STATEMENT OF WORK updated version 013 1 (1) (1).docx

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Digital Literacy and Innovation Services — AI Literacy and Innovation Hub, Dar America

1. BACKGROUND

The U.S. Mission Morocco seeks professional services to implement an AI Literacy and Innovation Hub at Dar America. The contractor shall provide the technical, logistical, instructional, administrative, and event-management services necessary to showcase American leadership in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, innovation, and emerging technologies.

The contractor shall be responsible for the design and implementation of program activities, including participant recruitment and coordination, technical instruction, professional engagement, project development, networking, monitoring and reporting, communications, and a culminating Demo Day.

The contractor shall deliver:

· Thirty (30) structured training sessions of a minimum of two (2) hours each;

· Four (4) in-person engagements with U.S. experts based in Morocco or, where approved by the U.S. Mission, their designated representatives in Morocco;

· Four (4) structured project development sessions;

· Two (2) networking events;

· One (1) public Demo Day; and

· Associated monitoring, reporting, photography, branding, communications, recruitment, and logistical support.

All activities shall be completed during the period of performance specified in Section 4 and shall be performed primarily at Dar America, Casablanca, Morocco.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 Execution of 30 Structured Instructional Sessions

The contractor shall recruit 60 to 80 participants with an interest in AI, digital literacy, STEM, entrepreneurship, innovation, or emerging technologies. Prior AI/STEM experience is required; the program should accommodate participants with varying levels of technical knowledge. Participants should generally be 18 years of age or older and demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the language(s) used for instruction. No geographic diversity requirement.

The contractor shall develop participant selection and recruitment procedures and submit them to PDS for approval within thirty (30) days of contract award.

The contractor shall design and deliver thirty (30) structured training sessions, each lasting a minimum of two (2) hours.

Session formats may include workshops, panels, seminars, laboratories, demonstrations, or other appropriate instructional formats and shall be defined in the implementation plan.

The contractor must recruit and provide at least:

· One (1) qualified instructor; and

· One (1) coordinator for each instructional session.

Qualified Instructor Requirements A qualified instructor shall have:

· A relevant university degree, professional certification, or equivalent demonstrated expertise in the subject area being taught;

· Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant professional, academic, or instructional experience in AI, STEM, digital literacy, technology, entrepreneurship, or the applicable subject area;

· Demonstrated experience delivering training, workshops, seminars, or similar instructional activities;

· Sufficient English and/or Arabic, or French proficiency to effectively deliver the assigned session; and

· The ability to develop or effectively deliver content appropriate to the participants' level of knowledge.

PDS/COR may review the qualifications of proposed instructors and request supporting information as necessary.

Language of Instruction Training and program activities shall be delivered in English and/or Arabic, or French.

Translation or interpretation services are not required under this SOW.

The contractor shall identify the proposed language of instruction for each session in the implementation plan.

Curriculum and Training Materials The contractor shall develop or adapt appropriate curricula, agendas, presentations, exercises, and supporting materials.

All curricula and instructional materials shall be submitted to PDS for review and approval.

Where specialized technical review is appropriate, PDS may consult or designate a qualified subject-matter expert (SME) to review materials for technical accuracy and relevance.

The contractor may use or adapt appropriate existing AI curricula or materials from reputable sources, including U.S. universities, technology organizations, professional organizations, or other recognized institutions, provided that any third-party materials are properly licensed or otherwise authorized for use.

The contractor shall incorporate reasonable PDS/SME comments before finalizing curricula and training materials.

Photography The contractor shall provide professional photography coverage for each instructional session and submit at least fifteen (15) high-quality photographs per session within three (3) calendar days after each session.

2.2 U.S. Expert Engagements

The four (4) expert engagements shall be conducted by U.S. experts based in Morocco or, where approved by the U.S. Mission, their designated representatives in Morocco.

Each engagement shall last a minimum of two (2) hours.

The U.S. Mission will provide a list of potential or approved U.S. experts.

The contractor shall coordinate and facilitate the engagements, including scheduling, communications, local logistics, and administrative arrangements necessary for participation.

Any designated representative must be approved by the U.S. Mission before participation.

The contractor shall not be responsible for international airfare, international travel, or other costs associated with bringing an expert from the United States to Morocco.

The contractor shall provide or coordinate reasonable local logistical and administrative support in Morocco associated with the participation of the U.S. expert or approved representative.

U.S. Expert Engagement Schedules The contractor shall provide the following scheduling deliverables:

1. Preliminary General Schedule: A preliminary schedule identifying the anticipated timing, sequence, and proposed focus of all four (4) U.S. expert engagements.

2. Detailed Expert Schedule: A detailed schedule for each engagement identifying the expert or approved representative, confirmed date and time, engagement format, location, subject/topic, and logistical requirements. This shall be provided at least fifteen (15) days prior to each engagement.

3. Final Consolidated Schedule: A final consolidated schedule covering all four (4) engagements, reflecting the most current confirmed information. This shall be provided at least fifteen (15) days prior to the first engagement.

The preliminary general schedule and final consolidated schedule are distinct deliverables. The final consolidated schedule shall supersede the preliminary schedule for implementation purposes.

Any material changes shall be communicated promptly to the COR/PDS.

2.3 Project Development Sessions

The contractor shall plan and facilitate four (4) structured project development sessions.

These sessions shall provide hands-on expert support to guide participants through:

· Project refinement;

· Testing;

· Iteration;

· Validation;

· Problem-solving; and

· Preparation for the culminating Demo Day.

The contractor shall provide appropriate facilitators, instructional materials, agendas, and logistical support for each session.

Session agendas and supporting materials shall be submitted to PDS/COR at least fifteen (15) days prior to each session.

2.4 Networking Events

The contractor shall execute two (2) networking events connecting program participants with industry professionals in Morocco and the broader region.

Each networking event shall accommodate 120 individuals.

The 120-person networking-event audience is separate from the 80 individuals recruited for the training sessions, although overlap between the groups is permitted and encouraged where appropriate.

The contractor shall:

· Recruit and coordinate required facilitators and coordinators;

· Arrange and provide one (1) coffee break for 120 individuals at each networking event, for a total of two (2) coffee breaks;

· Provide honoraria for four (4) guest speakers;

· Provide necessary event logistics; and

· Submit at least fifteen (15) high-quality photographs per networking event within three (3) calendar days after each event.

2.5 Demo Day

The contractor shall plan and execute one (1) public outreach event at Dar America as the culminating Demo Day.

The contractor shall provide all necessary logistics for a reception-style event for 120 individuals, including:

· Staffing;

· Event layout plan;

· Set-up and breakdown;

· Food and non-alcoholic beverages;

· Hygiene and cleaning services;

· Event coordination;

· Participant/project presentation support;

· Photography and documentation; and

· Other reasonable logistical requirements identified in the approved event plan.

Participants shall present or demonstrate projects developed during the program.

The contractor shall propose the Demo Day format, presentation structure, and any proposed judging or feedback process in the Demo Day event plan.

No award or prize for the Demo Day The Demo Day event plan shall be submitted for PDS/COR review and approval at least thirty (30) days prior to the event.

2.6 Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

The contractor shall implement a performance monitoring system covering the entire program.

An inclusive monitoring and reporting plan shall be submitted to PDS/COR for review and approval within thirty (30) days of contract award.

The monitoring and reporting system shall include, as applicable:

· Attendance and participation records;

· Participant recruitment and selection records;

· Copies of curricula and training materials;

· Session agendas;

· Survey instruments;

· Survey results and analysis;

· Event documentation;

· Photographs;

· Communications products;

· Performance against agreed activity targets;

· Lessons learned; and

· Recommendations.

Reporting Deadlines Written event/session summary reports shall be submitted no later than seven (7) calendar days after each event or session.

Photographs shall be submitted no later than three (3) calendar days after each event or session.

The final program report shall be submitted by the end of the period of performance.

The contractor shall maintain complete program records throughout the period of performance and provide such records to the Government upon request.

2.7 Marketing and Promotion

Event Branding The contractor shall develop a cohesive branding strategy for all program activities and the Demo Day event, consistent with U.S. Mission guidance and applicable U.S. Government branding standards.

The branding strategy shall be submitted for PDS review and approval within thirty (30) days of contract award.

Communications Products The contractor shall produce promotional and communications materials highlighting U.S. Mission sponsorship and U.S. leadership in AI and emerging technologies, including, as appropriate:

· Posters;

· Banners;

· Backdrops;

· Digital/virtual messaging materials; and

· Other approved promotional materials.

Materials for each event shall be submitted for PDS review at least fifteen (15) days prior to the applicable event.

No public-facing material may be released using U.S. Mission or U.S. Government branding without required approval.

3. DELIVERABLES

All deliverables and due dates are consolidated below. Requirements contained in Section 2 remain governing requirements.

All deliverables shall be subject to Government review and acceptance by PDS and/or the COR, as applicable.

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance starts on September 30, 2026 and ends on July 31, 2027.

The contractor shall develop a detailed implementation schedule within thirty (30) days of contract award.

Reasonable schedule adjustments may be approved when circumstances outside the contractor's reasonable control affect performance.

5. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE AND VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES

Services shall primarily be performed at:

Dar America Rue des Liserons Pôle Urbain Casa Anfa Casablanca, Morocco Virtual activities may be conducted using commercially available online collaboration platforms only with prior U.S. Mission approval.

The contractor shall identify proposed platforms in the implementation plan.

The contractor shall not introduce, install, configure, operate, or connect any contractor-provided information technology, operational technology, hardware, software, network equipment, or information system to Department of State systems, networks, or information technology infrastructure under this SOW.

The services contemplated under this SOW are limited to instructional, event-management, logistical, communications, and related professional services.

6. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION

The U.S. Mission will provide, subject to availability and applicable Government requirements:

· American Spaces facilities;

· Branding guidance;

· Public diplomacy messaging guidance;

· A list of potential or approved U.S. experts;

· Review and approval of key deliverables;

· Applicable guidance regarding U.S. Government branding and public communications; and

· Access procedures for Dar America.

7. KEY PERSONNEL AND STAFFING

The contractor shall provide qualified personnel necessary to perform the requirements of this SOW.

Key personnel shall include, as appropriate:

· Project manager/coordinator;

· Qualified instructors;

· Facilitators;

· Event coordinators; and

· Other personnel necessary for successful performance.

Qualified instructors shall meet the requirements specified in Section 2.1.

The Government may review the qualifications of personnel assigned to the project.

The contractor shall notify the COR/PDS of any proposed replacement of key personnel. Replacement personnel shall possess qualifications equal to or better than those of the originally assigned individual.

8. PHOTOGRAPHY AND MEDIA REQUIREMENTS

For purposes of this SOW, “high-quality photographs” means professionally captured, clear, well-composed, high-resolution digital photographs suitable for official U.S. Mission communications, publication, and archival purposes.

Photographs shall:

· Be provided in JPEG format;

· Have a minimum resolution of 3000 × 2000 pixels;

· Be free of watermarks and commercial branding;

· Be suitable for web and print publication;

· Include high-resolution digital files; and

· Be provided in edited versions when reasonably requested by PDS/COR.

The contractor shall obtain any permissions/releases required under applicable law for the intended use of photographs and shall comply with Government instructions concerning photographs of minors or other individuals requiring additional authorization.

9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND MEDIA RIGHTS

All curricula, training materials, presentations, reports, photographs, graphics, communications products, and other materials specifically created for the Government under this SOW shall be provided in accordance with the intellectual-property provisions of the awarded Purchase Order and applicable U.S. Government requirements.

To the extent permitted by applicable law and third-party rights, the U.S. Government shall have sufficient rights to reproduce, distribute, display, edit, adapt, publish, archive, and otherwise use materials produced under the contract for official U.S. Government and public diplomacy purposes.

The contractor shall identify pre-existing or third-party materials incorporated into deliverables and shall obtain all necessary permissions or licenses before using them.

10. DATA PRIVACY AND PII

The contractor shall collect and process only participant information reasonably necessary to perform this SOW.

Attendance records, registration information, surveys, and other records containing personally identifiable information (PII) shall be protected against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or loss.

The contractor shall:

· Limit access to PII to personnel with a legitimate need to know;

· Use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards;

· Avoid transmitting PII through unsecured channels;

· Store records securely;

· Notify the COR promptly of suspected loss or unauthorized disclosure;

· Return or securely destroy PII when no longer required, subject to applicable records requirements; and

· Not use participant information for unrelated commercial or marketing purposes.

11. SECURITY AND FACILITY ACCESS

Because services will be performed at a U.S. Government facility, contractor personnel shall comply with all Dar America access, identification, security, safety, and visitor procedures.

The Government may require identification information for contractor personnel before granting facility access.

Personnel may be subject to applicable security screening, vetting, or background-check requirements established by the U.S. Mission.

No contractor employee or third-party service provider may access restricted areas or Government systems without authorization.

12. INSURANCE, LIABILITY, AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE

The contractor shall maintain insurance required under applicable Moroccan law, including applicable workers' compensation and general commercial liability coverage.

The contractor shall remain responsible for its personnel, equipment, services, and activities and shall comply with applicable Moroccan laws and regulations.

Any indemnification or liability provisions shall be governed by the terms of the awarded U.S. Government Purchase Order and applicable U.S. Government requirements.

13. LOCAL LABOR LAW COMPLIANCE

The contractor shall comply with all applicable Moroccan labor, employment, wage, social-security, tax, and workplace-safety requirements for locally engaged personnel.

The contractor shall be solely responsible for its employment relationships and obligations concerning its personnel.

Nothing in this SOW creates an employer-employee relationship between the U.S. Government and contractor personnel.

14. SUBCONTRACTING AND DIRECT PERFORMANCE

The contractor shall directly perform the core professional services described in this SOW.

Incidental third-party commercial services may be used when necessary to perform the SOW, provided that the contractor remains fully responsible for performance.

Incidental services may include:

· Catering;

· Printing;

· Equipment rental;

· Specialized photography;

· Transportation; or

· Similar commercial support services.

Core program management, instructional delivery, participant coordination, and overall event execution shall remain the contractor's responsibility.

15. TERMINATION

The Purchase Order shall contain applicable U.S. Government provisions addressing termination for convenience and termination for default.

In the event of termination, the contractor shall cease affected work as directed by the Contracting Officer, protect completed work and Government property, and provide records and deliverables completed through the effective termination date.

16. FORCE MAJEURE AND SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS

The contractor shall promptly notify the COR and Contracting Officer of circumstances beyond its reasonable control that may materially affect performance.

Such circumstances may include:

· U.S. expert or approved representative availability or scheduling issues;

· Unforeseen scheduling conflicts;

· Government-directed security restrictions;

· Venue unavailability;

· Severe weather or emergencies;

· Government facility closures;

· Transportation disruptions; or

· Other circumstances outside the contractor's reasonable control.

The contractor shall propose a mitigation or rescheduling plan.

Any change to the period of performance, contract price, scope, or other material contract term requires authorization by the Contracting Officer.

17. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND GOVERNING PROVISIONS

Any dispute arising under the contract shall be addressed in accordance with the dispute provisions incorporated into the U.S. Government Purchase Order.

The terms and conditions of the awarded Purchase Order, applicable U.S. Government acquisition authorities, and incorporated provisions shall govern in the event of a conflict between this SOW and the Purchase Order.

Nothing in this SOW shall be interpreted as waiving any rights or remedies available to the U.S. Government.

18. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ACCEPTANCE

The COR/PDS shall review deliverables for conformity with the requirements of this SOW.

A deliverable shall be considered satisfactory when it:

1. Addresses the requirements of this SOW and approved implementation plan;

2. Is complete, accurate, professionally prepared, and timely;

3. Contains required supporting documentation;

4. Meets applicable quality, branding, technical, and formatting requirements;

5. Demonstrates completion of the required activity or service; and

6. Incorporates reasonable Government comments or corrections.

The Government may return a deliverable that does not meet these requirements for correction.

The contractor shall correct deficiencies identified by the Government within a reasonable period specified by the COR/PDS.

Government review or acceptance does not relieve the contractor of responsibility for compliance with the contract.

19. POINTS OF CONTACT AND COMMUNICATION

The Contracting Officer shall be the Government official authorized to make contractual changes or modify the terms of the Purchase Order.

The COR and/or designated PDS representative shall provide day-to-day technical direction, review deliverables, coordinate programmatic matters, and communicate Government feedback within their authority.

The contractor shall designate a primary project manager as its principal point of contact.

The contractor and COR/PDS shall conduct periodic coordination meetings, generally on a biweekly basis during active implementation, or at another frequency agreed upon by the parties.

The contractor shall promptly escalate issues that may affect schedule, participant safety, expert participation, facility access, or program objectives.

Only the Contracting Officer may authorize changes to the contract price, scope, period of performance, or other contractual terms.

20. SUMMARY OF REQUIRED ACTIVITIES

21. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

In the event of an inconsistency between this SOW and the terms of the awarded Purchase Order, the terms and conditions of the Purchase Order shall control to the extent specified therein.

Within this SOW, Sections 2 and 3 shall be read together. The deliverables table in Section 3 is intended to consolidate and clarify the timing of requirements contained in Section 2 and does not reduce the substantive scope of work.