Solicitation No. 72061124R00008 _USAID Foundational Learning TA.pdf

Issuance Date: July 22, 2024 Questions Due Date and Time: July 30, 2024, at 17:00 CAT Closing Date and Time for Proposals: August 23, 2024, at 17:00 CAT

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) Number 72061124R00008 - USAID Foundational

Learning Technical Assistance Activity

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Zambia is seeking proposals from qualified entities to provide technical services for the USAID Foundational Learning Technical Assistance Activity (Foundational Learning), as described in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP).

USAID anticipates the award of a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Completion Type contract, for a maximum five (5) year period of performance as a result of this RFP. USAID anticipates that the total estimated cost will range from $10,000,000 - $24,900,000. Although a range is provided, this does not mean that Offerors should necessarily strive to meet the maximum amount estimated. Offerors must propose realistic and reasonable costs for the work described in their proposals. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this solicitation is 541990. The authorized geographic code for the prime contractor of this procurement is 935.

The competition will utilize a Highest Technically Rated with Fair and Reasonable Price and Realistic Cost (HTR) process, not a tradeoff process. In this process, USAID is concerned with getting the best technical solution that has a fair and reasonable price and realistic cost. There will not be a tradeoff to justify paying a premium for a higher technical rated proposal. Offerors must carefully review Sections L and M of this RFP for details of the process. All types of organizations within the geographic code are eligible to compete, except for public international organizations and foreign government-controlled organizations.

This RFP in no way obligates USAID to award a Contract nor does it commit the U.S Government any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Do not incur any expense or begin work until informed that your Offer has been awarded, in writing by the Contracting Officer. Please refer any questions about this requirement to Alfred Kapambwe at akapambwe@usaid.gov and copy Brian LeCuyer at blecuyer@usaid.gov by the questions due

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road PO Box 320373 Lusaka, Zambia – 10101 infozambia@usaid.gov USAID.gov

USAID Foundational Learning Technical Assistance Activity Solicitation No. 72061124R00008 date indicated above. Unless otherwise notified by an amendment to the RFP, no questions will be accepted after this date. Failure to comply with the proposal submission date and time indicated above may result in a submission being deemed unacceptable, as such it will not be reviewed or evaluated.

Sincerely, Brian LeCuyer Contracting Officer Office of Acquisition and Assistance

Brian Lecuyer

Digitally signed by Brian Lecuyer Date: 2024.07.22 14:10:30 +02'00'

72061124R00008

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)

System (DPAS) - Code of Federal Regulations - at 15 CFR 700.

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP) REQUEST FOR

SEALED BID (IFB) INVITATION FOR BID

5. DATE ISSUED

1. This Contract is a Rated Order under the Defense Priorities and Allocations RATING PAGE OF PAGES

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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

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

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M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

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11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

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15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXTENSIONNUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

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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

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. 3304 (a) ( 10 U.S.C. 3204 (a) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION UNDER THE

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

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

REQ-611-24-00006107/22/2024

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720611

USAID/Zambia Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road P.O. Box 320373 Lusaka, Zambia 10101

1700 B 08/23/2024

Alfred Kapambwe akapambwe@usaid.gov

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Brian LeCuyer

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 12/2022)

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

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12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____120_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

PROPOSAL

UNITED STATES CODE AT:

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of the USAID Foundational Learning Technical Assistance Activity is to implement the requirements as stated in Section C of this document.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion-type contract.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The estimated cost-plus fixed fee, if any, is $TBD.

(b) Contract Line Items (CLINS)

(i) CLIN 0001 - Objectives 1 and 2 Activities

Item No

Supplies/Services (Description)

Qty Period of Performance (5 Years)

1 Direct Costs Lot TBD

2 Indirect Costs Lot TBD

Total Estimated Cost

3 Fixed Fee Lot TBD

Total Estimated Cost-Plus Fixed Fee

TBD

(ii) CLIN 0002 - Objectives 3 Activities

Item No

Supplies/Services (Description)

Qty Period of Performance (5 Years)

0001 Direct Costs Lot TBD

0002 Indirect Costs Lot TBD

Total Estimated Cost $2,500,000

(c) The $2,500,000 under Contract Line Item Number(CLIN) 00002 is set aside for emerging needs and will only be triggered in an event of a disaster or an emergency that impacts the education sector. See section C.5 for information on CLIN 00002.

(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 will not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

(e) In accordance with FAR 52.232-19, Availability of Funds, funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through o/a TBD. Funding for this contract will be on an incremental basis, subject to the availability of funds.

B.4 FAR 52.216-8 FIXED FEE (JUN 2011)

The Government will pay the Contractor for performing this contract the fixed fee specified in Section B.3. The payment of fee will be in accordance with the fee schedule in Section F and

FAR 52.216-8.

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

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

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD % 1/ 1/ 1/

1/ Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

B.6 ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING ON CEILING INDIRECT COST RATES

AND FINAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR INDIRECT COSTS

a) The Contractor must make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

b) Reimbursement for indirect costs must be at the lower of the negotiated final (or predetermined) rates or the following ceiling rates:

Description 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

TBD __% __% _% _% _%

c) The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount should the final indirect cost rates exceed the negotiated ceiling rates. If the final indirect cost rates are less than the negotiated ceiling rates, the negotiated rates will be reduced to conform to the lower rates.

d) This advance understanding must not change any monetary ceiling, obligation, or specific cost allowance or disallowance. Any changes in classifying or allocating indirect costs require the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.7 KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN A DYNAMIC

ENVIRONMENT

Due to the somewhat fluid nature of the Zambian development context, USAID/Zambia must be able to adapt to changing circumstances on the ground. Adaptive management will be required from the implementer to maintain, sustain, or expand development gains achieved through activity implementation.

The Contractor must anticipate the need to adapt to changing conditions on the ground either of a positive or negative nature to achieve the contract's objectives. These objectives are defined in Section C.

Implementation of these changes will be governed by FAR 52.243-2 (Alternate I) Changes Cost Reimbursement. The changes must be within the general scope of this contract. These changes will be made to address changing circumstances in Zambia. Examples of the circumstances include but are not limited to:

Data indicates and the Mission Director determines in writing that there is a high probability of a crisis developing in the operating environment that affects the contract’s objectives and any of the expected results, requiring adjustments to ongoing programming.

The purpose of this section is to inform the Contractor of the somewhat fluid nature of development work in Zambia and the likely need to adapt to changing circumstances while still achieving the contract’s objectives. There may be other needs that require the use of the changes clause but the extreme fluidity of the operating environment in Zambia warrants this section in order to increase the probability of success in achieving the contract’s objectives.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C – STATEMENT OFWORK

C.1 ACTIVITY TITLE

The activity title is USAID Foundational Learning Technical Assistance (Foundational Learning).

C.2 BACKGROUND

Since 2011, USAID assistance has focused on improving the quality of foundational learning in

Zambia’s primary schools through the Ministry of Education (MoE)’s Primary Literacy Program

(PLP) and, more recently, through the USAID Let’s Read and the Catch-up Program (also known as Teaching at the Right Level (TARL). USAID has supported the development and introduction of local language teaching and learning materials (TLMs) in Early Child Education

(ECE) through grade 3, standardized literacy assessment, in-service and preservice training of teachers in literacy and effective pedagogy (including coaching and mentoring), instructional leadership training for head teachers and education administrators, and the expansion of school digital infrastructure and information communication technology (ICT) utilization. Currently, USAID supports half of all primary and community schools in Zambia to improve reading instruction and education management. In addition, USAID has tested and supported the scale-up of innovative models to expand access to education through increasing access to financing for low-cost private schools.

The Government of Zambia (GRZ) is an effective partner and continues to demonstrate its commitment towards improving equitable access to a quality education through the elimination of school fees up to the secondary level of education, employment of nearly 40,000 new teachers, expansion of access to Early Childhood Education, allocation of 15.4 percent of the

2024 national budget to the education sector, and the introduction of Constituency

Development Fund (CDF) local grants. Despite these efforts, the education system still faces challenges such as: high pupil-teacher ratio (59:1), high pupil-textbook ratio (10:1), poor production and utilization of national data, a weak education management system and poor-quality infrastructure- all contribute to poor learning outcomes. Results of the most recent Early Grade Reading Assessment (2021 EGRA) showed a decline from 8 percent to 4 percent of grade 2 learners meeting MOE grade level reading standards, likely demonstrating the effects of overcrowded classrooms and disruptions from school closures such as those during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zambia has continued to face challenges in the education sector that have impacted the continuity of learning including the recent national cholera outbreak in 2024 and the ongoing drought. Both the COVID pandemic and cholera epidemic highlighted the lack of preparedness in the education sector to continue education in the face of emergencies due to lack of response plans, lack of systems for remote continuation of learning, and poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools.

There are two major national reforms that will influence the implementation of FLTA- 1)the national curriculum reform and 2) decentralization. The MOE began curriculum reforms in 2023 which are yet to be finalized with the initial pilot planned to rollout in 2025 in grade 1. Major pertinent changes under curriculum reforms include the change of language of instruction from local languages to English and the introduction of bilingual education and literacy from early childhood education (ECE); the renewed effort to focus on early literacy and numeracy; and shifting of grades of national literacy and numeracy assessments to grade 3. The GRZ has earmarked the education sector for decentralization by devolution in 2025. Primary education and the District Education Board will be under the local authorities. While the GRZ has communicated the plan to decentralize the education sector, the exact timeline or roadmap is yet to be established.

USAID has already invested in supporting the Ministry of Education to scale their Primary

Literacy Program in Eastern, Muchinga, North Western, Southern and Western Provinces. As a result, there are national teaching and learning materials including textbooks, teachers guides, leveled supplemental readers, teaching and learning activity banks, and classroom support materials. These materials have been printed and distributed to all primary schools in Eastern, Muchinga, North Western, Southern and Western Provinces. In addition, the majority of grade

1-3 teachers, head teachers in these provinces have been trained on literacy instruction. Head teachers and education administrators at the school, district, and provincial level have been trained to provide supervision, coaching, and mentoring. The Ministry of Education now has an item bank of standardized literacy assessments in the seven prescribed local languages and is utilizing a public facing digital dashboard to track learner performance. USAID anticipates providing ongoing support to the MOE to continue to implement foundational learning activities.

C.3 PURPOSE

The purpose of the USAID Foundational Learning Technical Assistance Activity is to assist the Zambian Ministry of Education (MOE) in delivering foundational learning (early literacy and numeracy), with the goal of improving learning outcomes in lower primary grades (grades 1-3).

C.4 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

The Contractor must support the MOE to implement foundational literacy and numeracy nationally and in partnership with the MOE, ensure the ongoing implementation of foundational learning interventions in the five current USAID target provinces (Eastern, Muchinga, North Western, Southern and Western). Following the MOE’s timeline for the implementation roll out of the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework1, scale literacy and numeracy interventions to two additional provinces (Copperbelt and Lusaka), and respond to emerging needs in the education sector in the event of disasters and emergencies.

The FLTA activity performance measures of success include:

1. Increased student performance in the seven target provinces on standardized school based assessments by 10% over baselines by Year 4.

2. The MOE defines a standard costed minimum package of literacy and numeracy that can be sustained by their budget.

3. Foundational literacy and numeracy are scaled to Copperbelt and Lusaka and remedial targeted instruction is integrated into the early grades.

4. The GRZ can readily produce, access, and utilize data on learning outcomes disaggregated to the subnational level.

The Foundational Learning Technical Assistance activity (FLTA) will improve learning outcomes in early grades by:

4.1 Objective 1: Support the MOE to continue to implement foundational learning interventions in grades 1-3 nationally.

4.2 Objective 2: Implement foundational literacy and numeracy interventions with integrated remedial targeted instruction in grades 1-3 in all community and GRZ schools in Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces.

4.3 Objective 3: Respond to emerging needs in the education sector in the event of disasters and emergencies.

4.1.1 Objective 1: Support the MOE to implement the foundational learning interventions in grades 1-3 nationally.

Based on USAID’s significant investments in supporting the MOE’s Primary Literacy Program and the existing capacity, under objective 1 the contractor must provide technical assistance to the MOE nationally and Eastern, Muchinga, North Western, Southern and Western provinces so that the MOE can sustain the literacy program, adapt it based on the new curriculum

1 Annex 1 framework, and apply this approach to the numeracy program under the new curriculum framework. The Contractor must effectively partner with the MOE and local authorities so that they can effectively adapt and implement early literacy and numeracy based on the timeline for the roll out of the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework. Activities must be responsive to MOE needs and timelines and could include but are not limited to: adapting new teacher and student materials in literacy and numeracy, support to the MOE for planning and forecasting of new and replacement materials, support to the MOE to implement continuous professional development and data systems, development and delivery of orientations and training for new local government structures, support for MOE data collection, assessment and utilization efforts, embedded technical support to key MOE directorates, mapping and maintaining databases that demonstrate foundational learning investments all the way to the school level; supporting existing or establishing coordination structures and working groups;

implementing peer-peer learning supporting the alignment of digital content platforms and assessment approaches; and evaluation of the phased grade level roll out the new curriculum.

4.1.2 Results for Objective 1

The Contractor must achieve the following results:

● The literacy and numeracy curriculum framework and materials are modified to reflect new policy and curriculum reforms.

● The MOE defines a standard costed minimum package of foundational learning that addresses literacy and numeracy and can be reasonably supported through the MOE budget.

● The MOE implements school-based assessments of literacy (English and local languages) and numeracy as defined under the new curriculum framework.

● The digital performance tracking system is operational with up-to-date data.

● All GRZ and Community schools in Eastern, Muchinga, North Western, Southern and Western continue to implement the minimum package of literacy with fidelity and are supported to implement the minimum package of numeracy when it is defined.

● 70% of the schools in Eastern, Muchinga, North Western, Southern and Western Provinces are inputting annual learning outcome data on ePerformance Tracking System (ePTS online dashboard).

● 70% of subnational governments in Eastern, Muchinga, North Western, Southern and Western Provinces are oriented on the new curriculum and foundational learning approaches and interventions

● 70% of the subnational governments in Eastern, Muchinga, North Western, Southern and Western Provinces hold data reviews

4.2.1 Objective 2: Implement foundational literacy and numeracy with integrated remedial targeted instruction in grades 1-3 in all community and GRZ schools in Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces.

Under Objective 2, the Contractor must implement the minimum package literacy and numeracy in grades 1-3 in all GRZ and community schools in Copperbelt and Lusaka Provinces.

Activities will include but are not limited to: the printing and distribution of literacy and numeracy teaching and learning materials; teacher training; school administrator training, coaching and mentoring; and development and implementation of standardized school-based assessments, and orientation of subnational government and education structures. The Contractor must roll out standardized school-based assessments in year one which will serve as the baseline for learning levels in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces. The contractor must support the MOE to develop an approach to integrate targeted instruction approaches in the early grades based on lessons learned from the Zambia Catch-Up program and global TARL evidence.

At USAID’s discretion and direction, the Contractor will support an external evaluator to conduct an impact evaluation on the effectiveness of integrated remedial targeted instruction strategies in the early grades on learning outcomes.

4.2.2 Results for Objective 2:

The Contractor must achieve the following results:

● 100% (approximately 2,000) of GRZ and community schools in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces are implementing the minimum package of foundational literacy and numeracy with integrated remedial targeted instruction strategies.

● 100% (approximately 250,000 grade 1-3 learners based on available enrollment data) reached with foundational literacy and numeracy and remedial targeted instruction

● 100% of schools in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces have prescribed literacy and numeracy teaching and learning materials .

● 100% of schools in Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces have leveled supplemental reading materials in relevant languages.

● 70% of grade 1-3 teachers in Copperbelt and Lusaka trained in literacy, numeracy, and remedial targeted instruction methodologies.

● 70% of grades 1-3 teachers in Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces receive continuous professional development

● 70% of school administrators and relevant district and provincial education officials are trained in instructional leadership and management.

● 90% of the schools are inputting annual learning outcome data on ePerformance Tracking System (ePTS online dashboard).

4.3. 1 Objective 3: Respond to emerging needs in the education sector in the event of disasters and emergencies.

Under Objective 3, at the request of USAID, the contractor must be prepared to respond to the emerging needs in the education sector in the event of an emergency to support the achievement of results under objective 1 and 2. Illustrative activities include:

● Support MOE to develop costed emergency response plans.

● Develop and provide alternative education approaches for continued learning during disasters.

● Provide communication materials and messaging for schools and parents

● Provide water and sanitation and relevant commodities and services in schools.

● Conduct learning loss assessments.

C.5 PERFORMANCE UNDER SEPARATE CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINS)

CLIN 0001: The Contractor must achieve the results under objective one and two per the contract under CLIN 0001. The Contractor’s key personnel, facility costs, long-term staff, etc must be captured under this CLIN. In addition, costs for all regular contract deliverables per Section F are captured under this CLIN.

CLIN 0002: The Contractor must be able to perform the services under objective three of this contract under CLIN 0002. These services support the completion of the Contract's scope when needed due to emergency, disaster, and subsequent response. The COR (or CO) determines whether services fall under CLIN 0001 or CLIN 0002, and the Contractor can only charge activities to CLIN 0002 with prior written approval/direction from the COR (or the CO). No costs from CLIN 0001 can be charged to CLIN 0002. For example, even if key personnel are supporting disaster response for CLIN 0002, their costs are already captured in CLIN 0001 and can’t be moved to CLIN 0002. When USAID/Zambia requests these tasks, the Contractor will work with the COR to scope the task and develop a budget. Up to $2,500,000 may be provided under this CLIN.

C. 6 PARTNERING ARRANGEMENT

Joint work planning is required between USAID, the Contractor, and the MOE that demonstrates the complementarity of the Ministry’s activities, FLTA, and other USAID activities. The contractor must develop a final joint work plan approved by the MOE that demonstrates how activities under objective 1 support activities will help the MOE implement its literacy and numeracy interventions in the early grades.

In addition, there are many donors and civil society actors supporting foundational learning in Zambia. The Contractor must ensure proposed activities that are complementary and do not duplicate ongoing efforts. The Contractor must, where feasible, serve as a convenor to coordinate foundational learning efforts along with the MOE, and build on successful locally developed initiatives. The Contractor must, in conjunction with the MOE, strengthen the current coordination structures to better coordinate resource investments in support of foundational learning.

C. 7 GENDER EQUITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION (GESI)

Gender equity and social inclusion are central to the achievement of equitable, sustainable education outcomes. The proposed interventions must directly, specifically, and sustainably take into account the range of regional gender and other social dynamics in ensuring effective and inclusive education provision.

The Contractor must:

● Conduct a rapid assessment of across the activity to identify areas to strengthen GESI

● Develop specific activities that promote GESI, in particular disability- inclusive activities and approaches

● Support female leadership in education and ensure gender balance in training and leadership and learning opportunities

C. 8 USE OF LOCAL SYSTEMS AND BUILDING OF LOCAL CAPACITY

As a long-term strategy for sustainability, the Contractor must identify opportunities to strengthen systems to build local capacity. For this activity, the MOE is the primary local partner, and, to the extent practicable, all activities should be done jointly with MOE structures.

The contractor should identify other opportunities to work with local partners where appropriate.

[END OF SECTION C]

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 program construction sites and other program 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 program construction sites and other program locations. This guidance will be provided through the cognizant technical office indicated on the cover page of this Contract, or by the Mission Director in the cooperating country to which commodities are being shipped, or in which the program 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 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

The Contractor should develop a Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP) to describe how they will implement the following branding strategy to effectively communicate the purpose and the impact of this project-to-project participants, stakeholders, and host-country citizens.

Branding Strategy

Activity Name: “USAID Foundational Learning Technical Assistance” The full name must be used in all public-facing communications. An acronym may only be used, on second reference, in internal reports to USAID.

Branding: The branding will incorporate the message that the assistance is “From the American

People through USAID.”

In all public-facing documents, reports, presentations, community meetings, workshops, etc the contractor will communicate in writing and/or orally that the USAID Foundational Learning Technical Assistance Activity is “from the American People”.

All contractor staff and subcontractors will introduce themselves as working for the USAID Foundational Learning Technical Assistance Activity, not by the contractor’s company name. All contractor staff and subcontractors will always use the full name when talking about the project in meetings, workshops, and community gatherings, and on first introduction will explain that the project is “from the American People.”

Desired Level of Visibility: High. USAID identity must be prominently displayed in the following:

commodities or equipment, printed, audio, or electronic public communications; studies, reports, publications, web sites, and all promotional and informational products; and at all events.

Organizations to be acknowledged: USAID has exclusive branding of activities implemented under contract. For activities implemented with substantial involvement of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, co-branding with the government and use of the Zambia Coat of Arms is allowed. Organizations receiving grants under this contract may co-brand on the specific tasks for which they are responsible.

USAID Approval:USAID/Zambia will retain the right of prior approval of all publications, communications, and promotional materials (electronic and print), to include presentations, to be used by the Contractor.

Branding and marking requirements flow down from the prime contractor to subcontractors and grantees. The branding implementation plan should describe how the contractor will use contracts, agreements, training, and monitoring to ensure employees, subcontractors and grantees comply with the branding implementation and marking plans.

Promoting the program to the Zambian people

All press events and press releases must be organized through USAID COR and Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team. Opportunities for garnering media coverage include:

● Project launch events.

● Announcing findings from the baseline, midline, endline/studies.

● Media tour/site visits for journalists.

● Printing and Distribution of teaching and learning materials.

● National, provincial, district data review meetings.

● Peer to peer exchange learning visits.

● Announcing research findings.

● Publishing reports or studies, including the transformation and sustainability plans.

● Facilitating deals or transactions between beneficiaries and the private sector.

● Final capstone events to communicate impact in each target province.

Communicating that funding for the program is from the American people.

Provide a communications calendar that is anchored by key milestones and provides a cadence for how frequently the project will communicate that the program is from the American people.

These communications include:

● Photos and audio and clips of program participants who can speak to the impact of the project for use on radio and/or social media.

● Project e-newsletter or e-cards.

● Professional photographer to capture photo stories.

● Professional videos.

● Joint monitoring visits with government counterparts and/or community leaders.

● Reading Competitions among schools

● Announcing research/study findings.

● Publishing teaching and learning materials, reports or studies, including the transformation and sustainability plans.

● Spotlighting trends.

● Communicating quarterly or annual impact/overall results of the program.

Marking Plan

The Marking Plan must enumerate all public communications, commodities, infrastructure projects, program materials, events, deliverables, and other items that will be marked with the

USAID identity or brand.

Marking and attribution for physical structures may need to be visible as soon as work commences, and may require temporary signage followed by more durable, permanent signage to be affixed to the physical structure upon completion. Contract deliverables to be marked with the USAID identity must follow design guidance for color, type, and layout in the Graphic

Standards Manual, available at www.usaid.gov/branding, and all successor branding policies (if any).

The Marking Plan may include requests for exceptions to marking requirements for programmatic reasons, to be approved by the Contracting Officer. Exceptions to marking are programmatic in nature, and therefore should be anticipated in this Marking Plan. The seven presumptive exceptions are listed in ADS 320.3.2.5 Please reference the full language for the presumptive exception being requested in the Marking Plan.

Waivers, as defined by ADS 320, may be necessary for compelling political, safety or security concerns, or if the marking will have an adverse effect in the host country. The process for requesting a waiver for marking can be found in ADS 320.3.2.6

The draft BIP and MP must be submitted by the Contractor no later than 30 days after contract award in accordance with Section F.

The Contractor must comply with the requirements of the policy directives and required procedures outlined in USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) 320.3.2 “Branding and Marking in USAID Direct Contracts” (effective date: 01/08/2007) at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/320.pdf, and USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co-Branding Guide. or any successor branding policy.

D.3 SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE OUTREACH

Social media is often part of an integrated communications campaign. It should always be used to communicate directly with stakeholders or beneficiaries in host countries. It must never be used to promote a program or Contractor. Social media channels may be approved as part of a project’s marking plan in consultation with the CO, COR, and DOC team. To avoid confusion with official USAID social media channels, the USAID logo must not be used as a profile picture.

A photo reflective of the project should be used as a profile picture.

A USAID-branded photo should be displayed as the banner photo, and acknowledgement of USAID support should appear in the “Profile” or “About” section. For more information, please refer to the. USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co-Branding Guide.

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.252-2 and AIDAR 725.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE” in Section I of this contract.

Full text of the FAR clauses is available at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and full text of the AIDAR clauses is available at http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.246-3 Inspection of Supplies—Cost Reimbursement MAY-2001

52.246-5 Inspection of Services—Cost Reimbursement APR-1984

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports including Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) and other required or outputs will be subject to the performance standards set forth in Sections C, H, and F. Inspection and acceptance will take place at:

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Ibex Hill Road PO Box 320373 Lusaka, Zambia – 10101 or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The Contracting Officer, unless delegated to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) has the authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

E.3 RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

In accordance with the clauses of this contract titled “Inspection of Supplies—Cost Reimbursement” (FAR 52.246-3) and “Inspection of Services – Cost Reimbursement” (FAR 52.246-5), inspection of results or other deliverables required by the contract will be made by the cognizant COR. Acceptance of goods/services and reports or other deliverables by the cognizant COR must form the basis for payments to the Contractor, and will form the basis of the Contractor’s permanent performance record with regard to this contract.

[END OF SECTION E]

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.252-2 and AIDAR 725.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE” in Section I of this contract.

Full text of the FAR clauses is available at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and full text of the AIDAR clauses is available at http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 Stop-Work Order AUG-1989

52.242-15 Stop-Work Order Alternate I APR-1984

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract is 5 years subject to the conditions set forth in Section H.26.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance is Zambia.

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Evaluation of the Contractor’s performance must be conducted in accordance with the performance standards set forth in Section E, the Contractor’s overall performance toward achievement of objectives in Section C, and provision of deliverables in Section F and the Contractor’s compliance with all other terms and conditions of the contract. Each evaluation will be conducted jointly by the COR and CO and must form the basis of the Contractor’s performance record with regard to this Contract and as required in FAR part 42.15 and AIDAR 742.15.

The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated annually and at contract completion, utilizing at a minimum, the following factors:

1) Technical (Quality of products and services)

2) Cost Control

3) Schedule/Timeliness

4) Management or business relations

5) Small business contracting (as applicable).

6) Others (as applicable) (e.g., late payments to subcontractors, trafficking violations, tax delinquency, failure to report in accordance with contract terms and conditions, defective cost or pricing data, terminations, suspension and debarments).

F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

Reports must be submitted electronically using the Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint applications. All deliverables must be written in plain, grammatically correct English. All deliverables are subject to approval by the USAID/Zambia COR or CO.

USAID will provide timely responses to below deliverables and other project submissions, responding no later than 21 days after submission by the Contractor.

No Deliverable Delivery Date Deliver To

F.5.1 All Key Personnel hired 30 days after Award CO

F.5.2 Mobilization Plan Draft within 15 days of the effective date and final within 45 days of effective date

COR

F.5.3 Annual Work Plan - Year 1

Draft within 45 days of effective date and final within 75 days of effective date.

COR

F.5.4 Annual Work Plans - Years 2 to 5

The work plans for years 2 to 5 must be submitted by November 15th covering the period from January 1st to December 31st

For Objective 1, a separate joint workplan with the MoE must be submitted that shows the complementary activity that will be carried out by the MOE and the Contractor. The due date for the joint work plan is the same as above.

COR

F.5.5 Activity Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP)

Due with Year 1 Annual Work Plan as an annex.

COR

F.5.6 Branding and Marking Plan Draft within 30 days of effective date and final within 45 days of effective date

CO

F.5.7 Baseline for each school in Lusaka and Copperbelt established for local language literacy, English literacy, and numeracy and uploaded into the Enhanced Performance Tracking System (ePTS)

Due 120 days after contract award or final term of first school year of project implementation whichever is first

COR

F.5.8 Integrated Remedial Targeted Instruction Roll Out Plan

Due at the end of Year 1 COR

F.5.9 Gender Implementation Plan

Draft within 90 days of effective date COR

F.5.10 Environmental Management and Mitigation Plan

Due within 90 days of effective date COR

F.5.11 Teaching and Learning Materials reviewed/developed to align with the National Curriculum Framework

As per the MOE Curriculum Implementation Roll Out (to agree on timeline)

COR

F.5.12 Training Materials for Local authority

Due at the end of Year 1 COR

F.5.13 A minimum Package of foundational learning program (literacy and numeracy) developed

Based on the MOE Curriculum Roll Out ( to agree on timeline)

COR

F.5.14 100% of GRZ and community schools in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces (approximately 2,000) are implementing the minimum package of foundational literacy and numeracy with integrated remedial targeted instruction strategies

Based on the MOE Curriculum Roll Out ( to agree on timeline)

COR

F.5.15 National and Provincial, Data Review Meetings

One annual National meeting and Biannual provincial meetings.

COR

F.5.16 Increased student performance on standardized school based assessments by 10% over baselines in the seven target provinces

Due end of Year 4

COR

F.5.17 Joint GRZ- USAID-IP Portfolio Reviews

Semi-annual(November/May) COR

F.5.18 Digital Enhanced As the school-based assessments are COR

Performance Tracking System is operational with up-to-date data and includes literacy and numeracy conducted (annual report)

F.5.19 Ad hoc plans, reports, and assessments for emergency response, (e.g.Emergency Response Plans, Alternate Education Approaches and Learning loss Assessments)

As need arises during emergencies COR

Periodic Progress Reports

F.5.20 Quarterly Progress Reports

Within 15 Days after End of quarter, 4th quarter reports will be annexed within the annual report.

COR

F.5.21 Annual Progress Reports Within 15 days after End of Year COR

F.5.22 Quarterly Financial Reports

Within 30 Days after End of quarter COR

Other Reports

F.5.23 Quarterly Notification of Changes Certification

Due 15 days after end of quarter CO

F.5.24 Pedagogical Materials and Technical inputs

As directed by COR COR

F.5.25 Other Foreign Assistance Reporting

As directed by COR COR

F.5.26 Annual Inventory Reports Annually. See section 1.6 AIDAR 752.245-70 Government Property—USAID Reporting Requirements (October 2017)

COR

F.5.27 Close out and demobilization

180 days prior to award completion date

COR

F.5.28 Disposition Plan 90 days prior to award completion date CO

F.5.29 Final Activity Report Submitted 30 days prior to completion date and must be approved no later than 30 days after the completion date

COR and CO

USAID/Zambia requires all activities to align their workplan process with that of the Government of Zambia, unless directed otherwise by the COR. For awards beginning off-cycle, the first workplan will be truncated or lengthened to bring the activity in line with this requirement. Reporting on results will still be required according to the United States Government fiscal year. U.S. Government’s quarterly periods are from:

October 1–December 31;

January 1- March 31;

April 1 – June 30; and, July 1 – September 30.

F.5.1. Key Personnel: All key personnel must be hired(employed by the prime contractor), relocated to Zambia (if Expat/TCN hire), and ready for activity implementation (reporting for duty).

F.5.2. Mobilization Plan: The Mobilization Plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will become fully mobilized and operational with both essential personnel and offices within 60 days after contract award. The plan must also identify quick start activities that are the highest priority and can begin while the workplan is being developed. Quick start activities may commence prior to workplan approval subject to prior COR approval. The Mobilization Plan must include a detailed budget and staffing plan.

F.5.3. Annual Work Plan Year 1: The work-plan will include proposed activities, timeframe for the implementation of activities, and a detailed budget. The work-plan will be developed in-country by the Contractor and in cooperation with USAID/Zambia and the Government of

Zambia. For objective 1, there must be a separate section that consists of a joint work plan demonstrating MOE activities and corresponding IP activities. Annual GRZ, USAID, Contractor work planning meetings must be held to develop joint work plans prior to completion of the workplan. The work-plan budget must delineate an overall budget by anticipated tasks. The

Contractor must submit significant changes/revisions to the work-plan to the designated

Contract Officer’s Representative, as necessary and required. All changes and revisions to the contract scope must be approved by the Contracting Officer. Work plans must be finalized within 5 working days after receiving USAID’s comments. The year one workplan may not exceed 15 pages excluding annexes. The AMELP is an annex to the Annual work plan and must be updated accordingly.

F.5.4. Annual Work Plan Years 2-5: Guidance on AWPs for Years 2-5 are the same as per above (Annual Workplan: Year 1). For Objective 1, a separate joint G2G and Contractor work plan must be submitted that shows the complementary activity that will be carried out by the

GRZ and the Contractor. The due date for the joint work plan is the same as above. Annual

GRZ, USAID, Contractor work planning meetings must be held to develop joint work plans prior to completion of the workplan.

F.5.5. Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP): The Contractor must submit an AMELP. The AMELP must include indicators, baselines, and targets pertinent to activity-level management and monitoring that clearly support achievement of USAID/Zambia’s goals and targets. The Contractor must develop a robust data collection system, which includes adequate data quality controls and complies with all USAID data quality requirements, as set forth in ADS 203.3.11. Each indicator in the final monitoring plan must have a performance indicator reference sheet that provides detailed descriptions of the indicator, numerator, and denominator where percent measures are used, and a data collection plan. The monitoring plan must specify approximate dates for data collection, the method, type, and source of information to be collected, and must report on these indicators in line with U.S. Government guidance.

The COR will review, collaborate on any necessary changes, and provide final approval of the plan. After approval, the Activity Monitoring Plan will evolve and adapt alongside the activity work-plan, being updated on an annual basis based on adaptive management. It is important that these plans clearly detail how the partner will monitor performance as well as programmatic and operational context.

The following indicators are required:

● ES.1-1: Percentage of learners targeted for USG assistance who attain a minimum grade level proficiency reading skills based on standardized assessments.

● ES.1-3: Number of learners in primary schools or equivalent non-school based settings reached with USG education assistance, disaggregated by disability type and sex.

● ES.1-6: Number of educators who complete professional development activities with

USG assistance, disaggregated by gender.

● ES.1-10: Number of primary or secondary textbooks and other teaching and learning materials (TLM) provided by USG assistance.

● ES.1-12: Number of education administrators and officials who complete professional development activities with USG assistance, disaggregated by gender and…