RFP_FEWS_NET_7.pdf

RFP Date Issued: September 27, 2016 Q&A Closing Date: October 24, 2016

Q&A Closing time: 1:00PM EST RFP Closing Date: November 21, 2016

RFP Closing Time: 1:00 P.M. EST

Subject: Request for Proposals Number SOL-OAA-16-000189 Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) 7

Dear Offerors, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking innovative proposals to provide services in support of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) for USAID’s Office of Food for Peace in the Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance Bureau (USAID/DCHA/FFP), as described in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP). This procurement is being conducted through full and open competition for which the procedures in FAR Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), will apply.

USAID anticipates the award of up to five (5) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contracts (IDIQ) (Unrestricted), and one (1) Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ (Restricted) contract as a result of this RFP. The “Unrestricted” IDIQ will be for the implementation of the FEWSNET 7 Emergency Food Insecurity Analysis, Analysis of the Dynamics of Food, Nutrition and Livelihood Security, and Technology and Innovation. The “Restricted” (Small Business set-aside) will be exclusively for the implementation of the FEWS NET 7 Learning and Data Hub.

Small Businesses must submit separate proposals on the full scope of the “unrestricted” portion, as described in the Statement of Work of this RFP, as well as the “restricted” set-aside portion. If a small business were to be successful in proposing on both the unrestricted and restricted scopes of work, the successful Offeror would be awarded only one (1) contract, either under the “restricted” or the “unrestricted”, due to conflict in performing both scopes of work. Please note that there is no separate set-aside for the totality of the unrestricted.

USAID anticipates that the maximum ordering ceiling of the IDIQs resulting from this RFP will be $1,000,000,000 (1 billion dollars) over the 5-year ordering period. The $1,000,000,000 ceiling will be subdivided as follows:

1) $900,000,000 for the unrestricted component; and

2) $100,000,000 for the restricted set-aside component

The maximum aggregate dollar value of task orders awarded to all contractors cannot exceed this IDIQ ceiling. This ceiling will not be subdivided among the number of awardees nor will it be multiplied by the number of awardees. There is no guarantee on the number of task orders that the successful contractors will receive or the amount of funds beyond the minimum order guarantee, as set forth in the RFP. USAID anticipates issuing one (1) initial TO upon award of the IDIQ contract under the restricted portion. The request for Task Order Proposal (RFTOP) requirements are within section J of the RFP. The period of performance of potential task orders awarded under the IDIQ will be determined in part by the year in which it is issued. A task order cannot exceed five (5) years in duration at any time during the IDIQ, and the duration also depends on other limits further described herein.

This IDIQ will follow the current phase of FEWS NET:

Chemonics International, Inc. AID-OAA-I-12-00006 Kimetrica AID-OAA-C-11-00171

The authorized NAICS Code for unrestricted component of this RFP is: 541990 – All other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.

The authorized NAICS Code for restricted component of this RFP is: 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology).

The geographic code for the IDIQ will be 937.

Instructions regarding proposal requirement can be found in Section L, evaluation criteria regarding proposal requirement can be found in Section M.

All questions regarding this RFP or its attachments must be submitted in writing to fewsnet7@usaid.gov on the date and time indicated on the cover letter. The subject line of the communication must read FEWS NET 7 IDIQ/RFP SOL-OAA-16-000189, the component for which the question is being submitted (“restricted” or “unrestricted”), and the name of the firm submitting the question. Questions received after the deadline may not receive a response.

Phone calls will not be accepted. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of the IDIQs will not be binding. Any information given to a prospective Offeror concerning the solicitation will be furnished to all prospective Offerors via Fedbizopps.gov. Pursuant to Block 12 of Standard Form 33 of this RFP, USAID requires that Offerors remain active through September 30, 2017.

This RFP in no way obligates USAID to award an IDIQ and associated task orders, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation or submission of a proposal. Because USAID reserves the right to award an IDIQ without discussions, initial proposals must represent an Offeror’s best proposal.

Table of Contents

ESSENTIAL FEWS NET TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

B.3 MINIMUM ORDERED GUARANTEE

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

B.5 FIXED FEE CEILING (Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Task Orders Only)

B.6 COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE AND COST PLUS AWARD FEE

B.7 CONTRACT LINE ITEMS

B.8 LABOR

B.9 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

B.10 SUBCONTRACTOR RATES

B.11 APPROVAL OF MAJOR SUBCONTRACTORS

B.13 INDIRECT COSTS

B.14 NAICS CODE

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 BACKGROUND

C.2 FEWS NET 7 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

C.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

C.4 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS

C.5 SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FUND (SURGE)

C.6 GENDER CONSIDERATIONS

C.7 TRANSITION PLANNING

C.8 TASK ORDER 01-REQUEST FOR TASK ORDER PROPOSAL (RFTOP)

C.9 KEY PERSONNEL

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (January 1993)

D.2 BRANDING STRATEGY, IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

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.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

F.6 ORDERING PROCEDURES

F.7 TASK ORDER ADMINISTRATION

F.8 KEY PERSONNEL

F.9 OPTIONAL PROVISION -- BUY-IN/FIELD SUPPORT FUNDING FOR TASK ORDERS

F.10 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK

F.11 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS (SEP 2013)

F.12 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCT 2007)

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.4 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

G.5 PAYING OFFICE

G.6 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.7 CONTRACTOR'S PAYMENT ADDRESS

G.8 TECHNICAL DIRECTION/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

H.2 752.209-71 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DISCOVERED AFTER AWARD (JUN 1993) 89

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.4 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.5 AIDAR 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (Defense Base Act). (DEC 1991)

H.6 AIDAR 752.228-70 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (JUL 2007)

H.7 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE

H.8 AIDAIR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JUL 1997)

H.9 AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JUL 2007)

H.10 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.11 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (APR 2014) . 95

H.12 BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL

H.13 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES (JAN 2002)

H.14 302.3.5.5 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JUL 2007)

H.15 302.3.5.19 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (AUG 2013)

H.16 302.3.5.20 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013)

H.17 302.3.5.21 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) Portal (JUL 2014)

H.18 302.3.5.22 SUBMISSION OF DATSETS TO THE DEVLOPMENT DATA LIBRABY (DDL) (OCT 2014)

H.19 INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY

H.20 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING

H.21 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.22 AIDAR 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUN 2012)

H.23 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY (DEC 2004)

H.24 302.3.4.13 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS (GUCs) Effective Date: 07/28/2014

H.25 LOGISTIC SUPPORT

H.26 52.211-70 LANGUAGE AND MEASUREMENT (JUN 1992)

H.27 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATION TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE (JAN 2002)

H.28 HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE 12 (HSPD-12) (OCT 2006)

H.29 ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (MAY 2016)

H.30 USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NOTIFICATION (MAY 2016)

H.31 MEDIA AND INFORMATION HANDLING AND PROTECTION (MAY 2016)

H.32 PRIVACY AND SECURITY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM REPORTING (MAY 2016)

H.33 CLOUD COMPUTING (MAY 2016)

H.34 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, As Amended

H.36 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

H.37 FAR 19.704 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN REQUIREMENTS

H.38 SUBCONTRACTING REPORT

H.39 SUBCONTRACTING CONSENT

H.40 PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

H.41 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND MANAGEMENT

H.42 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

H.43 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY

AGREEMENTS—REPRESENTATION (FEB 2015)

H.44 52.203-99 (DEVIATION 2015-02) PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE

CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS (FEB 2015)

H.45 RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (MAY 2016)

H.46 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM IMPLEMENTATION CONTRACT

H.47 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM IMPLEMENTATION CONTRACT (must be included at the Task Order level)

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 AIDAR 752.204-72 ACCESS TO USAID FACILITIES AND USAID’S INFORMATIONI SYSTEMS (MAY 2016) 135

I.5 52.216-24 LIMITATION OF GOVERNMENT LIABILITY (APR 1984)

I.8 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (OCT 2015)

I.9 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (JUL 2014)

PART II – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 HYPERLINKS FROM SECTION C

J.2 Hyperlinked list of FEWS NET deliverables and reports from the Development Experience Clearinghouse from the current phase (attached)

J.3 Pillar Graphic of FEWS NET 7 (attached)

J.4 SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

J.5 Small Business Subcontracting Plan Template

J.6 Prime and Major Subcontractor Percentage of Work Overview

J.7 Freight and Delivery Request Form (See Section L)

J.8 Past Performance Matrix

J.9 Contractor and Major Subcontractor Policy for Workday, Workweek, and Paid Absences (To be attached at award)

J.10 Cost/Price Matrix for all Offerors (attached as excel document to RFP)

J.11 Acronym List (attached) and Contractual Definitions (attached)

J.12 SF-294 Subcontracting Report for Individual Contracts

J.13 Contractor Past Performance Evaluation - Short Form (attached)

J.14 Section 508 Technical Standards Vendor s Checklist

J.15 RFTOP Pillar 2 Hub (attached)

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

K. 1 The Representations, Certifications And Other Statements As Provided Herein Are Applicable To Task Orders Based On Their Individual Scopes Of Work

K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (APR 2016)

K.3 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

K.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JUL 2013)

K.5 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (OCT 2014)

K.6 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM PREPRESENTATIONS (OCT 2014) - Alternate I (SEP 2015)

K.7 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999)

K.8 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984)

K.9 52.225-20 PROHIBITION ON CONDUCTING RESTRICTED BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN SUDAN –

CERTIFICATION (AUG 2009)

K.10 52.227-15 REPRESENTATION OF LIMITED RIGHTS DATA AND RESTRICTED COMPUTER SOFTWARE (DEC 2007) 157

K.11 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (OCT 2015)

K.12 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE – COST ACCOUNTING PRACTIVE CHANGES (APR 2005)

K.13 INSURANCE – IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.14 AIDAR 719.273 THE UNITED STAGES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) MENTOR-

PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM

K.15 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXEMPTION TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

K.16 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.17 DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBER

K.18 CONTRACTOR PURCHASING SYSTEM REVIEW

K.19 PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM REVIEW

K.20 SIGNATURE

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (52.252-1)

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

L.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT

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

L.5 52.219-24 SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION PROGRAM-- TARGETS (OCT 2000)

L.6 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

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 (For Offerors Responding to Pillars 1, 3 and 4)

M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA (For Small Business Offerors Responding to Pillar 2) – The FEWS NET Learning Data Hub Task Order

M.4 COST/BUSINESS EVALUATION (For All Offerors)

M.5 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.6 SOURCE SELECTION

M.7 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS

M.8 CONTRACTING WITH U.S. SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM

SECTION J ANNEXES

ESSENTIAL FEWS NET TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

The FEWS NET activity: A portfolio of USAID-managed contracts and agreements whose goals, objectives, tasks and deliverables are identified under the collective name of “FEWS NET”. Core FEWS NET activities are funded by the USAID Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA), Office of Food for Peace (FFP), but other Bureaus and USAID Missions may fund and implement FEWS NET activities under the FEWS NET 7 IDIQ.

FEWS NET 7 IDIQ: A FEWS NET activity, described in an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract managed by USAID’s Office of Food for Peace. The addition of the number 7 after the FEWS NET name is intended to distinguish the new phase from the previous six phases during the procurement process. Once implementation is underway, the name will revert to FEWS NET.

FEWS NET Inter-Agency Agreement: A FEWS NET activity, implemented by US Government (USG) entities whose FEWS NET relationship and activities are described in a Participating Agency Service Agreement (PASA), or Participating Agency Personnel Agreement (PAPA). FEWS NET Inter-Agency agreements work to achieve specific goals and objectives defined by USAID, related to other FEWS NET activities.

FEWS NET Team members: Parties with a formally defined relationship (contract or agreement) to the FEWS NET activity, working to achieve some, or all, of its goals and objectives through specific, mutually-agreed tasks. These include:

● IDIQ holders: Those entities (with any named subcontractors) to whom USAID has awarded an eligibility to bid on implementing specific FEWS NET 7 Task Orders;

● IDIQ implementers: Those entities (with any named sub-contractors) who have been contracted by USAID to implement specific FEWS NET 7 Task Orders;

● Inter-Agency Team members: USG participation (e.g. NASA, NOAA, USDA, USGS) under a USG PASA or PAPA agreement funded by USAID, which describes specific tasks and deliverables related to FEWS NET and,

● USAID: Any bureaus, offices, Missions with a formally-described participation in a FEWS NET activity.

FEWS NET Partners: Parties which do not have a formal relationship to the USAID FEWS NET activity, but who work with FEWS NET in specific, shared tasks and activities to accomplish the same, or similar, goals and objectives. These include:

● National and local partners: government ministries and offices, international organizations (e.g. WFP), and voluntary and private organizations (e.g. NGOs), working to achieve the same, or similar, goals and objectives as FEWS NET at the national level;

● Regional partners: (regional bodies (e.g. SADC, CILSS), working to achieve the same, or similar, goals and objectives as FEWS NET at the regional level;

● International partners: organizations and efforts (FAO, IPC) working to achieve the same, or similar, goals and objectives as FEWS NET at a “global” level (local, national, regional, international).

USAID: Within the immediate context of the FEWS NET 7 IDIQ, “USAID” may refer most often to either the USAID Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), which has awarded and oversees the implementation of the IDIQ, or to the Office of Food for Peace, which provides funding and technical oversight/guidance for the IDIQ under OAA authority.

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide services that fall within the Scope of Work (SOW) specified in Section C for the Famine Early Warning Systems Network 7 (FEWS NET 7).

USAID Task Order Contracting Officers (TOCOs) will request the work through the issuance of task orders during the ordering period, as specified in Section F of the contract.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. The Government will issue task orders that are either Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) (term or completion), Cost-Plus- Award-Fee (CPAF), Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF), or Fixed-Priced type or a combination thereof. The Contractor must perform the services set forth in task orders at prices consistent with Section B of the contract.

B.3 MINIMUM ORDERED GUARANTEE

The basic contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $25,000.00 to cover the minimum order guarantee. USAID is required to order and the Contractor is required to furnish the minimum order amount of services. The initial obligation is expected to be applied towards the first TO that is issued. Following this initial obligation, individual task orders will obligate funds to cover the work required under that task order.

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

This is a multiple award Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ) with an overall ceiling price of $1 billion, subdivided as follows:

Unrestricted (Pillars 1, 3, and 4) $900,000,000.00

Restricted (Pillar 2) $100,000,000.00

The maximum aggregate dollar value of task orders awarded to all contractors must not exceed the contract ceiling. This ceiling is not being subdivided among the number of awardees nor is it being multiplied by the number of awardees.

B.5 FIXED FEE CEILING (Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Task Orders Only)

(a) For each cost-reimbursement task order issued under this IDIQ, the TOCO and Contractor agree to negotiate a set dollar amount for fixed fee. In negotiating the fixed dollar amount for fee, the TOCO must consider the policies and factors for establishing fee in FAR 15.404-4 as well as any applicable USAID policy on establishing a fixed fee amount. In no event, however, may the amount of fixed fee in any individual task order exceed [To be determined (TBD) at time of award] of the task order’s estimated cost, excluding fee.

This fee ceiling is not applicable to Grants under Contracts (GUCs), if any, or other costs that have a separate fee ceiling established in the contract. The fixed fee ceiling applies to the prime contract and all cost reimbursement subcontracts.

NOTE: The ceiling on fixed fee does not apply to Fixed-Priced Task Orders.

(b) The Total Estimated Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee for each task order must be negotiated in accordance with the terms of this contract.

(c) Fixed Fee Payment. For any task order issued under this Contract, at the time of each payment of allowable costs to the contractor, the USAID paying office ordinarily pays the contractor a percentage of fixed fees that directly corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. Two exceptions to paying fixed fee in this manner apply:

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

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

GUC Ceiling Fee provision

(d) Separate Fixed Fee Ceiling Applicable To Grants Under Contracts (GUCs)

(1) In no event may the amount of fixed fee (if any) applicable to GUCs in any individual task order exceed [To be determined (TBD) at time of award] percent (Offeror proposes ceiling percentage) of the task order GUC cost.

B.6 COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE AND COST PLUS AWARD FEE

For each Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF) or Cost-Plus-Award-Fee (CPAF) issued under this IDIQ, The TOCO and Contractor agree to negotiate the target cost, target fee, and fee adjustment formula. The Government also reserves the right to utilize non-monetary incentives.

B.7 CONTRACT LINE ITEMS

(CLINs will be established based on requirements in the respective TOs)

B.8 LABOR

(a) Central management costs will be handled through the following method:

(1) The Contracting Officer has determined that a key (full-time) technical manager is not necessary or required to administer the basic IDIQ. Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ or under task orders.

Contractors must propose a centralized management structure that allows for recovery of IDIQ management costs as part of its indirect costs.

(b) The workday and workweek policies and method of accounting for paid absences including holidays for the contractor and major subcontractors is set forth in Attachment J. [To be determined (TBD) at time of award.].

Compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation (July 2007) (See Section H.).

B.8.1 Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR)

(a) The task order rates must not exceed the ceiling daily rates set forth in the table below.

The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to all labor (the prime contractor, subcontractor, TCNs, CCNs, and consultant salaries) on cost-type task orders. CDRs do not apply to fixed-price task orders. Additional requirements and approvals under the contract still apply to labor costs, including, but not limited to:

(1) AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation (July 2007) (See Section H);

(2) Approval of subcontractors under FAR Part 42;

(3) Approval of any final salary rates above the Contractor Salary Threshold (CST) (see ADS 302); and

(4) Rules requiring that CCN and TCN labor comply with the local compensation plan limitations, as further provided below.

(b) Approved labor rates for all labor will be negotiated under task orders at equal to, or lower than, the CDRs. Final approval of labor rates is provided by the TOCO. The government will not be obligated to pay any daily rate that exceeds the ceiling daily rates set forth in the table below.

(c) Each CDR for personnel listed below is “unburdened” and must only include salary costs or consulting rates of the individual providing the services. The CDR for employees must not include the following:

(1)Payroll costs (fringe benefits, FICA, allowances, differentials, etc.);

(2) Indirect Costs applicable to labor; and

(3) Profit or fee, if any.

The CDRs set forth below are fixed for the contract period and is for a productive eight (8) hour day, and apply to all subcontractors set forth in clause 52.244-2 in Section I. If a new subcontractor is proposed for a specific task order on other than a fixed-price basis, the

CDRs set forth below will apply, and the subcontract is subject to consent by the TOCO in accordance with FAR Part 44.

(d) The single unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category/group below represents the mid-level and senior level rate in each category/grouping. One unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category/grouping is included in the contract to provide more flexibility under task orders. If lower level personnel are required under task orders, they must be proposed at rates below the unburdened ceiling daily rate.

Labor Categories Grouping

Year 1: September 2017 - September 2018 - All Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

01 Home Office IDIQ Deputy Contract Manager X $ X

02 Home Office IDIQ Contract Assistant X X $

Year 1: September 2017 - September 2018 - Unrestricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

03 Technical Director $ X X

04 Analytical Director $ X X

Home Office Food Security Analyst $ $ $ 06

Subject Matter Specialist $ $ $ 09

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

12 Home Office Communications Specialist X $ X

13 Home Office Training Manager X $ X

Year 1: September 2017 - September 2018 - Restricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

14 Hub Director $ X X

15 Knowledge Management Specialist X $ X

16 Home Office Web Manager X $ X

17 Home Office Deputy Web Manager X $ X

18 Home Office Web Assistant X X $

19 Home Office Data Manager X $ X

20 Home Office Deputy Data Manager X $ X

21 Home Office Data Assistant X X $

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

Home Office Communications/Social Media

Specialist X $ X

Year 2: September 2018 - September 2019 - All Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

01 Home Office IDIQ Deputy Contract Manager X $ X

02 Home Office IDIQ Contract Assistant X X $

Year 2: September 2018 - September 2019 - Unrestricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

03 Technical Director $ X X

04 Analytical Director $ X X

Home Office Food Security Analyst $ $ $ 06

Subject Matter Specialist $ $ $ 09

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

12 Home Office Communications Specialist X $ X

13 Home Office Training Manager X $ X

Year 2: September 2018 - September 2019 - Restricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

14 Hub Director $ X X

15 Knowledge Management Specialist X $ X

16 Home Office Web Manager X $ X

17 Home Office Deputy Web Manager X $ X

18 Home Office Web Assistant X X $

19 Home Office Data Manager X $ X

20 Home Office Deputy Data Manager X $ X

21 Home Office Data Assistant X X $

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

Home Office Communications/Social Media

Specialist X $ X

Year 3: September 2019 - September 2020 - All Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

01 Home Office IDIQ Deputy Contract Manager X $ X

02 Home Office IDIQ Contract Assistant X X $

Year 3: September 2019 - September 2020 - Unrestricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

03 Technical Director $ X X

04 Analytical Director $ X X

Home Office Food Security Analyst $ $ $

Subject Matter Specialist $ $ $ 09

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

12 Home Office Communications Specialist X $ X

13 Home Office Training Manager X $ X

Year 3: September 2019 - September 2020 - Restricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

14 Hub Director $ X X

15 Knowledge Management Specialist X $ X

16 Home Office Web Manager X $ X

17 Home Office Deputy Web Manager X $ X

18 Home Office Web Assistant X X $

19 Home Office Data Manager X $ X

20 Home Office Deputy Data Manager X $ X

21 Home Office Data Assistant X X $

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

Home Office Communications/Social Media

Specialist X $ X

Year 4: September 2020 - September 2021 - All Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

01 Home Office IDIQ Deputy Contract Manager X $ X

02 Home Office IDIQ Contract Assistant X X $

Year 4: September 2020 - September 2021 - Unrestricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

03 Technical Director $ X X

04 Analytical Director $ X X

Home Office Food Security Analyst $ $ $ 06

Subject Matter Specialist $ $ $ 09

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

12 Home Office Communications Specialist X $ X

13 Home Office Training Manager X $ X

Year 4: September 2020 - September 2021 - Restricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

14 Hub Director $ X X

15 Knowledge Management Specialist X $ X

16 Home Office Web Manager X $ X

17 Home Office Deputy Web Manager X $ X

18 Home Office Web Assistant X X $

19 Home Office Data Manager X $ X

20 Home Office Deputy Data Manager X $ X

21 Home Office Data Assistant X X $

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

Home Office Communications/Social Media

Specialist X $ X

Year 5: September 2021 - September 2022 - All Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

01 Home Office IDIQ Deputy Contract Manager X $ X

02 Home Office IDIQ Contract Assistant X X $

Year 5: September 2021 - September 2022 - Unrestricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

03 Technical Director $ X X

04 Analytical Director $ X X

Home Office Food Security Analyst $ $ $ 06

Subject Matter Specialist $ $ $ 09

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

12 Home Office Communications Specialist X $ X

13 Home Office Training Manager X $ X

Year 5: September 2021 - September 2022 - Restricted Offerors

No. Labor Category/Grouping Unburdened CDR (Senior)

Unburdened CDR (Mid)

Unburdened CDR (Junior)

14 Hub Director $ X X

15 Knowledge Management Specialist X $ X

16 Home Office Web Manager X $ X

17 Home Office Deputy Web Manager X $ X

18 Home Office Web Assistant X X $

19 Home Office Data Manager X $ X

20 Home Office Deputy Data Manager X $ X

21 Home Office Data Assistant X X $

Home Office Administrative/Office

Management Assistant X X $

Home Office Communications/Social Media

Specialist X $ X

[Note 1: The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to any task order(s) that are awarded under this contract.]

[Note 2: The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to all labor (the prime contractor, subcontractor, TCNs, CCN’s, and consultant salaries). CCN and TCN labor are also governed by the local compensation plan limitations as further provided in note 3 below. ]

[Note 3: Locally Hired National Personnel or Other Non-U.S. Expatriate Rates

All locally hired national personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates must be paid in accordance with AIDAR 722.170.

Salaries for individual locally-hired personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates under this contract and any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation (July 2007), and should be based upon a combination of factors including the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and consideration of the individual's education, work experience and recent relevant salary history.

Unless otherwise authorized by USAID, the compensation for CCN and TCN labor must not exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and must be paid in the currency of the cooperating country.]

[Note 4: The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates above do not apply to Fixed-Priced Task Orders.]

[Note 5: Where an “X” is placed in a labor category level, this level of position is not needed.]

B.8.2 Definition of Labor Categories:

Provided below is a list of the types of labor categories that may be required under task orders.

However, other labor categories that are not listed below may also be required under task orders.

Labor categories are defined below to clarify duties (and consequently, type of experience required).

B.8.2(a) Definition of Illustrative Labor Categories (All IDIQ Offerors)

01 Home Office IDIQ Deputy Manager (mid-level): The mid-level manager provides administrative, contracting, recruitment, and financial support to the IDIQ contract manager in preparing task order responses or in supporting existing task orders. Knowledge of specific regions required, as well as relevant language skills.

02 Home Office IDIQ Assistant (junior-level): The junior-level support staff assists with administrative, contracting, recruitment, and financial support tasks as directed by the IDIQ contract manager in preparing task order responses or in supporting existing task orders. Some knowledge of specific regions required, as well as relevant language skills.

B.8.2(b) Definition of Illustrative Labor Categories (Unrestricted IDIQ Offerors) 03 Technical Director: The Technical Director will provide overall technical direction and management for major task orders under the IDIQ. Responsibilities may include: technical oversight for specific or multiple task orders, provision of technical assistance to USAID operating units, presentation of FEWS NET technical work to high-level audiences in the U.S.

and overseas, and participation in strategic and/or work plans with other FEWS NET Team members. The Technical Director is responsible for day-to-day work and staff supervision leading to the achievement of quality work products.

04 Analytical Director: The Analytical Director will be responsible for the analytical leadership and quality control for all reporting and analysis produced under one or more task orders. The Analytical Director will work closely with the Technical Director to ensure home office and field office staff continuously produce timely, high quality, evidence-based analytical products that meet and/or exceed USAID requirements. The Analytical Director will be responsible for providing oversight and quality assurance for all data and products submitted to the Hub.

Responsibilities may include: develop training modules to ensure all staff have required analytical skills in food security analysis and participate in global meetings and committees that set standards and advance methodologies for the analysis of food and nutrition security.

05 Home Office Food Security Analyst (senior-level): The Home Office Food Security Analyst(s) will work closely with the field office and regional staff to analyze and provide reporting on food security conditions, generally via written reports or oral briefings. The Analyst will ensure quality analysis and reporting, conduct technical briefings, and answer questions from USAID on food security conditions in countries monitored. Backstop field staff and provide necessary support and training. Knowledge of specific regions required, as well as relevant language skills.

06 Home Office Food Security Analyst (mid-level): The mid-level Home Office Food Security Analyst(s), as directed by senior-level staff, will work closely with the field office and regional staff to analyze and provide reporting on food security conditions, generally via written reports or oral briefings. The analyst will work as part of a team to ensure quality analysis and reporting, conduct technical briefings, and answer questions from USAID on food security conditions in countries monitored. The Analyst will backstop field staff and provide necessary support and training. Knowledge of specific regions required, as well as relevant language skills

07 Home Office Food Security Analyst (junior-level): The junior-level Home Office Food Security Analyst(s) will assist with data analysis and reporting on food security conditions, generally via written reports or oral briefings. The junior-level analyst will assist in conducting technical briefings and answering questions from USAID on food security conditions in countries monitored. The analyst will help to backstop field staff and provide necessary support and training. Some knowledge of specific regions required, as well as relevant language skills

08 Subject Matter Specialist (senior-level): The specialist provides technical support, training, and analysis as required by the project, in a variety of specific technical areas outlined in Pillars 1, 3, and 4. The specialist will work closely with technical staff in the regional and national offices in the field. Knowledge of specific regions required, as well as relevant language skills.

09 Subject Matter Specialist (mid-level): As directed by senior-level staff, the mid-level specialist provides technical support, training, and analysis as required by the project, in a variety of specific technical areas outlined in Pillars 1, 3, and 4. The specialist will work closely with technical staff in the regional and national offices in the field. Knowledge of specific regions required, as well as relevant language skills.

10 Subject Matter Specialist (junior-level): The junior-level specialist assists the team in providing technical support, training, and analysis as required by the project, in a variety of specific technical areas outlined in Pillars 1, 3, and 4. As directed, the specialist will work closely with technical staff in the regional and national offices in the field.

11 Home Office Administrative/Office Management Assistant: The assistant provides administrative and operational support to the home office to ensure that the office is well-organized and to help track any needed administrative approvals or actions. Coordinates logistics for travel and events.

12 Home Office Communications Specialist: The specialist provides communications support and training, as required by the project. Ensures a consistent reporting format and adherence with all USAID branding and marking regulations. The specialist will coach staff on communication skills to ensure constant improvement in oral and written communications. This position will work closely with Hub Communication Specialist on social media activities.

13 Home Office Training Manager: The training manager supports training of staff and partners in FEWS NET analytical capacities, as well as ensures that new staff receive core training. The manager will work with technical staff to create and implement professional development plans to ensure skills are constantly updated. The training manager will develop online and innovative tools for providing consistent quality training to staff based worldwide.

B.8.3(c) Illustrative Labor Categories (Small Business Set-Aside Offerors) 14 Hub Director: The Hub Director will be the key interlocutor between the Hub technical staff (i.e., website and database development specialists), the Hub Knowledge Management Specialist, internal FEWS NET Team members who provide the web content and data, and internal and external users of FEWS NET products. This will require both technical knowledge of database and website issues, but most importantly, an ability to understand and meet information users’ needs.

15 Knowledge Management Specialist: The Knowledge Management Specialist will work with the Hub Director to ensure FEWS NET data and learning products, systems, and tools to meet internal and external users’ needs. The KM Specialist will develop a strategy for improving access to FEWS NET data and knowledge by external audiences.

16 Home Office Web Manager: The Web Manager will lead the management and improvement of the FEWS NET website while maintaining adherence to USAID and Federal requirements for security, data quality, documentation, metadata, and open access. The manager will lead the process of maintaining the website, identifying any additional functionality to make it more useful and sophisticated, and implementing any revisions or redesign.

17 Home Office Deputy Web Manager: The mid-level support staff provides technical support and development of task order level Data and Learning Hub web-based functions, such as the FEWS NET website. Skills in website development and maintenance, and use of relevant software, required.

18 Home Office Web Assistant: The junior-level support staff assists with technical support and development of task order level Data and Learning Hub web-based functions, such as the FEWS NET website.

19 Home Office Data Manager: The Data Manager will lead management and improvement in the FEWS Data Warehouse and other associated FEWS NET data management systems that may be created. She/he will manage linkage and access to external datasets. She/he will use data design methodologies and tools and database management software to create systems that meet user requirements among the FEWS NET Team and outside it, and will identify methods of database programming to perform queries and visualizations that enable efficient, responsive data exploration and analysis.

20 Home Office Deputy Data Manager : The mid-level support staff provides technical support and development of task order-level Data and Learning Hub data management functions, such as the FEWS NET Data Warehouse. Skills in database development and maintenance, and use of relevant software, required.

21 Home Office Data Assistant: The junior-level support staff assists with technical support and development of task order-level Data and Learning Hub data management functions, such as the FEWS NET Data Warehouse.

22 Home Office Administrative/Office Management Assistant: The assistant provides administrative and operational support to the home office to ensure that the office is well-managed and to help track any needed administrative approvals or actions. The assistant coordinates logistics for travel and events.

23 Home Office Communications/Social Media Specialist: The specialist provides communications support and training, as required by the project. The specialist works with the Hub Director to ensure project-wide consistent reporting format and adherence with all USAID branding and marking regulations. The specialist leads social media efforts.

B.8.2(d) Illustrative List of Potential Field Staff Positions for Future Task Orders (Offerors Responding to Pillars 1,3, and 4)

● National Technical Manager

● Assistant National Technical Manager

● National Food Security Specialist

● Field Office Manager

● Accountant

● Driver (field)

● Regional Technical Manager

● Deputy Regional Technical Manager

● Regional Food Security Specialist

● Regional Technical Specialist/Technical Advisor

● Regional Office Manager

● Regional Accountant

B.9 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

In order to perform the statement of work set forth in Section C, the Contractor must provide personnel that meet the minimum education and experience requirements set forth below. These minimum qualifications for junior-, mid-, and senior-level personnel correspond to the Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates above.

Education and Experience Requirements Applicable to Labor Categories 01-02

Level Academic Degree* AND Years of Relevant

Work Experience** Additional

Requirements

Junior

Master’s 1 year

Bachelor's 3 years

Less than Bachelor's 5 years

Mid

Ph.D. 2 years

J.D. 3 years

Masters 4 years

Bachelor's 6 years

Less than Bachelor's 8 years

03 - 13

Level Academic Degree* AND Years of Relevant

Work Experience** Additional

Requirements

Junior

Master’s 1 year

Bachelor's 3 years

Less than Bachelor's 5 years

Mid

Ph.D. 2 years

J.D. 3 years

Master’s 4 years

Bachelor's 6 years

Less than Bachelor's 8 years

Senior

Ph.D. 6 years

J.D. 8 years

Master’s 10 years

Bachelor's 15 years

Less than Bachelor's 20 years

17-18, and 20-231

Level Academic Degree* AND Years of Relevant

Work Experience** Additional

Requirements

Junior

Master’s 3 years

Bachelor's 4 years

Less than Bachelor' 5 years

Mid

Ph.D. 4 years

J.D. 5 years

Master’s 6 years

Bachelor's 8 years

Less than Bachelor's 10 years

Language fluency, relevant regional experience, and international development experience requirements will be specified in individual task orders.

B.10 SUBCONTRACTOR RATES

The following provides guidance for various subcontracting arrangements:

1 Detailed education and experience requirements for key personnel for the first Hub task order (Labor Categories 14, 15, 16 and 19) are described in Section C.5 of the attached RFTOP.

(a) The prime contract with an approved subcontractor from the original IDIQ competition. The unburdened CDR’s for the prime contract apply to the subcontractor

(b) The Prime contract with a new subcontractor not yet approved. The unburdened CDR’s for the prime contract apply to the new subcontractor.

(c) The Prime contract with a new subcontractor not yet approved and may or may not have a different cost accounting system that only processes fully burdened rates. Further, subcontractor proposes rates that are “above” the prime IDIQ rates.

The Prime may then include in its TO proposal, (i) the fully burdened rate proposed to the Prime by the Subcontractor,(ii) allocation of the Prime’s indirect costs in accordance with established accounting practices, and (iii) a reasonable profit. If the rates proposed to USAID, inclusive of the Prime’s allocable indirect costs and a reasonable profit are above the Prime’s unburdened CDRs , the Prime must disclose the amount of the indirect costs, and the amount of the proposed profit that were added to the Subcontractor’s proposed rates. A reasonable profit will be negotiated by the TOCO for the specific TO. The CDRs of the subcontractor must not exceed the prime’s CDRs in the IDIQ contract.

B.11 APPROVAL OF MAJOR SUBCONTRACTORS

The IDIQ CO will approve the major subcontractor(s), in accordance with FAR part 52.244-2 and FAR Subpart 44.202-2.

Approved Sub-Contractor(s): [To be determined (TBD) at time of award].

B.12 LABOR (UNBURDENED CDR) RATE CHANGES

The labor rates are fixed for all contract years; however, the Contractor may submit a proposal reducing the labor rates and/or indirect rates at any time during the life of this contract. The Government will review these proposals and determine if the revised rates are realistic and in the best interests of the Government. If the rates are accepted, the Government will modify the contract by incorporating the new rates into the contract.

B.13 INDIRECT COSTS

(Only applicable to CPFF Task Orders) Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs will be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Offeror Fringe Rate

Overhead Rate %

Overhead Ceiling Rate %

G&A Rate %

G&A Ceiling Rate %

PRIME (Insert Name) Base of Application

Source: (insert) Period: (insert)

SUBCONTRACTOR(S)

(Insert Name (s))

Base of Application Source: (insert) Period: (insert)

NOTE: Insert additional indirect rates as needed for all primes and major subcontractors in the above table.

*Special Note: The un-shaded columns in the indirect cost table are the current approved indirect cost rates for the prime and major subcontractor(s).

The Contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs that impacts this contract without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

Reimbursement for indirect costs must be at final negotiated rates, but not in excess of ceiling rates specified above.

The Government must not be obligated to pay any additional amount associated with indirect costs above the ceiling rates established in the contract. This advance understanding must not change any monetary ceiling, cost limitation, or obligation established in the contract.

NOTE: For Fixed-priced Task Orders, the overhead ceilings serve as a basis for negotiation only.

Note: Contractors are allowed to recoup indirect costs (OH, G&A, etc.) as other direct costs if it is part of the contractor’s usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31 and the contactor’s NICRA.

B.14 NAICS CODE

The authorized NAICS Code for unrestricted component of this RFP is: 541990 – All other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.

The authorized NAICS Code for restricted component of this RFP is: 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology).

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 BACKGROUND

The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) comprises a 30 year-old set of integrated activities that produce credible, evidence-driven and timely analysis of food insecurity around the world. It was created by USAID in 1985 under the name Famine Early Warning System (FEWS), in response to a need for better and earlier warning of potential famines. This was immediately following famines that claimed over a million lives in East and West Africa from 1983 to 1985.

The activity was first managed from the USAID Africa Bureau and covered five countries of the Sahel, and Sudan. In 2000, FEWS became FEWS NET, formally recognizing FEWS’ emphasis on working in partnership with networks. In 2003, responsibility for implementing the entire suite of FEWS NET contracts and agreements was transferred from USAID’s Office of Sustainable Development in the Africa Bureau, to the Policy and Technical Division (PTD) of the Office of Food for Peace (FFP), which is within the Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) Bureau of USAID. The intent of moving FEWS NET into DCHA/FFP was to allow it to play a more global role in meeting USAID information and decision-making needs in early warning, food security assessment, and improved humanitarian response. Since that time, FEWS NET has expanded its presence by providing coverage of food insecurity in vulnerable countries in Central America, the Caribbean, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Since…