ACES_RFP_SOL-OAA-17-000103.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 2

ACES Solicitation #: SOL-OAA-17-000103

Contents

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

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

B.6 CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINs):

B.7 LABOR

B.8 LABOR (UNBURDENED CDR) RATE CHANGES

B.9 INDIRECT COSTS AND ADVANCED UNDERSTANDING ON CEILINGS

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Section C –Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (January 1993)

D.2 BRANDING STRATEGY, IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN

D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY

D.4 TASK ORDER BRANDING AND IMPLEMENTATION PLANS

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE/RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

E.3 RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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 BUY-IN/FIELD SUPPORT FUNDING FOR TASK ORDERS

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

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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 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.3 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.4 AIDAR 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (Defense Base Act).

(DEC 1991)

H.5 AIDAR 752.228-70 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (JUL 2007)

H.6 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE

H.7 AIDAIR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JUL 1997)

H.8 AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JUL 2007)

H.9 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.10 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

(APR 2014)

H.11 BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL

H.12 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

(JAN 2002)

H.13 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JUL 2007)

H.14 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (AUG 2013)

H.15 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013)

H.16 AIDAR 752.7036 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) Portal (JUL 2014) .. 65

H.17 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.18 AIDAR 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUN 2012)

H.19 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY (DEC 2004)

H.20 302.3.4.13 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS (GUCs) Effective Date: 10/01/2014

H.21 302.3.5.22 SUBMISSION OF DATSETS TO THE DEVLOPMENT DATA LIBRABY (DDL)

(OCT 2014)

H.22 INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY

H.23 LOGISTIC SUPPORT

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H.24 52.211-70 LANGUAGE AND MEASUREMENT (JUN 1992)

H.25 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATION TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE (JAN

2002) 70

H.26 ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (MAY 2016)

H.28 USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NOTIFICATION (MAY 2016)

H.30 MEDIA AND INFORMATION HANDLING AND PROTECTION (APRIL 2018)

H.31 CLOUD COMPUTING (APRIL 2018)

H.32 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, As

Amended

H.33 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

H.34 SUBCONTRACTING REPORT

H.35 SUBCONTRACTING CONSENT

H.36 PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

H.37 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND MANAGEMENT

H.38 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES

H.39 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN

INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS—REPRESENTATION (FEB 2015)

H.40 RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (MAY 2016)

H.41 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM

IMPLEMENTATION CONTRACT

H.42 HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE CODE OF CONDUCT

H.43 SECURITY CLEARANCE

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 NONDISCRIMINATION AGAINST END-USERS OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES (OCT 2016) 91

PART II – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

J.2 Small Business Subcontracting Plan Template

J.3 Prime and Subcontractor Percentage of Work Overview

J.4 DD 254 Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specifications

J.5 Past Performance Matrix

J.6 Contractor and Major Subcontractor Policy for Workday, Workweek, and Paid Absences (To be

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 5 attached at award)

J.7 Cost/Price Matrix for all Offerors (attached as excel document to RFP)

J.8 Contractor Past Performance Evaluation - Short Form (attached)

J.9 SF-294 Subcontracting Report for Individual Contracts

J.10 Case Study Resources

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

K.6 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984)

K.7 52.225-20 PROHIBITION ON CONDUCTING RESTRICTED BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN

SUDAN – CERTIFICATION (AUG 2009)

K.8 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (OCT

2015) 102

K.9 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE – COST ACCOUNTING PRACTIVE CHANGES

(APR 2005)

K.10 INSURANCE – IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.11 AGREEMENT ON, OR EXEMPTION TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

K.12 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.13 DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBER

K.14 CONTRACTOR PURCHASING SYSTEM REVIEW

K.15 PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM REVIEW

K.16 SIGNATURE

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

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED

L.2 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (JAN 2004) .. 106

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

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

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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

NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.3 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.4 COST/PRICE EVALUATION

M.5 SOURCE SELECTION

M.6 CONTRACTING WITH SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS

M.7 SMALL BUSINESS RESERVE

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

PROGRAM

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 7

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

Active Communities - Effective States (ACES). 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 any Fixed-Priced type. The Contractor must perform the services set forth in task orders at prices consistent with

Section B of this contract.

B.3 MINIMUM OBLIGATED AMOUNT

The basic contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $25,000 to cover the minimum order guarantee

USAID is required to order and the Contractor is required to furnish the minimum order amount of services.

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 $225,000,000 for

Democracy, Human Rights and Governance support. 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)

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

(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 _TBD__ (x%) percent 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.

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Fees for CPIF or CPAF task order types will be negotiated by the TOCO at the time of task order award.

(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

_TBD____ percent (Offeror proposes ceiling percentage) of the task order GUC cost.

Or

(2) If a Letter of Credit has been issued to the Contractor for GUC expenditures only, in no event may the amount of fixed fee (if any) applicable to GUCs in any individual task order exceed _TBD____ percent (Offeror proposes ceiling percentage) of the task order GUC cost.

B.6 CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINs):

CLINs will be established based on the requirements in each respective Task Order.

B.7 LABOR

(Only applicable to cost reimbursement type task orders)

Central management costs will be handled through the following method:

Contractors will be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs as specified in a task order issued to the Contractor.

The work day and work week policies and method of accounting for paid absences including holidays for the contractor and major subcontractors is set forth in Attachment J.6.

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.).

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B.7 (a) Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR)

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

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:

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

● Indirect Costs applicable to labor; and

● 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.

Actual salaries for all personnel will be negotiated under task orders and final approval is provided by the TOCO. The ceiling rates presented below do not constitute approval of final salary rates above the Contractor Salary Threshold (CST)

(see ADS 302).

(2) 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 junior-level personnel are required under task orders, they must be proposed at rates below the unburdened ceiling daily rate.

[Table to be filled in during as part of cost proposal.]

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 10

[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: Other positions may be required in performance of the task orders, based on specific needs and those will be competed at the Task Order level.]

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 must 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.]

Labor Category Groupings Level Years: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Project Manager Sr.

Project Manager Mid

Public Administration/Public Finance Specialist Sr.

Public Administration/Public Finance Specialist Mid

Elections Specialist Sr.

Elections Specialist Mid

Democracy, Rights and Governance Specialist Sr.

Democracy, Rights and Governance Specialist Mid

Social Scientist/Cultural Anthropologist Sr.

Social Scientist/Cultural Anthropologist Mid

Rule of Law and Human Rights Specialist Sr.

Rule of Law and Human Rights Specialist Mid

Legislative/Parliamentary Development Specialist Sr.

Legislative/Parliamentary Development Specialist Mid

Grants Administrator Sr.

Grants Administrator Mid

IDIQ Manager Sr.

IDIQ Manager Mid

Training Specialist Sr.

Training Specialist Mid

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Sr.

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Mid

Gender Specialist Sr.

Gender Specialist Mid

Information Technology Specialist Sr.

Information Technology Specialist Mid

Project/Administrative Support Specialist Sr.

Project/Administrative Support Specialist Mid

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(3) Definition of labor categories:

Senior Project Manager

The Senior Project Manager will provide leadership at the task order level to attain the objectives described in Section C, ensure adequate communications with USAID identify and mitigate program risks, and promote technical vision, cohesion, and integration. S/he will provide overall technical leadership for the design and implementation of activities described in Section C. The Senior Project Manager will:

Plan and implement work plan activities; ensure financial management and contract compliance; manage and supervise staff; monitor and report on impact; and deliver program objectives.

Develop solid working relationships with host country officials at all levels and members of civil society; promote dialogue on and gain support for politically sensitive measures; collaborate with diverse actors to ensure maximum project impact; and manage, support, and retain project staff.

Be involved in the development and implementation of activities described in Section C in the developing world context.

Public Administration/Public Finance Specialist

The Public Administrative/Public Specialist will provide financial, administrative, and human resources technical expertise for activities implemented through ACES task orders. S/he will be the lead person regarding public financial systems, expenditure management, and public procurement. This individual will:

Provide advice in the area of public finance and accounting;

Provide analysis, advice and/or implementation assistance on financial management systems (including transparency and accountability in financial systems), and other subjects related to finance;

Assessing and improving the financial situation of governments, both national and subnational, in regards to own source revenues, taxes and fees and intergovernmental transfers;

Providing technical assistance in computerized financial information management systems, performance-based budgeting, executing the budget cycle, and auditing.

Elections Specialist

The Elections Specialist will provide technical, consultative and training expertise in all areas related to the implementation of elections, including the pre- and post-election phase. This person must have experience in:

The design, implementation and oversight of elections-related activities, including but not limited to the design of a robust voter education campaign, technical assistance on voter registration efforts, and other capacity building initiatives

The support of civil society organizations (CSOs) in conducting voter education activities and strengthening their ability to conduct oversight and advocacy to protect citizens’ electoral rights in elections;

The management and implementation of successful political participation programs as well as providing technical assistance to governments, central elections committees and other stakeholders;

Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods (including focus group discussion, key informant interviews, survey design and statistical analysis, etc.;

Experience in conducting parallel voter tabulations and post-elections evaluations; and

In-depth understanding of electoral administration, especially on the use of technology as it pertains to elections.

Democracy, Rights and Governance Specialist

The Democracy, Rights and Governance Specialist (DRG Specialist) will promote democracy, human rights and governance issues in developing countries. This person will provide analysis, advice and guidance based on the disciplines of political science and political economy, comparative politics, international political theory, democratic development, and development theory. Additionally, the DRG Specialist will work on activities in host counties of the developing world that promote:

Political transitions;

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 12

Government transparency;

Decentralization;

Anti-corruption activities;

Security sector reform;

Conflict mitigation and peacebuilding; and

Good governance, effectiveness and other closely related topics.

Social Scientist/Cultural Anthropologist

The Social Scientist/Anthropologist will determine the proper cultural context in designing and managing DRG projects in developing countries. As such, this person will:

Study and research the link between society and human behavior in countries of the developing world;

Conduct field studies of cultures and designing and leading research projects, including both long and short-term projects in cultures typical to the countries in which USAID works;

Formulate research questions and provide analysis of collected information in the developing world context;

Plan and design highly complex research projects to provide a framework for collection and analysis of data relevant to measuring impact on the kinds of activities described in Section C;

Direct and participate in qualitative and quantitative data collection methodologies to include direct observation, visual ethnography, key leader engagement, participant observation, depth interviewing, group or focus group interviewing, surveying, secondary source research, and mixed method approaches for the kinds of activities described in Section C;

Provide input on public opinion surveys and focus groups.

Rule of Law and Human Rights Specialist

The Rule of Law and Human Rights Specialist (ROLHR Specialist) will design, monitor, analyze, evaluate, provide advice on and implement rule of law and human rights projects in developing countries. Towards that end, the ROLHR

Specialist will:

Conduct research, analysis and assessments of the structure and functions of the legal and judicial sectors in developing countries, with a specific focus on strengthening the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights.

Monitor ROL, human rights, and related issues in developing countries for the advancement of democratic governance and human rights.

Work collaboratively with project staff, counterparts, partners, the contractor’s Home Office, and USAID.

Provide analysis, advice and/or implementation assistance on rule of law institutions (including courts, prosecutors and relevant ministries), formation and modifications to legal systems, and legal aspects of design or modification of rules, regulations and legislation.

Legislative/Parliamentary Development Specialist

The Legislative/Parliamentary Development Specialist will provide technical assistance to deliberative bodies in developing countries. This person will:

Provide technical advice on comparative practices and experiences, especially on how to improve the effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of parliaments’ legislative process;

Provide technical assistance to parliaments in areas such as or related to the organization and conduct of a new member’s orientation project, organize workshops and presentations focusing on different topics and subjects devoted to legislative subjects designed to familiarize members of parliaments with their roles and functions in a parliamentary system and others focusing on specific policy issues and topics likely to arise in the next parliament such as economic development, corruption, social issues, foreign policy, among others.

Conduct assessments of the work and quality of services of MP constituency development projects in order to identify challenges, constraints, and weaknesses in the current system and provide recommendations on how to improve the selection, performance and accountability of these constituency development projects.

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Work collaboratively with project staff, counterparts, partners, the contractor’s Home Office, and USAID.

Grants Administrator

The Grants Administrator will oversee grants, grantee compliance, report on grant activities, maintain and manage grant agreements, issue grants solicitations, and evaluate grant proposals based on responsiveness, cost realism, regulatory compliance and risk analysis and mitigation. The Grants Administrator will also:

Provide grant oversight and capacity building support for grants issued under USAID task orders;

Maintain and manage records of grant agreements including paper and electronic files, an inventory of all agreements, and a schedule of dates and deadlines relevant to those agreements; and

Provide regular updates on grantee compliance, risks and challenges that may arise and offer solutions accordingly.

IDIQ Manager

The IDIQ Manager will bear primary responsibility for technical aspects of contract performance, as well as procurement personnel, reporting, and other management related requirements of the contract. Specifically, the IDIQ Manager will:

Respond to task order requests, and provide central management and oversight of task orders under this award, working collaboratively and often with USAID central and field project managers, technical officers, Contracting

Officers, and meet and consult regularly with the IDIQ COR.

Select, provide technical and administrative direction and guidance to, and place and support all technical experts carrying out technical requirements.

Report to USAID technical and contract personnel in accordance with USAID reporting requirements in Section

F.

Ensure quality and control methods are applied in a consistent and transparent manner for all contracted tasks and functions.

Training Specialist

The Training Specialist will provide support in the area of training under ACES task orders. This individual will focus on training, capacity building and institutional strengthening, in support of the contract’s overall objectives, and as specifically called for in task orders. The Training Specialist’s responsibilities could include, but not be limited to:

Designing training programs, orientation programs, meetings and retreats;

Assuring logistical arrangements for training programs;

Providing information about training programs to targeted parties and individuals;

Facilitating or co-facilitate programs and/or sessions using up-to-date adult participatory methodologies;

Coaching subject-matter specialists who will be involved as presenters in training programs.

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will provide guidance on the use of performance indicators and evaluations to reflect progress toward DRG outcomes and impacts throughout the program cycle. Representative tasks include, but are not limited to:

Providing input into statements of work for evaluations and monitoring and evaluation plans;

Participating in and/or leading evaluation teams to assess how well Agency strategies, projects and activities address actual improvements in democracy, rights and governance in host countries;

Providing formal and informal reports on the findings;

Designing scientific rigorous impact evaluations that conform with USAID’s Evaluation Policy;

Conceptualizing quantitative and qualitative data collection and analytical methods to support evaluation design and implementation.

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Gender Specialist

The Gender Specialist will lead contractor support to USAID and stakeholders in all aspects of gender data collection and analysis to ensure that the overall emphasis of gender is included in all applicable work carried out under ACES. The

Gender Specialist will:

Provide guidance on the use of performance indicators and evaluations to reflect progress toward gender equality outcomes and impacts throughout the life of the project.

Assist in the design of gender analyses to assess gaps between men and women, provide recommendations on empowering leadership and expertise of women and girls, and devise strategies for meeting their needs.

Ensure identified indicators incorporate consideration of gender sensitivities, geographic focus, population segmentation, and similar cross‐cutting strategic issues of importance to USAID.

Establish gender‐disaggregated information requirements for data collection activities and reports; and highlight gender-based constraints and issues in connection with all assessments, surveys and studies.

Information Technology Specialist:

The Information Technology (IT) Specialist will provide analysis, advice and/or implementation assistance on design, implementation and evaluation of computerization of information systems. This person will advise on hardware and software configurations, purchases, and maintenance and personnel training requirements. The IT Specialist will also advise on uses and options related to internet connectivity, social media and e-government initiatives.

Project/Administrative Support Specialist

The Project/Administrative Support Specialist will provide support for the day-to-day operations and management of the task order. This support may include, but not be limited to, providing secretarial, logistical and operations support to contractor teams, USAID and cooperating country personnel; managing project documentation; producing and distributing project related correspondence; supporting general contract management through asset management; and monitoring of project deliverables and variables.

B.7 (b) 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 mid-level and senior personnel correspond to the Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates above.

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Table of Minimum Qualifications

Education +

Experience

Requirements

OR

Experience Requirements

(Substitution of Relevant Work

Experience in Lieu of a

Degree)

Level Academic Degree*

AND Years of

Relevant Work

Experience**

Years of Relevant Work

Experience***

Mid

Ph.D.

JD/ABD

MS/MA/MB

BS/BA

Less than

BS/BA****

Senior

Ph.D.

JD/ABD

MS/MA/MB

BS/BA

Less than

BS/BA****

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

*Highest degree obtained should be related to work being performed.

** Experience should be related to the work being performed.

***Relevant Work Experience is required for the levels indicated.

****Less than BS/BA refers to the attainment of an Associate degree or professional certificate

B.7 (c) Subcontractor Rates.

The following provides guidance for various subcontracting arrangements:

(i) The Prime subcontracts with an approved subcontractor from the original IDIQ competition

The unburdened CDR’s for the prime contract apply to the subcontractor.

(ii) The Prime contracts with a new subcontractor not yet approved

The unburdened CDR’s for the prime contract apply to the new subcontractor.

(iii) Prime subcontracts 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

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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.8 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.9 INDIRECT COSTS AND ADVANCED UNDERSTANDING ON CEILINGS

[Ceilings are not applicable to Small Business Offerors or local organizations serving as the prime or a subcontractor.

Indirect rates are only applicable to cost reimbursement task orders.]

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 for prime contractors and their major subcontractors.

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.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 17

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.

[END OF SECTION B]

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 18

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Section C –Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

C.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of Active Communities - Effective States (ACES) is to provide technical assistance and advisory services, training, and direct program implementation to support host country good governance, transparency and accountability.

ACES provides an “accountability systems” approach, moving beyond a narrow focus on supply-side versus demand-side accountability support or a focus only on formal institutions. Instead, this approach seeks to understand how citizens interact in systems and processes of accountability and strengthen linkages among formal and informal actors on specific issues. ACES also supports the integration of good governance into programs across USAID’s development portfolio, such as health, education and economic growth. This means applying Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG) principles and practices to address political-economic obstacles in other sectors thereby improving overall development outcomes.

ACES can be used by USAID Missions and operating units in countries in all stages of political development, from those experiencing conflict or fragility to strong performers. Activities will be within one or more of the following technical areas:

- Good Governance and Anti-Corruption;

- Strengthening the Legislative Function/Legal Framework;

- Decentralization and Local Governance;

- Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform; and

- Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms.

C.2 BACKGROUND

USAID’s Center of Excellence on Democracy, Rights, and Governance (The DRG Center) of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) provides USAID and other development practitioners with analytical and technical support to strengthen democratic development in host countries around the world. The DRG Center advances governance and rule of law, civil society and media, elections and political transitions, human rights, and cross-sectoral issues. In 2013, USAID launched a new Strategy on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG Strategy) with the overarching goal to support the establishment and consolidation of inclusive and accountable democracies to advance freedom, dignity, and development. The DRG Strategy sets four development objectives (DOs) listed below:

DO1 - Promote participatory, representative and inclusive political processes and government institutions.

DO2 - Foster greater accountability of institutions and leaders to citizens and to the law.

DO3 - Protect and promote universally recognized human rights.

DO4 - Improve development outcomes through the integration of DRG principles and practices across USAID’s development portfolio.

The DCHA/DRG Strategy emphasizes citizen participation and inclusion, accountability, transparency innovation and integration across all DRG areas of work. The Strategy also supports USAID Forward , particularly Local Solutions

, by

(http://www.usaid.gov/democracy-human-rights-and-governance-strategy) https://www.usaid.gov/usaidforward

(http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1870/LocalSystemsFramework.pdf) http://www.usaid.gov/democracy-human-rights-and-governance-strategy https://www.usaid.gov/usaidforward http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1870/LocalSystemsFramework.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 19 recognizing that accountable and participatory local development partners, including executive bodies, parliaments and judiciaries, as well as media, civil society and the private sector, are critical players in a country’s development and its ability to achieve DRG goals. USAID Forward programs and activities also identify and scale up innovative, breakthrough solutions to intractable development challenges. At USAID, we have a strong history of partnerships with the scientific community that helped pioneer some of the greatest successes in development to date. USAID Forward also strengthens our work with scientists, researchers and universities, investing in new technologies to source and scale innovative solutions for greater impact.

The DCHA/DRG Strategy also recognizes that obstacles to economic and social development are rooted in the political economy of a country. Therefore technical solutions proposed under ACES must proceed from careful analysis of the underlying political-economic forces that determine governance patterns in a particular country, region, city or community.

The ACES IDIQ is intended to build on the recently completed Encouraging Global Anti-corruption and Good

Governance (ENGAGE) Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) and the Strengthening Deliberative Bodies IQC to further operationalize the Agency’s new DRG Strategy through the design and implementation of democratic governance programs tailored to specific country contexts and realities. A number of activities implemented under task orders of the aforementioned IDIQs were evaluated and assessed. Not all activities were successful in achieving all their objectives.

However, on balance, most activities were able to document progress in most targeted areas. We have also since learned which kind of activities are high risk and will take this into consideration in designing new activates under ACES.

USAID anticipates that ACES will complement existing DRG-related centrally-managed programming mechanisms including, but not limited to, the Rule of Law (ROL) IQC, the Global Civil Society Strengthening (GCSS) Leader with

Associates (LWA), and the Global Human Rights LWA. ACES also builds on the expertise gained through previous governance IQCs, such as Building Recovery through Democratic Governance (BRDG) and Strategic, Policy and

Institutional Reform. ACES will also help DRG meet its own objectives and goals, in particular by contributing to the

DRG Strategy and the DRG Learning Agenda.

ADS 304.3.1 “Criteria for Selecting the Appropriate Instrument,” sub-paragraph (a) states that “In accordance with the

FGCAA [Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act], USAID must use a contract or order against a contract when:

the principal purpose of the instrument is the acquisition – by purchase, lease, or barter – of property or services for the direct benefit or use of USAID or another U.S. Government (USG) entity.” According to ADS 304.3.2, the rationale for using a contract is that the purpose of the immediate award is to obtain goods and services from the awardee. Therefore, the relationship is an “exchange” of Agency funds for the contractor’s goods and services. The relationship to be established under ACES is decidedly not one of assistance, as the Agency is not looking to provide financial support to another organizations’ program to accomplish a public purpose. USAID seeks to acquire the awardee’s goods and services to accomplish USAID’s own purposes, requiring the Agency to provide technical direction to interpret the technical requirements. In addition, USAID requires a contract since the Agency intends to exercise a considerable amount of operational control, performing day-to-day oversight and providing technical direction which would be inappropriate under an assistance agreement.

C.3 OBJECTIVE

Development Hypothesis:

When participatory, representative, and inclusive political processes and government institutions exist, and when institutions and leaders are accountable to citizens and to the law, and individual rights are protected, then individuals and countries will experience gains in freedom and development. Improving democracy, human rights and governance in host countries is vital to the pursuit of freedom and the US’s national security, and is essential to achieving the Agency’s and the United States Government’s broader economic development goals. Improving democracy, individual rights and https://pages.usaid.gov/DCHA/DRG/learning-agenda https://pages.usaid.gov/DCHA/DRG/learning-agenda

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 20 governance in host countries is also a key element of the new 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which for the first time formally recognize and include just, accountable and responsive institutions in the larger global development agenda.

The objective of ACES is to support the implementation of the DRG Strategy. We have evidence that our Strategy works, and we are constantly refining it. The design of the DRG Strategy was in part informed by the findings of a very large

2006 study (Finkel et al. 2006). This research concluded that over the period studied (1990–2003), USAID’s democracy and governance assistance to well over one hundred countries on average left them with higher Freedom House and Polity

IV scores for democracy than they could have been expected to achieve otherwise.

In their 2017 annual report entitled “Freedom in the World,” Freedom House recorded -- for the twelfth year in a row --more declines in democratic governance than gains in every region of the world, with dramatic declines in many countries in which USAID operates. Many countries are experiencing a pattern of backsliding, or “closing spaces,” as new laws restrict civil society and sanctioned policies of harassment undermine fundamental human rights. Reforms often call for changed roles, altered incentive structures, and unfamiliar ways of doing business. Powerful interest groups with a stake in the status quo may put up strong opposition to reform efforts. For these reasons, failure to institutionalize change is often due to challenges of implementation, rather than to flaws in the reforms themselves. Ultimately, institutions responsible for democratic governance and service delivery are shaped as much by interests and incentives as they are by form and function. DRG development assistance must help partner countries build the underlying political and economic institutions necessary to become more resilient and capable of leading their own broad-based development through stronger accountability, participation and responsiveness to their citizens.

A rights-based approach to governance focuses programming based on the rights guaranteed to people in their countries' legislation and under international agreements to which their governments are signatories. Such an approach can empower people to assert their civil rights and to demand what they are entitled to by law from their government and to hold it accountable to its legal commitments and obligations under international law.

Activities conducted under ACES will incorporate both vertical (state-society) and horizontal (intra-state) accountability systems. Activities will also build the capacity of government actors to fulfill their roles to the highest ethical and performance standards. They may also include using “Grants under Contract” and providing training and other services so that civil society and media work autonomously, yet ideally constructively with government to increase their effectiveness, accountability and transparency at all levels.

C.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

C.4.1 SCOPE

The Contractor must provide technical assistance and advisory services, training, and direct program implementation in the following technical areas in order to support host country good governance, transparency and accountability:

- Good Governance and Anti-Corruption;

- Strengthening the Legislative Function/Legal Framework;

- Decentralization and Local Governance;

- Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform; and

- Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms.

Finkel, Steven et al. (2006): Final Report: Effects of U.S. Foreign Assistance on Democracy Building: Results of a Cross-National

Quantitative Survey (USAID); online: http://www.usaid.gov https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2014#.VNPmIPnF8pc https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2014#.VNPmIPnF8pc

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 21

C.4.2 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor must furnish services that include individuals having experience and expertise, both practical and conceptual, in the subject matter/s required by each task order. USAID will define its needs in task orders, which will be managed by Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs) from the tasking Bureau or Mission which may include the

DRG Center as well as other Washington operating units and Missions.

The Contractor must:

- Coordinate its activities with other ongoing activities in host countries, including those supported by

USAID/Washington or regional initiatives, other U.S. Government (USG) Departments, and other donors, when appropriate;

- Work closely with key governmental, non-governmental, and community-based organizations, utilize local expertise, and engage the private sector to the maximum extent possible and appropriate;

- Assure that the expertise assigned is appropriate to the project’s objectives and that the task order resources are used in a cost-effective manner;

- Provide adaptive management techniques and ensure lessons learned and best practices are captured and disseminated among ACES IDIQ holders and the broader governance community;

- Provide support to USAID Missions undertaking assessments and evaluations, and political economy analysis including logistical assistance, report writing coordination and related assistance; and

- Design programs and annual work plans to be flexible and allow for responding to windows of opportunity. The Contractor must stay abreast of political or cultural shifts and recognize, and be prepared to respond when there are windows of opportunity and moments of political and social change when reform is more likely to take root.

C.4.2.1 Technical Areas

Programming under this IDIQ includes the following technical areas:

C.4.2.1.1 Good Governance and Anti-Corruption

Activities in this area will aim to support the Agency’s work of developing accountable and transparent institutions, processes and systems, including expanding anti-corruption efforts; reform and institutional strengthening of national and sub-national governments to deliver on the mandates of their offices and fulfill the public trust; and support accountability efforts to shift the incentives of the ruling elite from personal gain to instead respond to the needs of the public good.

Illustrative activities that support good governance and anti-corruption efforts include, but are not limited to:

- Strengthening institutional safeguards to promote ethical behavior of public officials;

- Improving performance monitoring, evaluation and auditing, line supervision, internal affairs, and transparent administrative processes;

- Developing anti-corruption initiatives across development sectors (i.e. agriculture, education, health, environment, natural resource management, corporate governance and other sectors);

- Providing support to host governments to enable eligibility to participate in voluntary multilateral initiatives or to strengthen participation in voluntary multilateral initiatives, such as implementing the Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs), the Open Government Partnership and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; and

- Strengthening the role of civil society to engage cooperatively with national and local government, including deepening analytical, organizational and information and communications technology (ICT) capabilities.

In addition, support to the Agency’s Government-to-Government (G2G) initiatives is also envisioned through the provision of technical assistance, training, and other capacity building…