RFP_-_SOL-OAA-15-000124_-_FAQRIII.pdf

Solicitation No.: SOL-OAA-15-000124 Date issued: August 12, 2015 Questions Due Date: August 25, 2015 Questions Closing Time: 12:00 PM EST Past Performance Due Date: August 28, 2015 Past Performance Closing Time: 12:00 PM EST RFP Due Date: September 15, 2015 RFP Closing Time: 12:00 PM EST

SUBJECT: Request for Proposal (RFP) No. SOL-OAA-15-000124 Food Aid Quality Review Phase III Program

Dear Potential Offerors:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking a contractor to implement the Office of Food For Peace (DCHA/FFP) Food Aid Quality Review Phase III to provide research services on the nutritional quality of food assistance and the processing and programming of food aid with enhanced nutritional properties. The activities outlined in the statement of work will conclude the implementation of recommendations provided in the Food Aid Quality Review Report.

This is a full and open unrestricted competition, under which any type of responsible organizations (large or small commercial for profit firms, not-for-profit or educational institution) are eligible to compete. The procedures set forth in FAR Part 15 must apply. Such organizations may submit an offer for this contract, with or without a fee. However, a fee will not be paid if an advance payment method is approved for a not-for-profit or educational institution.

USAID anticipates issuing a stand-alone Cost- Plus- Fixed Fee (CPFF) Term contract as a result of this RFP.

The period of performance will be five years including a three year base period and two one year option periods. Offerors must propose costs that they believe are realistic and reasonable for the work. Cost proposals will be evaluated as part of a best value determination for contract award, including cost effective approaches to achieving the results. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this solicitation is 541611. The authorized geographic code under this procurement is 937.

You are invited to submit a proposal in accordance with the requirements of the following RFP. Proposals must be received by the Government no later than 12:00 p.m., EST, on September 15, 2015. If your organization decides to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation, it must be submitted in accordance with Section L of the RFP by way of hand delivery as indicated below.

USAID encourages the participation to the maximum extent possible of small business concerns, small disadvantaged business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in this activity as the prime Contractor or as sub-Contractors in accordance with Part 19 of the FAR.

Proposals and modifications thereof must be submitted with the name, street address, telephone number, internet email address of a point-of-contact who is an authorized agent of the Offeror and Request for Proposal Number inscribed thereon, must be addressed to:

The following is the address for hand-carried:

Attention: Ms. Rachel Baltes, Contract Specialist

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE

SA-44, Room 524H Federal Center Plaza 301 4th Street S.W.

Washington, DC 20547

Questions must be submitted, in writing by e-mail, no later than August 25, 2015, 12:00 PM EST to:

RBaltes@usaid.gov.

Offerors must ensure that the proposal is received prior to the closing date and time as set for closing.

If substantive questions are received which affect the response to the solicitation, or if changes are made to the closing date and time, as well as other aspects of the RFP, this solicitation may be amended. Any amendments to this solicitation will be issued and posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website. Offerors are encouraged to check this website (http://www.fedbizopps.gov) periodically.

Because of the complexity of this requirement, USAID is requiring that Past Performance information, outlined in Section L.7, be submitted before the closing date and time. Please see the timeline of key dates to keep in mind while you prepare your solicitation.

Action Date Time RFP Issuance Date August 12, 2015 N/A Questions Due Date August 25, 2015 12:00 PM EST Past Performance Due Date August 28, 2015 12:00 PM EST Proposals Due Date September 15, 2015 12:00 PM EST

Offerors are encouraged to carefully read the entire solicitation by scrolling downward. The solicitation includes all pertinent technical sections embedded in the document as well as the terms, conditions and instructions required for submitting a proposal.

It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure that it has been received from the internet in its entirety and USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

Offerors must carefully adhere to Section L - Instructions to Offerors and Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award. Sections B through J of the solicitation will become the basis for the contract. Any blanks in Sections B through J will be completed by the Contracting Officer upon award.

The Proposal must be prepared in two separate parts: the Technical Proposal must be prepared in Microsoft Word and must only address technical aspects while, the Cost/Business Proposal must be prepared in Microsoft Excel and must only address the costs aspect of the proposal. Offerors must submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of their Technical Proposal along with two (2) CD in a sealed envelope or package which is clearly marked as being in response to this RFP. Offerors must submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of their Cost/Business Proposal along with two (2) CD separately in a sealed envelope indicating that it is in response to this RFP and contains cost information. Proposals must be signed by an official who is authorized to bind the organization.

mailto:RBaltes@usaid.gov http://fedbizopps.gov/

This RFP in no way obligates the U.S. Government to award a contract nor does it commit the U.S.

Government to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal.

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, /s/

Stéphane C. Bright

Contracting Officer, USAID

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

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

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

SEALED BID (IFB) August 12, 2015

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

7. ISSUED BY

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE

M/OAA/DCHA SA-44 Building 301 4th Street, SW.

WASHINGTON, DC 20547

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

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

9. Sealed offers in original and See section L___________________ 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 depository located in

Until local time ______________________ (Hour)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L. All Offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

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

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

RBaltes@usaid.gov

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

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

A X SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM x I CONTRACT CLAUSES 57-65 X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 11-13 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 14-27 x J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 66

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 28-29 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 30 x

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 31-38

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 39-42 x L INSTR., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 79-102

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 43-56

M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 103-107

K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER 67-78

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

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

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

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) CALENDAR DAYS (%) (See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-35)

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

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated:

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

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

(Type or print)

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

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT. 15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT FROM

ABOVE - ENTER SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE

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

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION: 23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

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

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

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

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

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

(REV. 9-97)

10. FOR INFORMATION CALL:

Rachel Baltes

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

STANDARD FORM 33

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

SOLICITATION

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

N/A 1 106

SOL-OAA-15-000124

X

See Attached Table of Contents

Table of Contents Page

Acronym List

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

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

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

B.5 COST REIMBURSABLE

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

B.7 CEILING ON INDIRECT COST RATES AND FINAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR

INDIRECT COSTS

SECTION C: STATEMENT OF WORK: CONCLUSION OF THE FOOD AID QUALITY REVIEW

(FAQR): FINAL PHASE OF IMPLEMENTATION

C.1 PURPOSE

C.2 BACKGROUND

C.3 OBJECTIVES

C.4 KEY PERSONNEL

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 MARKING AND BRANDING POLICY

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3 RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 TRANSITION PHASE

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.5 PLACES OF PERFORMANCE

F.6 KEY PERSONNEL

F.7 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

F.8 AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

DOCUMENTS (September 2013)

F.9 AIDAR 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCT 2007)

F.10 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.4 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS / RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.5 ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL

G.6 PAYING OFFICE

G.7 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.9 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 AIDAR 752.7027 PERSONNEL (DEC 1990)

H.2 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.3 INSURANCE AND SERVICES

H.4 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.5 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES

H.6 AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JUL 2007)

H.7 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.9 EMPLOYMENT COSTS OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS AND COOPERATING

COUNTRY NATIONALS

H.10 LOGISTIC SUPPORT

H.11 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING (MARCH 2002)

H.13 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

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

H.15 HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12) (September 2006)49

H.16 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

(JAN 2002)

H.17 AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (APRIL 2014)

H.18 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND MANAGEMENT

H.19 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN AND THE SF 294 - SUBCONTRACTING REPORT FOR

INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS AND SF 295 - SUMMARY CONTRACTING REPORT AND

THE ELECTRONIC SUBCONTRACTING REPORTING SYSTEM (eSRS)

H.20 SUBCONTRACTING CONSENT

H.21 SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS (SDB) PARTICIPATION PROGRAM TARGET52

H.22 NONDISCRIMINATION (June 2012)

H.23 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973,

AS AMENDED

H.25 SUBCONTRACTORS

H.26 302.3.8.10 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION Effective Date: 07/21/2014 53

H.27 PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

H.28 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER – OTHER THAN SYSTEM FOR

AWARD MANAGEMENT (JUL 2013)

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT

I.3 52.209-9 UPDATES OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING

RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JUL 2013)

I.4 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I.5 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

I.6 52.232.40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS (DEC 2013)

I.7 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS FOR AUDIT (FEB

2006)

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 67

K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATION (OCT 2014)

K.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JUL 2013)

K.4 52.204-19 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIONS AND

CERTIFICATIONS (Dec 2014)

K.5 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (MAY

2012)

K.6 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE--COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR

2005)

K.7 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.8 MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM – AIDAR 719.273, THE UNITED STATES AGENCY

FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM 76

K.9 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

K.10 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.11 DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBER

K.12 CONTRACTOR PURCHASING SYSTEM REVIEW

K.13 PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM REVIEW

K.14 52.209-XX REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATION REGARDING A DELINQUENT

TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CRIMINAL CONVICTION (Deviation OAA-DEV-14- 02c) (August 2014)

K.15 SIGNATURE

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATEDBY REFERENCE ..79

L.2 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (JAN 2004)79

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

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

L.5 52.219-24 SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION PROGRAM--

TARGETS (OCT 2000)

L.6 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.7 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

L.9 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST/BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SCORING METHODOLOGY

M.3 COST EVALUATION

M.4 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.5 SOURCE SELECTION

M.6 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND DISADVANTAGED

ENTERPRISES

Acronym List

Abbreviation Definition AWP Annual Work Plan CBO FFP Washington DC AOR/Backstop Officer CSB Corn Soy Blend CDACA Calendar days after contract award CDC Center for Disease Control CID Commercial Item Description CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officer’s representative CMAM Community Management of Acute Malnutrition CMP Comprehensive Management Plan CRD Commodity Requirements Document CRG Commodity Reference Guide CY Calendar year DA Days after DACA Days after contract award DAEOM Days after the end of the month DAEOQ Days after the end of the quarter DAEO12 Days after the end of each 12 month period DEC Development Experience Clearinghouse EFP Emergency Food Products EO End of FACG Food Aid Consultative Group FAQR Food Aid Quality Review FAS/FAD Foreign Agriculture Service/Food Aid Division FBF Fortified Blended Food FDA Food and Drug Administration FFPIO Food for Peace Information Officer FFPM&E Food for Peace monitoring and evaluation officer FNB Food and Nutrition Bulletin FY Fiscal Year FVO Fortified Vegetable Oil GMP Good Manufacturing Practices HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points HEB High Energy Biscuits HDR Humanitarian Daily Rations IOM Institute of Medicine IRB International Review Boards MAM Moderate Acute Malnutrition M & E Monitoring and Evaluation MQ-LNS Medium Quality Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement NIFA National Institute of Food and Agriculture NIH National Institutes of Health NLT Not Later Than OA Open Access POD Food for Peace’s Program Operations Division PRN When necessary, “pro re nata” PTD FFP Policy and Technical Division

RUSF Ready-to Use Supplementary Food RUTF Ready-to Use Therapeutic Food SAM Severe Acute Malnutrition SC+ Supercereal Plus UNICEF United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund USAID United States Agency for International Development USDA United States Department of Agriculture USG United States Government WFP World Food Program

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide the services in the Scope of Work (SOW) specified in Section C for USAID’s Food Aid Quality Review Phase III Program.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost- Plus- Fixed Fee Term (CPFF) contract. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must provide the results, deliverables or outputs described in Section C and F in accordance with the performance standards specified in Section C.

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 at time of award. The fixed fee, if any, is TBD at time of award. The estimated cost plus fixed fee, if any, is TBD.

(b) Within the estimated cost plus fixed fee (if any) specified in paragraph (a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee, if any) for performance hereunder is TBD at time of award. The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

(c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through TBD at time of award.

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

As the period of performance for this contract is a three year base and two one year option years, the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) budget structure must be broken out into five, one-year increments. The Contractor is required to fill in the template in Attachment J.2 with their proposed cost for the base and option years.

B.5 COST REIMBURSABLE

The U.S. dollar costs allowable must be limited to reasonable, allocable and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for Payment.

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

The contract clause entitled “FAR 52.216‐7, Allowable Cost and Payment (JUN 2011)”, specifies that the indirect cost rates must be established for each of the contractor’s accounting periods that apply to this contract.

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

Description Rate Base Type Period 1/ 1/ 1/ 2/ 2/ 2/ 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

Source:

B.7 CEILING ON INDIRECT COST RATES AND FINAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR INDIRECT

COSTS

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

For Prime Contractor:

Description Rate Base Type Period 1/ 1/ 1/ 2/ 2/ 2/ 3/ 3/ 3/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

a) 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.

b) This understanding will 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.

c) The contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer and the Office of Acquisition and Assistance, Contract Audit Support Division.

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C: STATEMENT OF WORK: CONCLUSION OF THE FOOD AID QUALITY REVIEW

(FAQR): FINAL PHASE OF IMPLEMENTATION

C.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this award is to provide services that will assist USAID to conclude the implementation of the FAQR recommendations for changes in products, programming, and processes in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of food aid. This follow-on work assumes a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, research into the acceptability and cost effectiveness of new food products, testing of food products, packaging and delivery (both logistical and nutritional) methodologies, comparative studies, consultative and expert meetings, literature and research reviews related to food delivery of micronutrients in the environments where food aid is required, assessment of implementation mechanisms and costing tools so that partners can have a better tool for calculating the cost effectiveness of a food, especially a specialized food. In particular, this concluding phase of the FAQR will continue its participatory approach through its consultative processes to solicit input from stakeholders as it is implemented.

C.2 BACKGROUND

The overarching goal of the USAID food aid program described in the Food for Peace (FFP) Act, as amended by the Agricultural Act of 2014, is to reduce food insecurity of vulnerable populations around the world. An important part of the program and effort focuses on malnutrition and its negative impact on health, learning, and productivity. The FFP program seeks to combat the root causes of food insecurity, to improve nutrition and the quality of food aid and assistance, and, through the direct distribution of food aid commodities, to provide for the immediate dietary needs of needy and vulnerable people.

Improving the nutritional quality of U.S. food aid has been a FFP priority since the Food Aid Quality Review (FAQR) process planning began in 2007 and continues to the present day. In 2011, the USAID Administrator launched the recommendations of the FAQR. During the FAQR implementation phase, which began in FY2012 (FAQR II), FFP leaders set introductions of new foods, along with improvements in food aid programming and processes as a FFP priority. Under this priority, both FFP’s Program Operations Division (POD) and the Policy and Technical Division (PTD) nutrition team introduced a significant number of new food products with support from the FAQR contractor. In addition POD and the nutrition team followed-up on related quality assurance concerns as well as started the process of assessing the cost-effectiveness of some of these products in the field for the treatment and prevention of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) (Some of the reformulation recommendations in the FAQR reports have not yet been introduced). The food products that were rolled out include Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), Ready to Use Supplementary Foods (RUSF), Emergency Food Products (EFP), Supercereal Plus (SC+), and High Energy Biscuits (HEB).

FFP has incorporated several aspects related to FAQR into its priorities starting in 2013.

An objective for 2014 that was acted on was to advance new food products, production and programming and during this period RUSF, SC+ and the EFPs were manufactured and deployed after FAQR assisted FFP in the development of the specifications.

For the 2015 Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) Bureau priorities, FFP incorporated a priority objective related to food quality and effectiveness. This objective had three targets all of which are part of the final phase of implementation of the FAQR: a) develop a new strategy for pre-positioned food stocks; b) refine production schedule and programming for RUTF, RUSF, SC+; EFP; HEB and c) develop a programming strategy for the new products.

As part of the ongoing efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of U.S. food aid operations, the USAID Office of Food for Peace reviewed (through a contractor) the state of science as it relates to the nutrition-related needs of traditionally vulnerable groups, including vitamin and mineral enrichment and technologies of fortification of food aid commodities and methods for the delivery of micronutrients in the form of supplements or powders. This critical review resulted in two reports that provided clear direction for achieving improved nutritional quality of products targeted to vulnerable populations. The review was carried out in a consultative fashion that has set up a model for enhanced communication and information flow with FFP stakeholders including consultations with manufacturers and awardees. It also resulted in the development of a model for periodic review of issues related to products and processes with FFP's principal procurement partner, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and enhanced USDA’s buy-in of the recommendation as well as improved coordination and communication with FFP emergency partners, especially the World Food Program (WFP) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

All of the process was both summarized and detailed in two reports stemming from the FAQR for FFP and its stakeholders. The reports are: (1) Delivering Improved Nutrition, Recommendations for Changes to U.S. Food Aid Products and Programs1, April 2011, which is intended to serve as a synthesis and summary of the final report and (2) the full detailed report: Improving the Nutritional Quality of U.S. Food Aid: Recommendations for Changes to U.S. Food Aid Products and Programs 2,June 2011.

The broad recommendations from the review and the reports include:

1. Improve the formulation of existing Fortified Blended Food (FBF) products used in Title II programming;

2. Upgrade the vitamin and mineral content used in FBFs, oil, and other fortifiable products and diversify approaches to addressing micronutrient needs;

3. Develop or adopt non-cereal based (e.g., lipid-based) products for the management of nutritional deficiencies, as needed;

4. Provide clear and updated programming guidance;

5. Establish an interagency technical committee to coordinate and facilitate government technical processes related to food aid;

6. Enhance processes and quality assurance along the product value chain;

7. Strengthen the evidence base for innovation in products, programming approaches, and institutional processes, through pilot testing select recommended approaches and products.

In addition to the above, the FAQR reports also contained a number of sub-recommendations pertaining to potential follow-on activities that fall under the umbrella of the seven broader recommendations listed above.

There were 35 sub-recommendations in all; the two reports including these recommendations are posted on the FFP website.

FFP worked together with USDA to upgrade the specifications for existing fortified blended food products;

introduce lipid-based products for the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute

1 Please see Attachment J.1.A for link to report on Delivering Improved Nutrition, Recommendations for Changes to U.S. Food Aid Products and Programs 2 Please see Attachment J.1.B for link to report on Improving the Nutritional Quality of U.S. Food Aid: Recommendations for Changes to U.S. Food Aid Products and Programs http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADZ842.pdf http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADZ841.pdf http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADZ841.pdf malnutrition (MAM); advance on the development of an interagency technical mechanism with the World Food Program (WFP), UNICEF, and USDA in order to improve processes, programming, and products related to food aid project design, monitoring and delivery; begin the process of strengthening the evidence base for the use of specialized food products for targeted needs, including a key workshop for partners and technical experts to review protein needs for child growth and development; and develop specifications for additional products.

Through its contractor, FFP successfully completed a feasibility trial in Malawi, testing whether reduced packaging size and inclusion of nutritional messaging could improve targeting and reduce sharing of the doses of fortified blended food (CSB+) and vegetable oil recommended in the reports. The results analysis of the feasibility trial is currently underway and expected to be available by the end of calendar year 2015.

All the FFP supported research will be included in an Open Access database that USAID has developed in order to facilitate access to the evidence developed through research and programming. The FFP database will include all FAQR II and III data related to moderate acute malnutrition as well as other research efforts that FFP is currently supporting. This database will ensure that information is shared through a website designed especially for engaging all interested stakeholders concerning MAM. Some preliminary analysis of the research data in Malawi was presented at international meetings in 2014. An assessment of MAM management, carried out with support from FAQR, was posted on the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) forum website3. FFP expects that this already available evidence and the evidence to come from research conducted during the implementation phase of the FAQR (FAQR II and III) will inform programs on efficacy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of products to treat MAM. In addition, it will provide programming guidance for MAM, leading to enhanced Title II programming and better use of locally and regionally purchased foods.

With support from FAQR, FFP has been working to ensure the harmonization of commodity specifications for fortified blended flours and targeted food products between WFP/UNICEF and USAID/ USDA specifications during the FAQR implementation phase. This has led to improvements in the communication between USDA and USAID and among USAID, UNICEF and WFP on these products as well as to improvements in the process of assuring quality and food safety.

To address FFP and the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) concerns4, FFP initiated work on two important cost-effectiveness studies looking at four foods5 for the treatment of MAM and for the prevention of MAM and prevention of further stunting between six and 24 months. As part of the studies, a tool for field use for the calculation of the cost-effectiveness of the different food interventions has been developed. This tool is being tested in the two cost-effectiveness field studies and will be disseminated to FFP partners as part of the research results.

The prevention study is ongoing in Burkina Faso. The goal is for follow-up of all of the enrolled children to conclude in FY17 and for analysis and dissemination of results to be complete by the end of FY18. Initially, the treatment study took place in Sierra Leone, but after six months of field data collection, it had to be suspended because of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak. Several possible alternative sites have been identified and decisions will be made by the end of calendar year 2015 as to a possible alternative site. In order to be able to complete, analyze and disseminate the treatment study results by the time the prevention study and related

3 Please see Attachment J.1.C for link to the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition forum website.

4 Please see Attachment J.1.D for a link to the GAO’s report on Improving Quality of Food Aid.

5 CSB+ and oil, Supercereal Plus (includes oil in the matrix), Ready-to-use Supplementary Food (RUSF) and Corn Soy Whey Blend (CSB14) and oil.

http://www.cmamforum.org/Pool/Resources/MAM-management-CMAM-Forum-Technical-Brief-Sept-2014.pdf http://www.cmamforum.org/Pool/Resources/MAM-management-CMAM-Forum-Technical-Brief-Sept-2014.pdf http://www.gao.gov/assets/320/318210.pdf recommendations are complete (by the end of FY18), FFP will support an immediate start-up for the treatment study.

With the accumulation of new evidence and also new questions about MAM treatment and prevention resulting during the intervening years, FFP will add three sub-studies into the cost-effectiveness of treatment study. FFP attests that it will be possible to carry out these new studies within the projected time frame at the new treatment study site and that these sub-studies will enhance FFP and its stakeholder understanding of the cost-effectiveness of the foods. Taking into account the time necessary for restarting the treatment study along with the finalization and analysis of the data in the prevention study, FFP expects that all of the work will be concluded and disseminated to key stakeholders by the end of calendar year 2018.

Simply stated, the basis of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to finalize the implementation of the recommendations and sub-recommendations that were not completed during FAQR II.

C.3 OBJECTIVES

The overarching objective is to improve the quality of the products, delivery of nutrients, as well as the programming and processes employed in U.S. food aid and programming as analyzed, synthesized, and discussed in the FAQR.

The objective of this SOW is to conclude the implementation of the recommendations of the FAQR by providing evidence on the use of specialized foods to aid FFP decision making on procurement, programming and processes. This work assumes a variety of forms, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Undertaking research into the acceptability and cost effectiveness of new food products

2. Testing of food products

3. Undertaking comparative studies on packaging and delivery (both logistical and nutritional) methodologies and technologies

4. Planning and holding consultative and expert meetings

5. Undertaking literature and research reviews related to food-based delivery of micronutrients in the environments where food aid is required

6. Assessing implementation mechanisms and the cost/benefit analysis of field tools for monitoring and evaluation so that partners can have improved tools for calculating the cost effectiveness of food and food interventions, including specialized foods

In particular, this final phase of the FAQR will use a participatory approach through consultative processes to solicit input from stakeholders early on as the SOW is rolled out. The activities below must be completed during the period of performance:

C.3.1 Research and Development – Improving Existing Products

C.3.1.1 Examining appropriateness of food matrices

The contractor will examine evidence on food matrices and how the composition and structure of food aid products (i.e., Fortified Blended Flours (FBF) or Lipid Nutritional Spreads (LNS) influence overall absorption and utilization of nutrients in FFP targeted populations.) The contractor will undertake relevant literature reviews and utilize, to the extent practicable, a consultative process to finalize reviews.

C.3.1.2 Extrusion Systems

The contractor will collect evidence on extrusion system optimization both from a food functionality (quality control) standpoint and from a food safety management perspective. Preferably, this should be carried out in partnership with suppliers and partners such as WFP. The contractor will define a process for engaging with partners on the improvement of extrusion processes.

C.3.1.3 Thermo-processing

The contractor will support USAID, WFP and UNICEF's efforts at assessing thermo-processing of ready-to-eat foods to determine its suitability as a food safety tool in producing ready-to-eat lipid-based spreads and if micronutrient formulations need to be adjusted.

C.3.1.4 Building out the food basket with existing commodities

There are commodities that have been either discontinued from the FFP product list or are almost never used such as wheat soy blend, sorghum grits, soy flour, peanut paste, canned salmon, etc. The contractor will reassess the discontinued/never used commodities and apply lessons learned from programming attempts to help determine whether these foods could potentially be added back in to the recommended food basket and how they can be programmed effectively. The contractor will recommend improvements that need to be made to build a better food basket for direct recipients of food aid, by examining discontinued commodities such as, but not limited to, wheat soy blend and sorghum grits and working on any needed updates to micronutrient specifications or other aspects of formulations including the fat profile.

C.3.1.5 Assessment of new products and technologies for an improved food basket

The contractor will provide recommendations on potential new food products and technologies for enhancing the food aid basket in both emergencies and non-emergencies, as well as improving the quality and safety of these products together with partners such as USDA, WFP, Natick Research Labs and the private sector. These may include new formulations for Emergency Food Products, adaptation of some WFP formulations such as Rice-Soy Blend, examination of the fat profile of specialized products, among others. The contractor will obtain prototypes for such new products and technologies, as well as a database of potential suppliers.

C.3.1.6 Infestation

The contractor will address issues around infestation of commodities and work with USAID, USDA, WFP and other partners, such as Natick Research Labs, to develop a strategic approach and build their capacity to address issues of infestation of products throughout the supply chain. The strategy may include new forms of packaging and/or storage.

C.3.1.7 Dual use products for emergency response

The contractor will examine existing or possible strategies for immediate emergency response. Currently USAID has or procured meal replacements such as Emergency Food Products (EFPs) A20, A28 and A29 or made use of off-the shelf Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDR). WFP has a draft emergency response strategy that recommends the use of medium quantity LNS (MQ-LNS) and High Energy Biscuits (HEBs) that could be for dual use as an emergency meal replacement and a nutritional food supplement for school feeding. Currently USAID does not support WFP school feeding so there are questions about support to this strategy as well as whether it is an adequate strategy. Over a decade ago, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) produced a report6 on high nutrient density foods for humanitarian emergencies and USAID’s EFPs were developed for FFP as a result of these recommendations, with support from the Department of Defense Natick Laboratory in developing and testing prototypes7. The contractor will review prior USAID work, commercially available options, as well as ongoing work with WFP. Upon review the contractor will recommend an updated strategy that takes into account lessons learned on emergency meal replacement strategies and considers the possibility of some dual purpose use of any recommended foods as well as technology advances during the last decade.

The contractor will consider cost-effective options that may be relatively simple and can be made in partner countries as well as in US and can have a shelf-life comparable to currently used meal replacements (2-5 years).

C.3.1.8 Incorporating new products developed by USDA's micronutrient research

The contractor will assess possible incorporation into the FFP commodity list of new products from USDA micronutrient research carried out through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Foreign Agriculture Service, Food Aid Division (FAS/FAD) through the McGovern-Dole programs.

C.3.1.9 Strategy for assessing cost-effectiveness of new modalities of response to emergencies

The contractor will assist FFP in carrying out an expert assessment of progress to date and assist in finalizing the tools for a cost-effectiveness assessment of new modalities of response to emergencies, including local and regional procurement, as well as cash and vouchers.

C.3.1.10 New formulations for specialized food products

Various researchers are looking at different types and concentrations of milk products in lipid spreads and in fortified, blended flours as well as forms of soy in products for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). The contractor will examine and recommend updates to the food aid specifications taking into account new nutrition knowledge. In addition, the contractor will assist FFP and its partners in developing a decision-making process on which product or products should be added to an improved food basket (i.e., select food aid distribution projects), keeping in mind the necessity for streamlining and/or updating existing processes.

C.3.1.11 Finalization of all reports on Malawi feasibility of changes in packaging and messaging study on improved targeting

The contractor will finalize all reports and submit data to the USAID website where open access data is posted in addition to submitting all reports to the Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC).

C.3.1.12 Conclusion of the cost-effectiveness studies of prevention of stunting and moderate acute malnutrition (location/ongoing: Burkina Faso)

The contractor will continue this study and complete the following:

6 Please see attachment J.1.E for link to IOM’s report on high nutrient density foods for humanitarian emergencies.

7 Please see attachment J.1.F for link to Department of Defense Natick Laboratory Final Report on Development of an Emergency Food Product: Product and Packaging Specifications, Shelf Life Study and Drop Test Synopsis http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2003/High-Energy-Nutrient-Dense-Emergency-Relief-Food-Product.aspx http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADS423.pdf

1) Procure the required foods in amounts sufficient for continuing the field tests and trials as needed8;

2) Develop any additional laboratory studies of the new products as needed; If possible introduce an assessment of some strategic cognitive or developmental indicators as sub-studies in order to improve understanding of the cost-effectiveness of the products; Finalize the prevention field trials which include recruitment and follow-up of 6000 children (approximately 1500 children per type of food for four groups of children) from 6 to 24 months in age, with a follow-up measurement at 30 months including anthropometric measurements, household observations, interviews, any required nutritional status laboratory analysis, analysis of data as approved by the Institutional Review Boards (IRB) of host country and contractor’s organization;

3) Assure that all interactions with mothers, caregivers and elderly are carried out by appropriate field staff with appropriate training and that sub-contractors take relevant gender considerations into account;

4) Review the experimental design and development of a model that can be used in cost-effectiveness modeling and application of results in other settings, as well as the eventual publication and sharing of the resulting information and design model.

C.3.1.13 Cost Effectiveness of Four Food Products in MAM Treatment Study

Although a treatment study of the cost-effectiveness of four food products was well underway in Sierra Leone in partnership with WFP and Washington University (Project Peanut Butter), it was suspended because of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic in that country making both clinical work and home visits impossible to continue. The contractor will implement and conclude the treatment study in a new country setting. The contractor will assure that all interactions with mothers and caregivers are carried out by appropriate field staff with appropriate training, and sub-contractors take relevant gender considerations into account.

C.3.1.14 Timing of treatment study in country TBD

The contractor will begin the collection of data for the treatment study in the new treatment site within 150 days of the start of the contract. In addition, the contractor will complete the field research in the new location with all relevant analyses by the end of calendar year 2018. The minimum for the treatment study tasks includes the enrollment and follow-up of up to 5000 children suffering from MAM. The trials will involve four types of foods9. Group size is estimated at 1250 children for each type of food. Children are to be followed during recuperation sessions for approximately 12 weeks, with a six-month follow-up to assess relapse. Follow-up

8 The study compares isocaloric amounts of the following foods:

1) Corn Soy Blend 14 (CSB14), with whey protein concentrate and enhanced micronutrient profile, prepared with fortified vegetable oil (FVO)

2) Ready-to Use Supplementary Food (RUSF), a generic Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement (LNS) product aligned with WHO recommendations for treatment and prevention of moderate acute malnutrition

3) Supercereal Plus (CSB++/SC+), the FBF used by WFP, which has an enhanced nutrient profile, dairy ingredient (non-fat dry milk), and oil already embedded into the CSB

4) Supercereal (CSB+/SC) prepared with FVO 9 Study participants will receive one of four test foods varying in energy and nutrient density as well as amounts provided, according to international protocols. The four foods are:

1. Super Cereal Plus (SC+) at 800 kcal/d, 215 g/d

2. Super Cereal (SC) and oil and sugar at 998 kcal/d – 200 g SC and 20 g oil and 20 g sugar, per day

3. Corn-soy Blend 14 (CSB14) and oil at 978 kcal/day – 150 g CSB14 and 45 g oil, per day

4. Plumpy’Sup – 500 kcal/d, 92 g/d includes relevant anthropometric measurements, household observations, interviews, and any required laboratory analysis as approved by both host country and contractor’s respective IRBs.

C.3.1.15 Implement three new sub-studies on body composition, developmental indicators and environmental enteropathy

a) Sub-component one of the treatment study: The contractor will examine measures of body composition to attempt to improve the measurement of cost-effectiveness of the four foods in recuperation from MAM as well as prevention of relapse. This will help answer questions related to whether measures such as MUAC, weight for height or others are adequate tools for measuring recovery from MAM as well as whether goals should be rapid weight gain or lean body mass accretion in recovery from MAM or whether some combination of the two should be considered.

Learning will be shared through various mechanisms including through the final report on the study, an expert meeting and other publications.

b) As a second sub-component of the treatment study: The contractor will incorporate an examination of some carefully selected cognitive and developmental indicators in order to be able to gain a more thorough understanding of the four foods in avoiding developmental delays or recuperation from those delays;

c) As a third sub-component of the treatment study: The contractor will look at how gut inflammation (i.e., environmental enteropathy) may affect the utilization of the alternative foods in a subset of the overall study population and whether this may be related to the effectiveness of the food and, ultimately, its cost-effectiveness.

The findings from these sub-studies will be shared in the final report on the treatment study and through various other mechanisms and publications.

C.3.2 Improved Programming

The Contractor will carry out these specific activities from the FAQR recommendations on improving programming10 until the end of calendar year 2017. The Contractor will complete and document the following key activities:

C.3.2.1 Commodity Reference Guide

The contractor will finalize the Commodity Reference Guide (CRG) strategy and update the CRG and other tools for programming new specialized products. This will include the finalization of templates and institutionalization of a system for updating the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on FFP commodities.

C.3.2.2 Deployment of new specialized products

The contractor will develop, in consultation with key stakeholders, a strategy for the deployment of new specialized products in emergencies and non-emergencies based on evidence from field research.

C.3.2.3 Long-term strategy for sudden onset emergency response

10 Please see Attachment J.1.A for link to report on Delivering Improved Nutrition, Recommendations for Changes to U.S. Food Aid Products and Programs. See Chapter 3 Product Selection and Usage-Optimizing Programming, pp. 27-35

The contractor will assist FFP in developing a strategy for responding to food needs in the initial stages of a sudden onset emergency.

C.3.2.4 Technical advisory group

The contractor will work with FFP and key stakeholders to establish a process and norms for periodic reviews of nutrition evidence along with a process and schedule for resulting required updates to products.

C.3.2.5 Food and ration technical guidance

The contractor will provide an update of food and ration technical guidance for multi-year development projects and…