integrated regional capacity building programs within and across the landscapes.

The Contractor must specifically focus on coordinating learning from other USAID supported efforts with relevant partners in four priority landscapes. These landscapes are: 1) the Kavango- Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA); 2) the north western regions of Namibia; 3) Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area; and 4) the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GL-TFCA) which includes areas in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The Contractor also must look beyond the landscape-level work funded by USAID to leverage partnerships and learning within the broader SADC region. In particular there are a number of relevant USG and other donor supported programs active in the region. Note, given USAID’s level of effort for combating wildlife crime in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo under other USAID bilateral programs, USAID/Southern Africa does not anticipate that this contract will focus on bilateral activities in these two countries, but may consider them as part of critical learning and collaborated regional action.

Furthermore, the Contractor also must support strategic actions that enhance linkages between source and demand states, including in Asia, in order to solve the wildlife crime problem.

C.3 RELATIONSHIP TO MISSION AND AGENCY POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

Under the USAID/Southern Africa Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS), the CWC project, which includes this activity and the landscape activities referred to above, contributes to Development Objective (DO) 1, “Increased Sustainable Economic Growth in Targeted Areas.” The CWC project, to address wildlife trafficking, supports Intermediate Result

1.4 under DO 1, “Improved Management of Transboundary Natural Resources.” However it is important to note that the RDCS is scheduled to expire within the next calendar year. USAID’s Environment & Energy Team is working with the Mission RDCS team to ensure continued alignment with the new RDCS currently under formulation, as well as relevant USAID policies and strategies that govern the use of these funds.

The original RDCS that is under review highlighted the contribution of Southern Africa’s biodiversity to the regional economy and the threats posed by overharvesting of various species.

The CWC project directly supports achievement of the RDCS by addressing the threats to biodiversity posed by illegal harvesting of and trade in various species in Southern Africa.

The CWC project is also in line with the June 2014 recommendations from the President’s Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking, charged with implementing the National Strategy, which endorse a whole of mission approach to support continuous, coordinated activity to combat wildlife crime. The regional USAID/Southern Africa CWC project objectives will contribute to the implementation of the United States National Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking and complement current regional and bilateral programs managed by USAID and other USG agencies in Southern Africa and ongoing responses by donors, governments, private sector and other organizations.

In February 2014 President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the guiding principles and strategic priorities for U.S. efforts to combat wildlife crime. On February 9, 2017 President Trump reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to combat wildlife crime through an Executive Order.

A National Strategy was developed based on these Executive Orders. This strategy advances three strategic priorities to combat wildlife crime:

1. Strengthen Enforcement — Improve coordination and prioritize wildlife trafficking across enforcement, regulatory, and intelligence agencies; integrate wildlife trafficking, where appropriate, with other U.S. efforts to combat transnational organized crime;

improve global enforcement efforts by supporting partner countries to build enforcement capacity; provide assistance for field-level wildlife and protected area management and enforcement, and also assist and participate in multinational enforcement operations targeting illegal trade in wildlife; and work to dismantle trafficking networks and prevent others from assuming their illegal activities.

2. Reduce Demand for Illegally Traded Wildlife — Raise public awareness of the harms done by wildlife trafficking to dissuade consumers from purchasing illegally traded wildlife. Educate the public about the impacts of wildlife trafficking, on people as well as wildlife.

3. Expand International Cooperation and Commitment —Mobilize support for, and encourage partners to actively participate in the fight against wildlife trafficking.

Strengthen implementation of international agreements and arrangements that protect wildlife. Build partnerships with governments, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector to address this issue to develop and implement innovative and effective approaches to combating wildlife trafficking.

The full document is available at:

https://www.fws.gov/home/feature/2014/trafficking/national-strategy-wildlife-trafficking.pdf

C.4 SERVICES AND TASKS REQUIRED

Services and deliverables will be provided to achieve the objectives identified below in the Contract, subject to the guidance and limitations specified in the Contract.

Addressing wildlife trafficking is necessary and relevant for generating prosperity and expanding development efforts within the SADC region. USAID will place emphasis on strengthening enforcement, improving policy frameworks, and promoting collaborative action and learning to address wildlife crime. In particular, efforts to support regional coordination among enforcement agencies and to prioritize wildlife trafficking across enforcement, regulatory and intelligence agencies are needed. The reduction of corruption and improvement of transparency and accountability through the wildlife enforcement chain is also necessary. In addition, there is a need to support appropriate institutional capacities and share lessons across the region on detecting, deterring and apprehending would-be poachers and dismantle criminal networks.

There is also a need to strengthen capacities to prosecute and adjudicate crimes relating to wildlife trafficking. The promotion of effective deterrents must also be combined with initiatives that promote incentives for communities to protect and value their wild resources.

The contractor must address law enforcement and community aspects of fighting wildlife crime.

The Contractor must implement a significant grants under contract program to support partnerships that will enhance sustainability and embed approaches supported by this project within appropriate institutions. These grants must support local partners to work outside of priority landscapes particularly under objective 2 described below. The grants under contract program should mobilize local resources and expertise. The program should also leverage partnerships and alliances with regional, national and local institutions, including but not limited to private sector and civil society entities, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and Trans-frontier Conservation Areas.

C.4.a Project Components

The Contract will have two components as set forth in Section C.1 above.

1. Catalyze learning and sharing for improved results to combat wildlife crime

2. Increase collaborative action to reduce wildlife crime in targeted areas

The Contractor shall meet USAID objectives and standards as defined by the Foreign Assistance Framework. The CWC activity will be funded with resources earmarked by the U.S. Congress for Biodiversity Conservation and sub-earmarked for Combating Wildlife Trafficking (CWT).

As such, the CWC Project and all activities will meet the necessary Biodiversity and CWT earmark requirements as defined by USAID. Within the Foreign Assistance Framework, this Contract focuses on Program Area 10.2 (formerly 4.8) Biodiversity Conservation. Earmark requirements are subject to change by Congress. The Contractor must maintain communication with USAID to ensure that appropriate guidance is followed for earmarks under each Fiscal Year funding allocation.

The Contract is administered through USAID/Southern Africa; however, additional USAID missions in the SADC region are expected to contribute funding. This Contract is implemented in partnership with the landscape level combating wildlife crime activities, which are also administered by USAID/Southern Africa with support from USAID missions across the SADC region. The Contractor must facilitate coordination and information sharing among these activities.

C.4.b Technical Services and Expected Results

Set forth below are minimum activities, results and specific guidance for providing services and performing tasks under this Contract for each objective.

C.4.b.1 Catalyze Learning and Sharing For Improved Results to Combat Wildlife Crime

The Contractor must facilitate collaborative learning and action for achieving lasting impact to combat wildlife crime in Southern Africa. In particular, the Contractor must coordinate lessons and experience emerging from USAID’s priority landscape activities in the region, as mentioned above. The landscape activities will both inform and benefit from this regional learning contract.

This will include facilitation of regular interactions between landscape partners.

The Contractor must identify and develop a learning framework, activities and products that will promote expedient and effective action to combat wildlife crime in Southern Africa. Innovative and proven approaches that contribute to meaningful behavior change are expected. Passive learning approaches and an over-reliance on generating studies and reports that do not contribute to action will not be supported. The Contractor shall develop and implement this Contract in partnership with landscape implementers and other priority stakeholders, including SADC, governments, other donors, private sector, traditional leaders and others, as relevant.

Innovative approaches to capacity building, beyond training, must be delivered under this objective. In addition, given the large number of capacity building initiatives supported by the US government, SADC member states and other donors, the Contractor must add value to these programs, leverage subject matter expertise already developed in the region, and avoid one-off trainings. Actions such as peer to peer training, hosting of community or inter-agency learning exchange to share skills, embedding of staff, mentorship, on the job training and other means of achieving practical and lasting behavior change are required. Potential areas of focus may be crime scene management and investigations, prosecution, community rangers and patrol, border control and case management, follow-the-money case training, asset seizure and other areas.

Within this learning framework, the Contractor must facilitate more effective action to combat wildlife crime through strategic, evidence based research and analysis of the dynamics of wildlife crime.

Minimum Activities, Services, and Deliverables:

At a minimum the contractor must deliver the following:

Develop and implement a technical learning program to support implementation and enhance sharing of lessons amongst USAID supported landscapes and with other key regional stakeholders

Test specific theories of change to develop approaches for community engagement in combating wildlife crime

Support effective monitoring, evaluation and learning approaches to measure impacts of activities

Provide technical assistance and capacity strengthening services for priority technical areas

Support technical exchanges to increase learning and impact for combating wildlife crime

Conduct and share strategic analysis to inform improved action and decision-making for key stakeholders addressing illegal wildlife trade

Expected Results:

Specifically learning activities must achieve, but will not be limited to, the following results:

Increased understanding of the dynamics of and ways to disrupt wildlife crime, including specific trafficking routes in the region

Increased understanding of the potential and real impacts of trade restrictions and other policy initiatives on wildlife and wildlife crime in the region, including means to enhance positive or mitigate negative impacts

Increased application of effective tools, technologies or approaches that mitigate wildlife crime

Improved abilities to monitor impacts of wildlife crime interventions

Improved abilities to address the political, economic and social drivers of wildlife crime

Increased transboundary and regional collaboration to combat wildlife crime

C.4.b.2 Increase Collaborative Action to Reduce Wildlife Crime in Targeted Areas

The Contractor’s work under this objective will support a strategic set of actions to reduce wildlife crime in targeted areas across the region. In particular, the Contractor must implement technical activities that will address critical wildlife crime challenges outside of the priority landscapes. In addition, the Contractor shall implement activities that are best addressed across the landscapes or through an inherently regional approach. In particular, activities that disrupt wildlife crime beyond poaching and further up the value chain must be included. The Contractor must develop a set of decision making criteria to identify key actions. All activities supported under this objective must be clearly linked to achieving impacts and based on clear conceptual theories of change. Targeted technical activities under this objective must be closely linked to the learning approach supported under objective 1.

Awareness raising and communications to motivate new behaviors, relations and practices are required. This should include support for effective use of the media and building a cadre of journalists who can contribute to improved transparency and accountability around wildlife crime issues.

The Contractor must promote information sharing across law enforcement or community focused organizations to strengthen cross-border partnerships among relevant role players in areas under threat from wildlife crime. However, the Contractor must consider the sensitivity of such issues and strengthen existing systems, where appropriate, rather than creating new systems. In addition, the Contractor must support ways to package and use information gathered to promote positive actions that deter wildlife crime. Development of relevant portals and mechanisms to share information may also be developed by the Contractor.

Work under this objective must also focus on improving policy frameworks that will decrease wildlife crime.

Minimum Activities, Services, and Deliverables:

At a minimum the contractor must deliver the following:

Provide technical assistance to enhance transboundary and regional actions to combat wildlife crime

Support implementation of information sharing platforms which may include web-based platforms, crime lines, community and law enforcement dialogues and other areas

Implement a program to improve media engagement on wildlife crime and related issues

Support effective regional policy frameworks and legislation

Support development of standard operating procedures and practices for transboundary and regional information sharing on wildlife crime

Support and leverage new partnerships to implement effective action to combat wildlife crime, including with the private sector

Expected Results:

Specifically activities must achieve, but will not be limited to, the following results:

Increased sharing of information that results in effective detection and prosecution for wildlife crime

Improved transparency and reporting on wildlife crime

Improved policy frameworks that mitigate wildlife crime

Improved application of legislation and policy guidelines that enhance benefits to communities and deter wildlife crime

Resources leveraged to support reductions in wildlife crime

Increased use of actionable information that deters wildlife crime

C.4.b.3 Management and Administrative Services

The Contractor shall provide all general management and administrative support necessary to perform the Contract. The services authorized include, but are not limited to:

1. Overall management and administration of the Contract, including both expatriate and home office support and administrative services. The Contractor shall provide both the key personnel specified in the Contract in Section F.6 and additional personnel, both long-term and short-term, necessary to meet recurring general management and administrative support needs under the Contract.

2. The Contractor shall procure or lease necessary facilities, supplies and services as necessary to perform the Contract.

3. The Contractor shall provide the planning necessary for performance of the contract. As discussed in more detail elsewhere, implementation and other plans are required.

4. Oversight, quality control and general technical support of all services and deliverables provided pursuant to the Contract.

5. Provide and assure the proper, efficient and uniform use of modern management and administration, accounting practices, information technology (IT), communications, reporting, human resource management, property control, security, records and other administrative processes and systems required under the Contract.

6. Manage the overall reporting needs of the project as specified in the Contract and developed in work plans in conjunction with the COR.

7. Manage and administer significant grants under contract program pursuant to Section H.6 and as discussed below. Public-private alliances are encouraged to leverage buy-in and additional support for achieving overall objectives.

Prospective sub-grantees are urged to consult with relevant key partners in jointly preparing their proposal.

C.5 GENERAL CONTRACT IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES AND

CONSIDERATIONS

In implementing this contract, the contractor must take into consideration:

C.5.a Gender Strategy

All activities must be structured to integrate gender and identify and address gender constraints and concerns in the provision of training and technical assistance. All of the Contractor’s activities must consider gender-related constraints and track gender outcomes through the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. In Southern Africa, gender-based constraints affect the relative status of and opportunities open to women. Broad participation in the proposed project by both men and women is important for not only project sustainability but also to increase project impact. The Contractor must design its activities to compensate for the different ways that women, and other marginalized groups, utilize natural resources. In particular, at the household level women are more directly engaged in the collection and utilization of water and other natural resources to support food security, health, and livelihoods. Gender aspects of criminal behavior are also extremely important to consider.

The Contractor is required to use gender assessments of project plans and impacts as a management tool for achieving and reporting on results and to better and more explicitly address development challenges. Opportunities to foster gender inclusiveness within this contract should be in line with USAID’s Gender Equality and Female Empowerment policy8.

C.5.b Leverage Partnerships and Collaboration

USAID recognizes that its resources alone are not sufficient to support all aspects of an integrated transboundary approach. The Contractor shall coordinate with others working in the region to ensure that USAID programs are aligned with overall sustainable goals of combating wildlife crime and the transboundary organizations. . In particular, USAID resources under this Contract will focus predominantly on coordinating learning, information sharing and capacity building programs, conducting research on the dynamics of the wildlife crime and build partnership with regional bodies and the private sector to combat wildlife crime.

There are a wide variety of private, public, and non-governmental organizations active in regional programs to combat wildlife crime. Diverse and meaningful partnerships are critical to the achievement of project objectives. The Contractor’s activities will support the participation of a wide variety of stakeholders and encourage close coordination and collaboration with organizations and other regional institutions, national and local governments, civil society, private sector, and communities. The Contractor must also coordinate with other USAID funded programs, as appropriate, and development partners, including the SADC Secretariat, TFCA Secretariat, the GIZ, Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the EU among others, which are also active in the region working to combat wildlife crime.

8 www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/GenderEqualityPolicy_0.pdf

Key partners include, but are not limited to:

1. SADC Secretariat

2. TFCA Secretariat

3. International donor partners

4. Relevant national government ministries

5. Academic and research institutions

6. Civil society and community organizations.

7. Private sector industries

8. Conservation groups and transboundary park/conservation area authorities.

9. USAID funded partners

The Contractor must work in an integrated manner with a range of stakeholders working on combating wildlife crime for economic development and the stability of the SADC region.

The Contractor shall also place special emphasis on building the capacities of local partners.

Local organization(s) must be strengthened while contributing to project implementation, and emphasis shall be given to working with and through local organizations. This will include a focus on empowering local organizations, governments and citizens, and utilizing local experts in key personnel positions as much as possible and increasing the capacity of local organizations by involving them directly in project planning and implementation. Robust engagement with local organizations will require the Contractor to adopt a flexible and responsive approach, able to adjust to changing conditions on the ground, with sufficiently nimble contracting mechanisms in order to promote the participation of local civil society organizations.

In addition, the Contractor shall facilitate participatory processes, working in close collaboration and coordination with stakeholders and facilitating their active engagement and participation in project design, implementation and decision-making. Local ownership of proposed approaches and activities is a critical element of sustained success. The Contractor’s approach must reinforce appropriate roles and involvement for the type and scale of proposed activity (from regional organizations to local level), based upon best development practices.

USAID intends to support creative partnerships that include governments at national and local levels, regional institutions, civil society organizations, research institutions and universities, private sector partners, and community and tribal leaders to promote a holistic approach towards addressing wildlife trafficking in the region.

C.5.c General Management Approach

The following management objectives contribute to the achievement of the programmatic objectives above and are critical to ensuring the sustainability and impact of the regional program on combating wildlife crime. The Contractor must consider the following in their approach:

Promote Learning. Develop an approach that promotes learning and exchange with relevant institutions and stakeholders to build a resilient foundation for change and sound resource management. Support dissemination of lessons learned and effective practices and use innovative methods to reach stakeholder networks.

Utilize Local Resources. Build local institutional capacity not only as a project output but also as an integral part of project implementation.